The Majestic is Kuala Lumpur’s grand old hotel, and staying here feels like stepping into the city’s colonial past. Built in 1932 in a blend of Neo-Classical and Art Deco styles, it was the place to be seen, saved from demolition, used as the National Art Gallery and finally restored by YTL Hotels as a protected heritage building. Today it has 300 rooms and suites in two wings. The Majestic Wing holds 47 heritage suites, the Colonial Cafe, the Tea Lounge, the Drawing Room and the Orchid Conservatory, while the 15-storey Tower Wing adds Art Deco rooms, the Contango restaurant, a gym and an outdoor pool. The Majestic Spa, styled after Mackintosh’s Willow Tearooms, has its own pool, and The Smoke House offers a cigar room and bespoke tailor.
Living in it: the hotel faces the Moorish Kuala Lumpur railway station and is a short ride from KL Sentral, with a shuttle provided. The Islamic Arts Museum, the National Mosque and the Perdana Botanical Garden are close by, and Merdeka Square and Chinatown are a short taxi ride away.
Trade-offs: the Tower Wing rooms are more modern and less atmospheric than the heritage suites, which cost more. The area around the hotel is busy with traffic and not ideal for evening strolls, so plan to take a Grab to dinner. Book afternoon tea even if you stay elsewhere.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored 1932 heritage building
- ✓Heritage suites in the Majestic Wing
- ✓Orchid Conservatory
- ✓Afternoon tea in the Tea Lounge
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓The Majestic Spa
- ✓Contango restaurant
- ✓Shuttle to KL Sentral
Good questions
How old is The Majestic?+
It opened in 1932 and is a gazetted heritage building, restored by YTL Hotels.
Which wing should I book?+
The Majestic Wing has the heritage suites; the Tower Wing has modern Art Deco rooms, the gym and the pool.
Is it close to KL Sentral?+
Yes, it is a few minutes away, and the hotel runs a shuttle.
