Best Luxury Hotels in Malaysia
The iconic soaring twin Petronas Towers stand sentinel over Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, nestled among skyscrapers (which look small by comparison) and fascinating Colonial-era buildings. It’s an alluring and vibrant Southeast Asian city, quite different to the country’s dreamy coastal resorts and places of spiritual contemplation. Colourful with amazing food and warm people, Malaysia makes for a wonderfully cheery hot weather holiday, with lashings of Far Eastern culture – whether you choose to remain in the centre of the city or retreat to the stunning shoreline. Here are our favourite hotels to stay at when visiting the country.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields
Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur
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.
Kedah, Langkawi, Pantai Kok
The Danna Langkawi
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.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, KLCC
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
Set on the top seven floors of a towering skyscraper, the Banyan Tree is a sleek and modern space that can be found in the very centre of the Malaysian capital. Clean lines and bright surfaces are enlivened with plenty of splashes of colour to appeal to those who are young at heart. There are just 55 rooms for guests to choose from, which helps to add to the feeling of opulence, and being attached to Pavilion Mall you are two minutes from shopping heaven!
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, KLCC
EQ Kuala Lumpur
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.
Kedah, Langkawi, Pantai Kok
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi is a stunning beachfront hotel comprised of deluxe rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel’s design is inspired by nature, local architecture, and indigenous art. Each room has been carefully decorated with a modern, Malaysian twist and invites guests to step into nature with a blend of natural materials and light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Panoramic views of the ocean are the Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s signature and allow guests to marvel at the spectacular sunsets on the island. Situated in a private bay that is home to a 10-million-year-old rainforest, you can host unforgettable functions for up to 380 guests in one of six unique, indoor, outdoor, and overwater event spaces. Tranquillity is at its finest in the hotel spa where guests can receive treatments embracing indigenous healing and beauty practices. Guests can dine out in any of the Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s first-class restaurants, including one adults-only lounge.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, set within the soaring Merdeka 118 skyscraper, occupies levels 75 to 114, making it one of the highest hotels in the world. The property offers 252 guestrooms and suites, each framed by floor-to-ceiling windows capturing panoramic city views. Interiors by G.A Group take cues from traditional Malay Kampung houses, combining natural timber, woven textures and artisanal details with contemporary artistry.
The dining programme includes Merdeka Grill for premium cuts and sustainable seafood, Park Lounge serving heritage Malaysian dishes and elegant afternoon tea, and Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, the city’s first chocolate-themed bar. On the 99th floor, the wellness sanctuary features private treatment suites, a yoga studio, aromatherapy steam bath, vitality pool, Himalayan Salt Alcove, and a 30-metre infinity pool with skyline views.
A state-of-the-art fitness centre completes the offering. The hotel is within the Merdeka 118 Precinct, providing exclusive access to Stadium Merdeka, the Al-Sultan Abdullah Mosque, and local museums, creating a seamless connection between Kuala Lumpur’s heritage and its modern cityscape.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang
Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur Managed By Banyan Tree
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.
Kedah, Langkawi, Kuah
The St. Regis Langkawi
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.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Set in the very heart of the city, the Shangri La Kuala Lumpur provides guests with a luxurious retreat. The hotel’s décor boasts tones of gold, black and silver and every surface is polished so that it gleams. The main lobby is extremely impressive as it is set with a wide staircase and plenty of nooks where guests can unwind. There are 662 rooms in the hotel that fall into ten different types of rooms and suites for guests to choose from, ranging from the deluxe to the extremely spacious royal suite that offers stunning panoramic city views. The hotel is especially celebrated for its huge outdoor swimming pool, which boasts views of the Menara Tower, while guests are also treated to a modern spa. Lovers of fine dining are sure to be in their element as there are eight different excellent restaurants to choose from on the site including the Lemon Garden, which features a huge buffet including an impressive seafood section.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
Conveniently located right next to KL Central train station, St Regis KL reflects the luxury and style of the 20th-century New York Art Deco theme. This includes wide spaces set with gleaming marble, lavish chandeliers and subtle yet evocative murals. Guests are treated to a personal 24-hour butler service and impressive picture windows that provide plenty of light as well as unblocked views of the city centre’s iconic attractions. Guests who book one of the couple’s suites will also be treated to their very own hot tub and sauna for optimum luxury.
Malaysia, Melaka
Casa del Rio Melaka
The 5-star Casa del Rio Melaka is a spectacular waterfront hotel with beautiful views of the Melaka River and nearby Piazza. Guests can discover Malaysia while staying in a luxurious, Mediterranean-style guestroom or suite with stunning balcony views. This hotel also features two split-level Premier suites – the Royal Suite and the Presidential Suite – where guests are invited to sprawl in spacious, beautifully decorated accommodations. The River Grill and River Café serve a breakfast buffet and traditional, local Malaysian dishes in style while Bar Rio invites guests to indulge in a carefully crafted cocktail. Bar Sol sits beside the hotel’s shimmering rooftop infinity pool and treats guests to a panoramic view of the city’s skyline and the Straits while they savour tapas and tipples. The on-site Satkara Spa provides a blissful experience for guests to unwind and a range of full-body spa treatments to transport them and reinvigorate their senses. Casa del Rio Melaka is also the ideal location for hosting unforgetting functions and a first-class wedding venue
Penang, George Town
Macalister Mansion
This century-old mansion was the first member of Design Hotels in Malaysia. Each of its eight unique suites has specially commissioned artwork, different architectural features and mod cons like minibars and Nespresso machines. Blanc, serving French – Asian fusion cuisine is considered to be one of the finest contemporary dining establishments in the city, while The Cellar, is a sophisticated haunt, specialising in whisky and cheese. Guests can stay active in the small gym, or with laps in the shimmering green pool.