Kuala Lumpur’s Most Affordable 5-Star Hotels
Kuala Lumpur has the cheapest five-star hotels on the planet according to a recent report entitled The Random Walk – Mapping the World's Prices in 2015. The report, commissioned by Deutsche Bank, lists the average price of five-star hotel rooms in 28 leading cities with the Malaysian capital, at just $AUD108 per night, claiming clear position as the most inexpensive luxury city break. In contrast, Sydney came in as the most expensive at about $1230 per night on average.
Mark Eveleigh travelled to Kuala Lumpur – chasing Champagne on a beer budget – and came up with a list of very affordable luxury in five of Kuala Lumpur’s finest hotels.
The Shangri-La is located close to many of the city’s glitziest nightlife spots and chicest shopping venues in Bukit Bintang quarter. A standard Executive Room starts at $174 and facilities include one of the best hotel swimming pools in the entire city and one of the world’s most spectacularly extensive breakfast buffets. Shangri-La’s famous Shang Palace has become a firm favourite for traditional Chinese fine dining and Arthur’s Bar & Grill is one of the trendiest places to meet for cocktails.
Situated in the heart of the business and tourist district and right next door to the luxurious Suria KLCC mall, this splendid hotel offers spacious B&B rooms with the most polished service in the city from just $219. Lai Poh Heen, the hotel restaurant, is famous throughout Asia as the best place for dim sum in the entire city.
The Grand Hyatt offers B&B rooms starting from $108 with the best possible views of the iconic Petronas Towers gleaming through the night like diamond-covered rocket ships. Attention to detail includes built-in VIP service from arrival with top-flight check-in at the Sky Lobby and Champagne and strawberries for honeymooners. Stay long enough to experience the traditional Malay ramuan treatment at Essa Spa.
This is the most historic of KL fine hotels. Even if you aren’t staying here make time to pop in for high tea in the regal Tea Lounge. Or drop over for a cigar and a game of billiards in the Smoke Room that still feels as if it echoes to the talk of the old-time planters who used to ride up to the lobby on their horses. The Contango restaurant buffet offers a selection of more than 300 dishes and, at $41, is superb value for fine dining. The Majestic offers deluxe Tower Wing rooms from $177 (B&B) but if you’re looking for a spectacular upgrade reserve the Majestic Suite (previous temporary occupants include football stars David Beckham and Eric Cantona). If it seems pricey at $3231 per night, bear in mind that it includes the services of a personal 24-hour butler among countless other luxury benefits.
A magical oasis in the city that has long been one of KL’s best-kept secrets. This 21-room boutique hotel offers unique accommodation from $193 with each room individually furnished and decorated with fascinating antiques and artefacts. Increasing numbers of business travellers are realising that there are benefits to be had from a suite in a peaceful upscale neighbourhood that is just 10 minutes from the business centre. Several suites are fitted with en-suite kitchens and most boast private jacuzzis. You can eat at the property but there are complimentary shuttles to transport you to the sister restaurants, Taramind Hill and Tamarind Springs.
Images: Majestic Hotel
