What makes KL a hit among tourists? For us, it means being able to experience a little bit of everything we love about traveling: food, shopping, nightlife, a little bit of local culture, and most importantly, a much-needed R&R in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of city life!

If that’s what you’re looking for, then The KL Journal Hotel should be at the top of your KL hotel wishlist.

Centrally located in the city's main shopping and entertainment district of Bukit Bintang,The KL Journal Hotel is just a short walk from the established nightlife district of Changkat Bukit Bintang, and a skip and a hop away from foodie mecca Jalan Alor. Though both are equally popular for entertainment and food, we’d also like to highlight some other sights and sounds we discovered in our most recent stay here. But first, the rooms!

We can’t help but notice how much effort has been put in to make us feel pampered. Our room was cooled prior to our check-in, and we couldn’t help but fawn over the super-personalised, illustrated, insider’s guide map to KL city. We found it to be very entertaining and useful, as it included quirky tips such as ‘Conquering the Lunch Lines’ at popular eateries, and how to fill your downtime by visiting nearby acupuncture spots.

Plus, The KL Journal Hotel even included a nostalgic little notebook with the numbers ‘555’ printed on the front on our bedside table. So, why is this little, nondescript notebook so iconic among Malaysians, you ask? Back in those days when notes were taken with pen and paper, the ‘555’ notebook was a must-have in every sundry shop or gentleman’s pocket. It was like your own personal ledger or credit card. In this travelogue version, you’ll find a little call to action to ‘bookmark’ your experience here while in Kuala Lumpur.

But the kicker of it all is something we believe have not been offered by any other Kuala Lumpur hotels just yet - Netflix!

Other awesome in-room amenities include a 40-inch flat screen HDTV, mini bar, high-pressure rain shower, a Nespresso machine, and a JBL wireless Bluetooth speaker with alarm & built-in radio. Now that we’ve been spoiled rotten, we definitely do not mind chill-laxing in the room all day long!

But we couldn’t just stay indoors when something inviting is beckoning us outside. After all, the main highlight of The KL Journal Hotel is its rooftop bar with a saltwater infinity pool. Making our way to the 11th floor after traipsing around in the blistering KL heat, we were pleased to find that the poolside bar is a welcoming tropical oasis.

Soak in the vibes of being in Palm Springs, California as you sip fresh coconut water and laze on cozy, retro rattan chairs.

Aptly named The Swimming Club, it is the perfect place to have a fruity cocktail session while getting sun-kissed with your gal pals, or unwind with friends or loved ones as you share romantic sundown moments overlooking the glittering KL city skyline. We totally suggest coming back to the pool after hours, because you’ll get to experience a completely different vibe. Imagine being back-to-the 80s’, partying underneath the neon lights by the pool.

Need an escape from the mundane office routine? Or in need of a multi-purpose workspace for your event? Then, head over to theThe KL Journal Hotel's first floor. Combining industrial chic with quirky and cool wall features, Workers Union is an event-cum-work-cum-dining space that would meet all things serious and not-so-serious. The space features three ‘studios’ designed for intimate meetings or space for corporate events, private parties and social gatherings. Or sip a mocktail and have some steak and fries as you relax after long hours at the Worker’s Union Bar and Grill, a beer garden on a terrace that overlooks lush green views of KL.

Breakfast is served at The Kedai Kopi Journal on the ground floor, just behind the lobby entrance. It is reminiscent of the old-school kopitiams in KL and features a daily breakfast spread which includes bread and pastries baked fresh daily by its pastry studio. Guests can also choose to feast on its buffet or order from a classic breakfast menu.

For a refreshing, uber-cool stay check out The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel!

One of our proudest moments? When Kuala Lumpur made the list as one of “The World's 10 Best Waterfront Districts’! Known as The River of Life, this colourful city gem sits on the banks of the Klang River, and features glittering riverside cafes, hi-tech water fountains, bicycle paths and night-time light shows which turn the water into a stunning cobalt blue.

Have lunch at Lucky Tora, a contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar, that boasts both Instagrammable interiors and feed-friendly scrumptious bites. Tora means 'tiger' and this hip venue definitely exudes the exuberance of a feisty one. Try the famous prawn gyoza with Szechuan-style dressing and the freshly-made tangy sashimi ceviche, and watch your feed blow up with ‘Likes’.

25, Jalan Mesui,

Bukit Bintang,

Kuala Lumpur

Save yourself a trip from the Land of the Rising Sun! Just across the road from KL Journal, lies a first-of-its-kind shopping centre with over 200 Japanese exclusive brands spanning six floors worth of ‘kawaii’ shopping heaven. Pro tip for foodies, the 6th Avenue cheesecake at Tokyo Restaurant on the 4th floor is simply world-class.

Lot 10 Shopping Centre,

Jalan Sultan Ismail,

Bukit Bintang

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 outstanding stays, keep your eyes peeled for Traveloka’s ‘Super Stays’ posts, a bi-weekly hotel special featuring our top picks!