Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur: Stylish boutique hotels that are totally Instagrammable

Looking for a quick escape that won’t stretch your budget? Kuala Lumpur is perfect for a weekend getaway. With the exchange rate working in Singapore’s favour, you can check into chic boutique hotels at wallet-friendly prices – all centrally located and close to the city’s must-see spots.

 Here are four of our favourites.

Kloe Hotel

For a creative, Instagram-ready stay, Kloe Hotel in Bukit Bintang is hard to beat. This 85-room boutique hideaway wraps around a leafy courtyard, but its real charm lies in the five Artist Lofts – one-of-a-kind suites envisioned by local creatives. 

Choose from Room to Draw, an art studio curated by illustrator Joee Cheong. Room to Taste is a kitchen-loft designed by chef and host Sarah Huang Benjamin. Music lovers can book Room to Listen, a vinyl sanctuary by DJ Rudy La Faber. Plant enthusiasts will enjoy Room to Grow, a greenhouse-inspired retreat by Ronnie Khoo, founder of terrarium studio Ohsum Mossum. For bookworms, there’s Room to Read, a private library curated by Nazir Harith, owner of indie bookstore Tintabudi.

Step outside and you’re within walking distance of Pavilion KL, Lot 10 and the famous Jalan Alor food street. 

Room rates start from $124.80 for a standard City Room, $156.99 for deluxe Courtyard Rooms, while the five Artist Lofts start from $243.77 per night.

Else Kuala Lumpur

In the heart of Chinatown, Else brings together heritage character and modern design. The hotel offers six different room types, from the entry-level Mantra Rooms to the spacious, thoughtfully designed Else Suite.

The spacious Terrace Suite (62 sqm) comes with wraparound windows and a 34 sqm private terrace, while the higher-floor balcony rooms feature king beds, en-suite bathrooms and city views – all stocked with Aesop toiletries. On the dining front, Raw serves Asian-Latin comfort food alongside natural wines and cocktails, while Yellow Fin Horse offers Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates. Just beyond the hotel, you’ll find Central Market, REXKL and cafe favourite Merchant’s Lane. 

Rooms start from $219-320 per night, while the Terrace Suite starts from $540-600 per night.

Momo’s KL

At Momo’s in Chow Kit, minimalist rooms meet social buzz in one stylish package. The 99 cleverly designed options range from Bunkies (with bunk beds) to Crashpads (queen-size beds on tatami-style platforms) and Crashpads for Two (twin beds). 

Communal spaces are where the energy peaks: The Playground hosts DJ sets, art pop-ups and lively events, while Big Buns dishes out cheeky comfort food with Asian twists. Step outside to explore Chow Kit Market, the Petronas Twin Towers or Kampung Baru’s famed street food.

Rates start from $40-60 per night.

The Chow Kit

Located in Kuala Lumpur’s historic Chow Kit district, The Chow Kit by Ormond Hotels combines heritage influences with a contemporary twist. Designed by New York studio Post Company, the interiors reference local history while keeping the look modern. 

The 113-room property offers a mix of spaces, from The Den, a compact queen room with floor-to-ceiling windows, to the larger Towkay and Towkay-Soh Suites, which include king beds, lounge areas and artworks by Malaysian artists. 

The hotel’s Kitchen & Bar serves dishes inspired by family recipes from across Malaysia, reflecting the area’s multicultural character. Within walking distance are Chow Kit Market, Kampung Baru’s street food stalls and the Petronas Twin Towers.

Standard rooms start from $76.45 per night, with suites priced higher.