The 14 Best Hotels in Kuala Lumpur To Book With Points [Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG]

Although Kuala Lumpur is famous for its Petronas Towers, the Malaysian capital is home to much more than these epic skyscrapers.

The largest city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is also known for melding different ethnicities, cuisines, and viewpoints, both historically and today. From Portuguese rule and the British colonial era to today’s Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian cultures, KL is a unique city home to sprawling street markets, historical museums, and, of course, many hotels you can stay at using your points and miles.

This article will dig into where to stay in Kuala Lumpur and the best KL hotels to book with loyalty points.

Where To Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur’s hotels are relatively affordable (both cash prices and with points), no matter which neighborhood you stay in. To help you decide exactly where to stay in Kuala Lumpur to fit your needs and travel plans, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods:

• Bukit Bintang: Known as one of KL’s shopping and entertainment hubs, this area is home to hotels, shopping malls, the hawker food market Jalan Alor, and the Lot 10 food court.
• Kuala Lumpur City Center: Here, you’ll find the Petronas Towers, the 50-acre KLCC Park, art galleries, and museums.
• Kuala Lumpur Sentral: This neighborhood is well-connected and has many Indian restaurants, as well as attractions like the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, National Museum, Butterfly Park, and Perdana Botanical Garden.
• Chinatown: This lively area has many up-and-coming restaurants and is home to the famous Petaling Street.
• Bangsar: This more local neighborhood is known for its nightlife.

5 Best Marriott Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

There are around 25 Marriott properties in Kuala Lumpur, from affordable AC Hotels and Four Points by Sheraton hotels to more luxurious spots like the St. Regis and trendy W.

It was tough to narrow it down, but here are our top picks for the best Marriott points hotels in Kuala Lumpur, from budget to luxe.

1. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

In Kuala Lumpur Sentral, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur offers a refined, elegant experience for travelers, especially art enthusiasts. The property prides itself on offering bespoke, guided art tours from a staff butler — the hotel has an incredible art collection home to sculptures, paintings, and installations. Some of these include a massive horse sculpture by Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero and hand-etched murals by San Francisco artist Mark Evans depicting polo.

Besides that, guests can enjoy a sparkling rooftop pool and relax in large guest rooms and suites with expansive views of KL’s skyline and Perdana Botanical Garden. Most kids will have a blast at the kids’ club, which has a slide and ball pit. Rates start at $250 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

2. Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

Budget travelers or anyone who wants to be well-connected to KL Sentral Station should lodge at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, which is connected to the transportation hub by a series of walkways. Guest rooms are bright and modern, and the hotel also has duplex rooms for extra space.

But the real fun is on the hotel’s rooftop pool and the rooftop Mai Bar, where you can lounge on brightly colored cabana chairs by day and sip cocktails by night. There’s even a grab-and-go food truck, if you want a quick snack. Room rates start at $70 or 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

3. W Kuala Lumpur

Admire the Petronas Towers and the KL Tower from W Kuala Lumpur‘s massive WET outdoor pool or even your room or suite — this is the hotel to stay at for iconic KL cityscape views (and iconic pool parties, which the hotel is also known for). With numerous room categories that range from the Wonderful room (with a king-size bed, soaking tub, and Nespresso machine) to the EWOW Suite (which has its own private pool, living area, and bar), there’s a space for every traveler here.

Room rates start at $290 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

Through August 30, 2024, you can earn 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per stay at the W Kuala Lumpur. This offer is available for suite rooms only and includes daily breakfast for 2. Use promo code M11.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, sits in the heart of Bukit Bintang, just down the street from the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Guest rooms feel timeless, with muted colors and clean lines … a tranquil respite from the busy city. The hotel offers a variety of dining, from Chinese restaurant Li Yen to Sunday roast in the Library and delicate afternoon tea in the lobby lounge.

