CitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang hotel in KL: Hotel Review
Petronas Twin Towers are a pair of 88-story sky scrapper and once the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004.
Kuala Lumpur or often shortened to KL, is the capital of Malaysia. The city has a blend of modern high-rises, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia.
KL is a foodie paradise and it offers an incredible variety of cuisines from authentic Malay, Chinese, Indian, and fusion dishes, there's something for everyone. So when My friends invited me to join their foodie trip in KL. So of course, I said YES! Since we want to do food tour this time, we decided to search for a stay in Bukit Bintang district which is located near two big food markets.
While searching for a hotel in Bukit Bintang area, I came across to CitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang hotel and it caught my attention immediately. The hotel is located in Bukit Bintang area which is Kuala Lumpur's shopping and entertainment district. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including the monorail and MRT. Traveling by Grab is also affordable in Kuala Lumpur. Oh, from the hotel, it is only 10 minutes by car ride from KL Sentral Station. So this is a great central location for foodie and to do sight seeing.
First impression: CitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang Hotel
CitizenM is a Netherlands-based hotel chain known for its affordable luxury and modern, minimalist design. Founded in 2008, it has since expanded to over 20 locations across Europe, North America, and Asia. In Asia, it only has two locations: Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Taipei. The hotel is beautiful and lives up to its reputation.
The hotel has a modern and stylish design with a focus on technology. The lobby has a vibrant atmosphere with a shared lounge and co-working space on-site. Note that upon check-in, be prepared to use the self-service kiosks, as staff assistance is limited. However, there will be staff available to help if needed.
A comfortable stay?
Definitely! CitizenM offers a limited number of room types, all designed to be compact and efficient. I booked the Standard Room, and while I expected it to be quite small, I was pleasantly surprised.
The room was compact, yet more comfortable than I anticipated. They have a king-size bed (XL size, I believe) and some great amenities inside the room. So, if you're traveling solo, this room is a perfect fit. However, for two people, it might feel a bit crowded, in my opinion. I enjoyed the rain shower and the MoodPad tablet for controlling the lights, temperature, and blinds.
Book your stay here
I especially loved the hip vibe on the second floor. It's a cozy, modern, and functional space, perfect for remote work. If you're looking for a boutique hotel that caters to remote workers, CitizenM is a great option.
If you are a digital nomad, I think KL would be a great base because of its relatively lower cost of living. Near the hotel, there are also many cool cafes that serve great coffee and food such as Feeka Coffee Roasters and Stellar Coffee KL.
Best location for foodie!
The hotel is located near two famous night markets, Jalan Petaling and Jalan Alor Food Street, making this hotel a great spot for foodies. Here are some details about both places.
1. Jalan Petaling
Jalan Petaling or also known as Petaling Street, is Kuala Lumpur's bustling Chinatown and a must-visit for any traveller seeking a good eats and shopping experience. At this market, there are hundreds of stalls and shops selling everything from clothes and souvenirs to electronics. So, be prepared to bargain for the best prices, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. But if shopping is not in your itinerary, you can enjoy plenty street food stalls to local restaurants.
There are many great local dishes that you can try from many savory classics such as Curry Laksa. As this is a crowded market, be mindful of your belongings and make sure to bring cash.
How to get here
2. Jalan Alor Food Street
Another great market to visit is Jalan Alor Food Street. This night market is dream come true for foodie. It's a lively night market with 200+ stalls and eateries along a 0.5 km stretch, serving a variety of Malaysian and international food.
If you are a group of three like me and my friends, I would suggest order many different things to share and try together. For us, we got many classic savories such as char koay teow, chicken satay, fried tofu, chicken wing and crispy pork. Compared to restaurants in other parts of the city, the food at Jalan Alor is relatively inexpensive. Try as much as your heart desires! Also, please make sure to bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards.
How to get here
Bonus tip:
To experience the best Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng, I recommend having one at Village Park Restaurant. This is a simple yet flavorful rice dish that you must not miss in Kuala Lumpur. This dish is consisted of fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, accompanied by essential garnishes like cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, fried anchovies, and a hard-boiled or fried egg. It may also include sambal (chili paste) for a spicy kick as well.
If you love fried chicken like me, you will love the well-seasoned crispy fried chicken in this dish. And this place makes one of the best fried chicken for Nasi Lemak in my opinion. Fun fact, in Malay, the word Nasi Lemak signifies a flavorful and aromatic rice dish and the word Ayam Goreng means fried chicken. So there you go, flavorful rice with fried chicken!
Make sure to get yourself a cup of Teh tarik also. Making this drink involves repeatedly pouring hot tea between two mugs to create a foamy texture and richer flavor. This iconic tea is well-loved by the locals and I can see why. It is strong, aromatic and flavorful. So be sure to try! And yes, please bring cash.
In summary, CitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang is an affordable hotel option offering convenient locations and great comfort. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, exploring KL, and this hotel only enhanced the experience. I highly recommend it to you as well!
