Stay In Luxury, Save on Dining and Dancing In Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur actually means 'muddy estuary' in Malay; this comes from the city's roots as a sleepy seaside shanty town. However, once you arrive in Kuala Lumpur, it is impossible to imagine anything but the large, modern and sprawling city that occupies this part of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur is divided into several areas - the City Center is the obvious administrative and corporate region, and is home to the old Chinese commercial center (Chinatown). The Golden Triangle is located to the northeast of the city, and is home to shopping centers, many five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur and jumping nightlife. Tuanka Abdul Rahman is the vibrant shopping hub of the city, and is home to several traditional Malay festivals, including Hari Raya Puyasa and Deepvali. The central railway station is located in the Brickfields area, which is Kuala Lumpur's Little India.

Kuala Lumpur is known to have one of the highest concentrations of five-star hotels in the world - at some of the best prices. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is in the heart of the business and shopping districts, and only 45 minutes from the international airport. It takes advantage of the sultry tropical Malay climate to surround itself with gorgeous lush gardens, one of the chain's signature features. Of course, the impeccable Shangri-La service and a focus on quality through the basic facilities is evident also. The JW Marriott is the Marriott chain's flagship hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and pays homage to the local culture, art and sensibilities with its traditional Malay decor. The hotel is in good company, locality-wise - situated on Bintang walk, you can step out the front doors of your hotel and immediately find designer shopping and a vibrant dining and entertainment culture. If you are looking for a more authentic Malay experience, make your hotel reservation in Kuala Lumpur at the Marriott.

If you are looking to stay in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur for a longer period, the Prince is the solution for luxury serviced apartments. The complex is enormous, with a wide selection of shops, a health club, pool, spa, convenience store and a large selection of restaurants. It is conveniently located, yet far enough away from the action for a peaceful sleep.

If you are a seasoned traveller, you have no doubt found that it is difficult to find top-class restaurants that serve cuisine native to the area. The Top Hat Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur is a notable exception, with its traditional Malay fare, and also a mix of Malacca Portugese, Thai, Nonya and vegetarian recipes. The desserts at the restaurant are generously sized and decadent in flavour - great to share with a special friend!

Kuala Lumpur also spoils you for choice in rooftop bars. And why not, with such stunning luminous nightiime skylines as in Kuala Lumpur? The Skybar is a great place to break in your dancing shoes, and your cocktail-drinking shoes. The bar, set on thirty-third level of the Traders Hotel, has a central pool for hot summer nights and lovely plush sofas. Another one of Kuala Lumpur's rooftop favorites is the Luna Bar, which was recently renovated and now more chic than Paris itself. The bar has open areas for you to rise above the city air of Kuala Lumpur after 10pm, when the party starts kicking into gear. If you want to dine at Luna Bar, best to come early.

There are many bargains to be had in Kuala Lumpur, on all the travelling essentials like hotels in Kuala Lumpur, shopping, dining and entertainment in the city. Do a little research, and enjoy yourself!