Recognition for The RuMa Hotel and Residences, Kuala Lumpur

Preferred Hotels & Resorts honours this city-centre favourite for its refined hospitality and strong sense of place.

Text by Kerol Izwan. Photos by The RuMa.

Set just off the bustle of Jalan Kia Peng, The RuMa Hotel and Residences has always felt like a well-kept secret. Its discreet entrance, lined with soft lighting and understated architecture, leads into a space that feels more like a private residence than a typical city hotel. The welcome is calm, the service considered. It is this quiet consistency and sense of place that has now earned the property international recognition.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest network of independent hotels, has named The RuMa as its New Hotel of the Year – City Center during the group’s 2025 Global Conference, held recently in Singapore. The award places The RuMa among 11 standout properties selected from more than 600 hotels worldwide.

The selection process is based on third-party inspections and guest reviews from leading platforms. Only hotels that consistently perform at the highest level are considered.

“This recognition reflects the commitment, hard work, and excellence demonstrated by the entire team,” said Michelle Woodley, President of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Hotel Manager Daniyal Ng sees the award as both an honour and a responsibility. “We remain focused on delivering a hospitality experience that feels thoughtful and grounded in Malaysian culture,” he said.

Opened in late 2018, The RuMa is part of the brand’s Lifestyle Collection. Its 253 rooms and suites are joined by ATAS, a restaurant with a local approach to contemporary dining, and UR SPA, a wellness space focused on simple, effective rituals. The design throughout is restrained and timeless, with materials and forms that feel warm and deliberate.

The hotel has also embraced a growing emphasis on local culture. From textures and lighting to curated books and subtle scents, The RuMa creates an experience that reflects Kuala Lumpur without turning it into a concept. In a market where design hotels often lean too far into trend or theme, The RuMa manages to stay balanced.

In a city where luxury is often loud, The RuMa keeps its voice low—and still gets noticed.

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i. About The RuMa Hotel and Residences

Tucked within walking distance of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, The RuMa Hotel and Residences draws from the Malay word rumah, meaning home—a fitting reflection of its warm, composed atmosphere. More than just a place to stay, The RuMa offers a sense of arrival and belonging. Its 253 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites—many with unobstructed views of the Petronas Twin Towers—combine contemporary comfort with quiet nods to Malaysia’s rich cultural past. Whether for business or leisure, guests are invited to unwind at ATAS, the hotel’s signature restaurant, or UR SPA, a wellness space designed with simplicity and care in mind. The RuMa is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection, a global portfolio that champions independently run properties with distinct character and exceptional service.

ii. About Urban Resort Concepts

Urban Resort Concepts (URC) is a hospitality group with a focus on crafting thoughtful, locally rooted hotel experiences. Founded by industry veterans, URC’s portfolio includes properties that reflect the personality of their surroundings, offering travellers an intimate lens into the culture and rhythm of each destination. Design, service, and storytelling go hand in hand—making every stay feel quietly personal.

iii. About Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest network of independent luxury hotels, representing over 600 properties across 80 countries. Each hotel in its collection upholds strict quality standards while maintaining its own identity and spirit. Through programmes like I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards, Preferred Residences℠, and Preferred Pride℠, the brand connects discerning travellers with stays that align with their values, lifestyle, and expectations—no matter where they land.