Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

I spent a few months living in Malaysia and a lot of that time was spent in Kuala Lumpur, so I’m quite knowledgeable about where you should stay if you’re planning a visit. Whether you’re looking for the best luxury hotels, budget guesthouses or unique Airbnbs, I can tell you all the top spots to stay in KL.

I’m not just giving advice out of thin air either – I’ve spoken to countless fellow travellers who have been to Kuala Lumpur and know what they’re talking about.

So if you’re feeling unsure about where to stay, take my word for it – these are some of the best places to stay during your trip in Kuala Lumpur!

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, located in South East Asia. It’s well known for the popular tourist attraction; the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers, which are a pair of skyscrapers. The towers also offer 2 lookout areas, the skybridge and observation deck.

The city is a little spread out to hard to navigate, so we have set up the below article to help you pick the best hotel for your trip to Kuala Lumpur, whether it’s a quick overnight stopover or a week-long trip.

The below areas are mostly centrally located, nearly public transport and access to the most popular sites in Kuala Lumpur.

Downtown Kuala Lumpur skyline at twilight in Malaysia

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur, this guide will cover off all types of Kuala Lumpur accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Kuala Lumpur hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Kuala Lumpur 2024, the best Kuala Lumpur hotels, best places in Kuala Lumpur to visit, the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur, hotels near Kuala Lumpur attractions and many more. 

Below are 7 of the best neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best suburb to stay in Kuala Lumpur for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Kuala Lumpur so you can use this as a go to guide.

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Kuala Lumpur City Centre – Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur First Time

Kuala Lumpur’s high-rise City Center is known for upscale fashion malls, luxury hotels and extensive views from the famous Petronas Twin Towers.

The very green Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park offers walking paths and magical fountains, lovely for an even walk with your partner. KLCC is considered the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for tourist due to its centralized option.

Dining options range from stylish bistros offering Asian and European cuisine, to elegant rooftop bars serving innovative cocktails. The Petronas Towers area is also where to stay in kuala lumpur with family because it is so centralized and it’s generally a fairly kid friendly area..

The Petronas Towers are a pair of 88-story super tall skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur that are sometimes referred to as the Petronas Twin Towers or the KLCC Twin Towers.

The most breathtaking up-close view of the towers’ spires can be seen from the Observation deck on Level 86 of the Petronas Twin Towers, where you can also immerse yourself in the exhibits and visual displays in the space. Additionally, you can take a guided tour to enjoy the tower’s various floors.

A 6 story, 421 metre tall communication tower in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Tower is often referred to as KL Tower or Menara Kuala Lumpur. It is the tallest structure in Malaysia and Southeast Asia as well as the seventh tallest tower in the world.. To get a good view of Kuala Lumpur, head to the sky deck, at the top of the KL Tower.

The 6-story Suria KLCC Shopping Mall is located at podium level between the Petronas Twin Towers. Find everything you need, including more than 300 stores. The are a lot of sellers on the ground floor, where you can buy souvenirs, crafts, and artwork. A food court with panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur is located on the top floor, where you can devour a yummy Malaysian dish.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

Cheapest Hostels in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
ARH Home KLCC
Resort Hostel In City
The Bed KLCC

Budget accommodation in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Perdana Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Lodge Paradize Hotel By The Sqwhere
Pacific Regency Hotel Suites
Impiana KLCC Hotel

Mid-range accommodation in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Vortex Suites at KLCC Area

Family Friendly accommodation in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
WSD Times 8 Luxury Hotels & Residences
Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur
Summer suites klcc by Star Residence
Cormar Suites

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
W Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur – Best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur on a Budget

Chinatown is located on Petaling Street. Chinatown is known for its large market that sells produce, clothes and accessories. Local artists also sell their paintings and crafts at nearby Central Market, where stalls dish up noodles and curry to hungry travellers and locals alike.

Buddhist temples in the area include the Taoist Guan Di Temple and the 19th-century Sri Mahamariamman Temple, with a facade of carved Hindu deities. Chinatown is the cheapest place to stay in Kuala Lumpur and the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for backpackers.

The hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is Petaling Street, which is always busy and is a long undercover market full of tourist keepsakes for sale, including fake designer watches, fake designer bags, jewellery, shoes, belts, hats, toys, mobile phone cases, and anything else the locals think a tourist to Malaysia might want to buy.

The screeches from the vendors create a chaotic but exciting environment. You should visit Petaling Street Market for the cuisine as well; they have everything from steamed dumplings to chicken floss sandwiches to deep-fried chicken feet to Chinese buns, coconut pancakes, stir-fries, and freshly cut fruit.

Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market would be the superior choice if you prefer your markets to be less crowded, cleaner, and filled with higher-quality goods.

What was once a dilapidated wet market has been transformed into a cultural landmark with an art deco exterior that houses shops, restaurants, and a performance space outside. One of our favourite things to do in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur is to spend time in Central Market.

Include Chan See Shu Yuen Temple to your list of things to do in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur if you’re looking forward to the opportunity of seeing one of the biggest and oldest still-standing Buddhist temples in Malaysia.

The temple is housed in a traditional open courtyard, well-formed pavillions, and is beautifully ornamented with woodcarvings, vibrant murals, and ceramic fittings. It is located at the bottom end of the mentioned Jalan Petaling.

Another cool temple Kuala Lumpur is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, called Sri Mahamariamman Temple. It has a large, elaborately carved entry tower similar to those seen in Southern India.

The grand gateway is 23 metres tall and colourfully embellished with Hindu deities. When entering the temple, take off your shoes, and dress suitably before exploring Mariamman’s shrine towards the rear of the complex.

Where to stay in Chinatown

Cheapest Hostels in Chinatown
Leo Backpackers @ Central Market
Senja Hostel Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
Kitez Hotel & Bunkz
Travel Hub Guesthouse

Budget accommodation in Chinatown
Season Point Hotel
ACES Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Nan Yeang Hotel
Santa Grand Hotel Central Market

Mid-range accommodation in Chinatown
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur by Ancasa Hotels & Resorts
Pacific Express Hotel Central Market Kuala Lumpur
Space Hotel @ Chinatown Kuala Lumpur

Family Friendly accommodation in Chinatown
Travelodge City Centre
The 5 Elements Hotel Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
Lavana Hotel Chinatown
Cosmo Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Chinatown
Else Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA -Entrance to petaling street - the center of Chinatown. Even at night it is full of people and has a lively market

Bukit Bintang – Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for Nightlife

The Bukit Bintang area is in the centre of Kuala Lumpur and well connected with the different areas of the city. It’s also known as the shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur.

This area offers High-end shopping malls, restaurants, pumping nightclubs, night markets and more located in Changkat Bukit Bintang.

Pavilion KL is an iconic shopping mall where you will find different designer stores that sell dresses, jewellery, bags, shoes, watches etc as well as the normal clothing or fashion shops. 

Open roof bars and live music nightclubs are the ultimate way to relax in Kuala Lumpur. It’s the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur for tourist as well as the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur for nightlife. Jalan Alor is also the best area for street food.

The food on Jalan Alor street, has long been famous. Although there is no shortage of other Southeast Asian street market favourites like satay and coconut ice cream, it primarily sells Chinese seafood that has been spiced to appeal to mainland Chinese tourists’ palates. While restaurants are open during the day as well, the street is busiest at night.

Changkat Bukit Bintang is a tree-lined street that is flanked by pubs and clubs that appeal mostly to an international audience, once you make your way beyond the massage parlours of course.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the street is typically closed to traffic, but you should still be cautious as some people might fly around on motorbikes. If you enjoy the nightlife, Bukit Bintang would be a great place to stay if you enjoy nightlife in KL.

The Hutong food court in Lot 10’s basement features 33 predominantly Chinese eateries that were “hand-picked from the finest of the best” family restaurants in Malaysia that have been in operation for at least 40 years, despite the mall also having a variety of stores aimed at middle-class shoppers. Actually, it’s very impressive for a food court.

Kuala Lumpur’s Pavilion, which describes itself as “Malaysia’s top shopping destination,” is home to thousands of middle-class and upscale brands. For the most direct path between the two locations on foot, it also offers a direct connection to the useful Bukit Bintang – KLCC elevated walkway.

Where to stay in Bukit Bintang

Cheapest Hostels in Bukit Bintang
Travelogue Guest House
Cube House KL Bukit Bintang – Shared Bathroom Apartment
SHA LA LA Hostel
The Manor by Mingle

Budget accommodation in Bukit Bintang
The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel
Travelodge Bukit Bintang
Indie Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Gold3 Boutique Hotel

Mid-range accommodation in Bukit Bintang
WOLO Kuala Lumpur
MOV Hotel Kuala Lumpur
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang

Family Friendly accommodation in Bukit Bintang
Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Hotel Royal Kuala Lumpur
Meliá Kuala Lumpur
Ceylonz Suite by Five Senses

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Bukit Bintang
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
The Westin Kuala Lumpur
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Bukit Bintang intersection. Long exposure HDR image of the busy junction in KL city center. Cars and motorbike passing, the track of the monorail cross above.

Chow Kit – Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur like a Local

The Chow Kit traditional market, which is crammed with vendors offering food, clothing, and household products, is responsible for the bustling atmosphere of Chow Kit.

Modern shopping centres offer brand restaurants and mainstream clothing, while modest cafes serve regional cuisine like noodles and roasted meats. Chow kit is the best part of Kuala Lumpur to stay in order to see how the locals live.

Tatt Khalsa Diwan is a massive, contemporary Sikh temple, while The Row is home to fashionable cafes, cocktail bars, and music venues in former shophouses.

Chow Kit has traditionally been known as one of the major red-light districts in Kuala Lumpur, another red light district is also Bukit Bintang. Many of the “night workers” in the area have grown up in the area and are the daughters of “night workers”.

It’s suggested to take care and to avoid the area near Jalan Chow Kit (the street) at night because it is a gathering place for drug users. Although Chow Kit is overall a fairly safe area, I’d suggest staying aware no matter where you stay.

Chow Kit is within walking distance of the Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Tower, its a chilled out spot to stay without having to be directly within the city itself.

Best places to stay in Chow Kit

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in
 Chow Kit
La Vista @ Regalia Residence
Penthouse on 34 – The Highest Unit and Best Views
SkyBed Over The Sky Hostel @Regalia Suites & Residences KL
Regalia Exclusive Hostel

Budget accommodation in
 Chow Kit
Hotel 28 Chow Kit Kuala Lumpur
Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur – South
Hotel Grand Continental Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Club Dolphin

Mid range accommodation in
 Chow Kit
Steg Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Tamu Hotel & Suites Kuala Lumpur
The Chow Kit – an Ormond Hotel
IDEAS Kuala Lumpur

Family Friendly accommodation in
 Chow Kit
Koptown EDC Hotel Kuala Lumpur
OYO 805 Hotel Run Star
Crossroads Hotel
Regalia Suites & Hotel

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Chow Kit
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Sunway Putra Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Monorail at Chow Kit Road Station

Kampung Baru – Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for Relaxation

Old-world The traditional Malay wooden stilt homes here, surrounded by coconut palms and banana trees, are what give Kampong Baru its rural feel. In fact, any new construction is not permitted in the protected settlement of Kampung Baru.

Along the winding pathways, chickens and goats roam, and food stands offer grilled fish and smoothies with dragon fruit. While the adjacent Chow Kit Market is well-known for its fruit, spices, and textiles, a bustling weekly night market sells clothing and handicrafts.

There is not much to see or do within Kampung Baru, it doesnt have any major attractions or monuments. rather a rare chance to encounter a tranquil rural Malay lifestyle in the heart of a modern city.

The pace of life in Kampung Baru is similar to that of a village tucked away in the Malaysian countryside’s coconut or rice farms. Kampung Baru is the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur for relaxing while still being close to the city, its also considered the best residential areas in Kuala Lumpur.

Best places to stay in Kampung Baru

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Kampung Baru
Amethyst Dorm KLCC
ARH Home KLCC

Budget accommodation in Kampung Baru
Tamu Hotel & Suites Kuala Lumpur
Akar Hotel Kampung Baru
Legasi Kampong Bharu by Triple O Studio
Omar’s Place 2

Mid range accommodation in Kampung Baru
ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Grand Suite at Platinum KLCC
Scarlettz Suites, Luxury Suites @ KLCC by Birdy Stay
Mana-Mana Suites at Scarletz Suites KLCC

Family Friendly accommodation in Kampung Baru
Legasi Kampung Baru Guesthouse
Legasi Suites Service KLCC
Summer Suites KLCC Apartments
Star Serviced Suite KLCC

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Kampung Baru
The Star Residences Skypool KLCC
Star Suites KLCC
Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur
THE FACE Suites

Kuala Lumpur city skyline building during sunrise

Brickfields (Little India)- Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with Family

Little India, a vibrant maze of textile and jewellery shops, as well as modest eateries serving dosa pancakes and curry made with banana leaves, can be found in vibrant Brickfields.

There are a variety of casual trattorias, upmarket bistros, and chic cocktail bars close to KL Sentral station. Brickfields is one of the best place to stay Kuala Lumpur with family, it’s relaxed but still close enough to the city to enjoy the sights with the kids.

Hindu temple Sri Kandaswamy Kovil has golden statues, while Buddhist temple Maha Vihara has a bodhi tree and a domed pagoda.

Explore the markets and temples in Brickfields’ Little India to honour Malaysia’s Indian history. The neighbourhood is Malaysia’s largest Little India, and the streets are lined with Indian stores that sell Indian-style clothing, goods, and cuisine.

The Tamil Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a Tamil Lutheran church, and the Church of the Holy Rosary are just a few of the stunning century-old churches that can be found in Brickfields.

