EQ Named Malaysia’s Only Hotel Among Travel + Leisure’s World’s 100 Best Hotels 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 July 2026 — EQ has been honoured as the only Malaysian hotel named among the World’s 100 Best Hotels in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. Ranked No. 27 Best Hotel in the World and No. 4 City Hotel in Asia, the accolade places the hotel among the world’s most celebrated hotels while making it Malaysia’s highest-ranked hotel in this year’s awards.

For the second consecutive year, EQ stands as the only hotel in Malaysia to earn a place among Travel + Leisure’s World’s 100 Best Hotels. The hotel achieved an outstanding reader score of 99.12, improving on last year’s 98.73, reaffirming its position among the world’s most celebrated hotels and reflecting the consistently exceptional experiences recognised by travellers from around the globe.

Presented annually, the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are among the travel industry’s most respected accolades, recognising the hotels, destinations and travel experiences most highly rated by Travel + Leisure readers worldwide. For EQ, this recognition is a tribute to the people behind the hotel, whose warmth, dedication and attention to detail continue to shape every guest journey and define the experience for which the hotel is known.

Justin Lee, General Manager of EQ, said, “We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the readers of Travel + Leisure. To be the only hotel in Malaysia named among the World’s 100 Best Hotels is a proud moment, not only for everyone at EQ, but also for Malaysian hospitality.

“This achievement belongs to our people. Every welcome, every thoughtful gesture and every memorable stay reflects the passion and dedication of a team that cares deeply. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has chosen EQ, and to the readers of Travel + Leisure for their trust and confidence. Their support inspires us to continue creating memorable experiences with warmth, authenticity and excellence.”

Rising above the award-winning Equatorial Plaza in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, EQ continues the distinguished legacy of Hotel Equatorial through a contemporary expression of Malaysian hospitality. Its 440 guestrooms and suites, thoughtfully designed spaces and intuitive service provide a welcoming retreat for business and leisure travellers alike while creating the setting for celebrations, milestones and memorable occasions.

Dining lies at the heart of the guest experience. Perched atop the hotel, Sky51, named by Time Out as one of Asia’s Top 5 Rooftop Bars, offers panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. It is home to Sabayon, the hotel’s signature contemporary European restaurant, whose exceptional wine programme has been recognised by the prestigious Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards every year since 2020, as well as Blue, the rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline. Completing the culinary collection are Kampachi, Malaysia’s pioneer of Japanese dining since 1974; Nipah, celebrating the rich flavours of Malaysia alongside international favourites; Étoile, the hotel’s bistro; and Bottega, an inviting lounge for artisanal coffee, afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Guests can also retreat to Sanctum Wellness, home to Sanctum Spa, recognised as the No. 3 Best Hotel Spa in Malaysia in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, alongside a 25-metre infinity pool, Vitality Jacuzzi® and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Together with its prime city-centre location, the hotel offers a sanctuary where wellbeing, comfort and genuine care come together in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“This achievement is both an honour and a responsibility,” Lee added. “While awards mark important milestones, it is the trust our guests place in us that matters most. We remain committed to creating memorable moments, delivered with genuine care, and to welcoming every guest with the warmth that has always defined EQ.”

EQ remains committed to creating memorable moments through genuine Malaysian hospitality for generations to come.