Looking for a place to stay in Genting Highlands that balances comfort, location, and price? Highlands Hotel — now part of the Resorts World Genting portfolio — sits right at the upper terminal of the Genting Skyway, giving you direct access to the resort’s casinos, theme parks, and shopping. This guide breaks down what this property offers, what guests are saying, how it compares to cheaper alternatives, and whether it’s the right fit for your 2025 visit.

Last checked: 2026-07-22

Hotel Name: Highlands Hotel (formerly Resort Hotel, now part of RW Hotel) · Star Rating: 4-star · Room Count: 1,026 · Location: Upper terminal of Genting Skyway, Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia

Highlands Hotel at a glance

1 Guest Score on Trip.com

• 8.4 / 10 (Very Good) based on recent stays (Trip.com)

2 KAYAK Aggregate Rating

• 7.6 / 10 from 173 verified ratings (KAYAK)

3 TripAdvisor Rank

• #6 of 26 hotels in Genting Highlands (TripAdvisor)

4 Swimming Pool

• Not available on‑site (Trip.com MY)

Fact	Detail	Source
Hotel Name	Resorts World Genting – RW Hotel (formerly Highlands Hotel)	TripAdvisor
Star Rating	4‑star (classified as 5‑star by some OTAs)	Wikipedia
Room Count	1,026 – one of the largest in Genting Highlands	Wikipedia
Location	Upper terminal of Genting Skyway, Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia	Trip.com

Which Genting Highland Hotel Is Best?

There is no single “best” hotel in Genting Highlands because the right choice depends on your budget, priorities, and travel style. Highlands Hotel occupies a mid‑upper tier: it’s cheaper than the luxury Maxims and Crockfords (both 5‑star) but pricier than the massive, no‑frills First World Hotel. On TripAdvisor, Highlands ranks #6 out of 26 properties, with guests praising its direct mall and casino access (TripAdvisor). For first‑time visitors who want a central location and decent comfort without breaking the bank, it’s a solid pick. But budget‑focused travelers will find better value at First World Hotel, which often goes for under $50 a night.

Top‑Rated Hotels on TripAdvisor

As of early 2025, the top‑ranked properties on TripAdvisor include Maxims (the luxury tower), Crockfords (all‑suite), and Resort Hotel, with Highlands coming in at #6. Guest scores on other platforms tell a similar story: Highlands earns 8.4/10 on Trip.com and 7.6/10 on KAYAK (KAYAK). Cleanliness and location are consistently rated higher than value for money.

Comparing Budget vs Luxury Options

First World Hotel, with over 7,300 rooms, is the undisputed budget champion. Its rooms are compact and basic, but nightly rates often hover around RM100–200 ($20–45) (TripCabinet). At the other end, Maxims and Crockfords charge upwards of RM400–800 per night. Highlands Hotel sits between them, typically RM250–450 per night on weekdays, making it a reasonable compromise for travelers who want more space and better amenities than First World but aren’t willing to pay luxury prices.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Genting Highlands?

Genting Highlands offers a wide price spectrum. At the bottom, you can find clean 3‑star hotels and apartments for around $48 per night on Traveloka (Traveloka). First World Hotel often appears in “under $50” lists. Highlands Hotel starts around $108 per night on KAYAK, but rates can exceed $800 on peak weekends (KAYAK). The total cost of an overnight trip, including meals and activities, is estimated at RM335–905 per person (TripCabinet).

Price Range Overview

• Budget (under $50 / RM150): First World Hotel, Scapes Hotel, Swiss‑Garden Hotel & Residences, Antara Genting Suites, Ion Delemen apartments.
• Mid‑range ($50‑$120 / RM200‑RM500): Highlands Hotel (on weekdays), Resort Hotel, Genting Grand.
• Luxury ($120+ / RM500+): Maxims, Crockfords, Genting Grand premium rooms.

Factors Affecting Price

Peak weekends, public holidays, and school breaks drive prices up – sometimes doubling the nightly rate. Booking early (2‑3 months ahead) and using OTA promos can significantly reduce costs. Traveloka and Trip.com often run flash sales on Genting properties (Traveloka).

How Many Rooms Does the Highlands Hotel Have?

Highlands Hotel has 1,026 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the resort – only First World Hotel (7,351 rooms) is bigger (Wikipedia). Room types include deluxe, premier, and suites, most offering views of the surrounding hills or the resort complex. Reviews on Agoda and Trip.com note that rooms are spacious compared to First World, with modern furnishings and good heating (the highland climate can be cool).

Room Types and Amenities

• Deluxe: 30–35 m², queen or twin beds, flat‑screen TV, minibar.
• Premier: Larger rooms with seating area, some with mountain views.
• Suites: Separate living area, up to 60 m², bath with tub.

Common amenities across all categories include Wi‑Fi (free), air‑conditioning, and 24‑hour room service. One notable gap: there is no swimming pool on site, a downside for families hoping for resort‑style facilities (Trip.com MY).

Size Comparison with Other Hotels

First World Hotel dwarfs all others with 7,351 rooms, but those rooms are famously compact. Highlands Hotel’s 1,026 rooms are more generously sized. Genting Grand and Resort Hotel each have roughly 600–800 rooms. For a hotel of its size, Highlands still feels less crowded than First World’s bustling corridors.

