The best hotel stays are about more than where you sleep. They are the sunrise you wake up to, the pool you never want to leave, the coffee with a view that makes you linger a little longer. From island escapes to design-led city stays, a new wave of hotels is bringing fresh energy to Malaysia in 2026. Here are six worth checking into.
Bringing a contemporary hospitality pulse to Sabah’s historic east coast, Ormond Sandakan marks the Ormond Group’s first venture into East Malaysia. Positioned along the Sandakan Bay waterfront and connected to Sandakan Harbour Mall, the property balances warm timber accents and clean minimalist aesthetics with sweeping Sulu Sea panoramas.
Culinary & Amenities: Catch golden hour at Bayu, the Level 13 infinity-pool bar, or sample Josper-grilled coastal Mediterranean fare infused with local Sabahan ingredients at Pietro.
Location Perks: Serves as a polished gateway before heading to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or embarking on Kinabatangan River wildlife expeditions.
Starting Rate: From RM 220 per night.
2. Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur
IHG's lifestyle brand made its Malaysian debut with Kimpton Naluria, an energetic 466-room tower seamlessly integrated into The Exchange TRX district. Named after the Malay words naluri (instinct) and ria (joy), the property merges bold contemporary art with subtle rainforest-inspired textures and signature hosted social hours.
Culinary & Amenities: Experience farm-to-table dining at dual-concept Tuai + Till, retro Italian-American favorites at Sabato’s, and crafted cocktails at Four Siblings, Malaysia's first dedicated spice-themed rooftop bar.
Location Perks: Direct pedestrian bridge connectivity to TRX City Park and luxury retail flagships.
Starting Rate: From RM 580 per night.
3. Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur
When the occasion calls for disappearing above the city noise without leaving the Golden Triangle, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur sets the benchmark. Making its historic entrance into Kuala Lumpur, the hotel positions itself not merely as a place to sleep, but as an intimate urban refuge designed for life’s quiet triumphs. With 268 expansive residential suites; each spanning an enviable 80 square metres and upwards, it delivers the kind of generous space and storied glamour that makes leaving your suite for dinner entirely optional.
Culinary & Amenities: World-class gastronomy anchored by master chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (JG KL, abc kitchens) and acclaimed chef Garima Arora (Yaari), alongside afternoon tea at Peacock Alley.
Location Perks: Located steps from Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the Bukit Bintang retail corridor.
Starting Rate: From RM 2,090 per night.
Rising 50 floors in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's financial district, Conrad Kuala Lumpur brings contemporary Hilton luxury to the capital. Designed for seamless bleisure stays, the 481-room hotel features floor-to-ceiling glass façades and tablet-integrated smart rooms.
Culinary & Amenities: Six dining and social venues, including China Blue perched as one of the capital's highest Chinese fine-dining rooms, and Japanese teppanyaki at Gami Teppan.
Location Perks: Direct walking proximity to the Raja Chulan monorail and Bukit Bintang MRT stations.
Starting Rate: From RM 850 per night.
Set within George Town’s UNESCO-listed heritage enclave beside the historic Khoo Kongsi clan temple, Soori Penang offers a rare, intimate luxury experience that stands alongside Penang icons such as The Blue Mansion. Reimagined by acclaimed architect Soo K. Chan from his childhood shophouse compound, this 15-suite retreat pairs heritage architecture with contemporary elegance, featuring private courtyard plunge pools, natural skylights and exquisite stone detailing. Awarded One MICHELIN Key in the September 2026 MICHELIN Guide Malaysia selection, Soori Penang offers discerning travellers a distinctive way to experience the city’s cultural soul through understated luxury and thoughtful design.
Culinary & Amenities: Personalised butler service, curated cultural walks, Balinese-inspired holistic spa rituals, and bespoke tea pairings.
Starting Rate: From RM 3,100 per night.
6. Capri by Fraser Penang (George Town)
Situated on Magazine Road, Capri by Fraser offers travellers a comfortable, flexible base to explore Penang. With 248 residences ranging from smart studios with kitchenettes to spacious one-bedroom suites, it caters to different travel needs, whether for a short city break, an extended stay or a work-from-anywhere getaway. Guests can enjoy the convenience of apartment-style living while staying connected to the experiences Penang has to offer.
Culinary & Amenities: Unwind at The Den social lounge, enjoy artisanal coffee and bites in partnership with Norm Micro Roastery, and experience Spin & Play, a combined laundrette and gaming zone.
Location Perks: Pet-friendly amenities and steps from George Town's historic street art corridors.
Starting Rate: From RM 450 per night.
Whether you are craving a slow-paced heritage weekend in George Town, a design-forward coastal retreat in Borneo, or a staycation in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s newest properties are ready to welcome you.
Click on the “Hotels” icon in the AirAsia MOVE app and explore your desired staycation now. Users can enjoy a RM50 discount for all hotels when booking a hotel with promo code ‘RIGHMOVE
