There are times when only an airport hotel will do. And if you are flying to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the upscale Sama Sama Hotel is the obvious choice.
Directly connected to the airport terminal via a skybridge, it’s a convenient option if you are on a red-eye flight or have a lengthy stopover. But what is it like to stay there?
I’ve stayed here twice and have written this Sama Sama Hotel KLIA review to help you make an informed choice. I paid for both of these stays myself (they were not sponsored).
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My Sama Sama Hotel KLIA Review
What I loved about Sama Sama Hotel at Kuala Lumpur Airport
#1 The hotel’s location
This is Sama Sama’s trump card.
The hotel is a mere ten-minute walk from KL International Airport (location here). But if you’re feeling weary, a complimentary 24-hour buggy service will whisk you to and from the airport terminal in a few minutes.
#2 Efficient and friendly check-in
A long reception desk flanks one side of the hotel’s vast and stylish lobby. There were no queues, and my check-in was friendly and efficient.
#3 My Deluxe King Room
Measuring 388 ft², this room was spacious by Malaysian standards. Decorated in a pleasing burnt orange and grey palette, it had an airy feel. The double-glazed windows did a terrific job of keeping out aircraft noise.
There was a comfortable day sofa and a small coffee table next to the window. I slept like a log in the comfortable queen-size bed, which was dressed with good-quality linen and plump pillows. As might be expected, there was a large, wall-mounted flat-screen TV and desk.
If you need to crack on with work, the well-equipped desk with a data/fax port, phone and an ergonomic chair is just the thing.
Although there was complimentary bottled water, tea and coffee, sadly, there wasn’t a pod coffee maker.
Lighting was good throughout, and the air-conditioning worked well. The Wi-Fi was good enough to stream content.
Opening the wardrobe revealed an iron and ironing board, a waffle bathrobe and slippers, and a safe. The safe was large enough to accommodate a laptop and had an integral plug socket.
The bathroom was well-proportioned and spotlessly clean. It had a small soaking tub and a separate shower cubicle. Amenity kits and proprietary toiletries were provided.
Sama Sama KLIA has a range of rooms to suit every budget, from this “entry level” Deluxe Room through to suites. On my last stay, I was upgraded to a Premier King Room. This gave me access to the hotel’s Premier Lounge, serving complimentary food and beverages, including breakfast.
#4 The Gorgeous Garden and Pool
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I wandered down to the somewhat unpromising Level 1 and discovered a little oasis of a courtyard garden with exotic plants and a fishpond.
A pathway led to a lagoon-style pool, which belonged more in a holiday resort than a functional airport hotel. It was enveloped in lush, tropical greenery and flanked by comfy loungers.
#5 The hotel’s eating and drinking facilities
Sama Sama comes with wining and dining options you would expect of a 5-star hotel.
I had a fine evening meal in the Continents restaurant. This offers a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet as well as a la carte menu. Food is also served in the Travellers’ Bar and Grill, and if you have a sweet tooth, you might want to check out the patisserie on Level 2 (lobby area).
There is also a bar in the lobby area and by the pool.
What I Was Less Keen On
My main criticism is that the hotel looked a little tired in places, especially the guest room. Food and drink were relatively pricey.
And that’s a wrap!
I enjoyed my second stay at the Sama Sama Hotel KLIA and wouldn’t hesitate to book a room there again. Just make sure you don’t confuse this property with its sister hotel, the no-frills, airside Sama-Sama Express.
In my opinion, the Sama Sama Hotel at Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a superb choice if you have an early morning flight or a late arrival. This high-end hotel is clean, has all the facilities you need – I particularly liked the live departure screen in the lobby – and friendly and attentive staff.
If you’re wondering where else to stay in Kuala Lumpur, check out my review of Traders Hotel KL and discover why I loved the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur. My other favourite KL hotel is the sublime Shangri-La.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.