Else Kuala Lumpur
Thoughtful heritage-design boutique. Minimal and tactile inside, surrounded by the organised chaos of Chinatown just outside the door. Heavy on local art, craftsmanship, and cultural programming — not a polished luxury chain.
Book direct for the best perks: complimentary 30-minute massage, free parking, 10% off F&B, and 50% off the flotation pods
Why It Matters
One of KL's most architecturally interesting hotel conversions. The Lee Rubber Building is a listed heritage structure, and Else's retrofit — designed by Studio Bikin and Faizah Architect — cuts vertical voids through existing floor plates to flood the interiors with natural light. The art collection (Malaysian artists including Fauzul Yusri, Fendy Zakri, Fawwaz Sukri, and Nathan Fikri) and handwoven textiles by Singapore-based rug designer Omar Khan make it genuinely feel like a gallery you sleep in.
Else opened in September 2022 inside the 1931 Art Deco Lee Rubber Building — a structure that has been, in its time, a tin smelting company, a wartime outpost for the Japanese secret police, and a neighbourhood bookshop. The architects kept all of that history visible: exposed concrete beams, salvaged antique timber columns at the bar, old terrazzo benches stamped with the original Lee Rubber logo. Against all that patina, the 49 rooms are deliberately calm — earth tones, woven rattan, handcrafted headboards sourced from Sarawakian tribal weavers. Two destination restaurants, a saltwater infinity pool on the podium level, and sensory deprivation flotation pods in the gym make this more than just a place to sleep in Chinatown.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Else Suite
The top-floor suite and the hotel's signature room. At 84 sqm it's a proper retreat — bathtub, private balcony that runs from the bedroom all the way through to the living area, and sweeping views of the KL skyline. If you want the full Else experience in one room, this is it.
King · 84 sqmMantra Room
The entry-level room and still a solid one. At 25 sqm it's compact but efficient, with soft colour palettes, natural tropical textures, and a Sealy mattress with a pillow menu. The bathroom has a rain shower and Dyson hairdryer. Smart TV, complimentary minibar, and fast WiFi. City views through expansive windows.
King · 25 sqm
Sanctuary Suite
Located on the upper floors with a private balcony. At 41 sqm it's noticeably more spacious. The balcony gives you city views away from the street-level commotion — a proper escape. Guests have booked twice just to upgrade to this room.
King · 41 sqm
Sutera Suite
At 69 sqm, this is a genuine suite — double the size of the entry room, split between a bedroom and a separate living area. Good for longer stays or anyone who wants space to spread out. The acoustic windows keep Chinatown's energy at bay.
King · 69 sqmTerrace Suite
Fifth floor only. The 62 sqm room opens onto a 34 sqm private corner terrace with wraparound windows overlooking Chinatown. Upgraded Aesop in-room toiletries. This is the one to book if you want outdoor space and a bird's-eye Chinatown perspective without going all the way to the top.
King · 62 sqmUrban Room
Bumps up to 33 sqm and adds a small seating area. Still focused on Chinatown street views. Same calm material palette as the Mantra, just with more breathing room. Good pick if you're spending time in the room.
King · 33 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel's 'Retreats' programme offers curated explorations of the Chinatown neighbourhood and surrounding cultural landscape. Guests also receive a plant-dyed tote bag by local ethical fashion brand Muni to use during their stay.
A curated library and drawing room designed for slowness — a place to read, work, or simply decompress between city excursions. Anti-lobby in the best possible way.
The Pool House at the podium level hosts occasional live music and comedy acts. From this level you can see old and new KL in a single panoramic sweep. Timing varies — check with the hotel or the happenings page.
The hotel maintains a growing collection of works by Malaysian artists and regional collaborators — from handwoven pieces by Sarawakian Bidayuh and Penan tribe weavers to rotating contemporary art by Fauzul Yusri, Fendy Zakri, Fawwaz Sukri, and Nathan Fikri. The gallery-quality check-in space and art-filled corridors are part of the experience. Artists in residence periodically exhibit throughout the property.
Podium-level saltwater infinity pool overlooking Chinatown rooftops. Saltwater is softer on skin than chlorine. Chill-out zones on the pool deck for post-swim drinks. Open 6am–10pm.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Private spaces available for meetings, events, and dining gatherings. A boardroom is also on-site, along with laptop safe and photocopy facilities.
In-room dining available 12pm–9:30pm daily.
Compact but well-equipped: treadmill, rowing machine, cycling machine, dumbbells up to 12kg, calisthenics-friendly setup. Also houses the two flotation pods.
Guests receive a plant-dyed tote bag by local ethical fashion brand Muni to use during their stay.
No electric vehicle charging stations on-site.
Valet parking available at MYR 25 per day. No self-park on-site; a public carpark is close by. Book direct for complimentary self-parking.
Podium-level rooftop saltwater pool, open 6am–10pm. Views over Chinatown rooftops.
A dedicated quiet, multi-faith space within the hotel for reflection and prayer.
BUILD YOUR ELSE KUALA LUMPUR PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning