YTL Hotels is raising the bar in Malaysian hospitality by blending the country’s vibrant past with contemporary design, and their latest openings are proof. Moxy Kuala Lumpur Chinatown and AC Hotel Ipoh are two bold new entries into the local hotel scene. And they offer more than just a place to rest—they deliver immersive cultural experiences with style.
Where heritage gets a makeover
Housed in the former Oriental Bank building, Moxy KL Chinatown is a standout. The restored ‘70s-era façade stands tall amid the city’s modern skyline, while inside, 320 lively rooms channel Chinatown’s eclectic soul through crimson tones, modular furniture, and playful neon art. Just steps from KL’s legendary night markets, it’s as much a social playground as it is a hotel.
This reimagined 21-storey tower seamlessly blends nostalgia with new-age flair. Guests are greeted at Zone In, a check-in space that doubles as a social hub framed by art installations. Up at Bar Moxy, the vibe shifts from laid-back poolside hangs to golden-hour cocktails against a backdrop of nostalgic murals that capture the city’s storied past.
Ipoh’s reinvention through elegance
Meanwhile, AC Hotel Ipoh offers a more refined approach to heritage. Set at 88 Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, this sleek property introduces Marriott’s polished AC Hotels brand to one of Malaysia’s most culturally layered cities. Inspired by Ipoh’s tin-mining legacy, the interiors strike a balance between minimalism and meaning, with neutral tones and heritage references throughout its 291 rooms. Guests can dine on Cantonese classics at Luk Yu or host events in the Tin Mine Club.
The hotel also features (what is now) the city’s largest pillarless ballroom. Outside the ballrooms and boardrooms, a gym, pool, and quartet of indoor pickleball courts cater to active travellers, ensuring there’s more than one way to unwind after a day of exploring Ipoh’s vibrant cultural scene.
Experience-led, award-winning stays
These new launches signal more than just expansion—they represent a conscious shift towards travel that celebrates local stories through innovative design. At Moxy, elevators double as art galleries, and the lobby becomes a social hub. At AC Ipoh, the fusion of local flavour and international polish speaks to a traveller who values context and comfort. Both properties show how YTL is carving out space for a new kind of boutique hotel: immersive, creative, and deeply rooted in place.
A legacy of excellence
YTL Hotels’ excellence continues to be recognised, with nine awards clinched in the first quarter of 2025. Among them, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Kuala Lumpur were named among Malaysia’s best city hotels by DestinAsian. At the same time, Pangkor Laut Resort and The Majestic Malacca took top honours in resort and heritage categories. These accolades underline a consistent standard.
All images courtesy of YTL Hotels
