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8 Affordable Boutique Hotels In Malaysia For Your Next Getaway (From RM69!)

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Yaya Norazman •  Aug 23, 2020

When it comes to staycation ideas, we all have our preferences. While some of us love the charm of homestays and B&Bs, some appreciate the personalised interior design of boutique hotels. If you're looking to stay at somewhere IG-worthy for your next trip, we've rounded up 8 affordable boutique hotels in Malaysia we think you shouldn't miss while planning your next short vacation!

1. MoMo's, KL

Adorably-named. Instagrammable exterior. These are the first 2 things we noticed about MoMo's, yet the reasons why you should stay here extends beyond that.

Located at the ever-busy interjunction of Jalan TAR-Jalan Sultan Ismail, it's hard to miss this hotel given its starking modern vibe surrounded by old shop lots in the middle of KL. Bonus point, it's situated opposite famous Nasi Kandar Kudu, a local go-to lunch destination as featured in our 11 Best Nasi Kandar Spots in MY You Won't Be Able To Resist!

There are 99 cosy, wood-furnished micro rooms to choose from. While there's a lot to do in this multifaceted part of the city, you can count on MoMo's for the straightforward refuge you need after a long day -- fuss-free interior, dim-adjustable lighting, and a device casting-ready 43" TV.

Casually advertised as a social hotel, we'd say MoMo's is doing a great job living up to its reputation by bringing crowds of locals and travellers together through their lively events. It's not the most serene area to stay in due to its high-traffic location, but with all the other pros i.e convenience of staying at a central area, affordable rate, etc-- we're definitely not complaining ?

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM69 (promo till 31 Dec 2020!)

Address: 316 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur

Contact: Call +603-2776 6666

Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Lantern Hotel, KL

Every Chinatown around the globe is known to have both offerings of scrumptious cheap food and tumultuous rapport. What if we tell you that the one belongs to KL hides a tranquil, industrial-meets-tropical haven for locals and foreigners alike?

Lantern Hotel is every bit the hideaway-in-plain-sight we never knew we would see in our lifetime. Walking through their entrance feels like you're leaving behind the vibrant exterior and substituting it with a spotless, airy interior that's nothing short of enlightening.

With a terrace that hovers just above the mid-section of Chinatown, the location is either a 100% go or a no-go; depending on how keen you are to bask in Petaling Street's round-the-clock glory.

Food hunting could not get easier if you plan to stay here. Halal food is aplenty within 5 - 10 mins walking distance, but if you get tired of the tourist pricing, it's good to know that the Central Market aka Pasar Seni MRT, LRT and bus station is very near to where you are!

One thing you'll most definitely notice is how the hotel utilises the full potential of brick wall aesthetics. From the corridors to the rooms, it's hard not to appreciate the contemporary vibe this place gives out. And of course, the rooms are designed to look as clean and as minimalist as possible. As you step in, prepare to leave your worry at the door, release all that tension, and unwind.

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM90

Address: 38, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Contact: Call +603-20201648 / Email [email protected]

Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. M Boutique Hotel, Ipoh

Located in the quieter side of Ipoh, yet not far from where all the fun and good food is, M Boutique Hotel runs its own show as the whimsical hotel cum traveller-magnet. I mean, check out the photos and tell us: what's not to like about this place?

One thing M Boutique Hotel did so well is giving character to this establishment. Status quo is definitely out of the window, offering an eclectic balance of urban, industrial, and in many ways retro atmosphere. Getting hungry? You'd want to check out these Muslim-friendly eateries in Ipoh!

The halal breakfast spread is complimentary for hotel guests, so yes, you don't need to take off your pyjamas when you're here ?

The rooms are given just as much classic-modern twist as the rest of the hotel is. While it's not the most spacious compared to bigger hotel chains, the charm of the interior design and the friendly service by the staff here are enough to keep any guest happy and satisfied.

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM128 on Agoda

Address: 2, Hala Datuk 5, Kampung Kuchai, 31650 Ipoh

Contact: Call +605 255 5566

Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. The Ipoh Bali Hotel, Ipoh

In a hypothetical tourism FAQ somewhere, somebody asked whether Malaysia can have its own Balinese retreat without having to actually go to Bali. Their prayers were answered thanks to this hotel we're about to gush over ?

For those who have either been to Bali or spent too much time scrolling Bali-related feed, you'd understand the longing to once again experience the zen that is unique to, well, Bali. While this place is not close to the beaches, the rest of the elements are there. Furnishings and decor consisting of wood and volcanic stones, island colour palette down to every detail, an outdoor garden with the calming touch of a koi pond-- it all spells out 'time to relax' in capital letters.

While you're here, give their in-house spa a try. Hotel guests get a 20% discount off of all ala carte services so if you're gonna go all out with the massages - this is the right place to do so ??‍♀️??‍♂️ Whether it's a family vacation or a short getaway with friends, you'd find yourself taken care of when you're here.

The best part has to be the fact that it is within 5 minutes drive to Ipoh Old Town. You should know the drill by now; bean sprouts chicken, egg tart, tau fu fah, and more!

Psst... After all that food hunt, take a detour to these 12 Instagrammable Spots in Ipoh so you don't come back 'empty-handed'!

