Kuala Lumpur accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “The Garden City of Lights”.
Kuala Lumpur known for: iconic towers, temples, shopping malls, museums, convention centers, street markets, parks, gardens, squares, skyline, observation decks, natural surroundings, hiking trails, waterfalls
Located in central-western Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a federal territory as well as Malaysia’s capital city. Attributed to the Gombak and Klang Rivers’ confluence, “Kuala Lumpur” means “muddy confluence”. Kuala Lumpur was once part of Selangor (Malaysian state), which now surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur along with Putrajaya (federal territory / Malaysia’s administrative center). Found in the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur is bordered by the Titiwangsa Mountains (eastward), smaller mountain ranges (north & southward) and the Strait of Malacca & Sumatra Island (westward). 400 million years old and the site of Hindu temples and shrines, the limestone Batu Caves await just northward of the city.
Kuala Lumpur main attractions: Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC (shopping mall), Pavilion KL (shopping mall), KLCC Park, Central Market (shopping mall), Independence (Merdeka) Square, Mid Valley Megamall (shopping mall), Menara Kuala Lumpur (landmark tower), Aquaria KLCC (aquarium), 1 Utama Shopping Centre (shopping mall), Berjaya Times Square (shopping mall ), Plaza Low Yat (shopping mall), MyTOWN Shopping Centre (shopping mall), SOGO Kuala Lumpur (shopping mall), Perdana Botanical Garden, National Mosque of Malaysia, Sunway Putra Mall (shopping mall), The Gardens Mall (shopping mall), World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. KL Bird Park (wildlife park), Lot 10 (shopping mall), LuLu Hypermarket Kuala Lumpur, Thean Hou Temple (Buddhist temple), Little India Brickfields (tourist attraction), Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque, Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, Jalan Alor Food Street (night market), Petrosains, The Discovery Centre (science museum), Istana Negara (historical landmark), Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, TREC Kuala Lumpur (night club), SuperPark Malaysia (indoor playground), Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Bordering / surrounding Kuala Lumpur points of interest: Kemensah Trail, Dam Stop (scenic spot), Bukit Kembara Trailhead (hiking area), KL-View in Ampang (tourist attraction), Bukit Saga via Taman Saga (hiking area), Ketumbar Hill (hiking area), National Stadium Bukit Jalil, Wawasan Hill Trail (hiking area), Sunway Lagoon (theme park), Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi (park), Thai Buddhist Chetawan Pagoda (Buddhist temple), Taman Tasik Metropolitan Kepong (park), Pisang Waterfall, Lepoh Waterfall
Kuala Lumpur main airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Airport car rental agencies: Suria Car Rental, SN AUTO HUB, Smartrent Car Rental
Cars travel on the left-hand side.
Rideshare service: Grab
Rapid transit subway / monorail system: Rapid KL
Kuala Lumpur top events: Thaipusam, Wesak Day, Kaamatan and Gawai Harvest Festivals, Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Malaysia Water Festival, Control World Expo, ARCHIDEX
More fun things: Food Tour, Top Sites Tour
Kuala Lumpur professional football club: Kuala Lumpur City F.C.
