Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur with Family and Where to Avoid

Sharing is caring!

Kuala Lumpur, it’s big, bold, and bustling.

We’ve visited KL more times than we can count, and each time we’ve learned a little more about where works (and where definitely doesn’t) for family travel. With kids in tow, you don’t want to be miles from the action—or stuck somewhere too chaotic either.

Finding the perfect place to stay in Kuala Lumpur with your family isn’t just about booking a hotel with a pool (though that definitely helps). It’s about picking the right neighbourhood too.

Thankfully, KL has a range of family friendly areas to suit every type of traveler. From lively city-center spots with playgrounds and parks to quieter areas with a local feel, there’s something for every family’s vibe.

We’ve broken down the best family-friendly neighbourhoods, top family hotels in Kuala Lumpur, and areas to avoid (yep, there are a few).

Here’s our guide to the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur with kids, plus tips on how to pick the right hotel for your crew.

How to Choose Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur with Kids

Choosing the right area to stay in Kuala Lumpur can make such a difference to your trip. Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic, especially with kids.

Do you want to be near a particular site or activity? Do you want a pool to cool off after sightseeing? Or are you hunting for the best street food right on your doorstep?

Here’s what to consider:

• Proximity to Kid-Friendly Attractions — Kuala Lumpur is packed with attractions like KL Tower, the iconic Petronas Towers, Discovery Centre, and Aquaria KLCC. Being close to these spots will save you travel time.
• Transport Links — Look for areas with access to the MRT, LRT, or Monorail. It makes getting around with kids much easier. Check out the official KL Transit Map to see all the stops and can help with plannin your stay.
• Your Budget — KL accommodation with kids doesn’t have to break the bank. Family-friendly apartments and budget hotels can offer amazing value.

How to Choose Your Kuala Lumpur Family Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay in Kuala Lumpur can be the difference between a smooth family trip or a stress-filled one. Think about your needs, budget, and family dynamics as you choose the best option for your stay.

1. Family Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

If convenience and comfort are your top priorities, family hotels are a solid choice. These hotels often have:

• Spacious family suites with separate sleeping areas for parents and kids.
• On-site amenities like swimming pools, play areas, and babysitting services.
• Child-friendly dining with kid-approved menus and snacks on hand.

2. Serviced Apartments for families in KL

For families staying longer or those who value extra space, serviced apartments are a great option. They typically offer:

• Kitchen for meal prep, saving you from eating out every day.
• Living spaces separate from bedrooms, so you’re not all crammed into one room.
• Laundry facilities — because kids + travel = laundry.

3. Homestays for families in Kuala Lumpur

Want a more local experience? Homestays offer a chance to see Kuala Lumpur from a different perspective. Perks include:

• Budget-friendly rates for families looking to save.
• Local hosts who can offer tips on what to see and do.
• Shared facilities like kitchens and communal living spaces for a homey vibe.

4. Family Friendly Hostels in KL

Don’t write off hostels — many now cater to families! Here’s why you might want to consider them:

• Private family rooms with en-suite bathrooms (no shared dorms here!).
• Communal spaces for playing games, cooking, and hanging out.
• Budget-friendly rates — perfect if you’re trying to stretch your travel money further.

5. Kuala Lumpur Family Resorts

If relaxation is the goal, family resorts tick all the boxes. They’re like mini theme parks for kids and relaxation zones for parents, offering:

• Kids’ clubs and daily activities to keep little ones busy.
• Pools, slides, and splash pads so kids can cool off and burn energy.
• On-site dining — no need to leave the resort when hunger strikes.

Bukit Bintang with Kids — Best for Families Who Want It All

Overview: If you want to be in the heart of the action, Bukit Bintang is it. Shopping malls, family-friendly restaurants, and entertainment are all within walking distance. It’s buzzing (sometimes too much), but if you like energy and convenience, this is your spot.

