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Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur? You’re in the right place!
We’ve spent plenty of time exploring KL, from its buzzing street food stalls to its glittering malls and rooftop bars. One thing we’ve learned is that where you stay really shapes your experience here. Each neighborhood has its own personality, whether you want to be in the heart of the action, close to cultural sights, or tucked away somewhere more relaxed.
This guide breaks down the five best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur, plus our favorite hotel picks for every budget. Whether you’re here for shopping, sightseeing, or food adventures, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the hotel and area we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE area to stay in is Bukit Bintang! This area is lively and full of the best restaurants, markets, shops, and nightlife, and is also extremely central.
We recommend staying at the PARKROYAL Collection Kuala Lumpur. It offers luxury without breaking the bank, and the location can’t be beat!
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur Map
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
One of the things we love about Kuala Lumpur is how much variety it offers! Whether you’re after budget-friendly guesthouses, sleek city hotels, or a more peaceful luxury escape, you’ll find plenty of options here. But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming to figure out the best spot.
Something to keep in mind is that KL is a large, spread-out city. While there is a train network, the easiest way to get around is by Grab (the local version of Uber), which is cheap and reliable. Picking the right base will save you time and make your trip so much smoother.
With that in mind, here’s a quick overview of our areas in Kuala Lumpur:
- Bukit Bintang – Bukit Bintang is the perfect mix of trendy vibes, incredible food, mega malls, and plenty of hotel options for every budget. It’s the best spot if you want to be right in the middle of the action. PARKROYAL Collection Kuala Lumpur is our top pick for this area!
- KLCC – KLCC is the downtown core, home to the iconic Petronas Towers and many of the city’s top sights. You’ll also find excellent dining and shopping, all within easy reach. Traders Hotel is a sleek hotel in the heart of it all.
- Chinatown – Chinatown has been revitalized into one of KL’s coolest up-and-coming neighborhoods, and it’s full of street food, heritage charm, and boutique hotels. Else Kuala Lumpur is one of our favorites!
- KL Sentral – KL Sentral is the city’s main transportation hub, and it also encompasses the colorful Little India enclave. Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur is a top-rated base in this area.
- Bangsar – Bangsar is a more residential area slightly outside of the center, but it’s well-connected and renowned for its excellent bars and restaurants! St Giles Gardens Kuala Lumpur is a stylish hotel with excellent access to public transportation and a wide range of nearby amenities.
Important Tip
Multiple Kuala Lumpur trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Kuala Lumpur accommodations is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant neighborhood, and we think it’s the perfect choice if it’s your first time in the city. This is the entertainment and shopping hub, so it makes a super convenient base. The area is packed with mega malls, trendy boutiques, and (best of all) buzzing food streets that stay lively late into the night.
Speaking of which, Jalan Alor is a real must-visit in this area. This is KL’s most famous food street, and is filled with tons of open-air stalls selling everything from satay and noodles to fresh seafood and laksa – my favorite!
If you love shopping, then you just have to hit up Pavilion KL, a sprawling mall that houses both luxury brands and high-street favorites. There are also plenty of cafés, bars, and rooftop lounges around where you can soak up the city views.
Bukit Bintang is a super convenient place to stay because the monorail and MRT run right through the area. You can reach KLCC or Chinatown in just a few minutes by Grab, so sightseeing is a breeze.
We love staying in Bukit Bintang because everything is right at your doorstep. That said, it does get busy and a little chaotic, so it may not be the best spot if you’re after peace and quiet.
Pros
- Central location with shopping, dining, and nightlife all around
- Huge variety of hotels for every budget
Cons
- Can be crowded and noisy at night
- Traffic is heavy, making short trips longer than expected
Hotel Royal Signature – $$$
Hotel Royal Signature is one of the most luxurious stays in Bukit Bintang. The property blends sleek modern design with high-end comfort, offering spacious rooms and suites that look out over the city skyline. We love the rooftop infinity pool, which provides the perfect spot to cool off after a day exploring Kuala Lumpur.
