Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant city of Malaysia, offers a staggering number of over 50,000 hotel rooms to cater to the needs of more than 25 million visitors who flock to this bustling metropolis each year. The fierce competition among hotels in the city ensures exceptional quality and service, making it a top choice for travellers. When it comes to booking a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, there are several key factors to consider.

Looking for a budget hotel near Central Market Kuala Lumpur?

Firstly, proximity to public transportation is crucial for convenient travel around the city. Easy access to buses, trains, and other modes of transport can greatly enhance your overall experience. Additionally, the size of the room is another important aspect to keep in mind. A comfortable and spacious room can make a significant difference in your stay.

Masjid Jamek LRT station

Moreover, it's worth considering additional services offered by the hotel, such as breakfast, parking, and late-checkout options. These amenities can add value to your stay and make it more enjoyable. Furthermore, being close to restaurants and local eateries can make it easier to savour the delicious culinary delights that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Lastly, proximity to places of interest is an essential factor for those who wish to explore the city's vibrant attractions without any hassle.

For those seeking an ideal location in Kuala Lumpur, the Masjid Jamek and Central Market area is highly recommended. With its central location and abundance of tourist attractions, this locality offers a perfect base for exploration.

To give you a glimpse into my own experiences, here is a list of three hotels that I had the pleasure of staying at during my visit to Kuala Lumpur in 2023:

1. Travelodge City Centre, a 3-star Hotel near Central Market Kuala Lumpur

Here are some amazing benefits of staying at Travelodge City Center:

• 3- Star Hotel that is ideally located in front of the central market
• easy access to transport and hotels
• walk-in rates are around RM 110+
• the hotel offers very easy access to Jalan Petaling and Jalan Panggong with plenty of cafes bars and restaurants
• room size of around 37m
• business centre and lounge area on the ground floor
• cheap restaurants, 24-hour convenience store, transport, laundry, and parking available in the neighbourhood

View of Central Market Kuala Lumpur from Travelodge City Center

Photos of the deluxe room I stayed in 2023

2. Avenue J Hotel Central Market a 3 Star Hotel near Central Market & Petaling Street

Avenue J Hotel proved to be a hidden gem on Agoda with a wealth of positive reviews. Situated right next to the central market, this hotel offers seamless access to:

• Kasturi Walk & Petaling Street
• Merdeka Square
• Masjid Jamek and Heritage Trail
  

The room may be small, but it is well-furnished and offers a serene atmosphere for a peaceful night's sleep. This hotel is the perfect choice if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur and only need a cozy space to retreat to at the end of the day. Plus, the option to have parking for an additional RM 10 is a bonus. I was enamoured with the hotel's location and charming decor, making it a top recommendation for solo travellers.

Comfortable rooms at Avenue J Hotel in KL

One enjoyable reason to stay at Avenue J Hotel is its proximity to several affordable dining areas. On the first morning of staying at the hotel, I enjoyed a local brunch at a Nasi Kandar Restaurant located across the road offering a good mix of popular local dishes including biryani, roti canai and vegetable and meat curries. The food is reasonably priced and you can enjoy a decent meal under RM 15 including hot tea tarek, which is not to be missed by tea lovers. 

A local food outlet Restoran Yusuf Dan Zakhir

During my stay at this hotel, I couldn't resist visiting Restoran Yusuf Dan Zakhir, a highly recommended restaurant for local Malaysian Cuisine. I loved their flavorful curry dishes, especially the rich and succulent chicken tikka on skewers. I found myself returning to this restaurant multiple times during my trip, unable to get enough of their delicious offerings. The restaurant is very popular with office workers who flock to the restaurant in groups during busy lunch hours. 

3. Cosmo Hotel near Central Market 

Cosmo Hotel is a quality hotel ideally located within walking distance of Masjid Jamek LRT. If you are looking for a clean and well-maintained property in a central location, Cosmo Hotel should be on your list.

I stayed at this hotel in mid-2023 and enjoyed the comfortable room and amenities in the hotel. 

A paid public parking is located adjacent to the hotel charging RM 15 per night. Several restaurants, 24-hour convenience stores, KFC, and bus services are available in front of the hotel. The streets along the hotel have plenty of budget food outlets including Chinese noodle soup and south Indian restaurants. 

Benefits of staying near the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur

The vibrant central market area is a magnet for budget-conscious backpackers and travellers seeking convenient access to transportation, affordable dining options, and several popular attractions including:

• Merdeka Square - historical buildings
• Masjid Jamek - The oldest mosque in Malaysia
• Chinatown - great food, bars, restaurants and cafes

Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur

I have been captivated by the lively atmosphere of the area, where you can find affordable Nasi Kandar restaurants just around the corner. Restoran Yousoof Dan Zakhir has become my go-to spot for a delicious late lunch.

Their extensive menu offers a delightful mix of flavorful rice biryani, aromatic curries, fresh vegetables, and mouthwatering grilled tikka dishes, all at very affordable prices.

View of Menara KL from Jalan Tun S H Lee

If you love to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore on foot, you'll be delighted by the charming streets along Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin and Lebuh Ampang. These streets are a treasure trove of hidden gems, offering a variety of cafes, budget hotels, and hostels. Lebuh Ampang, in particular, is a hotspot for Indian sweet shops, traditional clothing stores, and authentic South Indian restaurants.

Flower Shop at Lebuh Ampang

For all the Indian food enthusiasts out there, this is the perfect place to indulge your taste buds. Popular establishments like Sangeetha Veg and Restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan Leboh Ampang are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Sweet Shops along Lebuh Ampang

Further up the road leading up to the Central Market, are several fast food chains, and Chinese noodle shops.  Soong Kee Beef Noodles is worth a stop if you want to taste authentic beef noodles and porridge dishes. 

Central Market has transformed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some businesses unfortunately closing their doors. However, as we enter the late months of 2023, there is a noticeable resurgence in business activity. Excitingly, a wave of new vendors and art showrooms has emerged, drawing in a steady stream of visitors daily. This revitalization has injected fresh energy into the area, making it an even more enticing destination for travellers and locals alike.

Arts and Crafts Shops behind Central Market Kuala Lumpur

For a more extravagant dining experience, Precious Old China is a captivating Nyonya gem offering stunning decor, a decadent menu, and delectable durian desserts. It has become a must-visit restaurant for me every time I plan a trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Petaling Street and Jalan Panggong are buzzing with a vibrant and trendy crowd, who flock to the area to enjoy the local coffee shops and cafes. At the intersection of Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Sultan, you'll find MYHUB Kopi House, a popular hotspot filled with a lively crowd of regulars. 

Venture into the enchanting lanes of Jalan Panggong and uncover a treasure trove of vibrant cultural murals that are a magnet for avid Instagrammers. Don't forget to explore the hidden gems of Baijiu, Concubine, or Da Boa, where you can revel in an exquisite array of meticulously crafted drinks.