Else Kuala Lumpur, a member of Design Hotels

Everything was super clean, and the staff were really friendly. We stayed in the kingdom suite and it was perfect for us. Since our flight was late, we asked about checking out later and got until 14 instead of 12. They also let us use the gym shower to freshen up before flying. The location in China Town, near Bukit Bintang, worked perfectly for us as tourists.

The room was spacious and clean, and breakfast came with a starter, drink, main dish, plus complimentary fruit. Else is a great pick if you want to soak up Chinatown’s atmosphere. It’s about a five-minute walk from the MRT/LRT station when you come out at Gate A. A staycation I was happy with.

The Urban room made a good impression: it’s spacious, thoughtfully laid out, and has a separate place to relax. The pool was refreshing, and the staff there were friendly. But the hotel didn’t feel like the five-star experience its pricing suggests. On arrival, the ground-floor reception desk was unattended, with only security there to direct us to the front desk on Level 1. Later, when we returned around 1 a.m., I couldn’t see any staff or security at the entrance, so it seemed anyone could walk in. Breakfast was a distinctive à la carte menu, though there were only about eight choices and many were vegetarian. I’d have liked a buffet or more options, especially meat dishes. There’s no bathtub in this room type, though one might have fit. I stay in KL regularly and have tried many hotels. Else has some good points, but to me it felt more like four stars, and larger five-star chains can offer better value for less.

We had a lovely anniversary stay, with warm, attentive service that made the occasion feel easy and special. The building’s restoration keeps its historic character while bringing in modern touches, and the art throughout makes the corridors feel like a gallery. Breakfast was another highlight, with a relaxed feel, quality ingredients, and plenty of flavor. Else Hotel is also a handy base for exploring KL’s old town on foot. Central Market, Dataran Merdeka, REXKL, and Chinatown’s busy streets are all close, with Merdeka 118 rising nearby. There are lots of restaurants and cafes around too. The place feels like a rare mix of heritage, art, and modern comfort. We’ll remember the stay and would happily recommend it.