A calm sea with a boat anchored near a small island.

Kota Kinabalu Hotel Guide - Historic Hotels in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

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Recommended hotels in Kota Kinabalu

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Tuaran
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
"Great location and beautifull beach"
United Kingdom
Aamer
The price is €210
includes taxes & fees
30 Jul - 31 Jul
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
2 bars/lounges, cocktail bar, lobby lounge

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,006 reviews)
"Great gym and pool amenities. Dining set menu in the restaurant was fantastic!"
Australia
Leila
The price is €119
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
2 restaurants; breakfast, lunch and dinner served

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 €126
includes taxes & fees
24 Jul - 25 Jul
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Exterior

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, (233 reviews)
"Hotel location is good"
Singapore
KIAN HEONG
The price is €98
includes taxes & fees
28 Jul - 29 Jul
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
Outdoor pool

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 €149
includes taxes & fees
12 Aug - 13 Aug
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Restaurant

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (210 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 €200
includes taxes & fees
15 Jul - 16 Jul
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort
5.0 star property
Gaya Island
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (450 reviews)
"Could be so much better - this is 3 or 4 start at best - Its missing the finishing touches that enhances guest experience - eg 1 hour for bags to be brought to room, food over priced and average - room aircon is not up to standard, not enough power outlets - in reality only one for guest use in the room, for the money there is better , far better"
Hong Kong SAR China
Simon
The price is €474
includes taxes & fees
17 Jul - 18 Jul
Gaya Island Resort
Premier Room, 1 King Bed

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (616 reviews)
"Great location on waterfront with many restaurants and markets nearby. Welcoming staff and clean rooms"
United States
Stephen
The price is €149
includes taxes & fees
31 Jul - 1 Aug
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas

Gayana Marine Resort

Gayana Marine Resort
5.0 star property
Gaya Island
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (511 reviews)
"We stayed in a Palm Villa and it was amazing. Loved everything about it, especially the breakfast delivered by boat. We spent a lot of time on our deck and in and out of the water. All staff were friendly and genuine. Food at all meals was great. Snorkeling around the property to look for giant clams was a highlight."
United States
Katherine
The price is €286
includes taxes & fees
15 Jul - 16 Jul
Gayana Marine Resort
Outdoor pool, pool loungers

The Magellan Sutera Resort

The Magellan Sutera Resort
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"Fun place to stay with a family. Lots of kid friendly areas and activities. "
United States
Bethany
The price is €160
includes taxes & fees
19 Jul - 20 Jul
The Magellan Sutera Resort
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.
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Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

10/10 Excellent
"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."
Madihah 2-night trip
Posted 2 months ago
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"Excellent services, Thank you"
Yasmin 1-night trip
Posted 4 months ago
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect on my historical trip to Kota Kinabalu?
You're likely already making plans to see the historical sites during your trip to Kota Kinabalu. While you're here, you might want to visit the bustling marina and major shopping area. You can also take some time enjoying the parks in this romantic area.
Where's the best place to stay in Kota Kinabalu to absorb the local history?
Based on our travel expertise, Clean & Cosy Stay for the Entire Family is a top guest house on Expedia for those interested in history, and it features on-site laundry facilities and in-room kitchens.
How many historical hotels are located in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu is home to 616 hotels and other lodging options bookable on Expedia but not many designated as historic hotels.
What are the must-see historical places and other sights to visit in Kota Kinabalu?
Landmarks like Atkinson Clock Tower and Koisaan Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu might be worth a visit. Cultural venues include Sabah State Museum and Mari Mari Cultural Village. A couple of additional sights to add to your itinerary are Centre Point and KK Plaza.
What is a historic hotel like in Kota Kinabalu?
Historic hotels give guests a chance to stay in a place that's been officially recognised with a national historic designation. Historic hotels throughout the world have had many former lives and uses, such as palaces, castles, stately homes or even lodges, pubs or skyscrapers — any building that's been identified as being of special interest. These types of hotels in Kota Kinabalu typically retain original elements like traditional architecture and period features in their public spaces or guestrooms.
What is the difference between a historic hotel and a heritage hotel?
These are quite similar. "Historic hotel" is a term often used in the US, whereas "heritage hotel" is common in Asia and Europe. Historic hotels tend to put more importance on the physical building and architecture. Mainly heritage hotels draw meaning from the cultural value and how it inspired the surrounding community.
Do historic hotels in Kota Kinabalu have modern facilities?
Yes. Every effort is made to preserve treasured traditions and historic facades, but interiors include modern conveniences and safety features. Guests should expect the popular amenities you'd find in a hotel such as Smart TVs, WiFi and updated bathroom facilities. In Kota Kinabalu, booking a historic hotel doesn't mean you will stay in a place that's rundown.

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