Kuala Lumpur currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Legal drinking age: 21 years old
When traveling to Kuala Lumpur there are some things to keep in mind. Haggling at street markets can result in lower prices. The Kuala Lumpur area is largely Muslim. Couples should refrain from PDA (public displays of affection) while in public. Women travelers should have no problem wearing dresses in tourist areas or bikinis at the beach. In temples modest attire is required. Macaques (monkeys) are common at tourist sites. Generally physically harmless, macaques are known to steal people’s belongings. Kuala Lumpur accommodations are some of Southeast Asia’s best. Before we get to Kuala Lumpur accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
1820s settlements appear to have existed at the Gombak and Klang Rivers’ confluence. A relatively young city, Kuala Lumpur likely was founded by Raja Abdullah (Malay Chief of Klang) in 1857. Abdullah sent Chinese tin miners to the area, which had been first-mined in the 1840s. Kuala Lumpur began as a small hamlet with a few houses and shops. The area’s first productive tin mine was located in Ampang (eastern Kuala Lumpur – malaria setbacks). Traders from Luku, Hiu Siew and Yap Ah Sze established provisions and tin trading posts. A town would begin to form around Old Market Square, and competition for productive tin mines grew fierce. Tin miners formed gangs, which fought frequently. The 1860s brought important leaders / groups: Yap Ah Loy (third Chinese Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur), Haji Mohamed Tahir (Dato Dagang “chief of traders”), Minangkabaus of Sumatra (established tobacco plantations) and Haji Mohamed Taib (early-Kampung Baru Malay enclave development). Fire and flooding proved problematic for early Kuala Lumpur. The Selangor Civil War (Klang War) occurred from 1867 to 1874. Raja Abdullah loyalists (aided by UK near war’s end) and Raja Mahdi-loyalist Sumatran groups fought for control of Selangor, with British-backed loyalists arising victorious. In 1880 British colonials moved the area’s administrative state capital from Klang to Kuala Lumpur, which became capital of the state of Selangor. Frank Swettenham (British colonial administrator) widened city streets and replaced fire-prone wooden buildings with brick-and-tile buildings. Characteristic of the area became shophouse architecture. Swettenham completed the Kuala Lumpur-Klang railway line in 1886. A palpable population increase coupled with cholera created the need for a Sanitary Board (created May 14, 1890). British-occupied Selangor became part of the “Federated Malay States” circa 1895. Kuala Lumpur expanded in square miles from 0.25 (1895) to 7.7 (1903) to 20 (1924). Selangor’s rubber industry came to light in the early-20th century, when demand for car tires led to an economic boom. The Imperial Japanese Army captured Kuala Lumpur on January 11, 1942 (World War II), though Japanese General Seishirō Itagaki would relinquish the city to British administration following Hiroshima and Nagasaki events (atomic bombings). Malaysia gained independence from British rule via the 1957 Malayan Declaration of Independence. The 1946-1960 “Malayan Emergency” between British Empire / Commonwealth forces and Communist forces saw a British-backed victory. Communist forces would retreat to the Malayan-Thai border. The Second Malayan Emergency (1968-1989) brought the “Peace Agreement of Hat Yai” (ended Communist insurgency in Malaysia). In 1974 Kuala Lumpur became a Federal Territory at a time when it had amassed 94 square miles (also separated from Selangor at this time). Beginning in the 1990s Kuala Lumpur’s metropolitan area would gain more ground (Klang Valley developments). The Petronas Towers were completed on March 1, 1996, followed by Merdeka 118 in November, 2023.
Home to around 2 million “Kuala Lumpurians”, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur is commonly referred to as “KL”. Malaysia’s national capital and largest city, Kuala Lumpur attracts about 9 million annual visitors. Along with the Monarch of Malaysia and Parliament, three of the world’s top-ten largest shopping malls are based in The Garden City of Lights. Kuala Lumpur is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate, with year-round warm / hot temperatures. KL’s record-low is 64 °F. Monsoon season occurs between October and March.
Additional points of interest: Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), National Museum of Malaysia, St. John’s Cathedral, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Merdeka 118, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Bukit Bintang (shopping, entertainment, red-light district), Petaling Street (Chinatown), Tugu Negara (National Monument), Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Saloma Link (pedestrian bridge)
Kuala Lumpur local foods: durian, nasi lemak (rice dish – cooked in coconut milk & pandan leaves), Ikan bakar (charcoal-grilled fish), char kway teow (flat noodles – stir-fried w/ shrimp, sausage, oyster sauce, bean sprouts, chives, soy sauce, other ingredients), roti canai (flatbread)
Popular drinks: toddy (palm wine), samsu liquor, tuak (rice wine), Teh tarik (hot milk tea drink)
With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Kuala Lumpur accommodations that will help make for a memorable trip.