Why Stay in Bukit Bintang with kids: Everything you need is on your doorstep — shopping, street food, entertainment, and quick access to public transport.

Close to: Pavilion KL (fancy mall), Berjaya Times Square (yes, it has an indoor theme park), Jalan Alor (street food heaven), and Aquaria KLCC (15 min walk).

Accommodation Options:

• Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur — Modern luxury with family rooms and a pool. Price range: $120-$180 USD / £95-£145 GBP per night.

• PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur — Spacious family apartments with a rooftop pool. Price range: $90-$150 USD / £70-£120 GBP per night.

• The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel — Stylish boutique hotel with a splash pool for kids. Price range: $60-$90 USD / £50-£75 GBP per night. Transport Links: KL Monorail Bukit Bintang Station, LRT Bukit Bintang Station.

KLCC with Family — Best for First-Time Visitors

Why stay in KLCC with kids: Picture the Petronas Towers twinkling in the background of your holiday photos — that’s KLCC. It’s modern, polished, and packed with family-friendly attractions.

Why Stay Here: It’s clean, central, and packed with big-hitter attractions. KLCC Park has splash pads, playgrounds, and walking trails to tire out little legs.

Close to: Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC (mall with a solid food court), Aquaria KLCC, and the Discovery Centre.

Accommodation Options:

• Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur — 5-star luxury right next to KLCC Park.                         Price range: $150-$300 USD / £120-£240 GBP per night.

• Ascott Kuala Lumpur — Family-friendly serviced apartments with pools and kitchenettes. Price range: $90-$150 USD / £70-£120 GBP per night.

• ASTRA @ 8 Kia Peng Suites– Modern hotel with family-sized rooms and rooftop pool. Price range: $80-$120 USD / £65-£100 GBP per night. Transport Links: LRT KLCC Station, Ampang Line.

Chow Kit with Kids — Best for a More Local Vibe

Overview: Want a more ‘real’ KL experience? Chow Kit’s streets are filled with local markets, traditional shops, and cheap eats. It’s a bit rough around the edges but gives you a more authentic slice of city life.

Why Stay Here: You’ll get a peek into the daily lives of locals, and it’s budget-friendly.

Close to: Chow Kit Market (great for adventurous foodies), Kampung Baru (local dining hub), and easy access to the city center.

Accommodation Options:

• Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection— Quirky design, rooftop pool, and family-sized rooms. Price range: $60-$90 USD / £50-£75 GBP per night.

• Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur –  — Affordable comfort with family-friendly features. Price range: $40-$70 USD / £35-£55 GBP per night.

• The Chow Kit  – an Ormond Hotel — Boutique charm with a stylish, local vibe. Price range: $50-$80 USD / £40-£65 GBP per night.

Transport Links: LRT Chow Kit Station.

---

Bangsar with Family — Best for a Laid-Back Stay

Overview: Bangsar is where cool locals hang out. It’s a bit more suburban, with cafes, boutique shops, and a laid-back vibe. This area isn’t as touristy, but that’s part of the charm.

Why Stay Here: It’s trendy, peaceful, and filled with cafes where you’ll spot digital nomads tapping away on their laptops.

Close to: Bangsar Village (boutique shopping), Telawi Street (cafes and eateries), and Mid Valley Megamall (one of KL’s biggest malls).

Accommodation Options:

• Alila Bangsar — Stylish luxury with modern family rooms. Price range: $90-$150 USD / £70-£120 GBP per night.

• Nadi Bangsar  — Family-friendly apartments with spacious layouts. Price range: $70-$110 USD / £55-£90 GBP per night.

Transport Links: LRT Bangsar Station.

---

Brickfields with Family — Best for Transport Connections

Overview: Brickfields, aka Little India, is a colourful, sensory overload of temples, street stalls, and the spicy aroma of curries. It’s right next to KL Sentral, the city’s main transport hub, making it a great option if you’re planning day trips out of KL or looking to head out to Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, or Melaka.

