Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) was initially established by a group of concerned and dedicated hoteliers to bring about a more dynamic hospitality industry and was given the approval to operate on 1 March 1974.

It was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies on 18 May 1975 as Malaysian Association of Hotels & Restaurants (MAHAR).

The secretariat was located at 76B Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur and operated with 92 members.