The hotel is ideally located within walking distance of Pavilion KL, Jalan Alor, and the monorail station, so you’ll have a ton of entertainment right on your doorstep. There’s also an excellent in-house restaurant and a fitness center for those who want to stay active.
Expect to pay around $120 and $850 USD per night, depending on your dates and room type.
Check availability and book your stay here!
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur – $$
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur is a stylish choice in the heart of Bukit Bintang. The hotel features a modern, eco-friendly design with greenery seamlessly integrated into its interiors, creating a serene escape in the heart of the city. There’s a large outdoor pool, a great fitness center, and several dining options on site. What more could you need?
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat, too. Jalan Alor, Pavilion KL, and countless bars and cafés are just a short walk away. Meanwhile, the friendly staff will take great care of you.
Rooms here typically range from $120 to $350 USD per night.
See all the options and reserve your stay here!
Meliá Kuala Lumpur – $
Meliá Kuala Lumpur is a smart hotel smack dab in the middle of Bukit Bintang! The hotel features an outdoor pool, a gym, and an on-site restaurant that serves both Asian and Western favorites, so you’ve got everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The hotel’s biggest perk is its location. It’s right across from Berjaya Times Square Mall and within walking distance of Jalan Alor and the monorail. Staying here puts you in the perfect place for both shopping and sightseeing. Plus, given how sleek and modern the decor is, you’d never know that this is one of the area’s more affordable choices.
Rates usually range between $100 and $225 USD per night, depending on season and room choice.
Find the best prices here on Booking.com!
KLCC
KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) is the sleek downtown heart of the city and home to its most famous landmark: the Petronas Twin Towers! If you want to be close to Kuala Lumpur’s top sights and enjoy a polished city experience, this is the place to stay. It’s another great pick for first-timers.
In fact, we often recommend KLCC for first-time visitors because it’s so convenient! You’ll have KLCC Park, Suria KLCC Mall, and the Aquaria KLCC right on your doorstep, along with plenty of rooftop bars and fine-dining restaurants. There’s still plenty of nightlife here, but it’s definitely more refined than in Bukit Bintang. Here, it’s all about stylish lounges and sky bars!
Historically, this area was developed as the city’s modern business and commercial hub, and it still feels like the most cosmopolitan part of KL. It’s well connected by LRT and monorail, but Grab makes getting around super easy.
We think KLCC is perfect for couples, business travelers, or anyone who wants luxury and convenience. That said, it can feel a bit corporate compared to other neighborhoods, and prices here are higher. Still, if you want to mix sightseeing with a chic city stay, it’s hard to beat KLCC.
Pros
- Home to Kuala Lumpur’s most famous attractions
- Excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife within walking distance
Cons
- Hotels are pricier compared to other areas
- Can feel a little corporate and less local
W Kuala Lumpur – $$$
W Kuala Lumpur is a bold and luxurious hotel that puts you right across from the Petronas Towers. The design is sleek and playful, with modern rooms offering floor-to-ceiling windows and unbeatable skyline views. The rooftop pool and WET Deck Bar are truly memorable, and it’s one of the best places in the city for sunset cocktails, even if you don’t stay here!
There’s also a fantastic spa, a lively on-site restaurant, and a buzzing atmosphere that makes this hotel especially popular with couples and younger travelers. Meanwhile, the location couldn’t be more convenient, with KLCC Park and Suria Mall super close by. In short, the W is the place to be!
Rates here usually range from $300 to $600 USD per night, depending on room type and season.
Don’t miss out – book your stay here!
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur – $$
We think that Traders Hotel offers one of the best-value stays in KLCC! It offers contemporary 5-star comfort without the hefty price tag that you might expect.
