8 new hotels and retreats in Malaysia for your next staycation

Malaysia’s first Kimpton Hotel will soon find a home at the highly anticipated TRX Exchange, an upscale lifestyle hub integrated into a 10-acre public park. Set to open in late 2023, the new hotel will bear Kimpton’s bold yet playful design DNA, featuring 471 design-led rooms and three food and beverage outlets, including a rooftop bar and restaurant and a deli-grocer café.

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Following a multi-million dollar renovation in 2022, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel will debut in the third quarter of 2023 as Marriott International’s first dual-branded hotel in Malaysia. Two renowned hotel brands–Renaissance KL Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre–will share the same prime address in the heart of Kuala Lumpur within walking distance of the Petronas Twin Towers. 

The redesigned hotel will feature 406 spacious guestrooms under Renaissance and 513 under Four Points by Sheraton, allowing business and leisure travellers to enjoy this unique dual-branded experience with two of Marriott International’s most successful brands. Guests at either hotel will have access to common facilities on Level 3 and 4, including one of the largest outdoor pools in the city, a fitness centre, Mandara Spa, multifunction rooms for private events, an indoor kids club, and Paradise Palms—a 13,000 square feet outdoor play area for families and children.   

See also: 3 New Hotels in Kuala Lumpur With a Strong Design Character

Malaysia’s first Innside hotel officially opened in March 2023, an upbeat and stylish property with 238 rooms. A purpose-built hub for creatives and digital nomads, the hotel offers two vibrant multifunctional spaces, The Big Ideas Space and The Recording Studio, that can cater for up to 30 guests.

The two Townhouse Xtra accommodation options represent the hotel's most decadent quarters, measuring 85 and 102 square metres. The spacious suites feature separate living and dining areas and a bathroom with a freestanding deep soaking tub overlooking the city. The suite also offers two TVs, a Nespresso coffee maker, video-game consoles and a free premium minibar.

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Expect a cosy and nostalgic stay at the newest five-star boutique hotel in the UNESCO Heritage City of George Town, Penang. Dubbed The George Penang by The Crest Collection, the hotel opened its doors in December 2022, and offers 92 elegant rooms and suites. Under the management of Ascott Malaysia, this quaint hotel boasts pampering amenities like a steam bath, gym and an Instagram-worthy indoor saltwater swimming pool, while its F&B offerings comprise the colonial-inspired Saffron Dining and George Bar, located at the lobby.    

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April 8, 2023 marked the official opening of Courtyard by Marriott Melaka, located just 15 minutes from the Melaka International Airport. The hotel’s 287 well-appointed rooms and suites are decked in earth tones and warm, neutral palettes to sooth the eye. A modern oasis of rest and rejuvenation, Courtyard by Marriott Melaka offers a 24-hour fitness centre, an infinity pool, an all-day dining restaurant known as Courtyard Cafe and 1939 Lounge, an elegant bar to unwind at day’s end.

Does it get any better than having your very own cabin in the woods? The Estate promises just that—a private property perched on a cliff overlooking the forest in Batang Kali, just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Designed with a respectful nod to its surroundings and topography, The Estate Hulu Rening gives occupants a sense of seclusion and privacy. The property comprises a principal bedroom and four other bedrooms, along with a living area with a reading corner, a yoga deck, barbecue pit, jacuzzi, and kitchen. As there are no eateries on the site, guests are required to bring their own food and groceries.

More: Explore The Estate Hulu Rening, a stylish nature retreat in a Malaysian rainforest

Following the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City in July 2022, this 294-room beachfront resort overlooking the Straits of Melaka opened last September. The perfect place to break from the congested cityscapes of the concrete jungle, DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort boasts luxurious rooms with private balconies offering views of the sea or forest. 

Make the most of the resort’s pristine private beach, where guests can try snorkeling, diving, banana boating and fishing. Families will also enjoy facilities like the mini water park and the kids club, while gourmands can savour local specialities over dazzling sunset views at Makan Kitchen, an alfresco all-day dining restaurant.  

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