6 New luxury hotels in Malaysia for your next staycation in 2024
Stay local
Sometimes, all you need is a quick getaway from your daily routine to recalibrate and recharge. With Malaysia’s hospitality industry picking up, a local staycation is a great choice for a convenient, fuss-free break away from the mundane. While there are many options available, we’ve rounded up the latest luxury hotels to make their mark in the country for those seeking novelty for their next staycation.
HOTEL INDIGO KUALA LUMPUR ON THE PARK
Hotel Indigo, part of IHG’s Luxury and Lifestyle Portfolio, made its debut in Kuala Lumpur last December. In line with its latest campaign, The World’s Neighbourhood Hotel, the brand aims to inspire the next generation of travellers to go out and explore its surrounding neighbourhood. With its prime location in the city’s golden triangle, Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park allows guests to venture into the melting pot of cuisines, culture, and experiences that await merely steps away—including KL Eco Forest Park, which plays a key role in its design.
A true urban oasis, the 180-room hotel takes a cue from local elements, history and references woven around the rainforest. Sustainability is another integral part of the hotel, as exemplified by the living vertical garden at the lobby, the central staircase that’s built from old railway sleepers and reinforcement steel bars repurposed from its construction, and a large-scale installation made from recycled plastic bottles.
There are two dining destinations for guests to choose from within the hotel. Representing Malaysians’ love of food is Wok Star, a restaurant offering the best of local cuisine. Alternatively, steak lovers can satisfy their meat cravings at The Silver Monkey. Other facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor pool on the rooftop; three flexible event spaces (one of which overlooks the iconic KL Tower); and The Library, which houses a wide range of books by local authors for guests to purchase as a souvenir.
Address: 5, Jalan Puncak, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2630 3888
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RENAISSANCE KUALA LUMPUR HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTRE
(Re)opened since October 2023, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre marked a fresh beginning as Marriott Bonvoy’s first dual-branded property in Malaysia, sharing an address with the Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre (also listed below). Given a new life as an urban resort in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the property features 406 redesigned guest rooms, including themed family suites—all complete with stylish fixtures, ample space, and homegrown touches.
The facilities on levels 3 and 4 are shared with its sister hotel, but there’s plenty of room for everyone to explore. These include one of the largest outdoor pools in the city that boasts water slides and a wet play area; a 13,000-square-feet Paradise Trails adventure zone; an indoor Kids Club; and Stay & Play, a multipurpose function room for families to lounge in or to host private events. Guests can also workout at the 24-hour fitness center or book a rejuvenating treatment at Mandara Spa.
In terms of dining, it is home to three distinctive halal-certified restaurants and bars showcasing local and global flavors with unique narratives. Evolution is an all-day dining concept that is inspired by the flavors of the Italian Amalfi Coast, offering a coastal dining ambience punctuated by an open kitchen. R Bar is perfect for spontaneous evenings highlighted by the signature Bar Ritual from the Evenings at Renaissance program, which presents locally-inspired cocktails with live music and arts in the mix. For a poolside treat, head to H2O Bar & Grill to relax in a tropical outdoor setting whilst enjoying a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Additionally, there’s an all-new convention centre spanning 52,000 square feet to accommodate large corporate functions or special events. It houses a 1,800-seater pillarless ballroom, 26 versatile function rooms, and four pre-function lounges. Guests may also utilise the spacious foyers, audiovisual support, communal break areas, and the signature R.E.N. Meetings program by Renaissance to ensure an elevated event experience.
Address: Corner Of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2706 8088
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FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON KUALA LUMPUR, CITY CENTRE
One month after the opening of its sister hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre began welcoming guests too. It is the fourth Four Points by Sheraton property in the country, setting the base for independent travellers and families to embrace comfort and convenience. Nestled at the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, it is just minutes away from landmarks such as Suria KLCC, the Bukit Bintang Golden Triangle, and Bukit Nanas Monorail station. The hotel features 513 contemporary rooms and suites with commanding views of KL’s skyline. Guests can also enjoy access to the aforementioned shared facilities on Level 3 and 4 of the hotel.
As for dining, there are two distinctive specialty restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Sichuan Kitchen is a great option for fans of Sichuan cuisine, offering a bountiful hot pot spread and other specialties in a lively dining scene with five spacious private rooms and a unique bar. Meanwhile, The Mesh is an all-day dining restaurant specialising in local cuisine complemented by a homely atmosphere—characterised by communal-styled dining areas, an indoor summer garden, and an intimate library. Grab N Go serves as the extended outlet of The Mesh for fresh to-go selections of snacks, pastries and coffee, including locally-crafted Nitro Brew, made by in-house baristas.