The decor is sleek and stylish, but one of the things we love most is that many of the rooms here offer direct views of the Twin Towers! Meanwhile, the city’s iconic SkyBar sits on the hotel’s 33rd floor, and hotel guests get to enjoy swimming in the infinity pool as they soak in the panoramic views.
The hotel also offers a complimentary buggy shuttle that takes you directly to Suria KLCC and the Petronas Towers, making sightseeing extremely easy. We think that this place is a real standout!
Rooms typically cost between $135 and $350 USD per night, depending on season and availability.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Element Kuala Lumpur – $
Element Kuala Lumpur is a budget-friendly yet stylish option in the KLCC area. It’s an eco-conscious hotel that occupies one of the tallest buildings in the city, so you’ll still get fantastic skyline views without breaking the bank!
The rooms are bright and modern, and the indoor pool means you can swim at any time, even during the rainy season! Location-wise, you’re just a short Grab ride or 15-minute walk from KLCC Park and the Twin Towers, so Element makes a very convenient base.
Rates usually range from $80 to $250 USD per night, making it one of the best-value picks in the area.
This hotel books up fast, so secure your room ASAP!
Chinatown
Chinatown has long been known for budget accommodation and traditional markets, but in recent years it has transformed into one of Kuala Lumpur’s coolest neighborhoods. These days, it’s full of boutique hotels, hip cafés, and creative spaces. If you’re looking for somewhere trendy with a ton of character, this is a fantastic choice!
We always recommend Chinatown for travelers who love that hip, old-meets-new feel. Personally, I really enjoy the area’s array of authentic Chinese food. There are also heritage temples here, like Sri Mahamariamman, and lots of beautiful old shophouses that have been turned into cafés and galleries.
Be sure to head to Petaling Street Market, which is one of the area’s main attractions. There are tons of street food stalls here, and many bargains to be had. It’s very energetic, but we like that it feels less touristy than the markets in Bukit Bintang.
However, the area’s central location means you can still get to KLCC or Bukit Bintang in just a few minutes by using Grab. It’s a great base if you want to experience a mix of traditional KL and its modern creative side.
Pros
- More affordable area
- Great food, markets, and heritage sights
- Authentic feel
Cons
- Can be noisy and crowded around Petaling Street
- Less polished than KLCC or Bukit Bintang
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur – $$$
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, set just on the edge of Chinatown. The interiors are sleek and modern, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the skyline. Trust me when I say that waking up here is a real treat!
Beyond the gorgeous bedrooms, the rooftop infinity pool and on-site spa are world-class. Staying here allows you to retreat into a little oasis perched above the hustle and bustle of Chinatown below. Then, when you’re ready to venture out, the area’s lively streets and cultural sites are just a short walk away.
Rooms usually range from $385 to $1,100 USD per night, making it a true splurge-worthy stay.
See availability and reserve your stay here!
Else Kuala Lumpur – $$
Else Kuala Lumpur is a stylish boutique hotel that perfectly captures Chinatown’s creative, revitalized vibe. In fact, it might just be KL’s trendiest stay!
The design is modern yet cozy, with warm tones, curated décor, and a focus on community spaces like its rooftop lounge and café. Oh, and there’s a hip restaurant on site that serves beautifully plated dishes and gorgeous craft cocktails.
As well as the chic decor, the location is hard to beat. You’re right in the heart of Chinatown, just steps away from Petaling Street and plenty of food stalls.
Rooms here usually cost between $120 to $425 USD per night, with suites reaching up to $800 USD.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown – $
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown offers one of the best budget-friendly stays in Chinatown, and all without compromising on comfort! The rooms are modern and bright, and many of them offer sweeping views of the city. There’s also a rooftop pool, a well-equipped gym, and three on-site restaurants serving both local and international dishes.
The location is excellent, just a short walk from Petaling Street Market and other Chinatown highlights. Meanwhile, the friendly staff and great breakfast options really make this hotel a great home base in KL!
