Kuala Lumpur is a city packed with busy streets, tall skyscrapers, massive shopping complexes, night markets, 5-star luxury hotels, and mouth-watering cuisine.
It is a place where races, cultures, and traditions come together in perfect harmony and is a cosmopolitan city like no other.
Home to the world's tallest twin towers and incredible natural attractions, there’s history, delicious street food, culture, arts, and sports, around every nook and corner of KL.
If you’re planning on visiting and are wondering, “Where should I stay in Kuala Lumpur”, then this guide is just for you! We'll go over the best neighborhoods and our favourite hotels in the Malaysian capital city to help make your visit that much more memorable!
The Best Areas To Stay In Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur doesn’t just mix cultures, it also has a variety of areas and neighborhoods, each offering a distinct character and vibe.
Some areas like KLCC are renowned for their luxury hotels, others for their shopping and proximity to local attractions, whereas Bukit Bintang is famous for its nightlife and street food.
You also can find safe and friendly neighborhoods that offer plenty of restaurants nearby and easy access to public transport.
Whatever your preference might be, Kuala Lumpur will be sure to cater!
KLCC – Kuala Lumpur City Centre
The heart of the city (hence the name Kuala Lumpur City Center) is the spot to be if you’re looking for a prime central location that offers luxury hotels and convenient access to all of KL's top attractions. As such, KLCC is highly recommended for first-time travellers coming to South East Asia.
Bukit Bintang
Some of the best hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafes are in Bukit Bintang. The area is very popular with tourists, and the nightlife is vibrant, along with the many shopping malls, cinemas, and food markets.
Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
Always one of the most bustling areas of Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is a colorful mix of shops, cafes, bars, art galleries, street food vendors, markets, and even a 19th-century temple. The neighborhood has several cheap hotels that are perfect for solo travellers or those on a budget, some also offer family rooms.
Chow Kit
A little less touristy than other areas of KL, Chow Kit offers some great affordable accommodation options and world-class restaurants and bars.
KL Sentral Brickfields
The central transit hub for metros and trains, KL Sentral Brickfields is home to many mid-range hotels, museums, galleries, and more.
Bangsar & Mid Valley
These two areas are linked by an overpass. Bangsar, an affluent residential area frequented by many expatriates, and Mid Valley Mega Mall, a massive shopping mall complex comprising of malls, hotels, restaurants, and bars.
1. Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur For The First Time: Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Hypermodern, dynamic, glamorous, and futuristic are just some of the words that can be used to describe Kuala Lumpur’s iconic city center.
KLCC offers a lot in terms of accommodation, dining, and entertainment, and the location of the area also makes access to other areas of the city easier, with Bukit Bintang, Chow Kit, and KL Sentral Train Station only being a few minutes away by taxi or public transport.
All of this makes KLCC the best place to stay for business travelers and those exploring Kuala Lumpur for the first time.
Things To See & Do In KLCC
Petronas Twin Towers: Almost everyone has seen the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, so much so, that this landmark has become a symbol of Malaysia. Be sure to visit the sky bridge on the 41st floor for amazing views and a few surprising attractions. Also, visit the urban KLCC Park or Kuala Lumpur Tower, the other most iconic structure in KL located close by.
Aquaria KLCC: This is a great activity for solo travelers, couples, families, and even groups. Explore more than 150 colorful and vibrant species of marine life in this world-class 5 million square foot aquarium.
Best Area For:
First-time travellers to KL
Skyline views
Upscale shopping
Fine dining
Best Hotels To Stay In Kuala Lumpur Near Petronas Twin Towers
($$$) Mandarin Oriental
Considered by many to be the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur and also the best luxury hotel in the city, the Mandarin Oriental offers an experience unlike any other. This highly-rated hotel offers a long list of amenities, including a fantastic rooftop infinity pool and 7 award-winning restaurants. The rooms are also exquisitely decorated with spectacular views of the city skyline and it is a must-stay hotel in Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Traders Hotel
The Traders Hotel also offers skyline views that are just as spectacular, with amenities including an indoor swimming pool, free parking, free WiFi, a spa, and a fitness center. The Sky Bar on the roof of the hotel is also worth a visit for an evening cocktail. The hotel is also within walking distance from attractions like KLCC Park and the Royal Selangor Golf Club.
Check availability & best rates
($) Hotel Stripes
Hotel Stripes features an outdoor pool on the roof, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant and bar, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, and exceptional service. The hotel is also only a few kilometers away from notable landmarks like the Petronas Towers, KL Tower, and Suria KLCC making it an excellent mid-range accommodation option.
Check availability & best rates
2. Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur For Nightlife: Bukit Bintang
Because of the hotels, restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, and clubs that fill up Bukit Bintang, many consider it to be the redlight district of Kuala Lumpur.
The area is most known for its Bintang Walk and Jalan Bukit Bintang, a thoroughfare consisting of upscale malls and fashion boutiques.
Things To See & Do In Bukit Bintang
KL Forest Eco Park: KL is one of the few large cosmopolitans in the world able to boast a lush green forest preserve right in the middle of a concrete jungle. Located adjacent to KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur), this park has amazing walkways teaming with fauna and flora. You will even come across some very mischievous monkeys during your exploration.
