The moment my ride from the airport drove into Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit neighbourhood, I felt something quietly magnetic about it. Long before the Malaysian capital became synonymous with mega malls and glistening skyscrapers, this neighbourhood was already humming with traders and stories layered thick into its streets. It was also once known for its unofficial red-light district. Today, it’s home to the last kampung in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s largest wet market and a growing creative crowd.
Sitting right in the middle of it all is the debut property from Ormond Hotels: The Chow Kit Hotel, a four-star boutique stay that’s considered for the Michelin Guide Hotels. The hotel is a love letter to the area’s past, filtered through a very modern, design-forward lens with decor that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film. It’s not flashy or showy, but feels personal and not polished to within an inch of its life – and that’s what makes it special.
Why stay at The Chow Kit Hotel?
If you like your hotels with character, this one’s a winner. Everything here feels considered, from the custom-made furniture that celebrates local craftsmanship to the subtle nods to Kuala Lumpur’s history throughout the space. There’s also a cosy, lived-in comfort to it, but it’s lifted by touches of old-world opulence that stop it from ever feeling plain. And while the hotel sits right by the train tracks, you won’t hear a peep thanks to triple-glazed windows.
What are the rooms like at The Chow Kit Hotel?
Rooms here are warm, calm and thoughtfully laid out, with custom furniture that adds personality without cluttering the space. I stayed in the Towkay Suite, which is smaller than your average hotel suite, but decently sized with a king bed and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gorgeous signage outside. The vintage touches lend the room a homely, nostalgic feel, the kind that makes returning after a long day out feel especially comforting.
But word of warning: the bathrooms don’t come with bidets, which are very rare for hotels in Malaysia. Toiletries are a little more intentional too: toothbrushes are available upon request, and the body wash, hand wash, shampoo and conditioner are specially made for the hotel by local brand Jeanie Botanicals. Like what you’re using? You can actually shop them too.
Where to eat and drink at The Chow Kit Hotel?
Dining here revolves around Chow Kit Kitchen and Bar, the hotel’s all-day dining spot that feels just as good for a hearty breakfast as it does for a low-key nightcap, which can be ordered straight to your room if you’re firmly in stay-in-bed mode.
Breakfast is à la carte, featuring Malaysian staples like nasi lemak and roti canai alongside more international plates. I tried the chilli crab shakshouka, which was generously topped with sweet crab meat and perfect for a slow, indulgent morning.
If you’re around on a Sunday, make a beeline for the restaurant’s Sunday Roast. Served from 12pm to 4pm, the platter line-up includes tender roast beef, aromatic percik chicken or a delicate grilled fish fillet, all with Yorkshire puddings, golden roast potatoes, seasonal veg and rich gravy. Prices start from RM68 per platter, and kids under 12 eat free with every adult platter ordered, which feels like a rare hospitality win for families.
What are the facilities like at The Chow Kit Hotel?
There’s no spa or gym on-site, but that feels intentional rather than lacking. Step outside and you’ll find walkable options nearby, from fitness studios to massage spots, all very much part of local life.
What’s the area like around The Chow Kit Hotel?
Chow Kit is one of Kuala Lumpur's most storied neighbourhoods, and staying here puts you right in the thick of it. Just a short walk away is Chow Kit Market, which has been around since 1955 and remains one of the city’s best spots to snack hop and shop for locally sourced produce, including greens from Cameron Highlands and fruits from other regions in Malaysia.
The Chow Kit Hotel also runs specially priced walking and foodie tours for in-house guests, offering a deeper dive into the area’s old-meets-new character, from historic market buildings to newer community spaces and local food institutions. One popular stop is KRC Roti Canai, where crisp roti starts from RM1.70 and comes with dalca, curry and sambal, proving that some of Kuala Lumpur’s best bites still come without fuss or frills.
If you'd like to explore beyond, the hotel is a five-minute walk from the Sultan Ismail LRT station and Medan Tuanku Monorail station. The iconic Batu Caves is about a 30-minute Grab ride, while KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers are just minutes by car. Venture a little further and you’ll hit buzzy Bukit Bintang, home to street art-filled alleys, mega malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Fahrenheit, and the ever-lively Jalan Alor food strip.
Guests can also tap into a handy roster of perks around the city just by flashing their room key. Think dining and bar discounts at partnering spots, reduced rates at select workshops, and even wellness deals at Antara Spa and Wellness. It’s a nice little bonus that encourages you to explore more.
Why you should book a stay at The Chow Kit Hotel?
The Chow Kit Hotel isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s precisely its charm. It’s a boutique stay with soul, heritage and a strong sense of place, perfect for travellers who want more than just a comfortable bed and a skyline view, but also a slice of Kuala Lumpur that still feels authentic. Book now to experience it all yourself.
Address: 1012 Jln Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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