Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital, is renowned for its striking skyline, cultural diversity and modern shopping districts. The city blends historic landmarks with modern architecture, offering a rich mix of experiences in dining, entertainment and local traditions. Iconic towers, vibrant markets and lively streets create a dynamic atmosphere for every traveller. Let’s explore the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur and make the most of this dynamic city.
Best Places to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur offers a variety of areas catering to different tastes. The Golden Triangle, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, KL Sentral and Chinatown are the most popular areas for tourists.
Home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park, ideal for luxury travellers.
- Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur: Price from £147. Luxury rooms with stunning tower views, excellent dining, spa facilities, and attentive service.
- Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur: Price from £92. Prime location near KLCC, with spacious rooms, outdoor pool, full-service spa, and fine dining.
A vibrant shopping and entertainment district, perfect for nightlife and retail therapy.
- JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur: Price from £89. Central location, luxury rooms, pool, spa, and excellent dining options.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur: Price from £104. Elegant rooms, world-class service, prime shopping access, and fine dining experiences.
Ideal for travellers prioritising transport links and convenience.
- Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral: Price from £55. Modern rooms, outdoor pool, central transport hub access, and casual dining.
Offers a more budget-friendly stay with cultural charm and local experiences.
- Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur: Price from £53. Stylish rooms, convenient location, friendly service, and easy access to markets and street food.
Getting to and Around Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has two main airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport). KLIA serves most international and long-haul flights, while Subang Airport mainly handles domestic and commercial flights.
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL): Located about 28 miles (45 km) south of the city centre, KLIA is Malaysia’s largest and busiest airport. It is well-connected to the city via the KLIA Express train, taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services.
- Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB): Situated around 12 miles (20 km) northwest of central Kuala Lumpur, Subang Airport mainly serves domestic flights and some regional routes. Transport options include taxis, buses, and car rentals.
Want to start your trip to Kuala Lumpur smoothly? Booking a hotel near KLIA or Subang with shuttle services can save time and energy, especially for late-night arrivals or early departures, letting you enjoy the city’s attractions, shopping, and local cuisine with ease.
Hotel Name | Estimated Price | Distance from Airport (KUL) | Shuttle Service Info |
Sama-Sama Hotel Kuala Lumpur International Airport | From £103 | 2650 ft | Priority airport drop-off (Free): Reservations required. Contact the hotel at least 1 Day(s) in advance to make a reservation. Priority airport pick-up (Additional charge): No reservation required. Business hours: [Mon - Sun] 00:00-23:59 |
Tune Hotel KLIA-KLIA2 | From £24 | 3050 ft | Within walking distance |
>> Find more hotels near Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Once in the city, getting around is easy thanks to Kuala Lumpur’s well-connected public transport network. Visitors can choose from modern rail systems like the MRT, LRT, and KL Monorail, complemented by an extensive bus network. High-speed airport links, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and car rentals provide additional convenience for exploring the city and surrounding areas.
KL Hop-On Hop-Off
Main transport in Kuala Lumpur:
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Modern rapid transit system serving Kuala Lumpur and nearby suburbs.
- LRT (Light Rail Transit): Includes the Kelana Jaya Line and other routes for easy city access.
- KL Monorail: Elevated single-beam rail connecting the north and central parts of the city.
- KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad): Commuter rail services across Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley.
- KLIA Ekspres: High-speed train linking KL Sentral with Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
- Rapid KL Buses: Extensive bus network covering the Klang Valley, complementing rail services.
- MRT Feeder Buses: Connect neighbourhoods to MRT stations for last-mile travel.
- Taxis: Widely available, metered, but traffic can cause delays.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Services like Grab for convenient car and motorcycle rides.
- Car Rentals: Available for travellers who prefer to drive themselves.
Find More to Match Your Travel Style
Petronas Twin Towers
>> Find hotels near Petronas Twin Towers
Iconic Landmarks & Tower Views
- Luxury stay with panoramic views of the Petronas Twin Towers → Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur (Price from £147)
- Modern comfort with rooftop pool overlooking KLCC Park → Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur (Price from £99)
Shopping & Entertainment Hub
- Central location with direct access to Pavilion Mall → JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur (Price from £89)
Convenience & Connectivity
- Conveniently located in central Kuala Lumpur with easy access to major attractions → EQ Kuala Lumpur (Price from £147)
Kuala Lumpur Hotels Booking Tips
- Book Early for Popular Areas – KLCC and Bukit Bintang are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Check Proximity to Transport – Staying near KL Sentral or MRT stations can save travel time across the city.
- Consider Your Budget – Luxury hotels abound in KLCC, while Chinatown offers more affordable yet comfortable options.
- Look for Hotel Amenities – Pools, rooftop bars, and in-house dining can enhance your stay without leaving the hotel.
- Read Recent Reviews – Guest experiences often provide the best insight into service quality and local convenience.
- Save with deals – New Trip.com users can enjoy up to 8% off hotel bookings.