A clock tower with a weather vane, surrounded by lush greenery and a white fence.

Kota Kinabalu Hotel Guide. Hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

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Check prices for these dates

This weekend
11 Sept - 13 Sept
Next weekend
18 Sept - 20 Sept

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Our top choices for Downtown Kota Kinabalu hotels

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a modern building with large windows.

1. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Everything was perfect and we enjoyed our stay very much. A special mention deserves the staff ,everyone we encountered was genuinely very kind and happy to help and make our stay memorable. The breakfast was amazing. Also the pool was very nice."
United Kingdom
Ines
The price is €78
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, large chandeliers, and a seating area.

2. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (239 reviews)
"The cleaning staff did a great job keeping the room clean. The food was excellent."
Japan
Genya
The price is €64
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees, surrounded by wooden structures.

3. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
"Very spacious rooms, location is perfect, the staff is very friendly "
Canada
Cilla
The price is €89
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
A buffet with various food items and a view of the sea.

4. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel bello"
Italy
Davide
The price is €87
includes taxes & fees
18 Sept - 19 Sept
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
A balcony with a table and chairs, offering a view of the sea and distant land.

5. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (619 reviews)
"Staff members are so friendly and helpful! Beautiful rooms"
Australia
Savannah
The price is €98
includes taxes & fees
17 Sept - 18 Sept
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
A terrace with tables and chairs overlooking a body of water and a distant island.

6. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (212 reviews)
"Hotel staff and facilities were excellent. The breakfast buffet was phenomenal—wonderful, personalized service from Encik Fauzi and the rest of the team and a wide selection of food options, including many local favorites!"
United States
Paul
The price is €114
includes taxes & fees
17 Sept - 18 Sept
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
A modern building with a glass facade, a pool area with a curved edge, and a view of the sunset over the water.

7. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (78 reviews)
"Great locations and tidy facilities"
Australia
Thomas
The price is €67
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a desk with a chair, and a window with a view of buildings.

8. CJ Residence

CJ Residence
2.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (55 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable lodging, I could recommend. Good location- easy walk to fish market. Can honestly say for the price was a good deal. "
Australia
Scott
The price is €28
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
CJ Residence
A modern hotel corridor with a marble floor, dark wooden walls, and a large abstract artwork on the left.

9. Grandis Hotel

Grandis Hotel
4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (922 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel ,location perfect with many restaurants to choose from and coffee shop right next door,so loved the fact that after a day out we relaxed with a coffee seated outside next to hotel .a door in the hotel lead us through into the 8th floor shopping mall , a wow factor . The food selection was superb . A grand hotel all in all"
United Kingdom
lana
The price is €82
includes taxes & fees
11 Sept - 12 Sept
Grandis Hotel
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a minibar.

10. Hotel Capital

Hotel Capital
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (313 reviews)
"Shops nearby, good location."
United States
Sofía
The price is €29
includes taxes & fees
26 Sept - 27 Sept
Hotel Capital
A hotel room with a bed, a window with a view of a cityscape, a wooden door, and a wall-mounted coat rack.

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

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (96 reviews)
"I had great time during my trip, easy check in and out, walking distance to most places"
Canada
Zhen
The price is €28
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
A modern hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and artwork on the wall.

12. Walk In Hotel

Walk In Hotel
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (12 reviews)
"Nice and convenient.. great location"
Malaysia
Bahrinizam
The price is €30
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Walk In Hotel
A person in a modern indoor pool with clear glass walls, a tiled column, and a glass table with a drink.

13. Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (734 reviews)
"The pool is a nice addition after a long day of excursions."
Canada
Kian Yung
The price is €59
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
A spacious lobby with high ceilings, large columns, and a polished marble floor.

14. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (603 reviews)
"Facilities a bit aged but clean room with nice club lounge room. Comfortable bed and good breakfast spread of local cruisine."
Singapore
Shih Chung
The price is €78
includes taxes & fees
16 Sept - 17 Sept
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a lamp.

15. Hotel Gaia 95

Hotel Gaia 95
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (196 reviews)
"Helpful staff that let me check in early :)"
Australia
Brittany
The price is €25
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Hotel Gaia 95
A modern hotel building with a prominent sign reading "MANDARIN HOTEL".