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Petrosains, The Discovery Centre
Hotel amenities: outdoor infinity pool, poolside cabanas / daybeds, city / park views, spa, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, marble bathrooms, indoor golf area, tennis courts
Nearby restaurants / bars: M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza (Italian restaurant), Marble 8 (steakhouse), Mandarin Grill (bar and grill), Mosto Wine Bar & Restaurant, WIP On The Park (restaurant), Mosaic (buffet restaurant), Aqua Restaurant & Bar (tapas restaurant), Lai Po Heen (Chinese restaurant), Lai Po Heen Cantonese Restaurant, WET® Deck, W Kuala Lumpur (bar), Lounge on the Park (cocktail bar), MariGin (bar)
Nearby misc.: Haagen Dazs (ice cream shop), KLCC Park, Galeri Petronas (art gallery)
Within feet:
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- Petrosains, The Discovery Centre
- Suria KLCC
- Kuala Lumpur City Centre KLCC
- Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Avenue K Shopping Mall
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Within 1.3 miles:
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- Merdeka Square
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
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Within 1.7 miles:
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- Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
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Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is 25 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Park View Connecting Room): $933
Cost per person (six people): $155
citizenM
128 Jalan Pudu, Bukit Bintang
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPads (control room lights, black-out blinds, curtains, temperature, TV & radio channels), safety deposit boxes, desks, 24-hour front desk, business center, free private parking
Nearby: Blue Boy Vegetarian Food Court – Bukit Bintang (vegetarian restaurant), Daawat Restaurant (Indian restaurant), Dury Dury (fruits wholesaler)
Within feet:
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- St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
- Bukit Bintang Walkway
- Hutan Simpan Bukit Nanas
- Imbi Train Station
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Within 1 mile:
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- Kuala Lumpur City Centre
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- National Planetarium Kuala Lumpur
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citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang is 24 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $86
The RuMa Hotel and Residences
7 Jalan Kia Peng
Aquaria KLCC
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool, city views, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, desks, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing / concierge service
Nearby: Little Rara Thai Noodle House, Fuze Club, Paramount Club, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Within feet:
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- Aquaria KLCC
- KLCC Park
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
- The Starhill
- Fahrenheit 88
- Dinner In The Sky Malaysia
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Sultan Abdul Samad Building
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- National Textiles Museum Kuala Lumpur
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Within 2.2 miles:
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- National Museum of Malaysia
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The RuMa Hotel and Residences is 25 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Grand Suite): $598
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
11 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
Hotel amenities: multiple dining options, bar, afternoon tea, outdoor swimming pool, city views, sauna, steam room, hot tub, fitness center, large windows, stylish décor, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea / coffee making facilities, mini-bars, bathrobes, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, laundry services
Nearby: Nipah (pan-Asian restaurant), Sabayon (restaurant), Busy Bean Coffee (coffee store), The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (coffee shop), Equatorial Plaza, Mirchi Club, Minf Houze Vegan Cafe, MST Golf Super Store
Within feet:
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- Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
- Aquaria KLCC
- Petronas Philharmonic Hall
- Suria KLCC
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
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Within 3.1 miles:
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- Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and Visitor Centre
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Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is 25 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Premier Selection Suite): $345
Cost per person (three people): $115
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
2 Jalan Stesen Sentral
KL Sentral
Hotel amenities: 4 dining options, outdoor swimming pool, panoramic city, lake & garden views, large windows, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, workstations, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, luggage storage, laundry service
Nearby: PRIME (steakhouse), Latest Recipe (restaurant), Skin Master (medical spa), National Mosque of Malaysia
Within feet:
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- KL Sentral (transit station)
- National Planetarium Kuala Lumpur
- Little India of Kuala Lumpur
- Buddhist Maha Vihara Brickfields
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Within 1 mile:
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- Thean Hou Temple
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Mid Valley Megamall
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Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur is 24 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Le Meridien Suite): $339
Cost per person (three people): $113
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
12, Jalan Pinang