The outdoor pool is small but incredibly charming, with a small fountain and green foliage. Spa Village at Kuala Lumpur is the place to rejuvenate (the spa uses natural, local ingredients in its treatments). Better yet, this may be one of the most affordable Ritz properties out there — room rates start at just $120 or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

5. JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur

JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur feels more contemporary than its Bukit Bintang neighbor, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur. It is home to 738 guest rooms and suites that sit beneath a luminous atrium. Although the guest rooms and suites feel rather basic, decked out in beige and gray, they’re comfortable, with amenities like marble bathrooms, sofas, and workspaces.

With its large outdoor swimming pool complete with cabanas and sofas, guests can hang out, swim, or enjoy outdoor drinks and bites. The hotel also features Shanghai, a Chinese restaurant, the Luk Yu Teahouse, and Shook!, which offers modern cuisine. Room rates start at $90 or 15,000 points per night.

Hot Tip:

If you’re a fan of Marriott hotels, consider bulking up your points balance by selecting a Marriott co-branded hotel card. If you want top-of-the-line, get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, which offers a generous welcome bonus offer, automatic Platinum Elite status, a free night award, and other benefits. Just be prepared to pay a steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees).

3 Best Hyatt Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Hyatt has a small presence in Kuala Lumpur and its immediate surroundings, but stay tuned. A Hyatt Regency (2025), Hyatt Centric (2024), and a Park Hyatt (2024) are all coming to the Malaysian city soon. In the meantime, here’s where you should stay to earn and burn World of Hyatt points in Kuala Lumpur.

1. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Another KLCC hotel that overlooks KLCC Park and the Petronas Towers, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur has rooms decked out in deep Malaysian wood with large windows that bring in the light and offer guests memorable views of the city.

But for even better views, head to Thirty8, the restaurant on the 38th floor, which offers incredible 360-degree panoramas of KL and beyond. Or, enjoy just looking up from the swimming pool to admire the Petronas Towers. Room rates at this Category 3 property start at $150 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

2. Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur

For those who want to enjoy the nightlife and fun of the Bangsar neighborhood, Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur is an excellent and affordable choice. It provides the luxury of a beautiful hotel that’s right in the middle of all the action. Since the Alila occupies the top floors of a residential high-rise, you get iconic city views from almost every spot within the hotel.

This particular hotel features a fitness center, a 40th-floor pool (which is fairly shady, as it sits in the middle of a courtyard and is wrapped around the building), and the “living room,” a relaxation lounge where guests can hang out. Rates at this Category 1 hotel start at $80 or 3,500 World of Hyatt points per night.

3. Else Kuala Lumpur

This Chinatown oasis sits in a 1930s art deco building designed by British architect Arthur Oakley Coltman, known for his many contributions to KL’s skyline. Else Kuala Lumpur, once part of the Small Luxury Hotels but now part of Mr and Mrs Smith, is a design hotel that’s likely one of the chicest properties on this list. Guest rooms are as original as they come, with funky headboards and furniture, a plethora of mixed textiles (think rattan meets marble, metals, and smooth wood), and a general “cool but not so cool you can’t sit with us” vibe.

The entire hotel is rife with spaces to relax, from the inviting pool to the sunken conversation pits, outdoor terrace, and meditation pods. You can also wander around and enjoy the local art and knick-knacks that are perfectly placed throughout the hotel. Rates start at $110 or 13,750 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

Top off your stash of World of Hyatt points by getting The World of Hyatt Credit Card. It offers up to 9x points total for Hyatt stays (4x bonus points at Hyatt hotels and up to 5x base points as a World of Hyatt member), 1 free night each year after your cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort, and World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open — all for a $95 fee. Don’t forget that Chase Ultimate Reward points also transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

Best Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur

Hilton has a decent-sized portfolio in KL, but many are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree hotels. However, there’s 1 Hilton property that stands out as a solid option for your next Kuala Lumpur stay.

1. Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Conveniently close to KL Sentral, Hilton Kuala Lumpur is the perfect hotel for families. It’s huge and home to 9 restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and a pool. Rooms feature large windows, and some rooms have views of the Perdana Botanical Garden and lake.

