Chinatown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Renovated
2022
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
Sculptural Art Deco landmark
Raw concrete columns and a light-filled central atrium anchor the common spaces, offering a calming retreat from lively Chinatown outside.
What it’s good at
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Inside, however, you’ll find that, despite its historical bona fides, Else is no Art Deco period piece, but rather a high-end boutique hotel in a soothingly minimalistic modern style.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Set along Jalan Tun H S Lee, the hotel sits steps from Petaling Street markets, historic ornate temples, and creative hub REXKL.
The rooms
Soft earth tones, rich timber, and woven textures define the rooms, where double-glazed windows keep street noise at bay.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An open-air saltwater infinity pool sits on the fourth-floor terrace, looking out over Chinatown toward the KL Tower.
Fitness and float pods
The timber-floored fitness room has cardio equipment and free weights. Next door, private pods provide sensory deprivation float sessions.
Restaurant
Yellow Fin Horse
The fourth-floor kitchen cooks over open flames, serving charcoal-grilled seafood and sourdough with house-churned smoked butter.
Restaurant
Raw
The ground-floor dining room serves Latin-Asian sharing plates and natural wines, with live music during Sunday brunch.
How it began
Built in 1932 as the Lee Rubber Company headquarters, the Art Deco landmark once stood among the tallest structures in Kuala Lumpur.
Good to know
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Else Kuala Lumpur
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.