Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur – 7 TOP Areas + Hotels

If you’ve decided to explore Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city and the gateway to Malaysia, is a great place to start. Kuala Lumpur, commonly referred to as KL, is a modern city boasting numerous tourist attractions, shopping centers, trendy nightclubs, and many hotels, so deciding where to stay in Kuala Lumpur can be a bit difficult. 

Well, after I’ve compared all the options, I can tell you that the top spot for your stay in Kuala Lumpur is Bukit Bintang, a large and lively neighborhood within the city’s Golden Triangle. However, I also talk about 6 other areas that are a great choice for your trip to Kuala Lumpur. 

In addition to discussing the best areas for your stay, I also researched hotel options; I went through most of the hotels in the city and carefully selected the best ones in each area. The hotels for each area are organized into 3 price categories, so regardless of your budget, you’ll find something to your liking. 

Just remember that whichever area you decide to stay in and whatever hotel you want to book, the best thing to do is to make reservations in advance, as many of these hotels get booked up quite quickly!

With that being said, let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you don’t have time to read the whole post, here are the top hotels in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur:

• Best luxury hotel: The Westin Kuala Lumpur
• Best mid-range hotel: CitizenM Kuala Lumpur
• Best budget hotel: OA ThE FACTORY

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Which area should you choose?

First of all, here is a map of all the 7 areas I recommend for your stay in Kuala Lumpur:

To help you make a decision, I created a personalized list of recommendations for different types of travelers:

• Where to stay in KL for the first time: Bukit Bintang, KLCC
• Where to stay in KL for nightlife: Bukit Bintang, Bangsar
• Where to stay in KL for foodies: Bangsar, Chinatown
• Where to stay in KL for local experience: Chow Kit
• Where to stay in KL on a budget: Chinatown, Brickfields
• Where to stay in KL for luxury: KL Sentral, KLCC

1. Bukit Bintang – where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for the first time

Bukit Bintang, also referred to as Bintang Walk or Starhill, is the main and trendiest shopping and entertainment district of the city!

Bukit Bintang is centrally located, Southeast of the Kuala Lumpur city center, and it’s a very popular neighborhood, always teeming with tourist crowds. This is the ultimate place to experience city life, full of bars and restaurants, shopping malls, and street food markets, which create the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere. 

The top tourist attractions in the neighborhood are the Pavilion shopping mall (map), an upscale indoor shopping center hosting a variety of designer retailers and international eateries, and the Jalan Alor Food Street, the best spot for enjoying delicious street food. 

There are plenty of spots around the neighborhood where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat, but if you’re more interested in shopping, there are a couple of other great shopping malls in the area – Fahrenheit88 (map) and Sungei Wang Plaza (map). 

At the edge of the neighborhood, you’ll find the Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, an indoor theme park that offers a variety of rides and is the main attraction among families with kids. 

Due to Bukit Bintang’s convenient location and excellent public transport connections (there’s a monorail station, bus stops, and taxis), moving through the neighborhood and around the city is very easy, so overall, it’s a great choice for your stay, especially if you’re visiting KL for the first time. 

The area is frequented by all kinds of different people – from families with young kids to business travelers – and offers many hotels for all price categories, so if you’re having any doubts about where to stay, this is the safest bet. 

Luxury (US$160 and up)

• The Westin Kuala Lumpur – this hotel has a beautiful facade and spacious rooms, is situated near the Bukit Bintang MRT station, and offers in-room spa treatments, tour arrangements, and more.
• Pullman Hotel – this 5-star hotel in Bukit Bintang has a modern décor in shared areas and private rooms, all with air-conditioning and a flat-screen satellite TV. The main facilities include a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and 4 on-site restaurants!

Mid-range (US$60 – US$160)

• CitizenM Kuala Lumpur – this lovely and modern accommodation in Bukit Bintang features a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and free private parking. There’s also a great breakfast buffet, while the front desk is open 24/7.
• Mercure – a 4-star hotel with amazing commodities such as private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. It is also conveniently located near Dinner in the Sky Malaysia and boasts an amazing rooftop pool.

Budget (up to US$60)

• OA ThE FACTORY – located within walking distance of the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, this budget guest house has air-conditioned rooms and offers free Wi-Fi, private parking, and currency exchange.
• Hotel Aman – if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Bukit Bintang, this is a great option, with a garden, a terrace, and a shared lounge. You can also benefit from the hotel’s concierge services, 24/7 front desk, and luggage storage services.

