A beautifully designed new arrival where Kengo Kuma’s architectural vision, spacious serviced residences and warm hospitality create one of Kuala Lumpur’s most memorable luxury stays.

Having stayed in numerous hotels across Kuala Lumpur over the past 15 years, we have developed a deep appreciation for the city’s hospitality scene. We were therefore quite eager to experience the newly opened Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown after hearing so much about it and we weren’t disappointed!

The hotel made an instant impression, literally as soon as you walk inside and face the main entrance and lobby area. Set within KL Midtown it feels removed from the intensity of the city centre while remaining within easy reach of Kuala Lumpur’s principal business, shopping and cultural districts. It is without doubt among the most stylish and luxurious hotels we have experienced in the Malaysian capital.

Architecture shaped by nature and Malaysian craft

The hotel’s visual identity is one of its greatest strengths. Its architecture and interiors were conceived by celebrated Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma is known internationally for architecture that seeks a closer relationship between nature, technology and human experience. His work frequently uses wood and other natural materials to soften large buildings and create a sense of lightness. That philosophy is clearly present here, while Malaysian materials and craft traditions give the property a strong sense of place. 

Wood is a recurring element in the Hyatt Regency, complemented by stone, paper, rattan and patterns inspired by local culture. The effect is warm and tranquil rather than austere. In certain areas, particularly the lobby and public spaces, the scale and craftsmanship are breathtaking, particularly the gorgeous floating staircase facing the reception area (scroll up to see the floating staircase)

In terms of style and opulence, the property belongs in the same conversation as established Kuala Lumpur favourites such as the Mandarin Oriental. Yet it does not feel like an imitation of the city’s traditional luxury hotels. Its quieter Japanese-influenced aesthetic gives it a character of its own.

A residence with the comforts of home

The Hyatt Regency boasts both the main hotel and a collection of serviced residences, where we stayed. The residences have a separate arrival experience and occupy the upper floors, offering privacy, space and elevated views across the city.

Our residence provided everything we could want from an extended hotel stay. A fully equipped kitchenette sat alongside a comfortable dining and living area, while practical amenities included a full-size refrigerator and an in-suite washer-dryer. The spacious bedroom and modern bathroom completed an apartment that felt genuinely suited to living rather than simply sleeping. 

The views were sublime, particularly as the light changed over Kuala Lumpur. We also appreciated the Toto Washlet toilet, a thoughtful touch that added another level of comfort and was a first for us during a hotel stay.

Three restaurants with distinct personalities

The hotel’s principal restaurants each offer a different atmosphere. Midtown Brasserie, on the ground floor beside the lobby, is the relaxed all-day dining venue. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Asian and Western choices and live cooking stations. Its mood is polished but informal, making it an easy option at any point in the day.

China House, on Level 1, offers a much more refined experience. The restaurant specialises in northern Chinese cuisine, including handcrafted dim sum, seafood and its signature rambutan wood-fired Peking duck. Its calm, elegant interiors give dinner a real sense of occasion without making the room feel overly formal.

ENSO Izakaya, on Level 4, is the hotel’s contemporary Japanese restaurant. A lively open kitchen and outdoor terrace create a modern setting, while dishes prepared over binchotan charcoal and fresh sushi and sashimi shape the menu. China House and ENSO both feel suited to a special evening, whereas Midtown Brasserie is the more casual choice. The hotel also has Midtown Lounge for afternoon tea, pastries and drinks.

Two infinity pools with different settings

There are two notable pool experiences, although access differs between them. The main hotel infinity pool is on Level 5, surrounded by tropical greenery and served by the Breeze Pool Bar. It is open to hotel guests and works particularly well for families, with a lifeguard on duty during operating hours.

Residence guests have exclusive access to a second infinity pool on Level 32. This elevated pool is one of the property’s defining features, with far-reaching views across Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. It is truly impressive during the day and absolutely beautiful after dark, when the city lights transform the setting. Families staying in the residences should note that the Kidz Club is also located on Level 32, so the rooftop area is private to residence guests rather than adults only.

Service that feels genuinely attentive

One of the first things we noticed after arriving was the number of staff available throughout the property. This is a sizeable hotel, and having someone nearby to offer directions or assistance made it much easier to navigate. We felt the staff made such a genuine effort to engage with all guests which was pleasing to see.

Team members appeared genuinely pleased to help and often anticipated what guests might need. That willingness to engage gave the hotel warmth and prevented its scale and grandeur from ever feeling impersonal.

Having experienced many of Kuala Lumpur’s leading hotels, we would compare the Hyatt Regency most closely with the Mandarin Oriental and The Ritz-Carlton for its combination of service, comfort and refinement. Such comparisons are inevitably personal, but they reflect how strongly this new property impressed us.

Our verdict

Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown is an exceptional addition to the city’s luxury hotel scene. Its location offers a welcome sense of calm, while the city centre remains accessible by car. Kengo Kuma’s nature-led design gives the building warmth and personality, and the serviced residences provide the space and practical comforts needed for a longer stay.

The varied dining, two distinctive infinity pools and attentive service complete an experience that already feels assured. After 15 years of staying in Kuala Lumpur, few new hotels have impressed us so quickly.

For travellers seeking thoughtful design, generous living space and gracious hospitality, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown deserves serious consideration. We expect it to become a firm favourite as more visitors discover it.

Disclosure: Our stay formed part of a barter collaboration with Hyatt Regency. As always, the observations and opinions in this review reflect our genuine experience.