citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang

The room was small but really cozy, and I liked having the bed right beside the window. The shower and toilet setup was interesting. A mini iPad controlled everything, from the lights and TV to the curtains and blinds. Parking was convenient and free. Breakfast choices were limited but covered what you'd need, with a Western option and an Asian one that was just porridge, and it tasted good. The coffee was nice too, made fresh by a barista. I had a great stay.

The staff really made this stay for me. Everyone was cheerful and helpful, including housekeeping, and the artistic decor gives the lobby a lovely feel. It’s also a comfortable place to sit before check-in or after checkout, with a restaurant and full bar. The hotel sits at the quieter end of Jalan Alor Night Market, with convenience stores, daytime restaurants, and proper massage places nearby. I loved the room setup too: an iPad lets you adjust the air conditioning, blinds, and mood lighting all in one place. Such an innovative hotel.

The beds are all king-sized, which could work for three people in an Asian family, but the rooms themselves are small, so it may not suit big shoppers. There’s no gym or pool, though the price is budget-friendly and the place feels four-star. It’s in Bukit Bintang next to Jalan Alor Night Market, with plenty to explore nearby. I liked the quirky decor and contemporary art in the reception and library, and using the room iPad to change the lights, air conditioning, curtains, and TV was fun. There’s free parking behind the building. Tell the guard you’re checking in, then register your plate at reception. Check-in was easy, though, like other busy-area hotels, the room might not be ready on time. Checkout is 11am, a bit early, but they may extend it if you ask politely. No kettle or tea and coffee in the room, but hot water is available by reception, and ironing is in a shared area. I had an issue with the door handle, which they fixed quickly. You’re spoiled for nearby food choices. Jalan Alor is tourist-priced, but a little research turns up good spots within walking distance: Limapulo Terrace for Peranakan, Istanbul Bites inside Ansa Hotel for Turkish, Damascus for Sharwarma, and Mon Chinese Beef Roti. For massage, Ayu Borneo Elite inside the Ansa Hotel was the best.

The breakfast menu was excellent, and I liked being welcomed with barista-made coffee. There’s a 7-Eleven nearby, handy for emergencies, and the central Kuala Lumpur location means lots of shopping and food options. The rooms are compact, but it’s convenient to control the lighting, TV, alarm clock, and air conditioning with the provided iPad. The modern design and the atmosphere around the front desk, restaurant, and shared spaces were really nice. A very nice, unique hotel.