Best Luxury Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

The 21-room Villa Samadhi - A Samadhi Retreats Property is an upscale, romantic retreat within a short drive of the bustling city. Serene, villa-like rooms have luxurious features such as scenic whirlpool tubs and pool-view furnished balconies. This property is a popular destination not only for visiting newlyweds, but for local honeymooners as well. Couples come to enjoy the romantic, Malaysian-inspired atmosphere at the peaceful restaurant and the tranquility of the lagoon-like pool, surrounded by greenery and natural shade. It's not a good pick for most families, though, as rooms aren’t designed for children under 12 years of age, and some guests have had issues with mosquitoes. For a more family-friendly option, travelers could consider the PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur.

With its prime location on KL City Park, next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the Mandarin Oriental is right in the heart of this sprawling city. Business travelers flock here, but there are amenities for leisure travelers, too, including numerous restaurants, outdoor pools, a massive spa, and an indoor golf simulator. The spacious rooms offer great views of the city, and the Club Suite has its own sauna, but the traditionally elegant will strike some as dated. Wi-Fi is nominally free -- it's advertised by the hotel, but involves creating a profile and direct bookings -- so check ahead. For an intimate option near KLCC with lots of polish, travelers should investigate Villa Samadhi, which has similar rates.

Few other five-pearl hotels in the area can compete with the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur's newish sheen and excellent location. Opened in mid-2012, this Hyatt flagship combines fine dining and an upscale spa with a business-friendly environment. Its 412 rooms are some of the largest around, and each has floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the high-rise's commanding city views. The hotel has vast event facilities as well as an outdoor pool complete with cabanas and an open-air bar. Guests may find themselves switching elevators to get to the upper-floor lobby and the 38th-floor restaurant, but once there, the panorama is worth it. Guests looking for similar amenities should compare rates at the nearby Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, which also has an indoor golf facility, and is next to the iconic Petronas Towers.

The upscale Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur impresses with its grandeur and array of features, which include an outdoor pool and kids' pool, extensive spa and fitness facilities, and five restaurants and bars. Dining options range from fine French fare to sushi and other Japanese food in a minimalist space. The 662 rooms and suites feature a polished, classy style, though it feels a bit dated, and they're packed with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea/coffee facilities, and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. Suites add living rooms and other extras, while Club Rooms have access to the Club Lounge with freebies like breakfast and drinks. Though a bit outside of Kuala Lumpur City Center, it's within walking distance of the Petronas Twin Tower. For a more central location, check out Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

Opposite the old Moorish style railway station in a historic part of town, the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a five-pearl grande dame near the city's museums and manicured botanical gardens. The hotel is an attraction in itself, built around a restored 1932 colonial landmark filled with parlors and drawing rooms from another era. The bulk of its rooms are luxurious modern dwellings with Art Deco flair, and suites in the original wing retain their period elegance along with personal butlers. A spa, two outdoor pools, an old-school barber shop, and a wood-paneled restaurant with gold leaf ceilings round out the lavish facilities, and the orchid garden in the conservatory is a lovely spot for afternoon tea. For something closer to shopping and attractions in the city center, travelers might want to consider the luxury Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The 365-room Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is a luxurious tower with a style that exudes the Asian city's British Colonial history. Its large contemporary rooms each come with a personal butler, and the upscale dining options merge traditional Cantonese cuisine with afternoon tea. There's an outdoor pool with views of the city, while the posh spa has a landscaped outdoor garden with waterfalls and a plunge pool. Located within Bukit Bintang's Golden Triangle, it's within easy walking distance of major shopping centers. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, which offers a five-pearl experience at slightly cheaper rates.

The 571-room Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur is a sleek luxury chain property with an excellent location and a lively rooftop nightclub. Sharp rooms, some with views of the Petronas Twin Towers, are minimal in design and have free Wi-Fi, stocked minibars, electric kettles, and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. The fitness center has impressive views and an on-site spa offers massages and a sauna. A narrow indoor pool is set under a large skylight, next to the rooftop nightclub. Several dining and drinking options include a grill specializing in steaks and a buffet. Guests reveal staff can be less than warm, and the Traders Club doesn’t live up to other executive clubs at comparable hotels, but the location next to KLCC Convention Centre can't be beat. Another option to consider in the area is the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, a relatively recent addition opened in 2012.

Formerly the Nikko Hotel, the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur is a luxury property right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) that caters to business travelers. The 473 rooms are large and pleasant, though not exactly chic, and higher category rooms include perks like free laundry and upgraded in-room tech such as iPod docks. The Petronas Twin Towers are a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and there's countless malls, shops, and restaurants in any direction. Three restaurants, a spa, and a large freeform outdoor swimming pool round out the hotel's features. For a luxury property with lower rates, Traders Hotel sits right on KLCC Park. Features there are similar, though the rooms can feel a bit plain. 