Address: Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2706 9099
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PENANG MARRIOTT HOTEL
Marriott Hotels welcomes its first hotel in Penang this year, marking its entry into the state with an architectural reflection of its timeless style, charm, and cultural tapestry. Situated along the prime seafront location of Gurney Drive, Penang Marriott Hotel boasts breathtaking sea and city views from the heart of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The upscale hotel has 223 well-appointed rooms that blend elegance and comfort, along with contemporary amenities to ensure an unparalleled stay. Guests can also take advantage of a fully-equipped 24-hour fitness center, a steam room, and an outdoor infinity swimming pool with a sun deck offering panoramic views of the Gurney seafront. At the heart of the hotel is the Greatroom, which serves as a space to connect, work, or unwind. Further, elite members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program will enjoy exclusive access to M Club, the hotel’s premium lounge. Families can also keep young ones entertained at the Kids Club on Level 4, which provides supervised, age-appropriate activities.
There’s a variety of dining venues for guests to indulge in—from an Italian-inspired restaurant named Kucina to Sago, an all-day dining restaurant offering both local and international flavours. Then there’s Lava Java, the go-to spot for quick energy boosts or delightful snacks, as well as the Greatroom bar and lounge, providing a stylish ambiance for memorable evenings with expertly crafted cocktails. Last but not least, La Siena offers a versatile multi-function space couples with an enticing array of food and beverage offerings, from afternoon teas to innovative dining concepts.
Address: 55, Gurney Dr, Georgetown, 10250 Penang Island, Penang
Contact: +604 566 1888
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PERHENTIAN MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
Another Marriott property made its debut this April on the picturesque island of Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and set amongst the scenic landscapes of the marine park, Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is a retreat for your mind, body, and soul. The resort is easily accessible from Kuala Besut Jetty, which is an hour away from Kota Bharu on Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast.
The hotel boasts 200 elegant deluxe rooms and 17 luxurious villas, all of which have been designed and arranged to blend in with the natural contour of the island’s topography—minimising disturbance to the existing environment. Of all the guestrooms, the pièce de résistance is its Royal Villa that spans 120 square metres and features a private pool. Design-wise, the resort takes a note from the beauty of the South China Sea and the traditions of the region while also prioritising sustainability. The building’s design encourages a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors, while natural elements can also be spotted around the interiors as decor for the columns, façade screens, and more.
As for amenities, guests can enjoy a 24-hour fully-equipped fitness center, a yoga deck that boasts stunning views of the sea, three outdoor pools, a kids and teens hub called Club Penyu, and a jacuzzi. Meanwhile, The Qi Forest Spa & Wellness is ready to provide any guest looking for some pampering with its array of spa treatments and massages. Guests can also take their travels underwater with the hotel’s Dive Centre—which has its own dive pool and dive boat—and its team of experienced scuba diving instructors. Visitors in July and August will also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot pilot whales and dolphins. Those who prefer to stay dry can venture to the nearby Terengganu Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Centre for a deep dive into the state’s traditional artistry.
While at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, guests have access to three dining outlets that cater to different occasions and palates. Its all-day dining venue, Dapur, serves local and international favourites in both buffet and a la carte formats. Sekoci is the resort’s poolside alfresco restaurant that offers international cuisine for lunch and a seafood-centric menu for dinner. Lastly, The Greatroom Bar and Lounge is a stylish escape for cocktail evenings, accompanied by fantastic local cuisine and views of the South China Sea.
Address: Pulau Perhentian Kecil, 22300 Besut, Terengganu
Contact: +609 6922 288
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MOXY PUTRAJAYA
Say hello to Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, with the introduction of Moxy Putrajaya. Currently in its soft launch stage, the hotel injects a fresh burst of energy, stylish creativity, and social hospitality into the local scene. Located steps away from IOI City Mall, it offers guests seamless access to major retail therapy and exciting entertainment options, including a futuristic indoor theme park.
From check-in to check-out, Moxy Putrajaya is designed to promote interaction, vibrancy, and fun through unique design elements and communal spaces. The ”Plug and Meet” gathering areas are a prime example, providing ergonomic seating, large graphic design walls, and 55-inch televisions. Even the lobby boasts a state-of-the-art digital video wall along with 24/7 food and beverage offerings. In addition, there are five fun rooms located on Level 2, on top of a breakout room to host all kinds of gatherings.
Designs inspired by Putrajaya landmarks adorn the 480 guestrooms, some of which boast views overlooking the scenic greens of the Palm Garden Golf Club. To help guests keep up with a healthy lifestyle, there’s a Fitness Centre on Level 2 featuring Strength, Cardio, and Fun Zones; as well as Multiangle Pull-Up Bars and the Moxy Bike to facilitate powerful yet playful workouts. Guests can also get their laps in at the swimming pool, equipped with a chic Pool Deck and Lounge Area.
For sustenance, Three.6.5 is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant accommodating 180 guests to indulge in Malaysian and international favorites from trendy petrol green hot and cold carts. On the other hand, the Sky Bar is where neon lights not unlike those at Putrajaya’s Light Festival set the stage for a fun night highlighted by creative concoctions and spectacular views.
Address: Lebuh IRC IOI Resort City, 62502 Putrajaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 8328 1111
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