16. Mandarin Hotel

Mandarin Hotel
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (252 reviews)
"High cost performance. Very close to the Friday night market."
Japan
Kanai
The price is €41
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Mandarin Hotel
A spacious restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a buffet area, and large windows providing natural light.

17. The Klagan Hotel

The Klagan Hotel
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay. The staff were friendly and the room was clean and comfortable.The breakfast served was very good. The location was very good too."
Australia
John
The price is €43
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
The Klagan Hotel
A spacious lobby with a grand piano, a curved sofa, and a reception desk.

18. The Jesselton Hotel

The Jesselton Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (468 reviews)
"Very convenient, friendly staff"
Malaysia
Henn Kiew
The price is €55
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept
The Jesselton Hotel
A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a sitting area, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.

19. Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group
4.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (37 reviews)
"The Regis was perfect for our 3 night stay in KK. Virtual front desk through WhatsApp was very responsive to all inquiries and the on site staff was extremely helpful. The location next to the Imago Mall was also quite convenient for anything we need plus ehailing to different spots in KK."
United States
Heidi
The price is €60
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group
A hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a view of the sunset over the water, and a balcony with a chair.

20. Hotel 7 Suria

Hotel 7 Suria
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (128 reviews)
"Staff friendly and room is not bad. Had stayed here many times"
United States
Ai Ming
The price is €48
includes taxes & fees
9 Sept - 10 Sept
Hotel 7 Suria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
View all properties

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a desk with a chair, and a window with a view of buildings.
CJ Residence
2.5 star property
9.6
Exceptional
55 reviews
View
A hotel room with a bed, a window with a view of a cityscape, a wooden door, and a wall-mounted coat rack.
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
9.6
Exceptional
96 reviews
View
A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a sitting area, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.
Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group
4.5 star property
9.8
Exceptional
37 reviews
View
A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a wardrobe, and a window with a city view.
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
9.8
Exceptional
6 reviews
View
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a modern building with large windows.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
9.2
Wonderful
1,000 reviews
View

Where to stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Find the best Downtown Kota Kinabalu areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A sunset over a calm sea with palm trees and a small island in the distance.
Photo by Mango Yip
Open Photo by Mango Yip

Tanjung Aru

Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

A mosque with a large dome and three minarets by a body of water.
Photo by Michaela Prades
Open Photo by Michaela Prades

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

A coastal city with a marina, boats, and a large hotel.

Karambunai

Karambunai is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai, a top place to visit in the area.

Alamesra

While Alamesra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

A mosque with two minarets and a blue dome, reflecting in a calm body of water.

Likas

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Likas and you might want to plan a stop by Likas Stadium and Likas Sports Complex while you're in the area.

Top Downtown Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"The pool area was lovely and the rooftop bar was fabulous. Friendly and helpful staff. Food by the pool was great."
Rebecca 6-night trip
Posted 14 hours ago
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

What's it like in Downtown Kota Kinabalu?
Travellers love the Downtown Kota Kinabalu neighbourhood for its beautiful island views, top seafood restaurants and major shopping area. Are you looking for Downtown Kota Kinabalu travel tips? Make sure that you visit Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market while you're in the neighbourhood.
Where is the best hotel for a stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu?
Based on our traveller data, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. This hotel offers 2 bars and a restaurant. Other good choices for your stay in the neighbourhood include Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Kota Kinabalu?
Expedia has 326 hotels and other accommodation options in Downtown Kota Kinabalu to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Kota Kinabalu area.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel bookings are fully refundable provided that you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of check in. If your reservation is non-refundable, it might still be possible to cancel it and be given a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to get top deals in Downtown Kota Kinabalu.
What is there to do around this Kota Kinabalu neighbourhood?
Planning to do some shopping while in Downtown Kota Kinabalu? Consider Centre Point, Kota Kinabalu Central Market and KK Plaza. You could also plan a visit to Imago Shopping Mall or Gaya Street Sunday Market while you're in the neighbourhood. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Kota Kinabalu include Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Anjung Samudera and Warisan Square. While you're out sightseeing, Local Fruits Market and Anjung Kinabalu are a couple of additional sights to visit in Kota Kinabalu.