Tatler Best-in-Class Hotel awards in Malaysia for 2026

Best New Hotel: Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

The opening of The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur marked an exciting moment for hospitality in Malaysia. Luxury, hospitality, and gastronomy converges within this hotel, located in the Merdeka 118 Tower, the second tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. Truly one of the country’s finest properties, the hotel’s residential floors lean into traditional kampung house warmth, contrasted with modern and theatrical fittings.

Best Innovation: EQ Kuala Lumpur

First opened as The Equatorial in the ’70s, before being rebuilt and rebranded as EQ in 2012, this iconic property has been a stalwart of five-star excellence in Malaysia for over five decades. This is thanks in large part to an exciting line up of activations and events throughout the year.

Best Design: Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

With 130 years of heritage, Penang’s beloved Blue Mansion was commissioned by Cheong Fatt Tze and carries with it a storied past; to this day, it is still considered his prized achievement. Named after the indigo tones of its walls, guests are able to stay in this property, as well as the newly renovated Qing Suites just across.

Best Service: Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

While Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur more than delivers in terms of its upscale service, rooms, and amenities, it also offers some of the country’s top dining and cocktail destinations. From Bar Trigona to Nadodi, guests need not leave the hotel to experience Kuala Lumpur’s finest hospitality.

Best City Hotel: The St. Regis KL

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur has established a distinctive presence among the city's luxury accommodations. The Astor Bar, which appeared in Crazy Rich Asians, serves as the hotel's social nucleus, while Sushi Taka, Ushi, and Tenshin boast some of the most premium dining experiences in the city.

Best Destination Hotel: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

In the heart of Ipoh is Malaysia’s most iconic hot spring spa resort, home to natural geothermal baths. Over 40 private villas house guests, and the resort’s fine-dining restaurant, Jeff’s Cellar, is located within a 260-million-year-old limestone hill.

Best Boutique Hotel: 88 Armenian

This three-storey boutique hotel is housed in a restored Straits Eclectic-style building that once served as a home-away-from-home in George Town, Penang, for Armenian traders in the mid-19th century—hence the name of the street and the hotel. With just six guest rooms in total, this intimate boutique hotel is a charming place to stay for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich history of Penang’s Unesco World Heritage Site.

Best Family Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi

Pristine beaches and rainforest surround this Langkawi property which is inspired by local architecture and indigenous craftsmanship. Guests are able to experience wildlife up close, and are encouraged to share these experiences with the entire family; the resort has a child-friend resort programme that encourages interaction with the natural surroundings.

Special thanks to Mastercard and Priceless, our experience partners.