Expect to pay between $80 and $215 USD per night, depending on your dates.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Related Read: Continuing your travels? Check out our 3-day Ho Chi Minh itinerary to explore Vietnam’s liveliest city to the fullest!
KL Sentral
KL Sentral is Kuala Lumpur’s central transport hub, so it’s a smart choice if you want to be well-connected to the entire city. This area is ideal for travelers who plan to explore widely, as it’s the main station for trains, buses, and even the airport express. The neighborhood also includes Brickfields, aka Little India, which is packed with colorful streets, temples, and fantastic Indian restaurants.
We recommend KL Sentral for travelers who appreciate convenience and a true city vibe. While it’s not as lively as Bukit Bintang or as iconic as KLCC, it offers a slightly calmer urban experience without sacrificing access to key attractions.
Historically, KL Sentral has been the backbone of Kuala Lumpur’s rail network, and the area is a gateway for both domestic and international travelers. It’s also a great base for those who are planning to take lots of day trips out of KL, whether you fancy heading to the Genting Highlands or the historic city of Malacca.
Accommodation here tends to be modern, and a bit more affordable than more touristy areas. If you don’t mind a bit of a business-like feel, KL Sentral can be a very convenient place to stay!
Pros
- Excellent transport connections across the city and to the airport
- Calmer and less chaotic area
- Lots of great local eateries, especially in Little India
Cons
- Less lively and scenic compared to central neighborhoods
- Can feel more corporate or business-focused
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur – $$$
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is the ultimate luxury stay in KL Sentral – or maybe just in KL in general. As you’d expect from a St. Regis property, the interiors are uber elegant and refined. There’s even butler service here – yes, really!
Like most luxury hotels, the St. Regis has a lovely pool, but this one’s a bit different because there’s a huge LED TV screen on one side, so you can watch sports games or music videos while you swim. Dining here is exceptional, with award-winning restaurants and bars serving gourmet international cuisine.
Its location gives easy access to KL Sentral’s transport hub, making it simple to explore the city, yet the hotel feels like a calm sanctuary. The St. Regis is perfect for anyone who wants a lavish, unforgettable stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Most rooms here cost between $300 and $700 USD per night.
See room options and availability, then book your stay here!
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur – $$
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur is a stylish and comfortable hotel, although it feels like more of a resort. I mean, there are 6 restaurants on site as well as an outdoor pool, a spa, and a gym. That sounds like a resort to me!
This is an excellent choice if you want to stay close to KL Sentral station for easy travel across the city or onward to the airport. But it has more to offer than just its location! You can relax in 4-star comfort at the end of the day, and you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, so we think that this place is amazing value for money.
Rooms typically range from $130 to $275 USD per night.
Find the best prices here on Booking.com!
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral – $
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is a vibrant, budget-friendly option that still feels modern and fun. The hotel has a rooftop pool, a 24-hour gym, and an energetic lounge/bar area for socializing. The rooms are compact but stylish, and we think it’s an excellent pick for solo travelers or younger guests!
The hotel is right by KL Sentral station, which makes exploring Kuala Lumpur a breeze. This easy access to the LRT and the monorail is another big win for public transport.
Rates generally range from $95 to $185 USD per night.
See the thousands of positive reviews and book this stay here!
Bangsar
Bangsar is a little further out than the other neighborhoods we have talked about so far. For some, though, the trade-off is worth it for the glossy, upscale vibe. The fact that it’s a bit removed from the city center makes it quieter than Bukit Bintang or KLCC, and the area is celebrated for its fantastic dining scene!
We always recommend Bangsar for foodies – the streets here are filled with international restaurants, hip cafés, and lively bars. If you want to enjoy dining and nightlife away from the tourist crowds of central KL, this is the perfect place to stay.
At the same time, Bangsar is still well-connected to the center by major roads, so it’s only a 10 to 15 minute Grab ride to get to places like the Petronas Towers and Jalan Alor. However, there’s a lot to keep you occupied in this area, like Telawi Street, which is one of KL’s best shopping hubs.