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM260

Address: 12A, Lorong Cheah Cheang Lim, Off Jalan Tambun, 30350 Ipoh

Contact: Call +6010 – 5660222 / 05 - 2420222/ 05-2410222 / Email [email protected]

Website | Facebook | Instagram

P.S. Feast Your Way Through Ipoh's Halal Food Gems in 72 Hours!

5. Courtyard at Heeren Boutique Hotel, Melaka

Staycations in shop lots-turned-boutique hotels are not rare when you're in Malacca or Penang. But of course, shop lots or not, we often look for a place charming enough to make us forget there are the likes of Ritz-Carlton nearby.

This Peranakan heavily-inspired place is one of those examples.

This quaint, unassuming establishment can be mistaken as an antique shop to passersby. While the owners of Courtyard at Heeren do decorate their hotel with antiques, many guests claim that the cosiness, as well as the modern-traditional ratio, keep them coming back ?

A quick glimpse of the rooms somewhat reminds us of pre-Independence straits Chinese films. It's a nice change from fast-paced urban life, especially when you really take the time to soak in the ambience of the historical city.

For a decently priced rate, we love all that we're getting when staying here: comfortable beds, unique decorations, amazing hospitality, and the list goes on.

The strategic location is also a big win for those who choose to spend a few days here while touring Malacca. It is 2 blocks away from Jonker Street and is within walking distance to a number of popular eateries nearby. Despite having bagged several tourism awards since it first opened, Courtyard at Heeren didn't get complacent and their guests can vouch for this.

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM170

Address: 91 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Malacca City 75200 Malacca

Contact: Call 06-281 0088

Website | Facebook

P.S. Looking to satisfy your cravings for local food? Check out these 16 Muslim-friendly eateries in Malacca!

6. Timez Hotel, Melaka

Ranked 7th out of 200 best places to stay in Melaka, this is yet another gem in Jonker Street that proves the best hotels aren't necessarily the most expensive ones.

There are 3 suites and 12 thoughtfully designed rooms offered by Timez. You can choose your rooms based on the themes Peranakan, British, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch.

Suffice to say, Timez really delivered in conceptualising the melting pot of cultures in Malacca and manifesting it into this hotel. The designs radiate the utter beauty and elegance within each rooted influences and for the rate offered, it'd be a mistake not to consider this a steal ✨

As always, when you're staying in Jonker Street, you don't have to worry about getting around. Don't have anything planned? Cool, as we've got the only 3D2N Historical Malacca Getaway Itinerary you need ?

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM126 on Agoda

Address: 31 Jalan Hang Kasturi, Jonker Street, Jonker, 75200 Malacca

Contact: Call +6062812109

Website | Facebook | Instagram

7. Nam Keng Hotel, Penang

More pre-war architecture inspired residences! Can you tell we're in love with Malaysia's remnants from the past yet?

Nam Keng Hotel 南京酒店 is an elegant, classy heritage hotel made up of 3 combined shophouses which were built in the early 1900s. When you see it, the distinct red awning and wooden shutters seem like its calling you from afar. 

Each room and suite is designed in a way to provide guests with the nostalgic reminiscence of 'home'. What makes the authentic Malaysian experience is practically everything the owner and designer of Nam Keng have made happen ?

Along the sidewalks of Chulia Street, rows of diners and coffee shops open their doors to offer local favourites. At night you can also find hawkers flock the area to sell Malaysian street food. The taste of Penang food is unique, much so that long after you wrap up your vacation, the cravings linger for weeks and months ?

Halal continental and Asian buffet breakfast await guests first thing in the morning, with an additional selection of Baba Nyonya 'kueh' (bite-sized local treats). Beyond what the hotel offers, we've listed 12 Must-Try Halal Eateries in Penang for you -- so go crazy and eat to your heart's content ?

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM150

Address:17, Cintra Street, George Town, 10100 Pulau Pinang

Contact: Call +604-263 5177

Website | Facebook | Instagram

8. White Mansion, Penang

Last but not least, White Mansion is one of the relatively new players in the field. It's not an actual mansion like the Blue Mansion. Instead, it is a refurbished traditional shophouse located in the heart of Penang offering 16 rooms with a modern touch.

P.S. If you've never heard of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion aka Penang's Blue Mansion, head over to 12 Instagrammable Spots in Penang That Aren't Street Art and find out!

From the lobby to the corridors, White Mansion reminds us of an English townhouse, complete with wooden floor finishes, arches in the corridor, and white wall panels. Classic, easy on the eyes, and without a doubt, welcoming.

Credit: White Mansion Penang on Facebook

We're guessing the owners love themselves plenty of matte steel furniture and we love how they match the contemporary feel with the rest of the interior. Rooms are kept simple; thick white duvet and faux feathered pillows are all you need for a good night's sleep ?

Might we add - White Mansion guests are entitled to complimentary breakfast at the crowd puller of Noordin Street: the famous star coffee by Aunty Evelyn Ang. Fondly known by the locals as Kopi Bintang, the business has been around since the 1980s. Crunchy butter kaya toast paired with freshly brewed, rich, aromatic cart coffee? We won't have it any other way! ☕

Book your stay!

Rate: Starting from RM131 on Agoda

Address: 165, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 Penang

Contact: +604-261 2727

Website | Facebook | Instagram

That's about it! As firm believers in spending wisely even during our travels, this listicle hopefully makes a great start for all of you who intend to give boutique hotels a try. Let us know if you have more boutique hotel recommendations!