2. KLCC – where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with family

KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center) was actually made to be a city within a city!

The Kuala Lumpur city center is possibly the most convenient place in KL, as it’s ideally positioned for exploring the top attractions – and there are quite a few – and it’s very safe, with well-lit streets and a constant police presence. Bordering Bukit Bintang to the Southeast, this vibrant neighborhood is a great place for a family trip to KL. You’ll find an abundance of shops, cafes, and restaurants – there are plenty of ways to spend your time! 

The main attractions in the KLCC are the Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin towers, and a must-visit on your trip to KL. Tickets for the Petronas Towers are available to buy online, and you can visit from Tuesday through Sunday between 9.00 am and 9.00 pm.

After your visit to the Petronas Twin Towers, you can check out some of the most family-friendly attractions in the area, such as the lush KLCC Park (map) and the Aquaria KLCC. 

FUN FACT: the name Kuala Lumpur literally translates to ‘muddy confluence’ because the city lies at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. 

Other notable attractions include the the historic Merdeka Square (map) and Menara Kuala Lumpur, also known as the KL Tower, from where you can enjoy the stunning views of the city. 

There are quite a few temples you can visit, but if you only have time to see a couple, I’d recommend stopping by the National Mosque of Malaysia (map) and the Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque (map).

If you think this is the perfect area for you, here are the top hotels in Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC):

Luxury (US$160 and up)

• InterContinental Kuala Lumpur – during your stay at the InterContinental Hotel, you can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and the 4 in-house restaurants and benefit from the free shuttle bus from the hotel to Bintang Walk and Suria KLCC.
• Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel – this is one of the best 5-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur – great for couples on vacation! The stylish and elegant rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, cable TV, and marble bathrooms with a bathtub and shower.
• EQ Kuala Lumpur – in a central location in downtown KL, the EQ Kuala Lumpur offers access to a hot tub, an outdoor pool operating year-round, a garden, and the assistance of the helpful and multilingual staff.

Mid-range (US$55 – US$160)

• Element Kuala Lumpur – this is one of the top upmarket hotels in KL available at affordable prices, with an indoor saltwater pool, a 24-hour fitness facility, and elegant rooms featuring marble bathrooms with heated floors.
• Santa Grand Signature – within walking distance of the main attractions, this hotel offers a sauna, a pool, and a restaurant. You’ll also enjoy perks like room service, free Wi-Fi, and private parking.

Budget (up to US$55)

• The Bed KLCC – this capsule hotel provides minimalist accommodation in small but convenient capsules, as well as access to shared bathroom facilities, ironing facilities, luggage storage, and complimentary tea and coffee.
• Hotel 1000 Miles – this budget hotel offers both private rooms and beds in shared dormitories, a shared lounge area, and free Wi-Fi. The staff is super friendly and always available to help.

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3. KL Sentral – best part of Kuala Lumpur for luxury

KL Sentral neighborhood is concentrated around the KL Sentral train station, the city’s (and the country’s) largest transport hub. Although it’s a small area, it boasts many hotels for all budgets, but there’s a particularly good selection of luxury hotels. If you want to treat yourself to some luxury while still experiencing that busy city life, this is the right choice for you. 

The KL Sentral area is on the smaller side, so there aren’t as many things to see and do around here. The top tourist attraction is Thean Hou Temple (map), but if you want to see some more attractions, the Kuala Lumpur city center is a 30-min walk or a 9-min car drive away. 

This is the ideal place to stay if you want to explore the Lake Gardens, home to the Perdana Botanical Gardens (map). Within the botanical garden complex, you’ll find the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park and KL Bird Park. There are also 2 museums in and around the park – the Islamic Arts Museum and The National Museum of Malaysia. 

Planning day trips is super easy as well due to the proximity of the train station – you can hop on a train and explore more of the country. I suggest you visit the nearby city of Subang Jaya and check out what it has to offer. 

Luxury (US$160 and up)

• The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection – as one of the top luxury hotels in KL Sentral, the Majestic Hotel boasts 2 swimming pools, a spa, a fitness room, and as many as 5 on-site restaurants.
• Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur – this is a great 5-star hotel, with an outdoor swimming pool, 4 in-house dining options, and perks such as an around-the-clock concierge desk, currency exchange, laundry services, and much more!

