Overnight in KL

Q: I will be travelling to Bali via Kuala Lumpur and need to stay overnight at the airport or in Kuala Lumpur. Would it be more affordable to stay at a hotel near the airport or to commute into the city? – Denise Levison

A: The fast train service to Kuala Lumpur means that you can easily overnight in the city centre, where you can find excellent rates at superb hotels. Using one of the discount websites like www.asiarooms.com or www.hoteltravel.com, you can stay in five star luxury at a fraction of the price it would cost you in other cities. Two good choices would be the Hilton and the Le Meridien hotels, which are located above the airport train terminal. However, you can also stay over at a hotel near the airport, which may be preferable if you arrive late and leave early. If you are arriving and departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it is very convenient to stay over at the Pan Pacific KLIA Hotel. It is directly linked to the airport and very comfortable. Rates start at around 150 US dollars for a double room including taxes. However, if you have to transfer to the low cost carrier terminal for an Airasia flight, then you can also stay at the budget Tune Hotels.com, which is located next to the terminal offering rooms at very reasonable rates (www.tunehotels.com). Another option is the Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur Airport, which is only a few minute's drive from the airport. Check the Internet websites for discounted rates at all the hotels. (28 June 2009)