The 21-room Villa Samadhi - A Samadhi Retreats Property is an upscale, romantic retreat within a short drive of the bustling city. Serene, villa-like rooms have luxurious features such as scenic whirlpool tubs and pool-view furnished balconies. This property is a popular destination not only for visiting newlyweds, but for local honeymooners as well. Couples come to enjoy the romantic,
Malaysian-inspired atmosphere at the peaceful restaurant and the tranquility of the lagoon-like
pool, surrounded by greenery and natural shade. It's not a good pick for most families, though, as rooms aren’t designed for children under
12 years of age, and some guests have had issues with mosquitoes. For a more family-friendly option, travelers could consider the PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur.

Few other five-pearl hotels in the area can compete with the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur's newish sheen and excellent location. Opened in mid-2012, this Hyatt flagship combines fine dining and an upscale spa with a business-friendly environment. Its 412 rooms are some of the largest around, and each has floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the high-rise's commanding city views. The hotel has vast event facilities as well as an outdoor pool complete with cabanas and an open-air bar. Guests may find themselves switching elevators to get to the upper-floor lobby and the 38th-floor restaurant, but once there, the panorama is worth it. Guests looking for similar amenities should compare rates at the nearby Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, which also has an indoor golf facility, and is next to the iconic Petronas Towers.

The upscale Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur impresses with its grandeur and array of features, which include an outdoor pool and kids' pool, extensive spa and fitness facilities, and five restaurants and bars. Dining options range from fine French fare to sushi and other Japanese food in a minimalist space. The 662 rooms and suites feature a polished, classy style, though it feels a bit dated, and they're packed with amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea/coffee facilities, and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. Suites add living rooms and other extras, while Club Rooms have access to the Club Lounge with freebies like breakfast and drinks. Though a bit outside of Kuala Lumpur City Center, it's within walking distance of the Petronas Twin Tower. For a more central location, check out Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

Opposite the old Moorish style railway station in a historic part of town, the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a five-pearl grande dame near the city's museums and manicured botanical gardens. The hotel is an attraction in itself, built around a restored 1932 colonial landmark filled with parlors and drawing rooms from another era. The bulk of its rooms are luxurious modern dwellings with Art Deco flair, and suites in the original wing retain their period elegance along with personal butlers. A spa, two outdoor pools, an old-school barber shop, and a wood-paneled restaurant with gold leaf ceilings round out the lavish facilities, and the orchid garden in the conservatory is a lovely spot for afternoon tea. For something closer to shopping and attractions in the city center, travelers might want to consider the luxury Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The 365-room Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is a luxurious tower with a style that exudes the Asian city's British Colonial history. Its large contemporary rooms each come with a personal butler, and the upscale dining options merge traditional Cantonese cuisine with afternoon tea. There's an outdoor pool with views of the city, while the posh spa has a landscaped outdoor garden with waterfalls and a plunge pool. Located within Bukit Bintang's Golden Triangle, it's within easy walking distance of major shopping centers. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, which offers a five-pearl experience at slightly cheaper rates.

The 571-room Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur is a sleek luxury chain property with an excellent location and a lively rooftop nightclub. Sharp rooms, some with views of the Petronas Twin Towers, are minimal in design and have free Wi-Fi, stocked minibars, electric kettles, and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. The fitness center has impressive views and an on-site spa offers massages and a sauna. A narrow indoor pool is set under a large skylight, next to the rooftop nightclub. Several dining and drinking options include a grill specializing in steaks and a buffet. Guests reveal staff can be less than warm, and the Traders Club doesn’t live up to other executive clubs at comparable hotels, but the location next to KLCC Convention Centre can't be beat. Another option to consider in the area is the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, a relatively recent addition opened in 2012.

This large, upscale Hilton is located across the street from the KL Sentral train station, a quick trip from the airport via high-speed train. It’s just outside of the city center, and local attractions can be reached on public transportation. Along with more than 500 rooms -- some with beautiful views of the skyline or nearby lake -- the hotel has 10 restaurants and bars, including a well-regarded grill, and shares two pools with the adjacent Le Meridien. There is also a spa, a massive fitness center, and a private lounge for Executive Room guests. Wi-Fi is only free in the common areas, except for Executive Room guests and HHonors members. Travelers wanting to be closer to the city center can try the Traders Hotel, which has similar rates.

Despite the somewhat gritty immediate area, the PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur is an upscale property that caters to families with its 287 modern studios and large apartments. The kitchenettes, complete with rice cookers and electric stovetops, are designed for longer stays, and the kid-friendly facilities include indoor and outdoor play areas -- some of the reasons this won a 2015 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award for the best family hotel in Malaysia. There are also two outdoor pools, one of which is on the rooftop with city views. There's no full restaurant or bar, but continental breakfast is free. Travelers looking for a more conventional hotel setting can compare rates at the related PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur, which has three restaurants, a live music bar, and a spa.

The 426-room PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur is centrally located within the popular Bukit Bintang shopping district, surrounded by dining and nightlife. The crowds and noise that come with the area can be an issue, and its mediocre standard rooms may surprise guests who expect more from the four-and-a-half pearl rating. But all the perks are saved for the updated club-level rooms, which also get free breakfast and drinks in the hotel's Orchid Lounge. For everyone else there are still three other eateries to choose from, along with an outdoor pool and a full spa. For families, the apartments at PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur may present better options.

Dim lighting, eclectic modern decor, and electronic music throughout its common areas make this three-pearl boutique hotel an unconventional find in the busy Golden Triangle area of Kuala Lumpur. Located near a former red-light district, the property is walkable to nightlife and the Pavilion mall, and thanks to several public transport options across the street, it’s easy to reach the city’s main attractions. The 138 efficiently designed rooms accommodate mini-fridges, work desks, and sleek bathrooms, but many lack windows. Amenities are limited; there’s no business center or restaurant and the gym is small and dark. Breakfast is mediocre, but the wine and cigar lounge has a laid-back vibe and Avant Garde look that young adults in particular will love. The nearby Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur has slightly higher rates, but a nicer breakfast and an outdoor pool.