Hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

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Our top choices for Downtown Kota Kinabalu hotels

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, (229 reviews)
"Nice and good location!"
Canada
yang
The price is S$90
includes taxes & fees
7 Jun - 8 Jun
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Signature Inn

Signature Inn
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (3 reviews)
"Great location, 24/7 security that let ut in at night. Simple room but perfect for exploring the city."
Norway
Halvor
The price is S$27
includes taxes & fees
19 May - 20 May
Signature Inn

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (154 reviews)
"Great hotel for vacation"
Singapore
Carol
The price is S$99
includes taxes & fees
17 May - 18 May
The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

Mandarin Hotel

Mandarin Hotel
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (249 reviews)
"Great location. Able to walk to many locations and night food market next door."
Canada
Tamara
The price is S$61
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Mandarin Hotel

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 really enjoyed my stay here; The room and staff itself were amazing and also upgraded my room and catered to all my needs:) The only thing is that it's a bit further from the main area so you have to do a bit more walking but overall really nice"
Canada
Tanjin
The price is S$47
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

CJ Residence

CJ Residence
2.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (51 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 S$44
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
CJ Residence

Hotel Capital

Hotel Capital
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (306 reviews)
"Good location and close amenities."
United Kingdom
C
The price is S$48
includes taxes & fees
24 May - 25 May
Hotel Capital

Cottonhouz by Ayuhouz

Cottonhouz by Ayuhouz
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (2 reviews)
"New hotel in town. Very near to imago shopping mall with lots of shops around. Place is clean."
Malaysia
Emily
The price is S$59
includes taxes & fees
19 May - 20 May
Cottonhouz by Ayuhouz

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
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
7.0 out of 10, Good, (68 reviews)
"Lovely hotel for the rate you paid."
Malaysia
SYED NASIRIN BIN SYED ZAINOL ABIDIN
The price is S$38
includes taxes & fees
14 May - 15 May
Palette Kota Kinabalu Near by Imago Shopping Mall Formerly Zara's Boutique Hotel

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"Very spacious rooms, location is perfect, the staff is very friendly "
Canada
Cilla
The price is S$113
includes taxes & fees
27 May - 28 May
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
"Clean room and helpful staff."
Singapore
Kwang Zhen
The price is S$131
includes taxes & fees
29 May - 30 May
Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (207 reviews)
"Overall experience is good, recommend. "
Singapore
CHIN YAN
The price is S$167
includes taxes & fees
25 May - 26 May
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B

Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B
4.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (36 reviews)
"excellent stay place 💕"
Singapore
Queia
The price is S$100
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,002 reviews)
"The room was huge and the Club Lounge and view was wonderful."
Singapore
Peta
The price is S$136
includes taxes & fees
22 May - 23 May
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Jesselton Quay Citypads

Jesselton Quay Citypads
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
7.0 out of 10, Good, (7 reviews)
"The unit needs to maintain better and the aircons has to be cleaned on routinely basis. The aircons are full of dust. The windows locks need to change and some are defective. Can be improved overall"
Malaysia
Vincent
The price is S$103
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Jesselton Quay Citypads

Covesign Suite, The Shore Kota Kinabalu

Covesign Suite, The Shore Kota Kinabalu
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
The price is S$81
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Covesign Suite, The Shore Kota Kinabalu

Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo
2.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (16 reviews)
"room was clean and relatively well maintained. the staff were very helpful and polite"
Malaysia
Tony
The price is S$80
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses
2.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (4 reviews)
"Staff very nice and helpful, room is clean and tidy. "
Malaysia
Yan Ting
The price is S$80
includes taxes & fees
24 May - 25 May
The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Regis by Ritz Imago Mall Loft B

Regis by Ritz Imago Mall Loft B
3.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
The price is S$117
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Regis by Ritz Imago Mall Loft B

Sabah Oriental Hotel

Sabah Oriental Hotel
3.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
7.0 out of 10, Good, (304 reviews)
"Very good hoteal to stay with family."
Malaysia
Haris Shariman
The price is S$48
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Sabah Oriental Hotel
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.

