Hotels near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

"I never write bad reviews and i’ve been travelling to almost 10 countries including other malaysian states as well as other hotels in kota kinabalu coming from canada. This check in/check out experience was a shock to me. I landed and they asked for 50 ringgits which was unclear to me prior so I didn’t have cash. I asked if they have transfer and she said no. Then I went downstairs to deposit cash and due to accent barrier, I thought she said 15. I went back upstairs to give it to her and she was like no I meant 50 but we have deposit like I had to pay an extra 7 canadian depositing money from the atm. Afterwards, I finally used wise to transfer the money because money is never the issue, being unclear is. I paid an extra 2 canadian again for this. During checkout, the new receptionist asked for my wise account even though I told the other one the night previously that I’m not sharing my bank details but I will share my username on there. There is no communication and apparently their finance team is not available on a monday so the money transfer did not happen and would take “3-5 days” to transfer. 50 ringgits could buy you so much in Malaysia and i’m just really frustrated at the lack of clarity and being able to deal with foreigners. The room was fine but mind you toilets had no working water so could not flush which was crazy to me. Breakfast was bread and butter which is fine but nothing extraordinary. I would never come back or suggest again."

"I enjoyed the bathtub with bath salt after my mt. Kinabalu climb. Very clean and comfortable stay for me. "

"Shopping mall is just across the hotel. Very convenient. "

"The room I had was facing the city. Room was very surprisingly nice! Bed was very comfortable and nice sheets. There is plenty of shelf space to put things. It is a short walking distance to shops and restaurants. I really enjoyed my stay at the Holiday Inn Express. "

"Hotel location, private sea, outside pool is very good ! also another outdoor swimming pool (for 5 lanes racing style) is excellent for swim lover. Only problem is too old room interior & maintenance. Mosquito problem also when you sleep."

"Staff were attentive. Amenities supplied. I enjoyed my stay here. "

"Staff are smiling all the time. Amazing swimming pool on roof deck / bar. However, the pool should have a roped off section for lap swimming for adults and a kids area for fooling around. Too many kids who have zero etiquette loud parents made swimming in a sophisticated environment feel like bargain basement garage sale kinda place. Or adults only from 18:00 to close. "

"The hotel room was perfect. The shower was really good, the pool was great and the staff were friendly and helpful. We weren’t very far from the airport and there were plenty of places to eat nearby. It was easy to get to other major places and for all tourist trips this hotel was one of the pickups. A good choice for us. "

"Hotel by the water but because of this a strong fish smell in the lobby. Breakfast very average for western tastes."