And since this is such a foodie hotspot, we would be remiss not to mention a few of our favorite restaurants. Roots Bangsar is an amazing vegetarian restaurant, while Buena Brasa Gastropub offers up some seriously yummy Mediterranean dishes. Oh, and Ombak Kitchen is a must for seafood lovers!
Pros
- Upscale, trendy neighborhood with great restaurants and bars
- Quieter and more relaxed than central Kuala Lumpur
Cons
- Slightly further from the main tourist attractions
- Less nightlife variety compared to Bukit Bintang
St Giles Gardens Kuala Lumpur – $$
St Giles Gardens Kuala Lumpur is a reasonably priced hotel that offers comfort and style in Bangsar. The rooms are spacious and contemporary, and they even have well-equipped kitchenettes, which is a nice homely touch. There’s an outdoor pool here as well as a gym so that guests can stay active.
The location is ideal for exploring Bangsar’s vibrant dining scene and boutique shops. While it’s slightly away from central Kuala Lumpur, it’s still just a short Grab ride to Bukit Bintang or KLCC. All in all, this is a solid choice for a comfortable, mid-range stay.
Rooms typically range from $115 to $350 USD per night.
Check availability and book your stay here!
Wyndham Grand Bangsar Kuala Lumpur – $
Wyndham Grand Bangsar Kuala Lumpur is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort – that’s my kind of stay! With a chic rooftop pool and a well-equipped gym that definitely exceeds your typical budget stay, it’s hard to fault this sleek spot.
Its location in the heart of Bangsar puts you close to cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores, while still offering easy access to central KL via Grab. This place is such great value for money, so if you’re looking for a stylish yet affordable stay, then the Wyndham is an excellent choice.
Rooms generally cost between $80 and $250 USD per night.
Secure the best prices by booking in advance!
Top Activities to do in Kuala Lumpur
Now that you’ve picked out your favorite location and hotel, you can start planning the rest of your trip! We love exploring KL – there is simply too much to do. So to make your itinerary planning a little easier, I’ve listed the top five things to do on your next trip:
- Visit the Batu Caves – As KL’s most iconic sight, this Batu Caves and temples tour is a must! Your local guide will take you to the stunning temples in a cave, as well as other famous temples in the city. It is super helpful to learn the background from your guide!
- Go on a food tour – Malaysian food is so yummy, and so to maximize our tasting capabilities, we joined this street food tour. This cut the guessing game and let us try the tastiest dishes, from the best vendors!
- Take a day trip to Malacca – If you’re short on time but want to experience more of Malaysia, this day trip to Malacca can’t be missed. This historic city is simply beautiful, full of charm, historic temples, and panoramic views. Visiting was easy with our guide!
- Bicycle around KL – We loved this cycle tour of KL because it let us see the city in an entirely new light. In just four hours, we covered so much ground from Merdeka Square to the KL Forest Eco Park and the iconic Petronas Towers. It was a ton of fun!
- See the Cameron Highlands – Escape the city and make your way to the highlands on this full-day tour. The Cameron Highlands have rolling hills of tea plantations, waterfalls, farms, and scenic views, making for a lovely day exploring Malaysia!
Related Read: For even more ideas, see our top things to do in Kuala Lumpur blog, where we share our favorite activities!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
One of the great things about Kuala Lumpur is just how diverse it is, so each neighborhood offers something different. You’ll find something to love in each of these areas, whether it’s the lively vibe of Bukit Bintang, the eclectic charm of Chinatown, or the quiet outskirts of Bangsar. Just be sure to book your hotel soon, the best options get reserved quickly!
If you need help planning more of your travels, see all of our Asia blogs here. We’ve got you covered if you need a where to stay guide, a city itinerary, a list of the top things to do, and more! Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
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