Best Luxury Hotels in Malaysia

Once the Hotel Equatorial, this 52-storey 1970s landmark received a makeover at the end of last decade, after which it was quickly named Winner of Best New Hotel Asia Pacific 2019 by Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards. The five-star EQ occupies the top half of the building (the rest is fancy office space) and is found close to KL’s Golden Triangle. The award-winning GDP Architects added energy-saving technology during the refurb, and remarkable features, such as a three-storey corkscrew staircase ascending from the lobby. Facilities include The Bottega Lounge, Kampachi and Nipah restaurants, the Diamond Ballroom, a rooftop dining terrace, a spa and an infinity pool.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in bedrooms provide excellent views across the city and iconic towers, at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel. Relax on a lounger beside the large freeform pool, in the sauna, or with treatments at Mandara Spa, after a day’s sightseeing. Or get active at the fitness centre and on the hotel’s tennis courts. Then grab a spot of lunch at Evolution Café, cocktails at The Poolside Gazebo, or a light bite at the R Bar. The property also provides a kids’ pool and play area. It is found in the Central Business District.

This heritage building dates back to the 1930s and is counted among Southeast Asia’s Grande Dames. The Majestic Wing is the original, neo-classical part of the hotel with bedrooms for adults only, while the Tower Wing is its family-friendly 12-storey annexe completed in 2012. Both have an art deco feel to the interiors and each has its own pool. The Colonial Café, the Bar, the Tea Lounge, the Writer’s Room, the Drawing Room, the Orchid Conservatory and the Cigar Room are all in the Majestic Wing, with the Contago Restaurant in the Tower Wing. The hotel also has a pool and spa, inspired by Charles Rennie Macintosh’s Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow.

Stay in this urban lifestyle resort, with eco-chic credentials. The 527-bedroom Parkroyal Collection is located in the buzzing Bukit Bintang district. At the top is a swanky roof terrace with 13,000 square feet of lush greenery, including a vertical garden with sky planters, a swimming pool and the Skye Chill pool bar. The hotel’s front elevation also displays an array of plants cascading from balconies. The interiors follow an earthy palette, with lots of natural wood textures and environmentally-friendly gadgets. It also offers an all-day dining restaurant and The Botanist Lounge & Bar.

An urban oasis in the heart of bustling Bukit Bintang, the Pavilion Hotel is connected to a huge shopping and entertainment complex. But there’s plenty to do within the property. It boasts an infinity pool with wonderful views, a state-of-the-art Sky Gym and a kid’s club. Dine at Jade, a pork-free Chinese restaurant, or in The Courtyard, where you can choose from indoor and outdoor tables. The Cove is the Pavilion’s take on a speakeasy, an intimate space with bar, table and sofa seating. The hotel has 325 rooms and encompasses nine floors.

Clean lines, a white palette and architecture that maximises natural light lead the way at this Hyatt Hotel. Alila Bangsar stands tall and proud on the city skyline; its dark external cladding and neon signage mark it out as a modern emblem, housed on the upper floors of the Establishment building. Book the Alila Suite for 252 square meters of your own space, a balcony, a living area and far-reaching views. Dine on French food, 41 floors up at Entier, or on Asia fare at Botanica + Co and take a dip in the pool.

Park yourself at the centre of the Malaysian capital’s action, at the Intercontinental. You can easily walk to the Petronas Towers, Skytrain, KLCC Park and shopping mall from here. But you’ll also enjoy the trappings of a resort, with a palm-fringed outdoor pool, the Sompoton Spa and a fitness centre. The high-rise hotel has 473 decorated in earthy tones, with huge beds and comfy workstations. Tatsu Japanese Cuisine, Tao Chinese Cuisine and the Serena Brasserie are the hotel’s restaurants, with Bentley’s Pub and OneSixFive available for drinks and snacks.

Occupying a prime location on Jalan Bukit Bintang, this hotel is ideal for those wishing to immerse in the city’s entertainment and shopping options, as well as for those travelling on business. There are 738 bedrooms, including those beside the pool and suites for guests needing a little more space. Dining takes place at Shanghai, Shook! restaurant or Luk Yu Tea House. Or grab a bite at the intimate Alchemy bar, where gin botanicals and a New York-style afternoon tea are served. In addition to the outdoor pool, there’s a fitness centre and sauna for all your wellness needs.

Nestled between the rainforest and the tranquillity of Datai Bay, the Andaman has 178 luxurious rooms and suites, each outfitted in a contemporary Malaysian style. That means plush bedding, top-of-the-line amenities, and lush views of both the rainforest and the water. The resort offers premier diving opportunities in the 8,000-year-old coral reef that fringes the shores. The spa offers a one-of-a-kind menu and the nature walks organised by the resort enable you to take in everything the area has to offer. Premier dining and a lovely bar round out all the perks you can take advantage of at The Andaman.

This delight of Mediterranean architecture is located at Telega Harbour Park, giving you gorgeous access to the rainforest and the ocean in one place. The Danna has been awarded the Best Hotel in Langkawi for four years running and you can see the dedication to an opulent tropical getaway in the attention to detail. That includes well-outfitted suites, villas, and rooms that are comfortable and luxurious, as well as a 3-tiered infinity pool and spa. Four full-service restaurants offer the utmost in fine dining, but there’s also 24-hour room service available.

This 5-star luxury hotel is found on the southern tip of the Jewel of Kedah and is the true picture of seaside paradise. With the gorgeous flora and fauna of the rainforest on one side and the sparkling blue of the Andaman Sea on the other side, this resort is one of a kind. Your sophisticated beachfront holiday is complete in any of the hotel’s 85 suites, but you can experience the island in a unique way by booking one of the four over-water villas. Premier butler service, six restaurants, an oasis like spa, and chauffeured limousine service make this opulent hotel a great choice in Langkawi.

The lavish seaside Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is home to the ultimate, luxury getaway for all the family. There are 221 stylish rooms, suites, and villas – ranging from two to five bedrooms – with private infinity pools on offer. The hotel is perched near a Jetty point on the Andaman Sea and facilitates a range of on-land and at-sea activities to entertain guests of all ages. First-class dining options are on hand as well as alfresco, cabana and terrace eateries. Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa has a selection of child-friendly and adult-only pools and a lush, swim-up bar to cater to guests at all times. For guests wishing to keep active, the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre is on hand in addition to an award-winning personal trainer to get you moving. The Wellness program prioritises wellbeing and Heavenly Spa by Westin™ provides complete serenity. For young guests, there is an exciting recreation centre and kid’s club.