The best accommodations Malaysia

Budget & Tips

Malaysia. Small, inexpensive hotels with rates of no more than RM50 per night are often very basic and not always impeccably clean. The decoration is simple. As you move upmarket, comfort improves, but good taste is not always present. Nevertheless, boutique hotels are opening up in medium-sized towns of tourist interest. High-class hotels offer impeccable service and tastefully decorated rooms. But not everyone can afford the dream. Rates range from RM500 to over RM1,000 per night.

Singapore. The city is expensive, and you'll be hard-pressed to find accommodation for less than S$60 a night. There are many mid-range hotels offering accommodation between US$100 and US$150 per night. We've selected the most comfortable hotels with a certain charm. There are many hotels belonging to the major international chains. A minimum of US$250 is required for a double room. It's advisable to book before you leave, although once you're there, you'll find it relatively easy to find vacant rooms.

In Brunei. You'll be spoilt for choice in the Sultanate of Brunei, a small territory of 400,000 inhabitants. Given the quality of the mid-range and upper-range establishments, it's definitely advisable to treat yourself while you're there. For lovers of luxury, the Empire Hotel is a must.

The rates given in this guide apply to a double room, except in the dormitory, where it's a single bed.

To be booked

Early booking is advisable if you're visiting the region around Chinese New Year, Hari Raya (end of Ramadan) or Deepavali. International events can also fill up hotels quickly, especially in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

What's very local

In Malaysia. Guesthouse literally means "bed and breakfast", but in Malaysia, the word has a much broader meaning. Most often the preferred choice of travelers on a tight budget, these establishments offer a variety of accommodation options. from " Pod ", the new dormitory concept offering a certain degree of privacy, to the classic RM15 dormitory or RM60 air-conditioned double room, they are also sometimes home-stays. The distinctive feature of these places is often their welcoming, family atmosphere. They also offer practical services such as bus and train reservations, laundry facilities, Internet access, organized tours...

In Singapore. Guesthouse rates start at US$30 for a dormitory bed and S$50 for a double room. Many guesthouses are clustered around Bugis, Beach Road and Bencoolen Street.

For food lovers

In most mid-range or top-of-the-range hotels, you'll have a choice between a local breakfast, based on fried rice or noodles or steamed ravioli, and a Western breakfast. Asians eat salty food for breakfast, and even in Western formulas you'll be offered eggs, sausages (beef or chicken) and beans in tomato sauce.

Smokers

Hotels in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei are entirely non-smoking, from public areas to guest rooms. Ashtrays are placed at the hotel entrances.