Where to Stay in the Old City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Southeast Asia’s cultural crossroads and key transport hub does a fine trade in moreish hotels – especially in Chinatown, the city’s heritage heart.
The beauty of the Old City in Kuala Lumpur – located south of Chow Kit and west of Bukit Bintang – is its variety. While it lives up to its name with heaps of heritage history, especially in the incense-wreathed Buddhist temples of Chinatown, the city’s modern attractions are also close at hand. Our selection of places to stay in Kuala Lumpur’s Old City hotels are within walking distance of KL icons like the Petronas Towers, KLCC Park and the Kuala Lumpur Tower.
The RuMa Hotel and Residences
Hotel
Sleek, contemporary elegance exudes from every inch of RuMa, from the dark wood and stone of the lobby to the rooms and suites, all of which feature plush daybeds by the window where you can take in KL’s iconic matchstick skyline. At the Atas restaurant, enjoy a modern take on Malaysian cuisine, with dishes like chicken rendang and spicy prawn sambal. The Ur Spa, complete with an on-site barbershop, will have you looking and feeling your best.
Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur
Luxury
Promising traditional luxury in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Royale Chulan has a classic design and spacious rooms, suites and apartments. The trellis-walled Warisan Café serves lavish high teas at weekends, while Bunga Emas is KL’s original hotel-housed, fine-dining experience; try the lemongrass lamb. Famous city attractions such as KLCC Park and Petronas Towers are within walking distance, making this hotel one of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
The Face Suites
Suite Hotel
Monochrome minimalism is the aesthetic of these stylish, comfortable suites, which have either one or two bedrooms, kitchenettes and living areas, and views over Kuala Lumpur from the central district of Kampung Baru, famed for its traditional wooden stilt houses. If you don’t fancy cooking for yourself, head to the spectacular rooftop Deepblue restaurant, where soft-shell crab is served on the 51st floor, in eyeshot of the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool.
Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Chain Hotel, Hotel
Nestled between the flowery, green gardens of the City Center Park and the Petronas Twin Towers, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel offers a five-star experience with incredible views. Offering rooms, suites and apartments, the Mandarin can cater to almost every need. The hotel has seven bars and restaurants, including the kyō with cocktails and music going on until the early hours of the morning. The swimming pool offers a view of the city skyline and after a swim, guests can enjoy some pampering time in one of the steam rooms, dry saunas or hot and cold whirlpools.
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
Somerset Ampang Kuala Lumpur
Serviced Apartment
These stylish serviced apartments are ideally located within the prestigious Embassy Row area. The Somerset Ampang apartments are great for business or leisure visits as each spacious residence is fully furnished with a full kitchen, internet, and designer furniture. The surrounding area is full of businesses, embassies and shopping centres; these apartments are all within close walking distance to the train station too.
Villa Samadhi – By Samadhi
Hotel, Villa
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
PARKROYAL Serviced Suites
Hotel
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
Just one kilometre (0.6mi) away from Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, The Majestic Hotel features warm and luxurious suites and rooms for a delightful stay. The Majestic Hotel is located in a historic old building, which has been completely redone to include art deco nuances that echo throughout the hotel. All the suites in the Majestic Wing include 24-hour butler service where no request is too small. The Tower Wing holds the majority of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites, and the bathrooms boast a modern design created for relaxation.
Ascott Kuala Lumpur
Apartment, Luxury
DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Hotel
Looking for more places to stay in Kuala Lumpur? Our guides to the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur and the top boutique stays as well has you covered, all bookable on Culture Trip.
Daniel Stables has contributed additional reporting to this article.