Changkat Bukit Bintang: This is one of the best nightlife spots in the entire city. You’ll find Irish pubs, salsa bars, dance clubs, and many other nightlife attractions. The street gets very busy on weekends, with live performances, street food, and many other forms of entertainment to keep you and your friends occupied.
Best Area For:
Solo travelers
Vibrant nightlife
Amazing food
Best Hotels In Kuala Lumpur For Nightlife
You won't have to wonder long about where to stay in Bukit Bintang as the Bukit Bintang area has some of the best value-for-money hotels in the city.
($$$) JW Marriott
The JW Marriott is one of the more luxurious accommodation options in Bukit Bintang, offering high-end amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a rooftop terrace, two award-winning restaurants, ‘The Starhill’ and ‘Shanghai’, and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Check availability & best rates
($$) WOLO
With a modern design, the WOLO is quite comfortable, has a friendly staff, and offers fantastic amenities. You will find family-friendly accommodation within proximity to the city center with landmarks such as Pavilion Shopping Mall, Suria KLCC, Petronas Towers, and Lot 10, all situated close by.
Check availability & best rates
($) citizenM
Just because you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Kuala Lumpur doesn’t mean you should compromise on the quality of service. Located just a km away from Berjaya Time Square and 2 km away from KLCC, citizenM offers quality services on a budget, ensuring your stay is not expensive but always comfortable.
Check availability & best rates
3. Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur On A Budget: Chinatown
Chinatown Kuala Lumpur is an area that is defined by its name. It is the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur and much like other Chinatowns around the world, it is heavily Chinese-focused, with plenty of Mandarin and Cantonese shops, restaurants, cafes, and attractions.
Things To See & Do In Chinatown
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: This is Kuala Lumpur’s oldest temple, and due to the unique carvings on its facade and colorful ornate decorations of Hindu gods, possibly the most memorable.
Old China Cafe: The oldest Chinese restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, this popular cafe has the decor, paintings, photographs, and furniture to live up to its name. Enjoy the charming atmosphere and learn about Chinese-Malaysian culture and history, all while feasting on a finger-licking good meal.
Kasturi Walk & Petaling Street Market: This area is packed full of colourful shops, busy markets, and intricate Buddhist and Hindu temples.
Best Area For:
Travelers on a budget
Local market shopping
History buffs
Best Hotels To Stay In Kuala Lumpur Chinatown
Chinatown KL offers some of the best budget hotels in the city, such as:
($$$) Santa Grand Classic
Santa Grand Classic is arguably the best mid-range 3-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Housed in a beautiful red brick building and located right beside Central Market, one of the main tourist attractions of Chinatown, the hotel offers comfortable private rooms, friendly staff and service, a convenient location, and free wifi.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Space Hotel
This space-themed hotel is the perfect spot to spend the night for solo travelers and couples that want a unique accommodation experience. With futuristic space capsules decked out with models of astronauts, rockets, and an outer space design theme, you’ll feel like you’re spending a night at the International Space Station.
Check availability & best rates
($) Chinatown Hostel by Mingle
The coolest feature about this hostel is that it's housed inside a colonial-era building and is just steps away from Petaling Street and Central Market, two of the most popular tourist hotspots in the city. The hostel also features a swimming pool and an in-house cafe. Apart from the shared dorms, you can also get a private room with a private bathroom. It is the best place to stay in kuala lumpur for backpackers and solo travelers.
Check availability & best rates
4. Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur Off The Beaten Path: Chow Kit
Chow Kit was traditionally known for being one of KL's many popular red-light districts.
However, this area offers a lot more than just that, as it features tightly packed markets, mainstream fashion stores, hip cafes, bars, and even a Sikh temple.
The Chow Kit area isn't for everyone, but the more adventurous traveller will love this place for its less touristy and more down-to-earth vibes, away from the glitz and glamour of the city center.
Things To See & Do In Chow Kit
Chow Kit Market: To get a taste of local Malaysian living, you have to visit the Chow Kit Market. You'll find fresh produce and fruits, meats, dairy products, artisanal goods, and much more.
Best Area For:
Smaller crowds
Budget travelers
Exploring without the crowds
Best hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur without the crowds
Chow Kit is home to some of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
($$$) Sheraton Imperial
Sheraton Kuala Lumpur is everything you would expect from one of the best 5-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur. The exterior and interior design and decor are dripping with elegance and luxury, and the countless amenities provide for a relaxing and luxurious stay. Also, the Italian cuisine at Villa Danieli, one of the on-site restaurants, is the finest in the city. If you are wondering where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for couples, this is it!
Check availability & best rates
($$) The Chow Kit
Some say this is the best boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur and it’s difficult to argue with that statement. The hotel was reviewed in the Michelin Guide as being one of the best hotels in all of Malaysia and one of the best in Southeast Asia by CNN. ‘The Chow Kit – an Ormond Hotel’, as it is formally known, offers luxury living in a boutique hotel setting at mid-range prices. It is the ideal spot if you’re wondering where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with family.