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds
Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B
4.5 star property
9.8
Exceptional
36 reviews
View
Individually decorated, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains
CJ Residence
2.5 star property
9.6
Exceptional
51 reviews
View
Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
9.6
Exceptional
5 reviews
View
Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, in-room safe, desk
AJ Residence Kota Kinabalu City Center
3.0 star property
9.6
Exceptional
10 reviews
View
Reception
The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels
3.5 star property
9.4
Exceptional
154 reviews
View

Where to stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Find the best Downtown Kota Kinabalu areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Learn more about Downtown Kota Kinabalu

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Find out more about Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Top reasons to visit Downtown Kota Kinabalu

  • Bustling Markets: Explore vibrant markets and indulge in local delicacies, offering a taste of Sabah's rich culinary scene.
  • Picturesque Harbour: Enjoy stunning views at the waterfront, perfect for relaxing and watching breathtaking sunsets.
  • Cultural Attractions: Visit iconic mosques and nearby attractions like Signal Hill for a glimpse into the local heritage.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Rent a bike to discover nearby natural wonders, including Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
  • Diverse Accommodation: Choose from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, catering to every traveller's needs.

Find great hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Discover a diverse array of accommodation options in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, catering to every traveller's needs. From luxurious star hotels like the renowned Hyatt Regency Kinabalu to budget-friendly hostels, you'll find a perfect fit for your holiday. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly atmosphere, a business-themed stay, or a vibrant city experience, the hotels in this area promise comfort and convenience, making your stay in Kota Kinabalu truly memorable.

  • Hyatt Regency Kinabalu: Experience luxury at its finest at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, a premier 5-star hotel located in the heart of Downtown Kota Kinabalu. This family-friendly property seamlessly blends business and leisure, making it an ideal choice for both corporate travellers and families on vacation. The hotel offers a range of amenities including a dedicated meeting room for business needs, as well as special facilities for children, such as a free crib service and a children's pool. Guests appreciate the refined atmosphere and attentive service that elevate their stay.
  • The Pacific Sutera Hotel: Set amidst lush landscapes, The Pacific Sutera Hotel is a luxurious 5-star resort that caters to families and golf enthusiasts alike. Located in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, this resort offers an array of activities, including access to a golf course, making it perfect for those looking to indulge in a golfing getaway. Families will find a plethora of child-friendly amenities, including an arcade game room, shared playground, and supervised childcare services. The blend of relaxation and recreation ensures an unforgettable holiday experience for guests of all ages.
  • The Magellan Sutera Resort: Embrace a tranquil escape at The Magellan Sutera Resort, a stunning 5-star beachfront property in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. This resort is ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating retreat, boasting direct beach access and a comprehensive spa offering hydrotherapy treatments, facials, and body wraps. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy the on-site golf facilities. With a focus on relaxation and indulgence, guests can unwind in the resort’s beautiful surroundings while taking advantage of the luxurious amenities available.

Where to stay near Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu offers a delightful blend of charm and vibrancy, perfect for families and romantic getaways alike. Stroll through the bustling markets and savour local delicacies, or relax by the waterfront with stunning sunset views. Nearby attractions like the iconic Signal Hill and the lush Tunku Abdul Rahman Park enhance your experience. With friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere, this captivating city is an ideal base for exploring the best hotspots and hidden gems of Kota Kinabalu.