Which Month Is Best to Visit Genting Highlands?

The best time to visit Genting Highlands is during the drier months – generally March to September. Rain is heaviest from October to January, and fog can reduce visibility on the Skyway. Avoid major Malaysian school holidays (mid‑year, year‑end) to get lower hotel rates and shorter queues at theme parks.

For Highlands Hotel specifically, weekdays in shoulder months (March–May, September–November) offer the biggest discounts. On a quiet Tuesday in April, room rates can drop to around RM250–300, compared to RM600+ on a Friday night.

Pros and Cons of Highlands Hotel

Pricing Band: Where Highlands Hotel Fits

Based on verified rate data from KAYAK and OTA listings, Highlands Hotel falls squarely in the mid‑range to upper‑mid‑range band for Genting Highlands. Typical price ranges are:

Season / Day Type	Approx. Nightly Rate (USD)
Weekday off‑peak (shoulder months)	$100–$150
Weekend non‑holiday	$150–$250
Peak public holidays / school breaks	$250–$400+

These figures are below luxury properties (Maxims often starts at $250) but well above budget hotels that can be found for under $50. The pricing band means you’re paying for location and convenience rather than pure luxury.

Location and Getting to Highlands Hotel

Highlands Hotel is located at the upper terminal of the Genting Skyway, the cable car that connects the hilltop to Awana station in Gohtong Jaya. The journey takes about 15 minutes and offers panoramic views of the rainforest. From the hotel, you can walk directly into SkyAvenue (the main mall) and the casino complex without going outdoors – a big plus in rainy weather.

By road, the hotel is about a 50‑minute drive from Kuala Lumpur city centre (via the Karak Highway and Genting Sempah), and about 90 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Parking is available at the resort’s multi‑storey car parks, though spaces can fill up on weekends.

Alternatives to Highlands Hotel in Genting Highlands

If Highlands Hotel doesn’t fit your budget or preferences, several other options offer different trade‑offs:

Hotel	Price Band (per night)	Key Difference
First World Hotel	$20–$45	Largest capacity, lowest price, compact rooms, no pool.
Resort Hotel (Genting Grand)	$60–$100	Closer to Skytropolis indoor theme park, slightly cheaper than Highlands.
Maxims Hotel	$250–$500+	5‑star luxury, butler service, exclusive lounge.
Swiss‑Garden Hotel & Residences	$30–$60	Mid‑hills location, apartment‑style rooms, short drive to peak.
Antara Genting Suites	$25–$50	Self‑catering apartments, popular with families on a budget.

Each alternative comes with its own location advantages. First World is right next to the casino and indoor theme parks, while the Mid‑hills options require a short taxi or bus ride to the peak but offer more space for the price.

““First World Hotel — officially the world’s largest hotel with over 7,300 rooms — anchors the budget end.””

– TripCabinet Genting Highlands Guide, Independent travel guide publisher

““The world’s largest hotel by room count isn’t winning any luxury awards. Rooms are small, furnishings are basic, and the sheer scale means service is impersonal.””

– TripCabinet Genting Highlands Guide, Independent travel guide publisher

Related reading: Grand Ion Delemen Hotel: Reviews, Price & Location � Genting Palace Restaurant Guide: Cuisine, Dress Code & More

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Highlands Hotel the same as RW Hotel?

Yes. Highlands Hotel was rebranded as part of the Resorts World Genting portfolio and is now often listed as Resorts World Genting – RW Hotel (formerly Highlands Hotel). Some platforms also call it Maxims Hotel, though Maxims is a separate luxury tower within the same complex (Trip.com MY).

Does Highlands Hotel have a casino?

The hotel itself does not house a casino, but the Resorts World Genting casino is directly connected via SkyAvenue mall – less than a 5‑minute walk from the lobby.

What is the address of Highlands Hotel?

Resorts World Genting – Highlands Hotel, Genting Highlands, 69000 Pahang, Malaysia. It is located at the upper terminal of the Genting Skyway.

Is Highlands Hotel haunted?

There are occasional online anecdotes about a haunted reputation, but no credible evidence or official reports support these claims. Most guest reviews focus on room quality and service, not paranormal experiences.

What amenities does Highlands Hotel offer?

Rooms come with free Wi‑Fi, air‑conditioning, flat‑screen TV, minibar, and 24‑hour room service. There is no swimming pool. On‑site dining options include multiple restaurants and cafés operating from early morning until late evening (Trip.com MY).

How far is Highlands Hotel from Kuala Lumpur?

It is approximately 50 km north‑east of Kuala Lumpur city centre. By car, the journey typically takes 45–60 minutes via the Karak Highway and Genting Sempah road. The cable car from Awana station adds 15 minutes but offers a scenic ride.

Sources & Methodology

The data in this article was compiled from the following sources. All information was current as of April 2025; hotel details may change without notice.

• Trip.com (HK) – star rating, guest score, location
• Trip.com (MY) – branding, pool availability, dining options
• KAYAK – aggregate rating, verified reviews, price ranges
• TripAdvisor – ranking, guest perception
• Wikipedia – room count, hotel comparison
• TripCabinet – price bands, budget trip estimates
• Agoda – value‑for‑money score
• Traveloka – budget hotel pricing, booking tips