Mid-range (US$55 – US$160)

• Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral – a 4-star hotel perfect for family stays, offering connecting rooms, a spacious outdoor pool, an in-house kids’ program, a breakfast buffet, as well as a la carte dining.
• Sentral Suites KualaLumpur – situated at the border of the KL Sentral neighborhood, this apartment complex has a fantastic rooftop infinity pool, a tennis court, a fitness room, and a water park and kids’ pool.

Budget (up to US$55)

• EST Bangsar by SkyLimit Suites – this place has a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a sauna, while it also offers fully equipped apartment rooms perfect for families.
• EASSY Hotel KL Sentral – this is one of the best cheap hotels in the entire city, recognizable for its eclectic design and offers air-conditioned rooms, each with a private bathroom with shower facilities and free toiletries.

4. Chinatown – where to stay in KL on a budget

Chinatown is the area that never sleeps! This colorful neighborhood is centered around the famous Petaling Street and is just an 8-min walk South of the Kuala Lumpur city center. 

The main attraction here is, of course, Petaling Street, where you’ll find the Petaling Street Market (map), the best place to shop for clothes at affordable prices and try the delicious food offered by the nearly endless number of street food vendors. 

However, I must warn you that there’s some petty street crime around Petaling Street, and you might come across some drunk people. Don’t let this scare you off – just keep your possessions secure, and don’t engage in conversation with anyone who seems suspicious, and you’ll be fine!

If you want a different experience, head to the Central Market shopping mall (map) where you’ll find arts and crafts by local artists, but also amazing noodles and curry sold at the numerous food stalls. 

I highly recommend visiting Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (map), Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple and a popular tourist attraction. 

Chinatown offers great budget accommodations, which is why it is a great place to stay if you’re a backpacker or traveling on a tight budget.

Luxury (US$80 and up)

• Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur – this is one of the best luxury hotels in KL, with large and bright rooms offering stunning views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and decorated with watercolor sketches depicting Chinatown’s past.

NOTE: the accommodations in Chinatown are geared towards budget travelers, so there aren’t many luxury hotels, which is why I only recommend one in this category.

Mid-range (US$30 – US$167)

• Lyf Chinatown – some of the facilities at this 4-star property include a restaurant, a gym, and a 24/7 front desk, but guests can also benefit from other amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and laundry services.
• Tian Jing Hotel – all the rooms at this boutique hotel are air-conditioned and provide free Wi-Fi access. The hotel is in a central Chinatown location, so you can easily walk to many attractions, and you can also choose from several breakfast options.

Budget (up to US$30)

• Space Hotel – located on Petaling Street, the hotel stands out with its unique decoration that simulates a spaceship, which gives it a very fun vibe. Plus, it has family rooms available and it’s really clean and surprisingly spacious.
• Yu Hotel – each room at this affordable hotel has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Plus, the hotel is close to many restaurants where you can try a variety of local foods.

5. Bangsar – top neighborhood for foodies

Bangsar is a large residential neighborhood that’s particularly popular with expats, so it offers a unique blend of cultures and cuisines. Just 4 km (2.5 miles) Southwest of the center, Bangsar offers the best street food in KL city – a haven for food lovers! 

In this neighborhood, you can find Jalan Telawi, a street with a whole bunch of different restaurants. It holds a mix of Indian, Malaysian and international food restaurants that you just have to try. 

The area offers delicious street food, modern coffee shops, and fashion boutiques. It also boasts great nightlife and cool rooftop bars, such as the Mantra Bar (map)!

You should definitely spend some time exploring the Bangsar Village II shopping mall (map), but if you want an even better shopping experience, head to Mid Valley City and check out the 2 amazing shopping centers there. The Gardens Mall (map) and the Mid Valley Megamall (map) will provide everything you want and more!

Luxury (US$160 and up)

• Wyndham Grand Bangsar – the restaurants at this hotel are superb, with its international and local foods and even Mediterranean cuisine; the rooms are luxurious, and you can also relax in the spa or in the outdoor swimming pool.
• Amari Kuala Lumpur – one of the best luxury hotels in the area, the Amari boasts a swimming pool, a gym, and 4 restaurants, as well as spacious, bright rooms overlooking the cityscape.