Why Stay Here: Unbeatable access to public transport, affordable hotels, and vibrant streets with some of the best Indian food in the city.

Close to: KL Sentral (trains to everywhere), Thean Hou Temple, and colourful Little India streets.

Accommodation Options:

• The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur — Absolute luxury with oversized family suites. Price range: $200-$400 USD / £160-£320 GBP per night.
• Metro Hotel KL Sentral — Budget-friendly option close to KL Sentral. Price range: $30-$50 USD / £25-£40 GBP per night.
• Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral — Modern hotel connected to KL Sentral with family-friendly facilities. Price range: $80-$130 USD / £65-£105 GBP per night.

Transport Links: KL Sentral (connects to MRT, LRT, Monorail, KTM, and Airport Express).

Where NOT to Stay in Kuala Lumpur with Family

• Jalan Alor — It’s a fun place to eat, but staying here is like trying to sleep in a nightclub. Wander over for dinner, then retreat to your quiet hotel.
• Pudu — It’s cheap, but it shows. It’s not the most family-friendly area, and some parts feel a bit dodgy after dark.

Best Budget KL Family Apartments in Kuala Lumpur

We love the freedom that an apartment offers, we often have breakfast at ‘home’ to keep costs down and honestly, we get quite a lot of joy out of having our own washing machine (yep, middle aged). There are plenty on offer but here are some great deals

• Platinum KLCC by Luxury Suites 
• Comfy Abode at transport hub, TBS
• Neu Suites

Best Luxury KL Family Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

• The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur — Absolute luxury with oversized family suites. Area: Brickfields (near KL Sentral). Transport links: Directly connected to KL Sentral Station (MRT, LRT, Monorail, and airport train links). Price range: $200-$400 USD / £160-£320 GBP per night.

• Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur — Stunning views and on-site kids’ activities. Area: KLCC. Transport links: Close to KLCC LRT Station. Price range: $220-$450 USD / £175-£360 GBP per night.

Best Family Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Finding a great family room hotel in Kuala Lumpur is easy, with several options offering kid-friendly facilities.

Top Family Friendly Hotel: Sunway Resort Hotel
While there’s no single “best” family hotel in KL, if I were a kid, Sunway Resort Hotel would be probably be up there- this is a hotel which is in an actual theme park!

Obviously, it’s packed with water slides, rides and wildlife park, it also runs lots of different activities. The only issue is the location, it’s 30-45 minutes outside of KL city center but it has good transport links with the Sunway Lagoon BRT station.

Airport hotels Best Family Hotel Near KLIA:

Airport Accommodation for Families
If you’ve got an early flight or a long layover, staying at an airport hotel can be a total game-changer for families. 

No 4 a.m. wake-ups, no frantic dashes through security – just a (relatively) calm start to your journey. Many airport hotels offer family rooms, cribs, and play areas to keep little ones entertained. Plus, you’re right next to the terminal, so you can squeeze in some extra sleep.

 It’s not the most glamorous stay, but when it saves you from herding tired kids through a crowded airport, it feels pretty luxurious.

• Aerotel Kuala Lumpur (Airport Hotel) – Gateway@klia2 (Airside)
  • Budget Option: Ideal for short stays or layovers, offering capsule-style private pods.
  • Rate: Around £20-£25 (USD $25-$32) for a 9-hour stay​
    Agoda
    .
• Sama-Sama Express (KLIA2, Airside)
  • Mid-Range Option: A proper hotel room airside (no need to clear immigration) with flexible hourly booking.
  • Rate: Approximately £55-£65 (USD $68-$80) for a 6-hour stay, with an additional charge of about £8 (USD $10) for every extra hour​
    
    
• Sama-Sama Hotel (Connected to KLIA via Skybridge)
  • Luxury Option: Full-service hotel with large family rooms, pool, and on-site dining.
  • Rate: Prices generally range from £90-£120 (USD $115-$150) per night for standard rooms. Family suites may be higher depending on availability and season​

