Historical places are always great spots to sightsee and stay in when you’re on vacation. One such place is the Cameron Highlands in Pahang, Malaysia. Not far from the former ti-mining centre of Ipoh, the highlands are modelled after a traditional English village named after its founder, the British colonialist Sir William Cameron. Developing the highlands gave residents in the lowlands a place to enjoy a cooler climate during the hot summer months. And now there are plenty of great hotels to stay in the Cameron Highlands.
The region is made up of three villages (Tanah Rata, Brinchang and Ringlet) which all have British influences, such as rose and lavender gardens. You can also go strawberry picking and enjoy typical English treats such as cream teas. Many of the accommodations are fashioned in traditional colonial style, immersing visitors in the area’s unique culture.
The Cameron Highlands covers about 71,000 hectares, so there is plenty to see and do here. Apart from the attractions, where you stay can also add to your experience. Here are 15 of the best hotels in the Cameron Highlands that you can book.
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Best Hotels in Cameron Highlands, Pahang at a glance
This table highlights a quick comparison of all the top choices for the best hotels in Cameron Highlands. Click on each hotel name or the Book button to see more and check today’s prices.
| Name | Location | Best For | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Smokehouse | Tanah Rata | Heritage luxe stay | $$$$ | CLICK HERE |
| The Lakehouse | Ringlet | Heritage cottage stay | $$$$ | CLICK HERE |
| Cameron Highlands Resort | Tanah Rata | Chic boutique heritage stay | $$$ | CLICK HERE |
| Century Pines Resort | Tanah Rata | Heritage-inspired 4-star hotel | $$$ | CLICK HERE |
| Zenith Hotel | Tanah Rata | Large luxe hotel | $$$ | CLICK HERE |
| Flora Plus Boutique Hotel | Brinchang | Comfy boutique hotel | $$ | CLICK HERE |
| The Bala’s Holiday Chalet | Tanah Rata | A scenic heritage-inspired boutique resort | $$$ | CLICK HERE |
| Snooze TOO Hotel | Brinchang | Central and handy low-cost boutique hotel | $$ | CLICK HERE |
| Tiny Boutique Habitat | Tanah Rata | Cottage-like accommodation | $$$ | CLICK HERE |
| Tulip Hotel & Apartment | Brinchang | Secluded, good value budget hotel | $$ | CLICK HERE |
| The Woodz Homestay | Brinchang | Family or large group homestay | $$ | CLICK HERE |
| Father’s Guesthouse | Tanah Rata | Established budget and clean hotel | $ | CLICK HERE |
| Gerard’s Place Roomstay | Tanah Rata | Cozy apartment-like rooms | $$ | CLICK HERE |
| Traveller Bunker Hostel 1 | Tanah Rata | Super clean backpacker hostel | $ | CLICK HERE |
| Bricks Backpackers Hostel | Tanah Rata | 4-Star Hostel | $ | CLICK HERE |
Best Luxury and 5-Star Hotels in Cameron Highlands
Those who want the best from their accommodations can consider the following luxury hotels.
The Smokehouse is great if you prefer home-style accommodations to traditional hotel rooms. These cottages are homey, painted in rustic brown and white, with a view overlooking gorgeous gardens and the golf course.
You’ll also find English-style fixtures, ornaments, and furniture inside. The suites incorporate traditional and contemporary furnishings, such as four-poster beds with canopies and seating areas. You’ll also find a tea and coffee-making set, while the bathroom comes with complete toiletries and a hairdryer.
I recommend trying their tea, scones, and signature Beef Wellington during your stay. The Smokehouse Hotel is a 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
What I liked
- Food was very good, with a varied menu and attentive service
- Afternoon tea is especially enjoyable in the garden
- Rooms are spacious, with a big wardrobe, bed, and seating area
What I didn’t like
- Parking is available but in a small area opposite the hotel
- The rooms facing the road can be susceptible to noise
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com|Agoda
The Lakehouse is a charming country house that is as English as it gets. Apart from wooden ceiling beams and four-poster beds, it has antique pieces such as a table fan and a rotary dial telephone. The bedrooms are decorated traditionally and the vanities have full-length mirrors.
What I like about this hotel most is the reading room because it has its own fireplace. It’s a very cozy place to relax and enjoy quieter moments while on vacation. Guests can also join activities such as the outdoor jungle trek, playing games in the game room, or having tea.
What I liked
- Very helpful staff
- Excellent services, including daily morning car wash
- Beautiful and spacious grounds
What I didn’t like
- The location is a bit far from the city.
- Not many restaurants nearby
- The bathroom water flow system can be improved
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Cameron Highlands Resort is another great option that features a more contemporary design in a colonial building. The rooms have handsome wooden furnishings, marble countertops, and elegant creamy walls. You’ll also find a flat-screen satellite TV, day bed, electric kettle, and personal safe in the rooms.
The rest of the resort is warm and gives off a luxe feel, with top-notch amenities like their award-winning in-house spa and the fitness center. Apart from traditional English tea, you can also enjoy seafood, prime meats, and noodles at Gonbei Restaurant.
The location is also a plus because it is just a few hundred meters away from Kasimanis Strawbery Farm and Brinchang Night Market.
What I liked
- Peaceful and quiet place
- Afternoon tea is a great experience
- Personalized breakfast
What I didn’t like
- Some room traffic noise can be heard
- The bathroom is a little dated and needs some maintenance
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Century Pines Resort Cameron Highlands is 3 km from the Rose Farm and 5 km from the Night Market. Boh Tea Plantation is 7 km from the resort.
Century Pines Resort is a conventional hotel that offers premium amenities and services. Situated just three kilometers from the Rose Farm and five kilometers from the Night Market, this place is a comfortable stay for anyone who prefers standard hotel accommodations.
What I love about the rooms at Century Pines Resort is that they come with plenty of natural lighting. The hardwood flooring is a beautiful touch and complements the modern décor very well. The sofas in each room are plush, and the beds are roomy and comfortable.
What I liked
- Cleanliness
- Ideal location (close to restaurants, shops, and local attractions)
- Good efforts to reduce the use of plastic
What I didn’t like
- Soundproofing isn’t very good — neighbours and the nearby mosque can be heard
- Breakfast is lacking in fresh fruits, loaves of bread, or dairy options
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Another contemporary hotel on our list is Zenith Hotel. Most guests will appreciate the sleek exterior and clean white interior of this hotel. The rooms are tastefully designed in various browns and creams, from the flooring to the furniture and the accents. It’s spacious and comes with a flat-screen TV and kettle. The bathrooms include a bidet, hairdryer, and bathrobes.
Zenith Hotel also has free private parking so you don’t have to worry about your car’s safety. Other amenities include a gym, outdoor pool, 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi.
What I liked
- The location is close to restaurants, cafes, and ATMs
- The rooms and bathrooms are very clean
- The concierge is especially accommodating
What I didn’t like
- Room rates were a bit on the higher end
- Food isn’t always served hot as there were no warmers
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
The Best Midrange & Boutique Hotels in Cameron Highlands
Hotel Flora Plus definitely lives up to its name as it is a floral-themed midrange accommodation that guests will easily enjoy. Free parking is available for all, and the hotel has free WiFi all throughout.
The rooms are pretty and filled with flower-themed decorations — without being overwhelming, of course — and also have flat-screen TVs and parquet flooring. The bathrooms are equipped with everything you need, though they are a bit small. The hotel is also near enough to tourist attractions like Strawberry Farm and Cactus Valley.
What I liked
- The staff was very friendly
- Free parking and strategic location
- Very clean
What I didn’t like
- Bathrooms aren’t very spacious
- Noise from the town can be heard late at night
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
The Bala’s Holiday Chalet is a beautiful and charming English cottage located on a private hill. If you prefer being away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then this is a great option for you to stay at the Cameron Highlands.
I love the rooms here as they are so homely. The patterns on the chairs, rugs, and duvets are quite old-fashioned, but they give the place a cozy look. You’ll certainly feel like this is your home away from home since rooms are also fitted with a work desk and a coffee and tea maker. Like many of the accommodations on this list, there is free WiFi and parking.
What I liked
- An enchanting atmosphere with beautiful, well-kept gardens
- Very helpful and friendly staff
What I didn’t like
- Some interiors needed maintenance, improvements, and updating
- Breakfast was a little pricey
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Snooze TOO Hotel is a great boutique hotel that is located in the town of Brinchang, near attractions like Kok Lim Strawberry Farm and the Time Tunnel Museum. The rooms are a mixture of modern and basic designs, with white interiors and white-painted brick walls. Every room has its own flat-screen TV and a private bathroom as well.
I like the hotel’s simplicity and its hip and young vibe. The design has just enough balance between bright hues and neutral shades. The rooms are not overly spacious, nor are they too small, but just right for a comfortable stay.
What I liked
- The location is ideal
- It’s a very cozy place
- Great price point
What I didn’t like
- Drainage in the bathroom was slow
- Cleanliness could be improved
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Best Cameron Highlands AirBnbs and Homestays
The Tiny Boutique Habitat is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a great homestay. This house has several rooms, a beautiful terrace, a restaurant, and a garden for the ultimate homey experience. The exterior is simply lovely, with white walls and dark brown accents.
Each unit is fitted with a flat-screen TV; of course, free WiFi is available throughout the house. You’ll also have a bathroom with a bidet, slippers, and a hairdryer. While you’re here, you must try their brick oven pizza!
What I liked
- The pizza was delicious
- The garden was gorgeous
- The place was very peaceful
What I didn’t like
- There was no complimentary breakfast
- It was difficult to get parking
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Tulip Hotel & Apartment is a great option for those who are looking for smaller accommodations. There isn’t much to see in the surrounding environment, but this hotel has good amenities that make it worth staying in.
Of course, there is free parking and WiFi. The rooms are spacious and clean, equipped with a TV and private bathroom. They are decorated in warm colors that make them look cozier and inviting.
What I liked
- The room is quite spacious
- Plenty of places to eat nearby
What I didn’t like
- The view outside isn’t that great
- Soundproofing isn’t very good
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
One of my favorites on this list is The Woodz Homestay because it’s such great value for money and a perfect choice for families or large groups on vacation. The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and well-equipped with clean, simple furnishings. The bathrooms are also comfortable to use and nicely done. You’ll also get more than the standard inclusions, such as a kitchen with a dining area, a kettle and a fridge, and a living room with a sofa.
This homestay also features mountain views and a peaceful environment. It’s also possible to go on hikes in the surrounding areas. Their restaurant also serves great Asian cuisine.
What I liked
- Great location as it is right in the middle of Brinchang and Tanah Rata (short walking distance to the night market)
- The place is clean and spacious
What I didn’t like
- Towels and other toiletries aren’t provided
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Best budget Hotels in Cameron Highlands
Father’s Guesthouse is an adults-only accommodation that provides simple beds and rooms with a shared lounge, a garden, and a terrace. You can also expect a tour desk and free WiFi here.
It is a quaint and comfortable building with clean and colorful rooms. Each room has bed linens, towels, and some offer a view of the verdant hills outside, depending on what you book. It may be small for some, but that makes it all the more cozy and comfortable for most guests.
What I liked
- Very clean rooms
- Quiet location
- Good value for money
What I didn’t like
- The place can feel a bit cramped
- No locks in the dormitory
- Thin walls
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
If you’re looking for a quality budget room stay that looks like a shared apartment rather than a hotel, then Gerard’s Place may be just your cup of tea. You’ll get to stay in air-conditioned rooms and use shared facilities like the kitchen. There is also a beautiful garden and free WiFi throughout the property.
The place is very cozy with colorful yet tasteful decorations. It really feels like you’re in a shared home when staying at this property. The rooms are well-lit; each has a private bathroom, hairdryers, and bed linen.
What I liked
- The house style and surrounding environment are very peaceful
- The manager is extremely helpful and accommodating
- Very clean and comfortable
What I didn’t like
- The place is a bit far from attractions
- Some guests reported occasional poor mobile and WiFi reception
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Backpackers will appreciate Traveller Bunker Hostel 1 as it offers affordable accommodations. Apart from individual beds and family rooms, this hostel has a shared kitchen and lounge. Of course, there is free WiFi throughout the property. What I like about this place is that each room has a fridge and a seating area.
You’ll be able to enjoy activities around the Cameron Highlands, such as hiking. However, if you want to visit places like Boh Tea Plantation, it can be a bit of a trip since it is 15 kilometers away.
What I liked
- The hostel had kitchen with free tea and water
- Good facilities, like an area to watch TV and lift some weights
- Very helpful staff
What I didn’t like
- Surrounding streets can be quite noisy
- Cleanliness could have been better
- Some may not find bunk beds comfortable enough
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Bricks Backpackers Hostel can be found just 1.1 kilometers from the Orang Asli Village in Tanah Rata. It is self-described as a “4-star hostel” that has a shared kitchen and even room service. You also get a shared lounge, a tour desk, and luggage storage.
Every room has a desk, TV, and a nice seating area for visitors. Depending on which room you book, you may even have a balcony and view. I love how spacious and clean the rooms are… and the billiards in the common area are a lot of fun!
What I liked
- Super clean rooms with very comfortable beds
- Amenities are complete
- Very friendly and helpful staff
What I didn’t like
- Rooms that are situated near the roads can be susceptible to noise
- Poor noise insulation between walls
CHECK BEST PRICES AND BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
And there you have it! With so many places to stay in the Cameron Highlands, it’s just a matter of choosing which one fits your budget and comfort level. Happy vacationing!
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