Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
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Top 5 hotels in Kota Kinabalu at a glance
- 1. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu — 5-star hotel in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. Guest rating: 9.0/10 — Wonderful.
- 2. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu — 5-star hotel in Tanjung Aru. Guest rating: 9.2/10 — Wonderful.
- 3. Hilton Kota Kinabalu — 5-star hotel in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. Guest rating: 9.2/10 — Wonderful.
- 4. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu — 5-star hotel in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. Guest rating: 9.2/10 — Wonderful.
- 5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG — 4-star hotel in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. Guest rating: 9.2/10 — Wonderful.
Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu?




1. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu



2. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu



3. Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Hilton Kota Kinabalu



4. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu



5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG



6. The Shore Premier Suites Kota Kinabalu
The Shore Premier Suites Kota Kinabalu



7. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu



8. The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels
The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels



9. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel



10. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu



11. Hotel Capital
Hotel Capital



12. Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu



13. Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B
Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B



14. The Magellan Sutera Resort
The Magellan Sutera Resort



15. Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu



16. CJ Residence
CJ Residence



17. The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay
The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay



18. Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre



19. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group



20. Qlio Hotel
Qlio HotelGet last-minute hotel deals in Kota Kinabalu and save more




Palette Kota Kinabalu Near by Imago Shopping Mall Formerly Zara's Boutique Hotel
Palette Kota Kinabalu Near by Imago Shopping Mall Formerly Zara's Boutique Hotel



The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels
The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels



AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group



A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group



ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group



The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels
The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels



AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group



Palette Kota Kinabalu Near by Imago Shopping Mall Formerly Zara's Boutique Hotel
Palette Kota Kinabalu Near by Imago Shopping Mall Formerly Zara's Boutique HotelCheck out hotels with a pool in Kota Kinabalu




The Shore Premier Suites Kota Kinabalu
The Shore Premier Suites Kota KinabaluYou can also stay in resorts in Kota Kinabalu
Go beyond your typical stay in Kota Kinabalu
Our prices for hotels in Kota Kinabalu are cheapest in April
Price trends for hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Top neighborhoods in Kota Kinabalu




Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu serves up the perfect Malaysian trifecta: stunning South China Sea views, mouthwatering seafood, and vibrant shopping scenes. Stroll along the waterfront esplanade to catch those Instagram-worthy sunsets. Dive into the colorful chaos of local markets, where handicrafts and street food compete for your attention. The bustling Gaya Street transforms into a shopper's paradise on Sundays. Getting around is a breeze with abundant taxis and walkable streets lined with colonial shophouses. You'll find accommodations ranging from backpacker hostels to harbor-view hotels. When hunger strikes, choose between sizzling street food stalls or upscale waterfront restaurants that showcase the day's fresh catch.
Tanjung Aru
Tanjung Aru delivers the Malaysian beach escape you've been dreaming about with golden sands that seem to stretch forever. This coastal gem is famous for its jaw-dropping sunsets that paint the sky in fiery oranges and pinks. Stroll along the breezy waterfront promenade or kick back at Tanjung Aru Perdana Park when you need a break from swimming in the calm, clear waters. Dining options range from upscale resort restaurants to affordable local seafood spots serving fresh catch daily. Most visitors stay in beachfront resorts with full amenities, though mid-range options exist for budget-conscious travelers. Getting around is easiest by taxi or hotel shuttle since public transportation is limited.

Karambunai
Karambunai's pristine beaches and luxury resorts offer a perfect escape from Kota Kinabalu's bustle. The Nexus Karambunai Resort anchors this tropical paradise where visitors can golf on manicured greens or explore biodiversity at the nearby wetland center. Boardwalk trails wind through mangrove forests where proboscis monkeys swing overhead and tropical birds call from lush canopies. Resort shuttles and taxis handle transportation needs, with most guests content to stay within beachfront properties. Dining options feature Malaysian fusion cuisine and international favorites, while evenings bring entertainment with live music and cultural shows. The calm waters and secluded beaches make this spot ideal for travelers seeking upscale relaxation in a natural setting.


