Hip Holiday Apartments in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Manhattan-inspired Tribeca Hotel sits in Bukit Bintang, the coolest shopping district in KL. Minimalist studios feature all the essentials, while social spaces are divided into pods – try a PT session in the gym pod, meditate in the Zen pod, or catch up on emails in the co-working business pod. Alternatively, head to the sun deck for a swim, and see if you can spot the Petronas Towers. Hungry? The hawker stalls of Jalan Alor are a short walk away.

The one- and two-bed apartments at Wallace P Staycation are modern, with compact bathrooms and commanding views of Kuala Lumpur (if you’re lucky, you’ll have views of the sparkling Petronas Towers). Facilities include a sauna, a well-equipped fitness centre and a large outdoor pool. Haggle for souvenirs at Petaling Street Market in Chinatown, marvel at the National Mosque of Malaysia, or ogle an urban rainforest at KL Forest Eco Park – all are a 10-minute drive away.

With a palm-lined Olympic-size pool, plush residents-only lounges and extra-large apartments with expansive city views, Lanson Place provides a luxury-hotel feel for half the price. Situated on the edge of Bukit Bintang, you’re just a stone’s throw from KL Tower and the street art of Jalan Alor. For a memorable meal, eat at nearby restaurant Dining in the Dark – you’ll have to guess what you’re being served as you won’t be able to see.

With rainbow rugs, Union Jack cushions and wall art featuring inspirational quotes, the decor at Parkview Service Apartments is eclectic, but not over the top. Studios can sleep up to six (there are two sofa beds) and feature bay window seating and a breakfast bar. A handful of classic KL attractions are all within reach, including the aquarium and KLCC Park – for something a little different, check out the Museum of Illusions for brain-bending displays.

These modern, light-filled apartments near KLCC Park have full-size kitchens, open-plan living areas and fantastic city views. There’s a pool, a sauna and a gym, as well as an express check-in service, so you won’t need to wait. Don’t miss a stroll around Kampung Baru, a traditional village with low-rise timber homes backdropped by skyscrapers. To get there, cross the Saloma Link. Opened in 2020, the bridge comes to life at night, thanks to thousands of colourful LEDs.

On the outskirts of the city, in Mont Kiara, Hyatt House is ideal if you want to explore lesser-known neighbourhoods. While the larger suites have full kitchens, the smallest only have microwaves, but there are plenty of hip restaurants nearby – head to Hartamas for some of the best Japanese food in KL. Back at the hotel, take a dip in the rooftop pool, and sip mojitos made with asam boi (a preserved plum) at the sky bar.

The 157 serviced Ascott Sentral apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows, decent kitchenettes (with Nespresso machines) and generous bathrooms with L’Occitane toiletries. Brickfields – aka Little India – is right on your doorstep; wander the streets to find colourful textile markets, Hindu and Buddhist temples and banana-leaf curry houses. Venture a little further to see the eye-catching Thean Hou Temple and lush botanical gardens.

Sitting pretty between the Petronas Towers, the high-end Pavilion shopping mall and KL Tower, Soho Suites is ideally located for sightseers and shopaholics. The two- and three-bedroom apartments are bright and homely, with shiny white kitchens and sensational city views. There are also a sauna, a gym and an outdoor pool with palm tree islands. Don’t miss cocktails at Sky51 across the road – the nighttime skyline is dazzling.