The lagoon pool is massive, with a waterslide and plenty of surrounding loungers for sunbathing. Meanwhile, expand your palate by eating at Japanese or Cantonese restaurants, a steakhouse, or an Italian bistro. Rates start at $99 or 32,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

Consider getting one of the best Hilton credit cards — some of the current welcome bonus offers could score you several free nights at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

3 Best IHG Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

IHG offers a solid range of hotels in Kuala Lumpur and has a new hotel opening on November 1, 2024: Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Bangsar. Here are the best IHG hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

1. InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

InterContinental Kuala Lumpur is near the Petronas Towers in the KL City Center. While rooms do feel a bit dated, covered in carpet, dark wood, and earth tones, they’re comfortable and welcoming, with amenities like king-size beds and marble bathrooms. You can expect details like Nespresso machines, Byredo toiletries, and even kiddie tents if you book a family package.

The hotel is home to 5 restaurants (including a British pub and a Japanese eatery), a massive fifth-floor swimming pool, and the Jade Heritage Spa, which uses Malay techniques in its services, especially massages. Room rates start at $93 or 19,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

2. Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park

One of Kuala Lumpur’s newest hotels, Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park opened in late 2023. It overlooks the KL Forest Eco Park (the only remaining tropical rainforest in the city), one of the world’s tallest buildings (Merdeka 118), and the Menara KL Tower. Guest rooms bring in the local culture with Malaysian decor additions, like rattan, colorful textiles, and geometric paneling.

The hotel is brand-new, so everything feels sleek and modern, but it still has a commitment to sustainability. Some of the art installations were made from recycled bottles, some furniture was made from Malaysian tree roots, and the vertical garden in the lobby brings the outside in. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, and there’s a library section of the lobby where you can purchase books from local authors. Room rates start at $88 or 17,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

3. Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Opened in early 2024, Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre may just be the newest hotel in the city bookable with points. Although InterContinental properties are often more luxurious than Crowne Plaza properties, this particular hotel wins for being shiny, new, and comfortable.

Rooms, similar to the InterCon KL, are fully carpeted and feature sleeker furniture and decor (think contemporary settees set against massive windows so you can admire the city views and more inviting lighting). The hotel also has an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness center with city views, and 3 restaurants. Room rates start at $95 or 19,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

You might be able to find a 140,000-point (or even 150,000-point) welcome offer for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. However, if this card isn’t a fit for you, IHG has several other co-branded credit cards that may work for you.

Honorable Mentions: 2 Best Amex FHR Hotels To Book in Kuala Lumpur

When you book a hotel that’s part of Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program, you get significant benefits. Although it’s not a traditional hotel loyalty program, you can book the hotels either using Amex Membership Rewards points or cash.

However, only cardholders of certain Amex cards have access to this program. You can book Fine Hotels + Resorts if you hold The Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, or Centurion^® Card from American Express.

When booking a hotel in Kuala Lumpur with this program, you get the following perks and benefits:

• 12 p.m. check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people
• $100 experience credit, unique to each property
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout

1. Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur is next to the Petronas Towers and is one of the most luxurious hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Even the smallest rooms are nearly 700 square feet and feature massive floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views.

The hotel has a spa, infinity pool, and fitness center, plus 5 restaurants, including a pool bar. Room rates start at around $260 per night or 26,000 Membership Rewards points.

2. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Perched on the edge of the KLCC Park near the Petronas Towers, the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur also has large guest rooms and suites complete with huge windows, marble bathrooms, and iconic views (the ones of the park are best).

Home to 7 restaurants (including a cake shop), the hotel’s best feature is its stunning infinity-edge swimming pool, which feels almost tropical even amid the city center’s hustle. The hotel also has a spa and fitness center. Room rates start at $176 per night or 17,600 Membership Rewards points.

Hot Tip:

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur (part of Marriott) is also a member of the Fine Hotels + Resorts program.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have points to burn, want to build up a stash by earning points through paid hotel stays, or choose to reap the perks of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, Kuala Lumpur has a hotel (or several) that is right for you. Start by choosing the neighborhood and your points currency. Then select your property and book. Since KL’s hotels are fairly affordable, you may be able to stay at a more luxurious property, regardless of what currency (points or cash) you use to pay for your stay.