Budget Hotel in KL

Q: Can you recommend a budget hotel in Kuala Lumpur for a week's stay. I just need a clean bedroom and bathroom for two, as we will spend little time at the hotel. Cheap and cheerful would be great. - Sammy Brown

A: You are fortunate, as a number of new no-frills hotels have emerged in the Malaysian capital in the last couple of years. The best-known of these is the Air Asia clone, Tune Hotels. The Kualal Lumpur branch is located at the intersection of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Sultan Ismail. It advertises a five-star sleep at a one-star price, with rooms from three US dollars a night. You'll pay more than that (depending on demand and when you book) and there are additional charges for everything, including air conditioning, a towel, early check-in, late check-out and breakfast. It will probably take the room rate to at least 60 ringgits (R137) per night, but it remains one of the best deals in town with a laundry service, internet stations and a trendy cafe in Tunes' signature red colour (www.tunehotels.com). If you prefer orange, then head for Chinatown's StayOrange. Similar to Japanese cube hotels, expect small compartment-rooms. However, they are exceptionally stylish and take the budget concept to a new level. Book a bed in a two-bunk room or private single or double suites. Prices range from 150-200 ringgits (R345-R460). There's air conditioning, free Wi-Fi internet and bright orange everywhere (www.stayorange.com). Another place to try is the boutique-style hotel named Eight, located close to the swanky Istana Hotel. Eight offers simple air conditioned rooms with solar-heated water from 80-135 ringgits (R183-R310). There's a 20 ringgit (R46) per night surcharge on weekends (www.numbereight.com.my). Finally, for a budget hotel in Chinatown that definitely fits into the cheap and cheerful category is the My City Hotel. Built in 2008, it is only a short train ride from the hot spots in the city centre. A double room is priced at 98 ringgits (R225), while a superior room (with a double and a single bed) costs 128 ringgits (R293) per night. It has all the facilities you might need, including a lift (www.myhotelcity.com). (29/5/11)