After a string of quick layovers and back-to-back flights, three nights at the EQ Kuala Lumpur Hotel feels like a proper break rather than just another stop on this whirlwind journey. This isn’t just a place to crash between flights—it’s a much-needed chance to get some solid work done, unwind, and actually enjoy being on the ground for more than 12 hours.
This time, I’ve got the luxury of time to head into the city itself, with the hotel sitting about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. A bit of a trek, sure, but when you’re staying for a few days, it’s worth trading proximity for comfort and a proper change of scenery.
I needed a solid base to offload media, get some work done and re-charge a little before my next legs, and although not the cheapest property in the area, it appeared to offer a great mix of value and luxury… hopefully leaving nothing to chance.
Let’s see if the EQ Kuala Lumpur lives up to the promise of being both a work-friendly space and a proper break from the madness of airport lounges and boarding gates.
Location and Accessibility
The hotel is centrally located in downtown Kuala Lumpur, about a 50-minute ride from the airport. My arrival at 9 p.m. meant the journey was smooth and direct, but I could see how traffic during peak hours could easily double the time. That said, KL is one of those cities where transport is affordable and efficient, with taxis, monorail stations, and buses all within easy reach of the hotel.
In terms of surrounding attractions, the EQ is right in the heart of the city. It’s a short walk to the Petronas Towers, KLCC Park, and plenty of shopping, with the nightlife and street food at Jalan Alor just under ten minutes away on foot. Whether you’re here for sightseeing, shopping, or just soaking in the energy of KL, it’s an ideal base.
Check-In and First Impressions
The hotel made an immediate impression. The building is massive, and stepping inside, everything felt clean, polished, and fresh. The lobby was expansive, with stunning spiral staircases, gleaming marble floors, and an upscale but welcoming atmosphere.
Upon arrival, I was guided straight to check-in, where a receptionist promptly got everything sorted. The only hiccup was that I didn’t have a credit card on me for incidentals, which threw them off a bit. I offered to charge any extras directly to my debit card, but instead, they suggested I just pay on demand for anything I ordered—which, honestly, worked just fine when it came to room service and breakfast.
If I had one small critique, it was that they didn’t explain much about the hotel’s layout—where breakfast was, how to access certain amenities, etc. It wasn’t a big deal, but in such a large property, a little guidance would have been helpful.
The Room – A Basic Room That Felt Anything But
This was where the EQ really shined. I booked the cheapest available room, yet when I walked in, it felt bigger than most suites I’ve stayed in elsewhere.
At 40 square meters, the room was incredibly spacious, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that came with motorized blackout blinds at the push of a button. Positioned on the 42nd floor, the view was exactly what you’d want from a stay in Kuala Lumpur—an incredible, expansive city skyline that looked amazing at any time of day.
The bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a separate soaking tub, a rain shower, and a second handheld shower-head. The only issue? Using the rain shower resulted in water escaping the cubicle, which I only realised when I almost slipped on the polished stone floor because the bath mat had already been soaked through. Not ideal, but at least I didn’t end up needing to review a KL hospital.
Comfort and Sleep Quality
The bed was incredibly comfortable, with a choice of pillows in different firmness levels, soft linens, and a proper duvet. This should have been the best sleep I’d had all trip—but unfortunately, my body clock had other plans. Despite exhaustion setting in, I found myself wide awake at 3 a.m., jet lag making any meaningful rest impossible.
Noise-wise, the room was peaceful for the most part, though some street noise—sirens and the occasional street racing echoing through the city—filtered in from below. Nothing that really disturbed the stay, but definitely a reminder that KL is a city that never really sleeps.
Connectivity and Features
Wi-Fi was fast, stable, and perfectly fine for working, clocking in at 32 Mbps up and 3 Mbps down. It briefly dropped out on the second day but recovered quickly. The hotel also featured some impressive artwork installations and sculptures throughout, making it feel even more high-end.
Dining and Room Service
I ordered room service late at night, which arrived quickly and was clearly freshly prepared. The only downside was that the late-night menu was more limited after 11 p.m. as is fairly normal these-days, and when I ordered, they were out of both Tiger beer and French fries. They did, however, offer replacements, and what I ended up with was still high quality and delicious.
On the second night, I ordered a Beef Bolognese – which sadly wasn’t the best, some gristly cuts and generally overcooked beef. Presentation was decent, and the price for room service at the EQ is very reasonable compared to similar quality properties, but certainly wouldn’t have offered value for money had it been any more expensive.
Breakfast was highlight, however. Instead of the usual buffet spread, they offered pastries and fresh-cooked breakfasts to order. I went for an egg white omelet with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cheese, and it was fantastic—light, flavourful, and exactly the kind of breakfast you hope for in a hotel of this caliber.
Facilities and Service
The hotel is also partially an office building, which means the lobby has a bit of a corporate buzz in the mornings. It wasn’t disruptive, but definitely a contrast to the more relaxed feel later in the day.
Facilities were extensive, though I didn’t get to take advantage of all of them. Unfortunately, the pool was undergoing maintenance during my stay, which was a shame, as the rooftop setting looked stunning.
What I did notice was that the staff were consistently friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Housekeeping was prompt and helpful, and even though I didn’t have any specific requests, I could see that maintenance and other services were efficiently handling guest needs throughout the hotel.
Final Thoughts – Worth Every Penny
I wasn’t sure what to expect with EQ Kuala Lumpur. The price seemed almost too reasonable for what was being advertised, but in reality, this hotel more than exceeded expectations.
For under £100 per night, I got a massive, impeccably designed room, top-tier service, incredible city views, and a location that made exploring KL effortless.
Would I stay here again? Without question. In fact, I’d happily book flights just to stay here again, and maybe even splurge on an upgraded room next time.
Best suited for business travelers, couples, and anyone who appreciates upscale comfort without an over-the-top price tag. Families would also do well here, though younger kids might not find much to entertain them on-site- which would be no issue as KL has a plethora of parks and kids activities on offer.
Despite some bizarre jet lag issues making actual rest difficult, this stop in Kuala Lumpur was nothing short of fantastic. The city itself was, as expected, vibrant, welcoming, and full of energy, and as my time here was short, it left me wishing I’d booked just a little longer.