Petronas Twin Towers | Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Hotel amenities: 3 restaurants, bar with Petronas Twin Towers views, outdoor swimming pool, city / park views, terrace, spa, 24-hour fitness center, floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, luggage storage, business center, meeting rooms, airport transfers for an extra charge
Nearby: Le Petit Chef (restaurant), THIRTY8 Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, Plenary Hall, KLCC (concert hall), Bentley Kuala Lumpur (Bentley dealer)
Within feet:
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- Petronas Twin Towers
- Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
- Kuala Lumpur City Centre
- Bukit Bintang Walkway
- Menara KL Tower
- Raja Chulan Train Station
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Within 1 mile:
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- Pudu Sentral Bus Terminal
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Within 1.3 miles:
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- Merdeka Square
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Within 2.1 miles:
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- Perdana Botanical Gardens
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Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is 25 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Grand Suite with Tower View): $876
Cost per person (three people): $292
EQ Kuala Lumpur
Equatorial Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail
Suria KLCC
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet / American breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, city views, garden, spa, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, desks, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk, free private parking, airport transfers
Also in the area: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Within feet:
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- Suria KLCC
- Aquaria KLCC
- Petrosains, The Discovery Centre
- Petronas Twin Towers
- The Starhill
- Berjaya Times Square
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Sultan Abdul Samad Building
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- National Museum of Malaysia
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Within 2.6 miles:
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- Thean Hou Temple
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EQ Kuala Lumpur is 25 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Studio Suite): $546
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
No 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2
National Museum of Malaysia | Orang Asli Craft Museum Kuala Lumpur | National Planetarium Kuala Lumpur
Hotel amenities: multiple restaurants, bar, breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, fitness center, floor-to-ceiling windows, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage space, meeting room facilities, private parking, shuttle service
Nearby: Iketeru (Japanese restaurant), USHI (fine dining restaurant), Astor Bar, EST BREW (coffee shop)
Within feet:
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- National Museum of Malaysia (history museum)
- Orang Asli Craft Museum Kuala Lumpur
- National Planetarium Kuala Lumpur
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
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Within 6 miles:
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- Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and Visitor Centre
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The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is 32 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (John Jacob Astor Suite): $2,744
Else Kuala Lumpur
145, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre
National Textiles Museum | Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, à la carte breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, fitness center, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric tea pots, mini-bars, safety deposit boxes, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, ironing service, business center
Nearby restaurants / bars: Raw (restaurant), Coupe De Vin (wine bar)
Nearby misc.: AOOO Melbourne Cafe, Pucks Coffee (coffee shop), Wong Mee Coffee Stall (coffee shop), NEW FLOWER MARKET, Guan Di Temple Chinatown (Taoist temple)
Within feet:
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- National Textiles Museum Kuala Lumpur
- Sultan Abdul Samad Building (19th century building / gov. offices)
- Taman Megalith PETRONAS
- Merdeka Square
- Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
- Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
- Pasar Seni Train Station
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Within 1 mile:
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- Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Petronas Twin Towers
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Else Kuala Lumpur is 24 miles from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Sanctuary Room): $307
Marriott Executive Apartments Kuala Lumpur
17 Jalan Kia Peng
KLCC Park | Pavilion Kuala Lumpur | Suria KLCC Shopping Centre
Hotel amenities: restaurant, buffet breakfast (surcharge), rooftop terrace, 2 indoor pools, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, electric vehicle charging point, free parking
Nearby restaurants: Bistro Kia Peng, Pokok KLCC Lot 91 (Asian fusion restaurant), Tenmasa Tempura Bar, Sushi Ryu, Hannari Sushi Kappou Fine Dining (authentic Japanese restaurant), 6 Degrees (Mediterranean restaurant), Grand Hisar Turkish Restaurant, Anjum KLCC (Middle Eastern restaurant)
Nearby misc.: TRIAD (gym)
Within feet:
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- KLCC Park (urban park)
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (shopping center)
- Suria KLCC Shopping Centre (shopping mall)
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Marriott Executive Apartments Kuala Lumpur is 56 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Apartment, 3 Bedrooms, Park View): $472
Cost per person (seven people): $67
So there they are, Kuala Lumpur accommodations that will help make for a memorable trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Malaysia!