7 Best Hotels in Malaysia

A multimillion ringgit refurbishment converted 15 prewar shop houses into this 45-room boutique hotel, retaining the 1940s features while introducing contemporary aesthetics and amenities. The four choices for accommodation—each featuring a Jacuzzi spa, natural-history prints that relate to Penang, and pieces of antique furniture—include: Clark Terraces, family-friendly two-floor houses with two bedrooms and private gardens; Penaga Suites, a first-floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom; Transfer Suites, which sit above the spa with a sitting room and large bedroom; and Hutton Rooms, with one bedroom and the most affordable rates. Relax in the hotel's spa, which focuses on ancient remedies and treatments inspired by the Malay Peninsula, incorporating several botanical ingredients.

Aptly named, this unique hotel perched on a hill (538 steps up the hill, to be precise) in the middle of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is about as close as you'll get to a treehouse, and with only four guestrooms it's almost as small. Though modest, rooms are comfortable and spotless, with good beds, functional bathrooms, and a common terrace. Here, it's all about the surroundings. Along with an view over rain forest and the river below, you'll be up close and personal to the jungle wildlife, and passionate and knowledgeable hosts offer a thorough introduction to the area's extraordinary natural beauty and wildlife.

This four-star property offers spacious rooms with private balconies, and though it's not at all luxurious, it's sufficient for a fun beach weekend. The resort has two outdoor swimming pools, a kids' club, and a beachfront bar for nightly sundowners. With easy access to the beach and seasonal promotions that include water sports activities and off-resort excursions, it’s a good choice for families on a budget. 

Sprawling across 25 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa embraces the natural beauty of the Borneo setting, and locally sourced woods and fabric are everywhere. All 492 rooms feature private balconies overlooking either the South China Sea or Mt. Kinabalu. Guests can choose to spend their day splashing around the extensive system of slides and pools, getting pampered at the stellar CHI Spa, practicing their swing at the 9-hole golf course, or venturing away from the resort to explore the breathtaking surroundings. Among the seven dining options, Peppino's Italian restaurant and dim sum at Shang Palace are major draws. End the day with live entertainment and light refreshments at Borneo Lounge and Bar.

Walking around the grounds of Temple Tree is like taking a trip back in time; the eight villas that make up the hotel are restored antique buildings of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian origin. With more than 110 years of history, the former family homes were collected from around Malaysia and thoughtfully renovated. Guests have the option of renting out entire villas or individual rooms. Each house offers unique traits like a Mahjong room in the Chinese House or a private gym in the Black and White House. The hotel owner supports a local animal shelter, and cats roam freely here. Breakfast is set up in your in-room refrigerator the night before so you can prepare it yourself in the morning.

When you enter this hotel off busy Bintang Walk, the lobby greets you with white marble walls and flooring, along with an extensive and comfortable seating area. Set in the center of town, the Westin offers business travelers close proximity to many international corporations while leisure travelers appreciate the popular shopping malls, and families can sign up for the Westin Kids Club, with supervised activities for children up to age 12. All 443 rooms are spacious, modern, and offer great views of the city.