12 Best Hotels in Malaysia

Indigo-color outer walls of the former home to 19th-century millionaire Cheong Fatt Tze are responsible for this property's well-known nickname, the "Blue Mansion." Each of the 16 theme bedrooms have been given titles as well: Fragrant Poem is a deluxe double, where you will find period antique furniture; and the Old Kitchen is a studio room decked out with old-fashion kitchen tools and a wood-fire cooking station. The mansion's layout is closely based on feng-shui principles, including proverbs inscribed over doorways and a balanced combination of metal, timber, water, fire, and earth evident throughout. Breakfast is included and served alfresco in the charming courtyard. The house even received a UNESO Heritage award thanks to its thoughtful preservation.

The combination of boutique-hotel vibe and urban-resort relaxation makes Hotel Maya particularly appealing. All 207 airy rooms are flooded with light and fitted in contemporary furnishings. Organic building materials, such as rock, wood, and bamboo, are used throughout. Small details, like the 24-hour butler service or the nightcap served in the Sky Lounge on the 13th floor—where all guests receive complimentary coffee, tea, and baked goods—are added bonuses. The Anggun Spa has a varied menu including Malay Urut, Thai, Swedish, and Balinese treatments, with a steam room and heated hydrotherapy pool that both deserve a visit.

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.

If you want to stay right in the middle of the action at a reasonable price, you can't do much better than this three-story hotel with an art deco facade right in the middle of Malacca's main shopping street. Rooms are large and simple, with modern interiors and free Wi-Fi, and the efficient, helpful staff are happy to recommend local restaurants and other things to do. Rooms facing the street are rather noisy at night (especially on weekends), so choose a back-facing room for a quieter stay.

Smack-dab in the center of town, this five-star Starwood property is within walking distance of all the must-see shopping, dining, and waterfront sights. The 306 spacious rooms all come equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, along with huge windows framing a stunning cityscape. While sunset can be caught comfortably from most rooms, the pool bar, fitness center, and club lounge on the 12th floor also offer great views.

Right in the middle of Pantai Cenang, Langkawi's most popular beach, these beachfront bungalows are basic but among the better budget options in the area. Of the 91 rooms, the five treehouses are worth the extra money and provide clear views out to the sea. What this place lacks in terms of luxury or decor, it makes up for with beach access; you can easily roll out of bed onto the perfectly powdery sand and spend the day lounging on a deck chair.

Malihom's name, which translates to "village of the fragrant rice" in Thai, was inspired by the nine traditional rice storage barns brought over from Chiang Mai to serve as this eco-retreat's guestrooms. Set on the southern end of Penang atop high hills, the small eco-hotel has a tranquil setting offering views of the mountains, sea, city, and lush forest valleys. Yoga and spa sessions can be organized, and each barn has a private garden that's a nice perch for bird-watching. The rates include three daily meals made fresh with seasonal produce.

Atop the ParkCity Mall, the largest mall in Bintulu, many of the guest rooms at this modern hotel have lovely views of the South China Sea. Mainly catering to business travelers, it has large, well-equipped guest rooms include king-size beds, sofas, wall-mounted TVs, and good-size desks. In addition to the offerings in the mall, there are a number of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

One of the better options in a town with primarily budget accommodations, ParkCity is right on the riverfront and offers good views of the South China Sea; ask for a room on a higher floor for the best vistas. Rooms are comfortable, if a bit dated, and have mini-bars and TVs (even though many are older and not flat screen). It's not in the center of town, but there’s a lovely waterside promenade behind the hotel that will take you directly into town in about 20 minutes, or taxis are readily available.

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.