The hype
Reviewers are obsessed with the 'slow living' vibe and the architecture, calling it an oasis in a chaotic neighborhood.
Else Kuala Lumpur
$120-200/ night
Book this if You want a design-forward sanctuary in the heart of gritty Chinatown that prioritizes mindfulness over massive buffets.
Why People Love It
- Stunning 1930s Art Deco architecture (formerly the Lee Rubber Building)
- A la carte breakfast that beats the usual stale hotel buffet
- Rooftop saltwater infinity pool with skyline views
Quick Take: It's an aesthetic masterpiece that forces you to relax, provided you bring earplugs for the Chinatown street noise below.
Reviewed by @migueltravelaround: I found the ultimate sanctuary in Chinatown. Walking through that hidden green door felt so exclusive, and the atrium architecture is breathtaking. It’s the perfect minimalist escape from the KL chaos.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Light sleepers consistently complain about motorcycle revving and construction noise penetrating the windows on lower levels.
- You appreciate brutalist-chic design and curated art
- You prefer a high-quality a la carte breakfast over quantity
- You want to be walking distance to Kuala Lumpur's best street food
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable daily service; staff are frequently praised for attention to detail.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. Grout lines are clean, and rainfall showers are well-maintained.
- Maintenance: The building is recently restored (2022), so wear and tear is minimal.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count linens and plush, fresh towels.
- Odors & scents: Common areas smell of essential oils; no musty odors despite the humid climate.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Motorcycles and traffic on Jalan Tun H S Lee
- Construction noise from nearby developments
- Exhaust fans from adjacent buildings
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet parking is RM25 per day; there is no self-park option on-site.
- Foreign tourists must pay a Tourism Tax of RM10 per room per night at check-in.
- A refundable security deposit of RM200 is required upon arrival.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential for lower floors)
- Mosquito repellent (for the open-air corridors and pool area)
- Universal travel adapter (Type G is standard, but some rooms have universal sockets)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sanctuary Room (upper floors, private balcony, better sound insulation)
- Sutera Suite (extra space, separate living area, feels more residential)
Rooms to avoid
- Mantra Rooms on Level 1 or 2 facing the street (maximum noise exposure)
- Rooms near the elevator shaft if you're sensitive to foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on the highest possible floor, facing away from the main street (Jalan Tun H S Lee) to minimize traffic noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, and it's excellent. It's an a la carte menu (not a buffet) served at Raw Kitchen Hall.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a saltwater infinity pool on the rooftop, open 6am to 10pm. It's unheated.
Is it family-friendly?
Technically yes, but the vibe is very adult/chill. There are no specific kids' amenities.
How is the gym?
It's a 'boutique gym'—think dumbbells, a treadmill, and functional training gear. Not for powerlifters.
Can I walk to the Petronas Towers?
No, it's a 10-15 minute Grab ride. But you can walk to Central Market and Petaling Street.
Is the area safe at night?
Chinatown is generally safe but can feel gritty. Stick to well-lit main streets and watch for pickpockets in crowds.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Request a 'Gratitude Space' session if you need a quiet place to meditate.
- ✨
The 'floating pods' in the gym are a paid extra but worth it for sensory deprivation therapy.
- ✨
Don't miss the library den on the second floor—it's often empty and perfect for working.
5 things to know before you go
💡The corridors are open-air, which means humidity and the occasional mosquito can greet you at your door.
💡The 'Mantra' rooms are quite compact (25sqm)—fine for solo travelers, tight for couples with big luggage.
💡You can hear the rumble of the MRT trains from some rooms, though it's less intrusive than the street noise.
💡The bathroom amenities are by Omno and smell incredible (sage and lavender notes).
💡There is no spa on-site, only the floating pods and gym.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Else Kuala Lumpur is located and what's nearby.