Top Tips for Booking KL Accommodation with Kids

1. Stay near public transport — Booking a hotel near an MRT, LRT, or Monorail station will save you a ton of hassle (and avoid hot, sweaty walks with grumpy kids).
2. Opt for family suites or serviced apartments — Extra space, kitchens, and washing machines make a world of difference, especially if you’re staying for more than a night or two.
3. Check for kid-friendly perks — Pools, and play areas, are great to return to after a day of sightseeing.
4. Book early — KL has plenty of family-friendly options, but the best spots get snapped up fast during school holidays.
5. Read reviews from other parents — Look for feedback from families. Sites like Booking.com let you filter for family-friendly stays.
6. Ask for non-smoking rooms — In some hotels, non-smoking rooms aren’t the default, so be clear about your preference.
7. Check for windows — Budget rooms in KL sometimes have no windows, so double-check if natural light is a must-have for you.

Getting Around Kuala Lumpur with Kids

MRT & LRT — Easy, air-conditioned, and affordable.

Grab — Like Uber, and it’s super affordable.

KL Monorail — Fun for kids, but try and avoid rush hour.                                                                                                                                                                           

Top tips for Booking your KL family hotels

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, stay near a train line. It’s one of the best ways to get around and explore the city. I recommend staying at a hotel near any of the hotels along the KL Monorail Line, specifically Imbi Station and Bukit Bintang Station. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate, which means it’s warm and humid year-round. Rain showers are frequent but usually short. 

The best time to visit is during the drier months, from May to July and December to February. If you’re visiting during the monsoon season (March to April and September to November), be prepared for daily afternoon downpours — but on the plus side, it’s less crowded.

FAQ: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur with Family

1. What is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur with kids? KLCC is often the top choice for first-time visitors due to its proximity to major attractions like the Petronas Towers, KLCC Park, and Aquaria. Bukit Bintang is another favorite with its vibrant food scene, shopping malls, and easy transport links.

2. What is the most family-friendly hotel in Kuala Lumpur? There are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Kuala Lumpur offering spacious rooms, family-oriented activities, and convenient locations close to major attractions.

3. Are there any family apartments in Kuala Lumpur? Yes, family apartments in KL provide extra space, kitchenettes, and family-friendly amenities, making them a great choice for longer stays.

4. What’s the best budget family hotel in Kuala Lumpur? Budget-friendly hotels in Kuala Lumpur offer affordable rates, comfortable family rooms, and access to convenient transport links.

5. Is it better to stay in a hotel or an apartment with kids in KL? It depends on your needs. Apartments offer more space, kitchenettes, and laundry facilities, making them ideal for longer stays. Hotels often have pools, restaurants, and extra services like kids’ activities.

6. How much does it cost to stay in a family hotel in Kuala Lumpur? Budget options range from $30-$50 USD / £25-£40 GBP per night, mid-range family apartments range from $70-$130 USD / £55-£105 GBP per night, and luxury stays can go from $150-$450 USD / £120-£360 GBP per night.

7. What’s the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur if I’m on a budget? Chow Kit and Brickfields offer plenty of budget-friendly hotels. They’re close to public transport and provide access to local markets, street food, and cultural attractions.

Decided on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur?

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Kuala Lumpur with Kids? From high-end hotels to budget-friendly apartments, there’s a family stay in Kuala Lumpur for everyone. 

There are so many great places to stay in Kuala Lumpur for families.  Don’t overthink it — pick a family-friendly area and let Kuala Lumpur’s charm do the rest!

Our Favourite family planning tools

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
• Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
• Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
• GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility. 
• Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel, gap years and digital nomads (including those who have already left home). 
• Wise– Our go to for all international spending and transfers. Get a fee free transfer of 500GBP with our link
• ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
• Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
• 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
• TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget