Moxy Chinatown Kuala Lumpur Review

 

🛏️ I Slept Above a Bank Vault in KL – Here’s What It Was Like 🏦✨

When I first heard about Moxy opening a hotel right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, my curiosity was instantly piqued. I mean, a Marriott lifestyle hotel in an old bank building? With the original vault still intact? Say less. I had to see it for myself.

Housed in the historic former Oriental Bank building, this 21-storey hotel has been thoughtfully transformed by YTL Hotels into a stylish 320-room property. The adaptive reuse preserves the building’s heritage bones—think vaults, thick walls, and bold architecture—while infusing it with modern flair, punchy branding, and Moxy’s signature rebellious attitude. It’s a perfect example of urban renewal with personality, where old KL meets new cool.

Moxy Chinatown KL isn’t your typical sleek-and-shiny city stay. It’s quirky, youthful, a little rebellious—and definitely not shy about its personality. Located near Masjid Jamek, this hotel is tucked into the hustle and history of old KL, surrounded by decades-old shop lots, street food stalls, and layers of heritage that give it major sodosopa vibes.

Unlike its spacious sister, Moxy Putrajaya, this one leans into its compact, urban charm. The building is narrow, tall, and full of surprises—including a bank vault on the lower ground floor that’s currently being transformed into a club. (Yes, you read that right—a club in a vault. Disco ball dreams loading... 🪩)

there is really a big bank vault under this building

Moxy Minor the iconic symbol of all things Moxy

not your average hotel, it's Moxy

lobby tour

instagrammable at every corner

forget army drill vibes, let's use our brains to bond

love the salads, there's a bunch to choose from for rm15/each

Moxy executive room with city view

the view outside my bed

I set up my own table & seat (seat is surprisingly good for the back)

the separate showers & toilet gives dorm vibes

I checked in and got a sweet surprise—an upgrade to the Executive Corner Room. And oh my, the view! KL Tower, the Twin Towers, TRX, even the banks standing stoic since forever—it felt like I was watching a city symphony from above. The Monoral zipped past, adding a touch of cinematic energy (and a soft rumble reminiscent of a passing plane—light sleepers, take note). Psss... earplugs available.

The room felt like a stylish little bunker—small but clever. Think minimalist wall pegs instead of wardrobes, a wash basin in the bedroom, and a fold-down table setup that reminded me of Tokyo’s compact hotel design. My only gripe? That shockingly slim fridge. It fits four tall bottles :( WHY!

🚫 No room service? No problem. Moxy isn’t about pampering in bed—it’s about getting out there and living a little. The aircon? Chills to 10°C (literally). The vibes? Playful and bold. If you need your things refreshed or restocked, get down to the lobby and ask for the lockers where you can self-service your room college style.

take the escalator from lobby to level 2 for work or play

need to work early? add breakfast in your package!

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A post shared by Tammy Lim | Food Travel Lifestyle Malaysia (@hellotammylim)

love all the quirky pillows, I could check them out and buy on Temu later

The 24-hour gym is compact, but it gets the job done. Breakfast, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise—less greasy, more green. A healthier spread than your average buffet, and the staff? Absolutely lovely. Attentive, fast, and full of warmth. They'll ask how you want your eggs and coffee to be done and serve them right at the table you pick.

There’s a rooftop bar and a petite pool with major spinning DJ vibes, think music, mocktails, and salad bowls included. However, prices lean upscale: RM35 for a beer, RM55 for a pizza. If they ever drop the prices, this spot would be the place for a Saturday night fever kind of hangout.

the sights and sounds from the rooftop bar is major

Instagrammable bikini moments at the rooftop pool

it's still old downtown kl city

As charming as Chinatown is by day, it gets quiet and dim once the sun sets. Some routes back can feel isolated, with homeless individuals sleeping nearby. It’s part of KL’s real city life, but for solo female travellers, just be alert when heading back. It can get real quiet and scary around here late at night as most of the shops are closed at night. I hope they can station guards patrolling outside until things brighten up with more cafes or restaurants here.

Moxy Chinatown KL is for the city explorers. The quirky, the bold, the ones who don’t mind trading space for character. It’s a little gritty, glam, and definitely full of stories. You sleep above a vault, wake up to a KL skyline that belongs in a movie, and stay in a building that has lived many lives.

You’ll find Moxy Chinatown KL at No. 1 Jalan Hang Lekiu, nestled right at the edge of Chinatown, just 10 - 15 minute walk from Pasar Seni MRT/LRT and Masjid Jamek LRT/Monorail. It’s a vibey, walkable area buzzing with street food, speakeasies, murals, indie cafés, and cultural landmarks. Expect a sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds—it’s real, raw KL, and you’re living in the middle of it.

The infamous Song Kee beef ball noodles is across the hotel. You gotta try it!

Deal queen tip: Book Moxy Chinatown Kualal Lumpur via the Marriott Bonvoy app to secure deals and earn points with every stay.