This large, upscale Hilton is located across the street from the KL Sentral train station, a quick trip from the airport via high-speed train. It’s just outside of the city center, and local attractions can be reached on public transportation. Along with more than 500 rooms -- some with beautiful views of the skyline or nearby lake -- the hotel has 10 restaurants and bars, including a well-regarded grill, and shares two pools with the adjacent Le Meridien. There is also a spa, a massive fitness center, and a private lounge for Executive Room guests. Wi-Fi is only free in the common areas, except for Executive Room guests and HHonors members. Travelers wanting to be closer to the city center can try the Traders Hotel, which has similar rates. 

Located next to Kuala Lumpur's Sentral Station, this 420-room, four-pearl property is ideal for business travelers and tourists. It's within walking distance to Nu Sentral Mall, and a 15-minute drive to Petronas Twin Towers. Focusing on art and cuisine, the hotel's contemporary interiors and numerous dining options are notable highlights. There is no fitness center and spa, which is disappointing, though the outdoor lagoon-style pool is quite stunning. Rooms are clean and include free Wi-Fi, though Superior Rooms are small and not all have been given a modern overhaul. Club Rooms are also available, with access to an exclusive lounge. Other facilities include a business center, hair salon, and convenience store. Travelers looking for more facilities should consider the Impiana KLCC Hotel, which adds a fitness center and luxury spa. 

Despite the somewhat gritty immediate area, the PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur is an upscale property that caters to families with its 287 modern studios and large apartments. The kitchenettes, complete with rice cookers and electric stovetops, are designed for longer stays, and the kid-friendly facilities include indoor and outdoor play areas -- some of the reasons this won a 2015 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award for the best family hotel in Malaysia. There are also two outdoor pools, one of which is on the rooftop with city views. There's no full restaurant or bar, but continental breakfast is free. Travelers looking for a more conventional hotel setting can compare rates at the related PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur, which has three restaurants, a live music bar, and a spa. 

Just across from the Pavilion shopping center, the 443-room Westin Kuala Lumpur is a five-pearl chain hotel in a convenient location. There are several restaurants on-site offering Italian, Latin, and Cantonese cuisine, but the breakfast buffet receives mixed reviews. The outdoor pool area is particularly pretty with a stone walkway and leafy landscape. Rooms are polished and tastefully decorated, if a touch generic, with 40-inch flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Business travelers are drawn in by the business center and an Executive Club, but families are also catered to with a kids' club and a kiddy pool. For a similar rate, guests should check out Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, which offers an excellent location near the Petronas Twin Towers and a popular rooftop nightclub, but no outdoor pool.

Located within a mixed-use skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur's KLCC area, the GTower Hotel is a sophisticated property with business travelers in mind. The 180 guest rooms are large and sleek, and marble bathrooms come with flat-screen TVs. This upscale hotel has two bars, including one set on a glass-floored sky bridge. There are also two infinity pools, and a massive, modern gym complete with private studios. Keep in mind that children under 12 aren't particularly welcome here. Travelers with their families should consider The Westin Kuala Lumpur, which has a kids' club and enjoys a similarly central location, though rates will be higher

This upscale hotel in the Chow Kit area of Kuala Lumpur is connected to the Sunway Putra Mall and a one-minute walk from a LRT Station. The large 650-room, 33-floor hotel underwent renovations in 2016, resulting in contemporary, neutral-tone spaces that are sleek but have little character. Earth-tone rooms are spacious and come with free bottled water, safes, mini-fridges, LCD TVs, and free Wi-Fi, plus some add balconies and living areas. Quality dining includes an elegant Japanese restaurant, breakfast buffet (for a fee), and lobby lounge with live piano music. A fitness center, outdoor swimming pool with hot tub and kiddy pool, and grand ballroom are also on-site, but there is no spa. Travelers willing to pay a bit more for a swish property with a spa may prefer Shangri-La Hotel, though it's a bit outside the city center.

The 402-room Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur is an upscale chain property that's a 10-minute walk from the glitzy Pavilion shopping center. There's a distinct old-school vibe throughout, from the elegant lobby to the ornate headboards and parlor chairs in handsome (but austere) guest rooms. There are several restaurants on-site, including Malaysian, French, and Chinese spots, plus an excellent breakfast buffet with a wide selection. A big outdoor pool area has a pool bar and a children's pool, and there's also a fitness center and spa. Both parking and Wi-Fi are free. For more stylish, contemporary rooms, check out Traders Hotel, another luxury option in the KLCC area.