Mid-range (US$55 – US$160)

• VE Hotel and Residence – at this hotel, you’ll find contemporary rooms and fully equipped apartments that are really spacious. A delicious breakfast is served daily, and there’s also an infinity pool that is just perfect for taking pictures!
• Domitys Bangsar Kuala Lumpur – guests can use the fitness room to work out or get one of the hotel’s wellness packages for ultimate relaxation. Continental breakfast is available each morning, and there’s also a lounge and a coffee shop.

Budget (up to US$55)

• The Bodhi Lodge – parking and Wi-Fi are free of charge at this hotel and on-site dining is available at the hotel restaurant. The staff is very helpful and can assist you with luggage storage and anything else you may need.
• KL Sentral Bangsar Suites – conveniently located near the Bangsar LRT Station, the aparthotel features a restaurant, a sauna room, and an infinity pool. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony overlooking the city.

6. Chow Kit – best area for a local experience

Situated just North of the Kuala Lumpur city center, Chow Kit is a great place to stay if you want to be in an urban environment, close to the tourist attractions, and get a taste of the street life of Kuala Lumpur. 

The area was named after a known miner and the first local owner of a department store, which was one of the biggest in the city at the time. The area now houses large Indonesian and small African communities.

While you’re in the area, visit the Chow Kit Road Market (map), a sprawling wet market offering fresh produce, spices, and much more. And if you like night markets, you mustn’t miss the Vintage Night Market (map) to find great deals on used clothing and accessories. 

In case you want a more traditional indoor shopping experience, there’s the Quill City Mall Kuala Lumpur (map) and the SOGO Kuala Lumpur (map), situated just outside the neighborhood borders. 

While you’re here, you should at least stop by the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur (map) to admire the impressive building, and if you’re willing to go just a district further to Kampung Baru, you’ll be able to see some traditional Malay wooden stilt houses.

If you head further Northwest from Kampung Baru, you’ll reach the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about the Royal Selangor factory and about pewter manufacturing in Kuala Lumpur. 

Before you decide to stay in Chow Kit, I have to let you know that there are some homeless people around the neighborhood. But don’t worry, there’s no real danger, and you’ll be quite safe in the area.

Luxury (US$75 and up)

• Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur – this boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur has all rooms fitted with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a desk. Staying here means enjoying the rooftop swimming pool, great city views, and the in-house restaurant.
• Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel – this is a great Kuala Lumpur accommodation with modern rooms that have a walk-in wardrobe and ironing facilities; the private bathrooms even come with a bathtub – I’m sure you’ll like them!

Mid-range (US$30 – US$75)

• Fairfield by Marriott – this hotel offers free bike rentals so you can easily get around the city. For breakfast, you can choose between the delicious buffet and the á la carte options in the hotel restaurant.
• The Chow Kit – an Ormond Hotel – at this accommodation, guests will find a bar and a restaurant, as well as private parking and a front desk open 24/7. Each of the rooms has a seating area where you can unwind and watch TV.

Budget (up to US$30)

• Regalia Exclusive Hostel – this hostel is conveniently located close to many attractions in downtown Kuala Lumpur. The accommodation has a shared lounge and a kitchen, and it can also arrange various tours for its guests.
• The RED – each of the units at this accommodation features a balcony and has air conditioning, while Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and free of charge. You can also enjoy the rooftop pool and the pool bar.

7. Brickfields – for a unique experience

The Brickfields neighborhood is located South of KL Sentral and the city center and is a very vibrant and lively part of the city. Brickfields is home to popular tourist attraction Little India, a street market with stalls selling a variety of textiles and jewelry, and many restaurants serving trademark South Asian dishes. 

The Little India Brickfields market (map) itself is the main point of interest in the neighborhood and what makes the area one of Kuala Lumpur’s most unique areas. However, there are also a couple of temples worth checking out – the Buddhist Maha Vihara (map) and the Sree Veera Hanuman Temple (map). 

Since this is a smaller area, there’s not too much to explore. Luckily, if you stay here, you’ll be just an 8-min drive from the city center, and you’ll be able to explore all the attractions there. 

