Kuala Lumpur isn’t exactly short on luxury hotels, but The RuMa Hotel and Residences has always played a different game. When it first opened its doors in 2018, tucked just off Jalan Kia Peng in the Malaysian capital’s Golden Triangle, it quietly became the place design lovers and in-the-know travellers whispered about. I’d heard good things about it – always imagining it as one of those elegant venues frequented by posh people with impeccable taste – so finally checking in felt a bit like being let in on a well-kept secret.
The moment I stepped through its terracotta birdcage entrance, the city’s buzz faded into a low hum. Inside was all soft amber glow, polished wood and that instant cosy-luxe warmth. And now, with a One Michelin Key under its belt, it’s clear that the world has caught on to what KL locals already knew: The RuMa is a luxury experience crafted with soul, heritage and an almost uncanny sense of hostmanship. Here’s what a stay here looks like.
Why stay at The RuMa Hotel?
The RuMa means home in Malay, and that’s the entire philosophy: warm hospitality, intuitive service and designs that tell stories without being kitschy. The space is a gorgeous medley of local craftsmanship and modern silhouettes. Upon stepping in, my eyes were instantly drawn to the colonial-style spiral staircases and the golden Kebayaku installation, paying homage to the traditional kebaya through contemporary artistry. There are also design touches inspired by the area’s tin-mining history. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to look up everything in a design encyclopedia just to sound smarter about it. And yes, the One Michelin Key accolade? Fully deserved.
What are the rooms like at The RuMa Hotel?
I checked into the Deluxe Suite King with a stunning view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The suite is spacious, warm-toned and beautifully curated without feeling overdone. There’s a ceiling fan, thoughtful lighting complete with an underbed nightlight, and enough space to host a small family get-together. The minibar is stocked with Malaysian snacks like Tong Garden nuts and Popo fish muruku – an unexpectedly nostalgic detail that got me right in the feels.
But it’s the bathroom that got me excited. It has a deep soaking tub facing a TV where you can cast your favourite shows. I caught up with some of my shows while submerged like a very content aquatic creature. Amenities are lush, toiletries are Balmain, water pressure is heavenly, and the room is soundproofed so you can pretend KL’s traffic doesn’t exist.
The only hiccup for me was having to haul the blinds up by hand to enjoy that gorgeous view, plus not being able to control both the air-conditioning and the fan. But for what it offers, the room delivers excellent value, especially compared to other luxury stays in the same area.
Where to eat and drink at The RuMa Hotel?
ATAS is a sleek, contemporary Malaysian restaurant that elevates local favourites without losing their soul. Its open kitchen means you’re practically part of the action, watching chefs grill, flip and stir like it’s culinary theatre.
The breakfast buffet here is a full-on temptation zone, with a wide variety of dishes including nasi lemak, beef rendang, congee, and an eggs menu featuring must-orders like the masala omelette and a punchy prawn sambal version. Don’t skip the scrambled eggs raclette, carved straight from a molten cheese wheel, or the live teh tarik station, where you can request your preferred sugar level.
If you’re in on a Sunday, its brunch buffet goes big, with live fire-cooking stations and à la carte specials including Borneo lobster thermidor and a bao bun lamb rack spiced with Sarawak black pepper.
For afternoon tea, The Librari offers a serene experience complete with a traditional hand-washing ritual, plus sweet and savoury bites served on a congkak-style tray. And for drinks, Seven Lobby Bar shakes up cocktails starring local botanicals, with a selection of 77 gins. Even the poolside bar Santai feels like an urban retreat.
What are the facilities like at The RuMa Hotel?
The sixth floor is basically a wellness wonderland. The 25-metre infinity pool looks out over KL’s skyline and is large enough to actually swim in, not just pose for photos. UR Spa blends Malaysian healing traditions with modern sensibilities, with treatments like the Dusun Inan Body Therapy and Urutan Malaysia that feel culturally rooted and genuinely restorative. While the gym is open 24 hours, it’s only stocked with the basics and not really one for doing any heavy lifting.
What’s the area like around The RuMa Hotel?
You’re right in the Golden Triangle, KL’s beating commercial-and-entertainment heart. The Petronas Twin Towers are practically your neighbours, Suria KLCC and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur are a stroll away, and TRX – the shiny new financial district with excellent shopping and entertainment – is also close by. Bukit Bintang is about a 20-minute walk or a short ride away if you want buzzy nightlife, cafés, street art and more malls than your wallet can handle.
Transport is easy too. The nearest MRT and LRT stations are within walking distance, which makes zipping around KL pleasantly faff-free. You can also book a Grab here if you prefer car rides.
Why you should book a stay at The RuMa Hotel
The RuMa is one of those rare properties that not only pampers you well but wraps you in a warm, comforting feeling. It’s thoughtful, indulgent, and beautifully Malaysian. The service is impeccable, the rooms are a dream, the food is sensational, and the location puts KL at your doorstep without overwhelming you. A solid, shimmering five-star stay that I’d book again in a heartbeat.
Address: 7 Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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