Where to Stay

Kuala Lumpur (KL) offers a wide range of hotels from leisure to business to budget, so there is something to meet everyone's requirements. Prices are generally affordable. Apart from the usual price and quality considerations, however, it is important to select a hotel that provides easy access to places you wish to visit, especially since getting stuck in a traffic jam is not on your itinerary, is it?

Golden Triangle

Most of Kuala Lumpur's best hotels are clustered within the famous Golden Triangle. With the many offices that have gained a foothold here, it shines as the city's prime commercial and banking district. If you came to KL to shop, stay in or near this zone because no other place offers as much to buy. The famous Bintang Walk is also found here, teeming with rows of shopping outlets and outdoor cafes.

At the highest end of the scale you might try the Hotel Imperial Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Sultan Ismail. It ranks among Southeast Asia's finest hotels. Another hotel that needs no introduction, the elegant Shangri-La Hotel, is a city getaway amid lush tropical gardens.

Hotels linked directly to shopping establishments include the JW Marriott Hotel which is joined to the opulent Starhill Gallery. On the west side of the district on Jalan Imbi, the Ritz-Carlton sits next to the upscale Lot 10, one of the oldest shopping malls on this side of town. Concorde Hotel on the other hand houses the famous Hard Rock Cafe. Guests will not only enjoy countless music memorabilia but also a shopping arcade that features some of the world's leading designer names.

Standing pretty much on its own on a five-hectare hillock, the majestic Crowne Plaza Mutiara lies a few minute's walk from the shopping belt. It offers impeccable service with prices to match. Others like the Royale Bintang and the Parkroyal Hotel provide reasonable value, considering their favorable locations in this prime district.

Omit all that luxury and extravagance and discover a range of moderately priced yet decent hotels. A short walk from Jalan Bukit Bintang sits the Allson Genesis Hotel and the Hotel Capitol - business traveler establishments with rooms worth your consideration.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

The famous KLCC district offers a fair share of hotels. These hotels stand close to the famed Petronas Twin Towers with an upmarket shopping complex, Suria KLCC. Though several internationally renowned hotels are located in this district, the others here provide value-for-money in the heart of KL's most modern commercial hub.

Overlooking the 50-acre landscaped KLCC Park, the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel has become a landmark on its own. It connects by a walkway to the 88-story Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC retail center and the Petronas Philharmonic Concert Hall. In the same class is the Corus Hotel, which features a shopping arcade, a magnificent outdoor park and varied entertainment outlets.

Business travelers might want to consider the Dorsett Regency, which nestles in a quiet enclave just a short walk from the majestic Petronas Twin Towers. The Regency and Melia Kuala Lumpur are not too far from commercial plazas in the Golden Triangle.

Putra World Trade Centre

For those who must frequent the Putra World Trade Centre, several hotels lie scattered around the area. Positioned in one of the city's most exciting commercial sections, these are suitably located for business travelers. Located directly above the famous entertainment and shopping complex Mall, is the Legend Hotel. Opposite and next to the Putra World Trade Centre is yet another famous 5-star property—the Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur. Less lofty choices in the area include the Dynasty Hotel and the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Chinatown

For additional inexpensive lodging away from the city center, try Chinatown. Perfect for bargain hunters, this district lies close to the colonial core's attractions and the Lake Gardens area. The area also houses Hindu and Chinese Temples, such as the Sze Ya Temple and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple plus the Central Market on the west side.

Moderate accommodations in Chinatown include the Swiss Inn at Petaling Street, while at the lower end you might try others like the Hotel Grand Olympic, opposite KL's sports stadiums, and the Hotel Malaya. Basic yet pleasant rooms can be found at Hotel Grand Centrepoint.

Ampang

Quiet Ampang also offers a range of hotels, starting with the world class Hotel Nikko. Comfortable business class accomidation is found at Hotel Maya while Zon offers short and long term service apartments.