It was evening when I arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). I decided to stay at the Sama-Sama Hotel Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and it turned out to be the best choice for me.
Things at KLIA seem to be changing very quickly, so please check for the most updated information. I’m sharing my experience from January 2024, and unfortunately, it was a terrible one at passport control as a Japanese passport holder. I had to wait in line for three hours—was I in the wrong line? My flight from Singapore arrived at 6:30 PM, and I didn’t leave the airport terminal until 10:00 PM. Yikes.
On the bright side, I got to the hotel quickly. The staff were both friendly and professional, and I was able to relax and get some sleep.
Regarding my vacation in Malaysia in January 2024, I have to say I wasn’t eager to visit again anytime soon. However, I really liked the hotel.
Room
I stayed in a double room, too big for me 😀
The bed was a bit softer than I prefer, but it wasn’t a big issue.
Outlets
The desk had multi-style outlets, so if you don’t have Malaysian plugs, you won’t have much trouble.
Malaysian are generally 240V and use the British-style (BF) plug. I bought a 20W Apple charger with a British plug.
Bathroom
The bathroom had a separate bathtub and shower, which I liked.
The hot water was available quickly.
There were enough amenities, but keep in mind that this may change due to resource-saving efforts.
I don’t remember what I had for breakfast—maybe I bought something in the satellite terminal before waiting in the passport control line.
The way to go
A word of caution: there are several Sama-Sama brand hotels at KLIA and KLIA2. My flight was with Singapore Airlines (SQ), which uses Terminal 1 and it is often called KLIA. Terminal 2, for low-cost carriers (LCC), is often called KLIA2. While there are buses between the terminals, they are not close to each other.
When booking this hotel, make sure your flight arrives or departs from KLIA (T1).
In KLIA (T1), the main terminal for immigration, and you will arrive at or leave from the satellite terminal. I saw a “Sama-Sama Express Hotel” at the KLIA satellite terminal, which means it is located airside, you are not able to stay there when you pass the immigration to enter Malaysia.
On the other hand this“Sama-Sama Hotel Kuala Lumpur International Airport” is landside, you NEED to go enter Malaysia. This is an important distinction.
Another point: you can walk to the hotel from the terminal, but it’s a bit of a long walk.
(Photo is provided by Agoda)
I’m not joking—you can see it from the window of the hotel.
At KLIA (T1), head toward the KLIA Ekspres station (I will tell you about it in another article). You may notice the cart services.
it’s a fun way to get to the hotel with running so fast! Don’t worry, they drive slowly around corners, so it’s safe.
