5 Fascinating Budget Hotels Worth Your Staycation in the Klang Valley.

Everybody needs some time off every once in a while, from work especially. When we are in dire need of a time out, of course the first thing which comes in mind would be a vacation. Yay, vacay! But, as exciting as it may seem, not everyone of us from the working class are able to go on a vacation which involves leaving the country. Admit it, it is exhausting and time-consuming. Think about this, if you were to go on a luxurious vacation, the amount of money spent would probably leave you in debt for a few months. On the other hand, if you were to go on a budget vacation, the amount of time wasted travelling via cheaper alternatives of transport (such as by bus or train) leaves you with not much time spent to enjoy the country (unless of course you decide to quit your job and backpack instead).

So, what other alternative is there besides going on a draining, laborious trip away from our homeland? A staycation of course! A staycation is a vacation one takes at home or nearby one's home. You can stay at home and do practically nothing! Or if you're keen, pay a visit to famous museums and landmarks around your area. If you don't fancy staying home because your home doesn't make you feel relaxed or maybe if you just feel like sleeping on another bed besides your own, book a night at a nearby hotel. "Nearby" is pretty subjective so it's really up to you to decide where is nearby to you and where is not. The best part is you can do whatever you fancy! How fun is that?! I have listed down 5 hotels in the Klang Valley which charge below RM200/night for basic rooms and will definitely be worth your staycation.

Ryokan Chic Hotel

Ryokan Chic Hotel was founded by a group of friends who were tired of being cheated by the words "boutique" and "budget" and decided to reinvent the true meaning of "boutique accommodation". Situated in the heart of Damansara, Ryokan Chic is nearby KDU University College and Tropicana City Mall with easy access to the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP). The interior of the hotel is urbanely chic with Japanese art and murals covering the walls. Surprisingly for a budget hotel, they offer free flow of coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day, which some luxury hotels fail to offer. The hotel's room charges are affordable, with The Lone Ranger - which happens to be the name of their single room - being priced at RM96.80 onwards.

Ryokan Chic Hotel: 97-M, Jalan SS21/37 Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor; +603 7726 6260; [email protected]

Manhattan Business Hotel

The Manhattan Business Hotel believes that they offer peace of mind at a reasonable price. Located in Damansara Perdana, it is in a primarily strategic area which allows easy access to nearby shopping malls such as The Curve and One Utama Shopping Center. The hotel is pretty close to the Damansara Performing Arts Center (DPAC) as well so it would be a great opportunity for you to explore your cultural side by watching some plays or stand-up comedy acts. The exterior and interior of the hotel is modern and gives extremely good New York vibes. Their standard room's price starts from RM170, and you will greeted with a pretty decent small but clean room. However, it may be a bit noisy because it is facing the main road. I guess a night's stay here would be sufficient.

Manhattan Business Hotel: A-G-01, No. 1, Neo Damansara Jalan PJU 8/1 Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor; +603 7731 9828; [email protected]

Ruemz Hotel

Ruemz Hotel is the creation of Southeast Asia's distinguished Taylor's University School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts (TCHT). The hotel is located in Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, a primary location central to Sunway Pyramid and the urban town of Subang Jaya. The rooms are given quirky names like Cubic (standard), Matrix (superior), and Spazzio (Deluxe). Guests are granted access to the campus' fully equipped gymnasium and  indoor swimming pool which is awesome because most three-star hotels do not have sufficient facilities as such. Price for their Cubic room starts from RM102 but they offer affordable packages which may help you save more depending on your stay. Do check out their site for more info regarding these packages.

Ruemz Hotel: The Boardwalk, No, 2 Jalan Taylor's, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor; +603 5632 0480; [email protected]

Hotel Maison Boutique

Hotel Maison Boutique is probably the most exciting one to stay in among all because of it's theme-inspired rooms. They have over 18 theme-inspired rooms with themes such as 'Atlantis', 'Fairy Tale', 'James Bond', and so many more!  The hotel is walking distance to Berjaya Times Square and is nearby most transportation centres such as the Imbi Station Monorail Station, Pudu LRT Station, and of course the infamous Pudu Bus Terminal. The novelty of the rooms are lived-up to with the hotel staff ensuring that the rooms are clean and comfortable, and security staff ensuring the safety of guests. Nonetheless, do be careful when traveling at night as the area is quite underdeveloped and may be a bit unsafe. Room prices start from RM168 and may escalate to a more expensive amount depending on the room's theme.

Hotel Maison Boutique: No. 36-38 Jalan Baba, Off Jalan Thambi Dollah, Kuala Lumpur; +603 2145 2020/ +603 2615 9000; [email protected]

Leapple Boutique Hotel

Leapple Boutique Hotel features Zen architecture, allowing guests to relax and bask in Zen ambiance for a peaceful weekend. Besides being a 5 minute walk away from the Bukit Bintang Monorail Station, the hotel is also located close by famous shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur such as Fahrenheit 88 and Lot 10. If you're up for some drinks at night, there are several clubs and bars nearby to suit your fancy. Despite the beautiful exterior and interior of the hotel, they do not serve breakfast as their restaurant is still under renovation. Anyhow, filling your tummy shouldn't be a problem with Jalan Alor situated just 10 minutes away by foot. The rooms may be a little small but definitely cozy. Price begins from RM142 which, in my opinion, is fair for such a prime location.

Leapple Boutique Hotel: 42-3, Jalan Sultan Ismail Bukit Bintang, 50250, Kuala Lumpur; +603 2141 5604; [email protected]

Do note that hotel room price may increase during peak seasons and the all the prices quoted are excluding 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST). The hotel may also incur additional charges based on each hotel's policy respectively, so do check with the hotel staff just to make sure you know what you're paying for. Another option you should consider is to check Agoda for crazy low prices which could not be found anywhere else (I am speaking out of personal experience)! All in all, do remember that you are on a getaway - well, sort of. Don't be such a worrywart and enjoy your staycation!

PS: If you're adamant on staying in your room and surf the web, you can always drop by our ShopCoupons main site and look for crazy steals from your favorite e-stores. Whether you're looking to update your wardrobe, refill your fridge back home, or have take-out, we have it all! You may thank us later. Have a great weekend!

By Andrew Tai
April 17, 2015 | Seasonal