If you’re still looking for other cool places to visit, I’d recommend exploring the Mont Kiara neighborhood or, even better, planning an excursion to the Batu Caves (map). These impressive limestone caves are just a 16-min drive from Brickfields, so you can rent a car, and you’ll be there in no time. 

Luxury (US$110 and up)

• Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur – if you’re looking for the best luxury hotels in Little India, this is your top choice. The restaurant Botanica+Co serves international and Asian dishes, while Entier offers French cuisine by a Japanese one-star Michelin chef.
• Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur – during your stay here, you can enjoy the comfortable apartments and the outdoor swimming pool, and benefit from a free shuttle service and laundry/dry cleaning services.

Mid-range (US$40 – US$110)

• Sentral Suites KualaLumpur – this apartment complex features a tennis court, an infinity pool, a fitness room, and barbecue facilities. Every apartment has air-conditioning, a full kitchen, and a dining area.
• Hotel Summer View – even though it’s a bit lower rated than the other options I recommend in this post, this is a great hotel available at a reasonable price and offers amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Budget (up to US$30)

• PODs The Backpackers – guests at the hostel can rent single pods or beds in shared dormitories with access to shared bathrooms. On-site, you’ll find a shared lounge, a restaurant, and a snack bar, plus a tour desk.
• City Central Hotel – offering rooms with a desk, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries, the hotel also provides currency exchange services and a buffet breakfast.

👑 Luxury price:	US$140
💵 Mid Range:	US$80
🛏️ Budget:	US$40
📍 Best neighborhood:	Bukit Bintang
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Westin Kuala Lumpur
💵 Mid-range hotel:	CitizenM Kuala Lumpur
👛 Best budget hotel:	OA ThE FACTORY

BONUS 1: Best apartments in Kuala Lumpur

Luckily for those traveling with a group of friends and/or family, this city has many great apartment options to stay in. Whether you just love having your own space and the option to cook your own meals, or you simply want to feel at home-away-from-home.

Let’s see some of the best apartments in Kuala Lumpur:

• Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon ($$$) – this place in Bukit Bintang has fully furnished apartments, a children’s playground, and an Olympic-size swimming pool, which makes it ideal for families with young kids.
• ASTRA @ 8 Kia Peng Suites ($$) – situated within walking distance of downtown Kuala Lumpur, the apartment is spacious and air-conditioned and provides access to private parking and an outdoor pool with a view.
• The Pano Jalan ($) – a bit further North of downtown KL, this apartment gives its guests access to an infinity pool and private parking, and the staff is friendly and willing to provide help with anything you may need.

BONUS 2: Best hotels near Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Nowadays, most international flights land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL/KLIA), so staying around this airport is a good idea if you’re have a layover in KL.

There is another airport in the city as well that functions at a smaller scale – Subang Airport/ Skypark Terminal (SZB) where only Terminal 3 is in use for domestic Malaysian routes and short routes to Thailand and Indonesia. However, I won’t recommend any option near this airport because there aren’t too many hotels in the area – plus downtown Kuala Lumpur is just a 30-min drive away. 

Without further ado, here are the top hotels near Kuala Lumpur International Airport: 

• Sama Sama Hotel KLIA ($$$) – this is your best option if you’re looking for a luxury airport hotel; the on-site restaurant is open 24/7, and the buggy service is also available around the clock.
• Bell Suites ($$) – this apartment is close to the airport and provides free parking, access to an indoor pool, a fitness center, a coffee shop, and a mini market.
• GLG KLIA Transit House ($) – a transit room near the airport, great for short stays. At the accommodation, you’ll have access to a private bathroom, a kitchenette, a dining area, and, most importantly, comfortable beds.

FAQs about where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Conclusion

You’ve reached the end of my complete guide on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur and I hope you’ve picked out an area and a hotel for your stay. 

Just in case you haven’t decided yet, there are my 2 favorite Kuala Lumpur hotels, both situated in Bukit Bintang: 

• The Westin Kuala Lumpur – I love the hotel’s modern and luxurious rooms and the 3 on-site restaurants
• CitizenM Kuala Lumpur – a comfortable hotel with free private parking and a buffet breakfast

Did you find the ideal place to stay? If so, don’t forget to book your hotel in advance! 

And if you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below – I’ll be happy to answer!

Happy travels,

Hristina

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