  • Kota Kinabalu: As the vibrant capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is renowned for its stunning coastal views and bustling city life. Located in close proximity to the South China Sea, the city offers a mix of family-friendly attractions, business facilities, and urban experiences. Visitors can explore shopping centres and indulge in local cuisine at various eateries. Key highlights include the marina, lush parks, and the picturesque harbour, making it a perfect base for both relaxation and exploration.
  • Pusat Bandar: A charming village situated just 483m from Downtown Kota Kinabalu, Pusat Bandar offers a delightful escape with its local markets and vibrant street life. Known for its family-oriented atmosphere, this area is ideal for those looking to enjoy a city-themed experience while also soaking in the local culture. The proximity to the marina, scenic parks, and bustling streets ensures that visitors can easily engage with the community and enjoy the lively ambiance.
  • Sinsuran Kompleks: Located virtually at the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Sinsuran Kompleks is perfect for those seeking adventure and outdoor activities. This quaint village is a gateway to breathtaking mountainous landscapes and offers ample opportunities for scenic exploration. The area attracts visitors looking for unique experiences and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Things to do in and around Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu is ideal for family and business trips, offering a vibrant mix of activities. Visitors can explore bustling shopping centres and markets, indulge in the local night bazaar, or embark on a Kota Kinabalu city tour. For those seeking adventure, bike rentals are available to discover the area’s top destinations in Malaysia, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant Imago Shopping Mall in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, offering a mix of entertainment and retail therapy. Don't miss the Gaya Street Sunday Market for local crafts and delicacies. Suria Sabah Shopping Mall also invites you with its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Likas Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For golf lovers, Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai offers a stunning outdoor setting, while Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club provides a luxurious retreat for relaxation and leisure, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at the Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre, located 1.6km from Downtown Kota Kinabalu, offering an adventurous atmosphere. For scenic views, hike the trails at Bukit Padang, situated 3.2km away, where nature's beauty awaits. For the ultimate excitement, try the Zip Borneo zipline ropes course, 25.7km away.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife at the Waterfront, where you can enjoy stunning views while sipping cocktails at various bars. For a lively atmosphere, visit the Night Market for local street food and entertainment, or unwind at the trendy Shanty Café with live music and a relaxed vibe.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Kota Kinabalu

To save money during your visit to Downtown Kota Kinabalu, consider travelling in March, May, or November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance can secure the best deals, especially if you utilise Expedia's last-minute offers. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Mondays are the most expensive. Explore free activities around the area and use public transport for economical travel. Additionally, combining your hotel bookings with flights and activities through Expedia can lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Kota Kinabalu are March, May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Downtown Kota Kinabalu about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Kota Kinabalu is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Kota Kinabalu is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking in Downtown Kota Kinabalu with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu is an ideal destination for families and business travellers, offering a vibrant mix of cultural and outdoor experiences. Key attractions include the picturesque harbour, local tourist precincts, and stunning mosques. Visitors can explore nearby highlights such as Mount Kinabalu and the Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a rich city experience amidst natural beauty.

  • Sutera Harbour: This picturesque harbour offers stunning seaside views and a relaxing beach atmosphere, perfect for unwinding or enjoying water sports. The vibrant scenery and lush surroundings make it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and capturing beautiful photographs.
  • Kota Kinabalu Esplanade: A lively waterfront precinct, the Esplanade is perfect for families seeking outdoor activities. Enjoy promenades lined with eateries, street performances, and local markets, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful sunset over the sea.
  • Sabah State Mosque: Located a mile from Downtown, this stunning mosque showcases exquisite Islamic architecture and offers a serene cultural experience. Visitors can admire its grand dome and tranquil surroundings, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of Sabah.

Best time to go to Downtown Kota Kinabalu

The best time to visit Downtown Kota Kinabalu is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December81.0°F (27.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Kota Kinabalu

When visiting Downtown Kota Kinabalu, you can conveniently fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), situated 6.4km away. Excellent accommodation options nearby include the 5-star Hilton Kota Kinabalu and Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, both 6.4km from the airport, offering various transportation services such as airport shuttles on request. Additionally, the luxurious Shangri-La Tanjung Aru is located 3.2km from the airport and provides transfers and shuttles. These hotels ensure easy access to the airport, making your arrival and departure seamless during your stay in this vibrant city.

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 Oceanus Waterfront Mall and Centre Point while you're in the neighbourhood.
Where is the best hotel for a stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu?
Based on our traveller data, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. This hotel offers a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Other good choices for your stay in the neighbourhood include Hyatt Regency Kinabalu and Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.
How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Kota Kinabalu?
Expedia has 328 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 Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market. You could also plan a visit to KK Plaza or Imago Shopping Mall while you're in the neighbourhood. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Kota Kinabalu include Anjung Samudera, Warisan Square and Local Fruits Market. While you're out sightseeing, Anjung Kinabalu and Kompleks Asia City are a couple of additional sights to visit in Kota Kinabalu.

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