I usually go from  KL Sentral to Batu Gajah using ETS. That station is closer to UTP so it's cheaper when you ride a taxi. Taxi from Batu Gajah IINM is RM25, but i usually go from UTP to KTM Batu Gajah, not the other way around. The ETS costs....was it RM37 or 47? I forgot, but somewhere in that range. The Batu Gajah station is rather secluded and quiet most times of the year. I don't know about getting a taxi there, maybe you have to call if no one's there.

Take the Bota bus (can buy ticket online at plusliner website), and tell the driver to stop at UTP. Most of the time you won't even need to tell him (if you're travelling on weekends) because there'll be a lot of other UTP students on the same bus and someone would have told him already. Anyway just mention it to him, cos the bus passes there anyway, and he's used to people asking him to stop at utp.
the ktm + taxi combo is a lot more expensive. you're from KL, you have better options (air-conditioned bus right to doorstep).

err about the hotels, none in walking distance... and mostly they're homestays, not hotels

i'm doing PE