Kampung Air
Kampung Air floats above the South China Sea on weathered wooden stilts, connected by a maze of narrow walkways. This traditional water village is home to Bajau sea nomads who continue their maritime way of life. Watch locals mend fishing nets, build boats, and sell handwoven baskets right from their doorsteps. The turquoise-trimmed mosque stands as the community's gathering point. Family-run stalls serve up fresh seafood and coconut curries for just a few ringgit. Basic homestays in traditional stilt houses offer authentic cultural immersion with family meals included. Water taxis provide the main access, shuttling between the village and Kota Kinabalu waterfront for a truly unique Malaysian experience.
Top landmarks in Kota Kinabalu
Imago Shopping Mall
Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade
Sutera Harbour
Gaya Street Sunday Market
Kota Kinabalu Central Market
Centre Point
1Borneo Hypermall
Kota Kinabalu and related destinations
Admired for its waterfront and parks, Kota Kinabalu features attractions such as Centre Point and KK Plaza. This romantic city has something for everyone including sights like Kota Kinabalu Central Market and Gaya Street Sunday Market.
See all hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Check out reviews of Kota Kinabalu hotels guests love
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
"Great swimming pool with view of the sunset. The 24 hour gym is very nice. The restaurant on the 6th floor on the same floor as the gym and pool is very good too, though a bit expensive for what you get. They did allow substitutions, for example substituting a fried chicken sandwich for a grilled chicken sandwich, and having sauces on the side. You just have to ask them for this. The ground floor restaurant is more affordable, but most of the dishes serve fried meat, so it’s not a good choice for health conscious eaters. The bed was very comfortable, though not long enough for taller people, which resulted in my feet hanging off the end. All of the staff are very friendly and helpful. The location is excellent, with so many places within walking distance, be it outdoor fresh fish restaurants, night markets, during street, jetties for boat excursions, etc. What’s nice too is in the lobby there is kind of a small mall, with an Orange convenience store, a souvenir shop, and chocolate shop, a Burger King, and a terrific Cantonese style fish restaurant. It’s nice sometimes to not go out in the heat and have a nice meal. I found that the fish restaurant was the best place to eat in the hotel and mall complex. Nearby within walking distance are large shopping malls, including a place called Wisma Merdeka, which is the best place to change money. Be warned though , that this downtown area is dirty and maybe even scary to some, so take that into consideration."
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
"The hotel location is fantastic. We had a sea facing room and had a wonderful view of the ocean and mountains in the background, as well as fishing boats. The gym is also well equipped - multiple stationary bikes, treadmills, exercise machines. The only down side is that there is a strong odor of cigarettes in there all the time. May be due to bad air circulation in that room. There is also a nice outdoor pool. The breakfast buffet was very good, with lots of local and western choices. Hotel staff are wonderful, very helpful, polite and customer focused."
Grandis Hotel
"Great hotel for the price. Clean and staff were very welcoming. Plus, a great area with shops and restaurants."
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
"Great location , rooms were spacious but very dated property needing updating . Carpets were stained . Buffet was very good with a good selection of local cuisine."
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
"Well located with easy access to ferry terminal and main business district. Property needs a little updating and maintenance, but rooms are large, clean and comfortable. Staff are friendly and helpful. Plenty of places to eat within easy walking distance."
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
"The shower alternative tap did not work. And water temperature was either quite hot or cool. Water pressure for showering was low too. But the bidet’s water pressure was super strong! So, taking a shower & using the bidet was quite a challenge. Perhaps it’s time to use more sustainable shower management that feels satisfying yet saving water. Breakfast was adequate, but could improve a little with coffee: offer cold fresh milk instead of milk powder. Might want to consider offering local Sabahan breakfast? Location is excellent- walking distance to convenience stores & restaurants. Room was clean, soundproof, and beds excellent - helps a lot in getting some peaceful sleep. Staff were exceptionally welcoming, friendly and efficient. Keep up the great work!"
The Magellan Sutera Resort
"Gym was in a separate building which was a little bit of a pain and yoga sessions were further still which wasn’t great"
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
"I would say this resort has plenty of activities and amenities which is very convenient. Peaceful resort with a beautiful beach right in front of me. I wish the food selection and taste could be improved."
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
"Perfectly placed property overlooking the sea. Staff were all very accommodating and friendly."
































































































































