
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.
Kedah, Langkawi, Pantai Kok
Berjaya Langkawi Resort
(5 stars)The unique Berjaya Langkawi Resort features individual chalets that float above the clear waters of the Andaman Sea in addition to those which are nestled in the verdant rainforest. The dining experience in this hotel invites guests to indulge in the sumptuous flavours of Malaysia and the rest of the world with a wide range of restaurants and cuisines available. Getting to and from the airport and around the resort is made easy with the transfer and shuttle services on offer. Guests can explore the natural beauty of the archipelago thanks to a range of activities available on land and at sea – including island hopping by jet ski, a round island tour by boat and jungle trekking. Berjaya Langkawi Resort is also home to 9 event spaces to suit any occasion, including the largest ballroom in the island, which can host up to 900 persons. The hotel is home to a delightful spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Ampang
Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur
(5 stars)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.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
(5 stars)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.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, KLCC
W Kuala Lumpur
(5 stars)Offering guests easy access to KLCC Park and Suria KLCC shopping mall, W Kuala Lumpur boasts a fun and friendly use of colours and style to make guests from all walks of life feel right at home. From bamboo chandeliers to warm LED lighting, the hotel has plenty of character while also offering pure luxury in terms of spacious guest rooms and sumptuous furnishings. Each room features a well-stocked minibar and a LED lighted cabinet containing tea and coffee-making facilities and wine glasses, while the en suite bathrooms come with large bathtubs and powerful showers. Whether guests are travelling for business or pleasure they are sure to love unwinding in the on-site spa, which comes complete with a sauna, while the swimming pool boasts uninterrupted views of the iconic Petronas Towers and sipping a cocktail beside the pool is the perfect way to get the evening started before indulging in a meal in one of the on-site restaurants.
Kedah, Langkawi, Pantai Cenang
Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi
(5 stars)For a tropical stay that combines the luxury you crave with the ethnicity of the area, the Meritus Pelangi resort certainly delivers. Nestled along the shores of Cenang Beach, the resort boasts a full kilometre of white sandy beach. A variety of suites and rooms each offer plush bedding, opulent amenities, and views of the lush scenery out every window. Premier dining abounds throughout the resort and you can also take advantage of an exclusive spa menu, two beautiful pools, and plenty of recreational opportunities, including biking and squash.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur
Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown
(5 stars)Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown offers 410 accommodations, comprising 306 guestrooms and suites along with 104 fully serviced residences. Located in the vibrant KL Midtown neighbourhood, the hotel is within walking distance of MITEC and close to Kuala Lumpur’s cultural landmarks, shopping districts and business hubs. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the property combines natural materials, light-filled spaces and a serene sense of balance.
Choose from 15 room types and 22 suites, with Regency Club guests enjoying exclusive lounge access. Residences feature one or two bedrooms, complete with kitchenettes and private lobby entrances. Four distinctive dining venues include Midtown Brasserie, Midtown Lounge, China House and ENSŌ Izakaya & Bar. Recreation highlights include infinity pools for both hotel and residence guests, Breeze Pool Bar, a Kidz Club, and a 24-hour Core Fitness Center. With 16 event spaces, including a ballroom and a tranquil Courtyard, the hotel delivers a versatile destination for conferences, gatherings and city escapes.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
(5 stars)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.
Kedah, Langkawi, Kuah
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
(5 stars)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.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, KLCC
Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre
(5 stars)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.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
(5 stars)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.
Malaysia, Melaka
Dusit Princess Melaka
(5 stars)Dusit Princess Melaka, brings premium Thai-inspired hospitality to the heart of Melaka. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage City, the hotel features 296 rooms and suites, each offering contemporary comfort, modern décor, and panoramic views of the historic city and Straits of Melaka. Blending timeless elegance with touches of local heritage, the interiors provide a calming setting for both business and leisure travellers.
Dining is central to the experience, with Zest Restaurant serving international cuisine, Long Feng presenting authentic Chinese flavours, and Famosa Lounge offering a lively space for cocktails and light snacks. Wellness and recreation facilities include the deepest swimming pool in the state and a fully equipped 24-hour gym. Guests can further immerse themselves in curated experiences that showcase the city’s rich culture, architecture, and culinary traditions.
Sabah, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
(5 stars)Also part of the Shangri-La, the sleek Tanjung Aru, like its sister property, has extensive facilities for recreation and dining. This hotel is a short walk from the beach but has clear views of the South China Sea from many of its public areas and Tanjung wing bedrooms. Popular with families, the themed parties at the Cool Zone Kids’ Club and the water play area (with three slides, a giant bucket splash and a water balloon war station) are a hit with little ones. Meanwhile, parents can bliss out at Chi The Spa, with Bornean treatments, yoga, t’ai chi and pilates classes.
