T+L’s Hotel Review of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a city brimming with life and dominated by skyscrapers. To truly experience the hustle and bustle of this city, take a stroll through the neighborhood of Butik Bintang at night. The sidewalks are dotted with buskers, and the crowds spill into the streets. Food stands intermingle with high-end shopping boutiques, while the buildings tower over the people below.

However, nestled on the edge of this cauldron of activity is Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur—a bastion of peace and serenity. The noise melted away as soon as I walked in and was whisked up to the 53rd floor to check in. One of the most appealing features of the hotel is its elevation, as it sits above the 52nd floor of the Conlay Tower. The hotel is positioned perfectly for enjoying the sights of some of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic buildings. I could gaze at the Petronas Twin Towers while taking a swim in the rooftop pool, and had a clear view of the Kuala Lumpur Tower from my room. Better yet, the entire city stretched before my eyes from Vertigo TOO, the hotel’s rooftop bar and the highest in Kuala Lumpur.

Along with the top-notch vistas, the hotel is also focused on relaxation. There is a nightly aromatherapy turn-down service, complete with in-room bath menus and deep soaking tubs. A full-service spa offering a comprehensive list of holistic treatments and therapies completes the picture.

Here’s my full review of Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur.

The Rooms

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has 55 guest rooms and suites, located on floors 54 through 56. Certain rooms offer views of the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and other city landmarks. The spacious accommodations range from 550 to 720 square feet for rooms and 1,000 to 3,369 square feet for suites.

Relaxation and comfort are key elements of the design—think plush beds with an extensive pillow menu, sleek bathrooms with rainfall showers, large soaking tubs (or plunge pools in select rooms), and comfortable sofas. Suites have special extras like saunas, home theaters, personal butlers, and steam rooms. 

There is also a nightly aromatherapy turn-down service with a rotating schedule of scent pairings. (Guests are also pick their own incense and candles to create a personalized experience.) 

Food and Drink

The views don’t stop with the rooms. The dining options at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur pair delicious dishes with incredible scenery. Horizon Grill, located on the 58th floor with a patio overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers, is led by chef Francesco Fedrighi and serves a variety of steak and seafood options. Start with the bone marrow appetizer, and then choose from a list of entrees that offers everything from wagyu beef to lobster.

Located on the 53rd floor near the lobby is the hotel’s newest restaurant, Torrito, bringing Peruvian-Japanese fusion to Kuala Lumpur. I was truly impressed with the entire menu, from the ceviche and sushi to the duck confit and steak. The cocktails list also includes a variety of flavored pisco sours. Don’t miss Bake by Banyan Tree on the ground floor, which serves artisan chocolates and pastries, along with warm breakfast and lunch items.

However, the hotel’s most popular offerings are its rooftop bars, Vertigo and Vertigo TOO, with sweeping views of the city. As the highest rooftop bar in Kuala Lumpur, the upper level, Vertigo TOO, has a 360-degree panorama of the city’s skyline, which guests can enjoy with classic cocktails and savory snacks.

Activities and Experiences

There’s no better way to fight the humidity in Kuala Lumpur than to take a dip in its pool, sitting on the 53rd floor with a direct view of the Petronas Twin Towers. The lounge area around the pool offers ample seating as well as shade. Next door is the hotel’s gym, and just across the lobby, guests will find the spa. 

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur also provides a variety of options to enhance in-room relaxation. In the bathrooms, guests will find a bath menu with candles, aromatherapy, and bath bombs to make bath time more enjoyable. There is also a broader Couples Menu offering rose petals and Champagne to level up your romantic stay.

The hotel’s team can also help plan city activities like walking tours and canopy walks in the KL Forest Eco Park.

The Spa

The award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Kuala Lumpur is a destination in its own right. The spa uses traditional healing practices and a holistic approach to relaxation and well-being. The offerings include signature Banyan Tree therapies like a 180-minute Royal Banyan experience, classic Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai massages, as well as body scrubs (a highlight is the Turmeric Honey Cleanser), facials, and calming baths. 

Accessibility and Sustainability 

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has one ADA-compliant room.

Banyan Tree is part of The Green Imperative Fund, which supports and funds environmental and community-driven initiatives in the destinations where Banyan Tree hotels are located.

Location

The hotel is located in the bustling Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur. The district buzzes with shops (the hotel is connected to The Pavilion Mall), restaurants, and nightlife venues, easily accessible on foot from the hotel. Getting around the rest of Kuala L is easy due to the wide range of public transport and ride share available.

Book Now

Banyan Group’s withBanyan loyalty program rewards members with special hotel rates and perks like a complimentary drink, a complimentary 15-minute massage, early check-in or late check-out (based on availability), and room upgrades. For the most current offers, check out Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur’s website. 

Nightly rates at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur start from $263.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.