MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur: The social hotel with a standout aesthetic

Designed by Sydney-based Akin Atelier to feel like an experiential gallery, MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur welcomes everyone in its celebration of creativity and spontaneity.

Who says hotels are only for R&R? Say hello to MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur, a new social hotel with micro rooms and a major personality. Also home to MoMosita Taco Bar and The Playground, guests are treated to a dynamic, ever-evolving space that replaces the traditional lobby and plays host to a constant line up of exciting events, parties and food pop-ups. MoMo’s has the perfect balance of play and stay, where you definitely won’t be left feeling disappointed. Wanna know what else makes the hotel your best bet when it comes to a city staycation? Read our interview with Bay Doucet who recently spent a weekend there!

What’s your first impression of the hotel?

You walk in through a discreet entrance and enter the colorful yet cozy lobby a.k.a The Playground which is also part of MoMosita Taco Bar, a Mexican restaurant (more on that later!). If you don’t know any better, you might think that you’ve stepped into a fun tropical beach club in Bali. It’s no big showpiece lobby, but it’s hygge enough. The LED lights, vibrant posters, and their signature hotel scent instantly transport you out of the busy Chow Kit streets and into a tropical escape. The color schemes are soothing with millennial pink taking center stage and pots of cacti are peppered around the room — hello, Instagram-worthy spots! It’s definitely a hotel geared towards the younger crowd and it’s set to be the newest spot in the city for parties and nights out.

Is there a story behind the hotel?

Designed by Sydney-based Akin Atelier, the hotel is made to feel like an experiential gallery. The use of colorful tiles, neon LED signs and poster-covered walls in The Playground is perfect for an ever-changing event space. With the concept of a social hotel, MoMo’s is the place to be if you want to form friendships with fellow travelers as the hotel constantly organizes fun events and parties.

What makes the hotel different from the others?

MoMo’s is the perfect base for your Kuala Lumpur adventures. It organizes neighborhood walks that you can join to explore Chow Kit, a popular area in Kuala Lumpur known for its lively traditional market, street food and hip cafes. If you’re new in town and want to get all the local tips, just ask any of the staff as they’re well versed in all the top spots to visit. Again, I just loved how the hotel hosts parties and events so I can stay in to socialize, mingle and party!

What can guests expect in their room?

Minimalist and functional — two words that are best to describe the rooms at MoMo’s. Beds are placed on a Tatami-style platform and there are little nooks under the bed which are perfect to store your luggage. The room is also equipped with a Smart TV and high-speed WiFi. The Crashpad-type room has an ensuite where you can pamper yourself with Jeanie Botanicals, a local toiletries brand, which shows the hotel’s preference of small, quality providers rather than the usual suspects.

How were the food and drinks?

A brand new concept from Christian Bauer and Eddie Chew of Troika Sky Dining, MoMosita Taco Bar is the place to be if you’re craving for the comfort of Mexican food. The casual hangout spot is where you drop in for tacos, nachos and drinks. The open-plan restaurant is part of The Playground, so you can expect the vibe to change every night depending on the event they have going on.

The hotel breakfast is served next door at their sister hotel, The Chow Kit - An Ormond Hotel. Their breakfast set can be selected from a menu that includes Western and Asian dishes and comes with coffee or tea and juice.

Anything to say about the service?

Everyone working here was happy to have a chat or give me recommendations for things to do, and places to eat. The staff come across more like a friendly household team than graduates of cookie-cutter hotel schools.

Is it worth staying here?

Yes, 100%! The price is affordable, especially for a fun weekend in the city with your friends. Be sure to plan your weekend at MoMo’s around a night out — whether to catch a DJ set, a party or just to explore KL. I can guarantee it’s the perfect place to come back to after a long night to sleep and recharge for the next day!

With such a wide range of accommodation options across the country, it can be a challenge to pick the one that’s best for you. To be in the know when it comes to Malaysia’s stand-out stays, keep your eyes peeled for Traveloka’s ‘Super Stays’ posts, a bi-weekly hotel special featuring our top picks!