Where to stay in Malaysia

Our guide on the best places to stay in Malaysia

Malaysia is blessed with outstanding accommodation. In all of its key destinations you’ll find an enticing selection of upmarket and luxury hotels: ranging from a more private and boutique style, particularly in the secluded beach areas, up to large resorts from established brands which boasts all the bells and whistles.

Capital city Kuala Lumpur is primarily a business travel destination and you’ll find its hotel scene catered as such. All the big international brands are here – Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, Banyan Tree – represented in large tower hotels spread throughout the city centre. If you’re looking for something more intimate however there is a growing boutique hotel scene: the secluded Villa Samadhi, the stylish Chow Kit, and converted shophouse Anggun Boutique are all intriguing choices.

Outside of the capital the higher quality end of the hotel market trends towards smaller, highly attractive, boutique options. Properties such as the Majestic in Malacca, the Seven Terraces or the Edison in Penang, the Cameron Highlands Resort, or the Banjaran in Ipoh all keep a low-key presence within their locales while offering high comfort, polished service, and bags of character.

On Malaysia’s beaches you’ll find a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. If large family-friendly resorts are your preference look to the Shangri-La in Penang, or the Meritus Pelangi at the quieter end of Langkawi’s Pantai Cenang beach. If you prefer a more exclusive and elegant beach stay however then look towards the Japamala on east coast Tioman, the famed Pulau Pangkor Resort off the west coast, while on Langkawi we can suggest the Casa Del Mar with local amenities nearby, or the Datai in a totally secluded setting on the island’s pristine northern coast.