Need a place to nap at the airport? – Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) actually has two separate airports, each catering for international and domestic passengers but sharing the same Airport Code of KUL. The two terminals are within clear sight of each other. They’re connected by road (car/bus) and by the KLIAExpres / Transit trains (RM2 each way). Connecting is not difficult. An early morning flight or a few hours in transit? You’ll need somewhere to take a nap at the airport.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) opened in 1998 and caters for full service airlines flying into and out of Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) opened in May 2014 and the low-cost airlines fly in and out of this one. If you want to shop while you wait, there is an integrated shopping centre, including a supermarket.

Transit Passengers

Catching a flight that is leaving in a few hours and just have to catch some shut-eye before you get on the next plane? What you are looking for is an air-side hotel where you don’t have to go through immigration and collect your luggage. You may not stay at one of these hotels if you are connecting to a domestic destination, or to the other airport (KLIA and KLIA2 are not connected)

KLIA

SnoozeKL

Recently opened SnoozeKL may suit your needs at KLIA if you really only need a place to sleep comfortably for a couple of hours or more.  Find them at Lot CP5, on the G pier of the International Contact Pier, Kuala Lumpur International Airport. If you arrive at the Satellite building, you will need to catch the free aerotrain across to this building. Turn to the left when you exit the train and have the Transit Desk in front of you. The rooms are tiny and fairly basic, priced at RM35 per hour (1 adult) or RM55 (2 Adults) for a minimum period of 2 hours. Online bookings are accepted and payment can be made by credit card. WiFi is available.

Sama Sama Express KLIA

The Sama Sama Express KLIA is located in the Satellite Building adjacent to Gate C5 (the pier where the aerotrain leaves/arrives.) Rooms may be rented on an hourly basis with a minimum stay of 6 hours and you need to show your international boarding pass for your next flight before check in. Single and double rooms are available, with wifi, a workspace. Satellite TV programming and In-room tea and coffee service for all rooms. There is one suite available. Prices range from RM 245.00+ tax to RM360+tax. There is free WiFi throughout the hotel and the hotel has a round the clock Business Facilities.

KLIA2

Sama Sama Express Klia2

Sama-Sama Express Klia2 Transit Hotel, L3 Satellite Building, KLIA2 Airport Terminal, Only for International passengers. Do not clear immigration, you will not be able to retrieve your luggage. Room Rates start at RM140+tax, based on the minimum booking of 6 hrs.
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, LCD TV with satellite TV channels, In-room tea and coffee, In room safe and telephone.
Prices range from RM140 to RM250 plus tax, for a minimum stay of 6 hours.

Sama Sama Express Lounge

The Sama Sama Express Lounge is open between 6.30am and 10.30pm and gives you access to a buffet meal with, juices, coffee / tea, soft drinks, beer and wine. In addition, passengers have the usage of shower facilities, with towels and amenities and access to meeting facilities with computers, printing, scanning and fax services. The offer rate is currently RM88+ per person, and includes free wireless internet access.

Non-transit passengers

Maybe you’re catching your next flight on a different airline or the other airport (KLIA/KLIA2) and you need a place to stay between flights. Or perhaps your flight leaves very early in the morning and it’s easier to stay nearby overnight so you are there on time.

KLIA

Sama Sama Hotel

Sama Sama Hotel at KLIA is a full service five star hotel connected to KL International Airport (KLIA) by a covered skybridge (It used to be known as Pan Pacific Hotel). Complete Check-in formalities while waiting for your luggage to arrive. The service is available between 7am and 11pm, at the baggage collection area of the KL International Airport (KLIA). The hotel is a short walk from the Arrival gate via the covered skybridge. There’s also a complimentary 2-minutes buggy service available at Level 2 KLIA, to and from the Airport every 5 minutes.

KLIA2

KLIA2 Tune Hotel

KLIA2 Tune Hotel is a 10 minute walk by covered walkway from the check-in counters at KLIA2. Room rates start from RM210 double/twin). The hotel has a coffee shop and 24 hour reception and car parking. Rooms have en-suite showers with safety deposit boxes and complimentary wi-fi. Their website adds that they practice a pay as you use system for optional energy-consuming amenities (e.g. air conditioning). Luggage storage is available for RM5.00 per piece (up to 3 days) and RM10.00 per piece (4th day onwards). This service is available, subject to the condition that you have a confirmed future booking with Tune Hotel KLIA2. For a longer or more comfortable stay, you could also consider upgrading to a Premium Room – you can read our review here.

Container Hotel

The Container Hotel has two options, one of which is located conveniently within the Gateway retail area of KLIA2. That’s just beside the taxi and bus booking counters on Level 1. For those needing only a short stay up to 12 hours, they have the Capsule Container Hotel which offers Single capsules (or Mix+ for two) bookable in 3, 6 or 12 hour blocks with shared shower facilities, free wifi. RM50 for 3 hours, RM75 for 6 hours and RM95 for 12 hours. The Mix+1 capsules are available for RM100/160/200 for the same periods. Locker space is available and the rate includes toiletries and wifi. There’s also a library with book exchange available.

For those needing overnight accommodation, the Container Hotel in the busy Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur, offers a wider choice for travellers requiring a whole night stay rather than a few hours, including dormitory rooms starting at RM35 per night. Move between the two sites using the link on the top ribbon of both sites.

Other nearby hotels serving both airports

Concorde Inn KLIA offers full hotel facilities with rates ranging upwards from around USD65, including breakfast. The hotel is located some distance from the terminals, about 5 mins from KLIA and 15 minutes from KLIA2. There are complimentary shuttle services between the hotel and terminals. You can book direct with the hotel or via one of the various online booking services available.

Located in nearby Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi Sepang, the YouniQ Hotel is about 12km from the airports and offers shuttle services to and from both airports for RM5.30. Prices vary between RM70 and RM189 for two. They have rooms available to suit 3, 4 or 5 guests, with breakfast or toast and tea/coffee. For single travellers, dorm accommodation is also available from RM38 to RM48. There is a gym, self service laundry and free wifi. If guests want a more substantial breakfast, this is available for RM10.60.

A footnote

If you’re looking for somewhere not too expensive and don’t mind staying in Kuala Lumpur city, we’ve just heard about a new affordable entry to the market. The Bed KLCC opened recently (in 2017). It looks like a classy hostel without the classy price tag. They have both dorm and ‘suite’ options, so take your pick. There are also some opening offers at the time of writing (October 2017).