The hype
Travelers love the rooftop pool and the location next to the LRT, but almost everyone complains about the maintenance and hygiene.
Pacific Express Hotel Central Market
$20-45/ night
Book this if You want to spend your money on street food, not sleep, and need a base within crawling distance of Central Market.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location steps from Central Market and Chinatown
- Rooftop pool with surprisingly decent skyline views (including KL Tower)
- Dirt-cheap rates that leave budget for extra roti canai
Quick Take: A functional crash pad with a killer address and a cleanliness record that requires lowered expectations.
Reviewed by @DeannaTroyTravels: I had the best time hanging out at this rooftop pool! The view of the KL Tower is honestly incredible, and jumping in after a hot day exploring the city felt amazing. It’s such a hidden gem for getting those skyline shots without breaking the bank.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'city view' often means staring at a wall or construction unless you snag a specific high-floor room.
- You are a backpacker who just needs a bed and a shower
- You plan to be out exploring from 8am to midnight
- You prioritize location over luxury
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. frequent reports of missed daily cleaning or surface-level dusting only.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Watch for mold in grout, hair in drains, and water stains.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Peeling paint, broken lights, and slow drains are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Often worn and graying. Check for stains immediately upon arrival.
- Odors & scents: Can smell musty or like stale cigarette smoke, especially in windowless rooms.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway noise due to poor insulation
- Traffic from Jalan Hang Kasturi
- Plumbing sounds from neighboring rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- There is NO on-site parking; you must park at a public lot nearby.
- The rooftop pool is the hotel's best feature—don't skip it.
- Wi-Fi can be spotty and requires frequent re-login.
What to pack
- Flip-flops for the shower (hygiene precaution)
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Universal travel adapter (outlets are limited)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Room 8105 (rare corner room with actual windows and light)
- Pacific Room (larger, includes a bathtub)
- High-floor rooms facing the river for slightly less noise
Rooms to avoid
- Standard/Superior rooms explicitly labeled 'No Window'
- Rooms near the elevator bank (noise central)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on a high floor, away from the elevators. If available, I would prefer a room with a window facing the city skyline.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking at the hotel?
No. You must park at nearby open-air lots like the one at Jalan Balai Polis (approx. RM 5/hour or flat rates).
Do all rooms have windows?
No. A significant number of 'Standard' and 'Superior' rooms are windowless. You must book a specific category to guarantee natural light.
Is breakfast included?
Sometimes, but it's basic. You are better off eating at the kopitiams nearby.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a rooftop pool on the 9th floor with views of KL Tower and the city.
How much is the deposit?
Expect to pay a refundable deposit of RM 100 to RM 200 in cash upon check-in.
Is it close to public transport?
Yes, extremely. It is walking distance to Pasar Seni MRT/LRT and Masjid Jamek LRT stations.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 minutes to Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam (go early to beat the queue).
- ✨
The 'convenience store' inside is pricey; walk to the 7-Eleven or KK Mart down the street.
- ✨
Use the 'Pasar Seni' MRT station for easier access to Bukit Bintang and KL Sentral.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'mud towers' view mentioned in reviews is likely a confused reference to the construction of Merdeka 118.
💡The pool area has bean bags, which is a nice touch for sunset chilling.
💡You might find a 'qibla' arrow on the ceiling (standard in Malaysia, but confuses some tourists).
💡The air conditioning is central and can be freezing cold—bring a hoodie.
💡The water dispenser is in the hallway, not the room.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pacific Express Hotel Central Market is located and what's nearby.