Guesthouse Name: Illuminate Boutique Hostel.
Address: 9, Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
I stayed at Illuminate Boutique Hostel in Kuala Lumpur. I booked online at the rate of 63.75 MYR per night, plus there is a 10 MYR hotel tax collected upon check-in, so 73.75 MYR ($17.73 USD) per night.
The hostel is near the Chinatown area, which is one of my preferred areas to stay in KL. I’ve stayed in this area many times, but I never knew about this hostel. It’s actually not in Chinatown, but on the other side of a highway that separates it from Chinatown. The hostel is next to Maharajalela station on the monorail line, and from there it’s a 5 minute walk to Petaling Street in Chinatown. I was coming from KL Sentral (where the monorail terminates) so this was a convenient location.
The Illuminate Boutique Hostel is in what looks to be a repurposed office building, and it has the whole block to itself. It’s modern looking inside and the building has a lift.
I booked a private room with a bathroom. I like staying in hostels with private rooms, as it still gives you the option to be sociable with travellers while not having to stay in a dorm.
The room was compact, with just enough space for the bed in the corner. When I booked I made sure there was a window, as these little rooms can be depressing without one.
The bed was comfortable and it had useful power outlets nearby. The room was air conditioned (which was needed), and I had no problem with the wifi reception in my room.
The bathroom was like the room and also small, but clean and tidy and with a good hot water service.
There is a basic breakfast service where you can help yourself to coffee and toast.
Being a hostel there is a common area to meet fellow travellers. They have a lounge area with a pool table.
There are some computers available for the remaining humans on the planet who aren’t travelling with a smartphone.
I like this idea of having a clothes swap area. The concept being that you can take an item and leave something in its place.
And as a bonus there are some cats lounging about downstairs.
The location was great as it is so close to the Chinatown Area. It’s not a nice road (the traffic is busy), but there is a pedestrian overpass near the monorail station. It’ also near the Merdeka 118 site, which will be one of the biggest towers in the world upon completion.
Overall this was a good place to stay in Kuala Lumpur if you are looking for a budget room in a central location.
Book Illuminate Boutique Hostel online or search for more hostels and hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