The last one stands out from the others due to Chinese lettering on its architectural construction. These churches are becoming popular wedding church locations since they create incredibly fantastic photo shooting locations.

A Hindu temple named Sri Kandaswamy Kovil may be found in Kuala Lumpur’s Brickfields neighbourhood along Jalan Scott. The temple dates back over a century. It is one of Malaysia’s most well-known Sri Lankan Tamil or Ceylonese Tamil temples.

The Saravanapoikai sacred garden and the sacred Kadambam tree both add to the allure of the temple grounds. In addition to being one of only two temples in Malaysia to celebrate the Kathirgama Kodiyetram festival, Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is praised for being one of the earliest temples in Malaysia to celebrate the Soora Samhara festival.

Best places to stay in Brickfields

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Brickfields
PODs The Backpackers Home & Cafe, Kuala Lumpur

Budget accommodation in Brickfields
Royce Hotel @ KL Sentral
Citi Hotel @Kl Sentral
Double M Hotel @ Kl Sentral

Mid range accommodation in Brickfields
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
OYO 410 Brickfields Park Hotel
The Establishment Bangsar Big Loft by LYNEST
My Hotel @ KL Sentral

Family Friendly accommodation in Brickfields
KL Sentral Bangsar Suites
St Regis Luxury 3 Bedroom
Scott Hotel KL Sentral
EST Bangsar KL Sentral by Greater Stay

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Brickfields
Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Kuala lumpur, Malaysia - Little India is a popular tourist area of the city with shops, hotels and restaurants of Indian cuisine

Batu Caves – Where to stay near Kuala Lumpur near Batu Caves

The Batua Caves are a popular day trip location that can be reached from Kuala Lumpur in 25 minutes, although accommodation options are also available nearby.

Hindu temples, shrines, and a massive god monument are housed in limestone caves at the top of steep stairs. Most visitors discover that two to four hours are plenty to comfortably explore the cave.

Best places to stay near Batu Caves

Budget accommodation near Batu Caves
Best View SS2
Hotel Sahara Inn Batu Caves
SRP Hotel Sdn Bhd

Mid range accommodation near Batu Caves
OYO 89381 Moonnight Hotel
Sun Inns Hotel Batu Caves

Family Friendly accommodation near Batu Caves
Lavana Hotel Batu Caves
OYO 1055 Batu Caves Star Hotel
OYO 44097 Avatarr Hotel

Affordable Luxury accommodation near Batu Caves
KIP Hotel
A&R Urban Hotel

Batu cave, hinduism temple in a sunny day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur International Airport – Where to stay near Kuala Lumpur Airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located almost an hour away from KLCC (the Kuala Lumpur city center). Staying at or around the airport makes it easier for those who have late arriving flights or super early morning flights and don’t want to fight the traffic and stress to get to the airport on time.

Best places to stay near the Kuala Lumpur Airport

Budget accommodation near the Kuala Lumpur Airport
Tune Hotel KLIA Aeropolis (Airport Hotel)
Sama Sama Express klia2 (Airside Transit Hotel)

Mid range accommodation near the Kuala Lumpur Airport
Capsule Transit KLIA 2 (Landside) – Gateway@KLIA2, Level 1
Capsule Transit KLIA 2 (Airside) – International Departure, Satellite Building, Level 2
Sama Sama Hotel KLIA
Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA

Family Friendly accommodation near the Kuala Lumpur Airport
Tune Hotel KLIA-KLIA2, Airport Transit Hotel
Aerotel Kuala Lumpur (Airport Hotel) – Gateway@klia2

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - inside Kuala Lumpur International Airport. KLIA is Malaysia's main international airport and one of the major airports in South East Asia.

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Kuala Lumpur 

❤️ Best Area first timersKuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
💸 Best Luxury HotelShangri-La Kuala Lumpur
👪 Best Hotel for For FamiliesScott Hotel KL Sentral
🏨 Best Mid-Range HotelcitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang
🛏️ Best Budget HotelSeason Point Hotel
✨ Best HostelLeo Backpackers @ Central Market

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Author

  • Angelica Peralta

    Meet Angelica, who at 22, boldly pivoted from a legal career to pursue her passions in travel and writing. With a focus on sustainable travel, she has explored Asia and Europe, emphasizing local cultural engagement along the way | Angelica's dedication shines through as she guides others to travel responsibly and meaningfully. Specializing in digital nomad travel, crafting comprehensive itineraries, identifying top tour guides, sharing regional insights on Asia, The Americas, and Europe, and advising on eco-friendly travel practices, Angelica is your go-to expert for enriching and sustainable travel experiences.

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