The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the dynamic capital of Malaysia, is a heady fusion of historical and modern elements. It’s home to busy local markets serving diverse dishes from the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities who live here and steely skyscrapers towering over the blaze of neon, peaking most visibly at the famous Petronas Twin Towers. Its diversity is reflected in the hotels, too – with luxury digs tiptoeing the line between high-end hotels, glam wellness resorts and rustic-luxe villas. Here’s our pick of the best 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
Treat yourself to a blissful experience at this sanctuary-like Banyan Tree, rooted in the city’s centrepiece, the Golden Triangle area. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows – some spying the Petronas Twin Towers – and jacuzzi-style tubs or relaxation pools. Some even have chromotherapy showers and saunas. The hotel is also home to the highest hotel rooftop bar in the city, Vertigo, serving handcrafted cocktails from the 59th floor. Do laps, drink in the views, then slow down at the spa with its signature caviar and pearl extracts facial.
2. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Chain Hotel
This Mandarin Oriental riffs on an East-meets-West style, with a prime location adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers. It goes above and beyond with its wellness facilities, including two outdoor pools – one is for children – indoor golf training, a gym and saunas. The Mind & Body Studio offers in-person and free virtual fitness classes. Private tennis lessons from a professional coach and jet-lag treatments at the spa cover all bases from active to relaxing.
3. The St Regis Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
The St Regis is in one of the capital’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, next to the green-lung-like Heritage Park and Perdana Botanical Gardens. Accordingly, rooms are styled in organic shades of grey, apricot and mint blues, all with marble accents, walk-in closets and butler service. Check out the outdoor pool that features a giant LED screen, or head to the Iridium Spa for head-to-toe relaxation.
5. Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
Revel in the modern architectural design, accented by traditional Malaysian motifs, at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. As one of the hotels closest to the Petronas Twin Towers, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city. Service is paramount here, with the 24-hour concierge team on hand to book babysitting, schedule private yoga sessions and arrange limo services. The hotel also offers a gym, an open-air infinity pool with cabanas and an award-winning spa.
6. Alila Bangsar
Hotel
Alila means “surprise” in Sanskrit, and this hotel lives up to its moniker by offering luxury trappings at an affordable price. Light and shade run throughout the interior design, from the black-clad exterior and wood-panelled rooms to the crisp white sheets and muted lounges. Immersive activities are tailored to your interests and include a Malaysian cooking class and market tour, and an excursion to a traditional village. Three restaurants cover all the culinary bases, from French-accented nose-to-tail dining at Entier to casual plant-filled Botanica + Co and tropical flavours at the teetering poolside bar.
7. Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur
Resort, Bed and Breakfast
The thatched-roofed Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur offers the best of both worlds: a tranquil Malay hideaway and the amenities of a world-renowned hotel. Each of the 21 standalone villas is designed with sustainability in mind, with natural elements such as timber, bamboo, colourful fabrics and antiques all sourced from Southeast Asian hill tribes. The hotel’s main focal point is the lagoon-style pool, bordered by wooden cabanas and tropical gardens. For a romantic getaway, stay in the Loft, which comes with a nest-like bedroom and a private plunge pool that spies the Petronas Twin Towers.
8. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
9. Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur Managed by Banyan Tree
Hotel
The Pavilion is conveniently located in Bukit Bintang – Kuala Lumpur’s thriving entertainment district where hawker-style restaurants proffer Chinese specialities, such as clam soup and buttered prawns, and open-air cafes, bars and night markets abound. Subtle luxury reigns at this Banyan Tree-run retreat, with light neutral tones, marble accented bathrooms and understated modern decor. Check out the hotel’s bar, Whisky Cove, for a wide selection of malts and blends from around the world.
Fancy a dip? Discover the best swimming pools in Kuala Lumpur with our guide. If you’re planning to see more of the country, read our guide to the best boutique hotels in Malaysia, bookable on Culture Trip.
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