The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur evokes a classic elegance that never goes out of style. The guest rooms and suites are some of the largest in the city, with plenty of natural light, wood floors and rainfall showers. Choose from a handful of bars and restaurants, including live cooking stations where ebullient chefs whip up culinary masterpieces. Check out the Poolhouse, a glasshouse filled with tropical plants, that serves local char kway teow (a noodle dish) and grilled satay chicken.

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.