Check availability & best rates
($) IDEAS
IDEAS offers clean, minimalistic, and modern designs, all within walking distance of some of the biggest attractions in KLCC, including the Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC, and the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site bar and restaurant and it is an excellent mid-range option.
Check availability & best rates
5. Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur For Convenient Access To Everything: KL Sentral & Brickfields/Little India
KL Sentral is Kuala Lumpur’s central metro and rail station and living in this area makes life easy for travelers.
However, this does not mean that KL Sentral is only good for ease of access. This area has a lot of things to do and offer.
Things To See & Do In KL Sentral
KL Butterfly Park: Featuring more than 100 different species of vibrant and colorful butterflies, this is the perfect spot for nature lovers.
National Museum: The best way to learn about the history and culture of any country is to visit its museums. The National Museum has four main galleries and thousands of exhibits covering the history, anthropology, and wildlife of Malaysia.
Best Area For:
Ready access to transportation
Indian culture and cuisine
Parks and museums
Best hotels to stay in KL Sentral
($$$) The St. Regis
Arguably one of the best Kuala Lumpur hotels, St. Regis offers luxury accommodation with spacious rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer magnificent views of the city and the beautiful Lake Gardens. The Astors-inspired decor and long list of amenities make for a luxurious stay, all while being steps away from the central transit hub.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Aloft
If you’re looking for the utmost convenience when it comes to choosing accommodation, then Aloft might be a perfect fit as it's connected to KL Sentral station via a sky bridge. You could walk from your room to the train station in a matter of minutes without ever leaving the hotel. Aloft also offers family-friendly accommodation with rooms that can host up to five guests.
Check availability & best rates
($) Easy Hotel
Easy Hotel is the best budget hotel for family-friendly accommodation. The staff at the hotel are awesome and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The hotel's central location also means you are steps away from KL Sentral Monorail Station. The budget hotel also offers gym and sky garden access on select room bookings.
Check availability & best rates
6. Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur – Hippest Neighborhood & Long-Term Stays/Digital Nomads & Ex-pats: Bangsar & Mid Valley
For those looking to stay long-term, Bangsar Kuala Lumpur provides a great opportunity for quality living at affordable prices.
This upscale neighborhood is slightly more on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur and is filled with high-rises, and posh restaurants, malls, and bars.
Things to See & Do in Bangsar & Mid Valley
Mid Valley MegaMall: There are big shopping malls and then there are gigantic ones like the Mid Valley MegaMall, which is filled with shops, restaurants, food carts, cinemas, arcades, bars, and many other entertainment options.
Thean Hou Temple: A beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture, this six-story temple with its open grounds is a must-visit attraction in the area.
Best Area For:
Residential living
Long-term stays
Digital nomads
Best hotels in Bangsar and Mid Valley
($$$) Pullman
Just a 5-minute drive away from Mid Valley Mall, this world-class luxury hotel offers a plethora of features and amenities that are all designed to make guests feel special and pampered. With two rail stations located just a few minutes away, Pullman offers that perfect blend of convenience and luxury.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Amari
Another luxury hotel option in one of KL's most upscale neighborhoods. What makes this one special is its minimalist futuristic decor that exudes modern luxury living. Amari offers world-class amenities and amazing breakfast options and is surprisingly a decent mid-range family-friendly accommodation option.
Check availability & best rates
($) Komune Living
The only downside to staying at Komune Living is that it is some distance away from notable landmarks and train stations. However, if that's what you are looking for, this 3-star hotel offers everything you need for a luxurious and enjoyable stay.
Check availability & best rates
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur – Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ Is Kuala Lumpur worth visiting?
Kuala Lumpur combines the traditional with the hypermodern. The city offers tourists the chance to experience history, culture, art, entertainment, and great dining, making it a very worthwhile place to visit.
📅 How many days do I need in Kuala Lumpur?
To make sure you get the most out of your trip to Kuala Lumpur and visit all the areas and attractions, the city has to offer, plan at least a 3-5 day visit.
📍 What’s the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur?
Bukit Bintang, with its central location, a wide range of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars, vibrant nightlife, markets, and other attractions, makes it the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for tourists. The area is also close to the city's center KLCC.
❓ Is Kuala Lumpur safe?
KL is a very safe city and the crime risk, although existent, is no greater than what you'd find in any other large Asian city.
🏨 Should I stay in KLCC or Bukit Bintang or KL Sentral?
That would depend on your budget and preferences. Generally, hotels in these areas tend to be more expensive and they can get pretty crowded with tourists, especially during peak travel seasons. If you like a less crowded area and are on a strict budget, then other areas of KL might be better suited.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur – Final Words
The right accommodation option depends on personal preference and budget. While staying in KLCC or Bukit Bintang is great for a short visit with easy accessibility to all sights, nightlife and shopping, for me personally, the best choice is Chow Kit. It's less crowded, has more affordable hotels, great food, and easily connects to all other parts of KL.
I hope this guide helped you in deciding where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!
