Kota Kinabalu Hotels in Downtown
If You Are in a Hurry
Here’s a quick list of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Nestled between the sparkling waters of the South China Sea and the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, downtown Kota Kinabalu offers an array of hotels that blend comfort with vibrant local culture. From luxurious beachfront resorts to charming boutique accommodations, each option provides a unique gateway to explore the city's rich heritage, bustling markets, and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, discover our top recommendations that promise to elevate your stay in this enchanting Malaysian gem.
Best Kota Kinabalu City Centre Hotels
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel is located in Kota Kinabalu, just 800 metres from the Filipino Market Sabah, and offers guests a luxurious stay with amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, and a terrace. The hotel features a restaurant, room service, and a 24-hour front desk with complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Active guests can enjoy cycling in the area or hire a car directly from the hotel. Accommodations include air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern conveniences like coffee machines, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with bidets; select units even boast balconies with stunning sea views. Breakfast options range from buffet to continental or American styles. Notable nearby attractions include the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village (3.8 km away) and North Borneo Railway (5.3 km away), while Kota Kinabalu International Airport is conveniently situated just 4 km from the hotel. **Pros:** - Central location near popular attractions - Modern amenities including fitness center and outdoor pool - On-site dining options available - Sea view balconies in some rooms - Car hire service for exploring local areas
Avangio Hotel
Opened in April 2021, Avangio Hotel is located in Kota Kinabalu, just 7.6 km from the Filipino Market Sabah. The hotel offers a variety of amenities including a bar, non-smoking rooms, and complimentary WiFi. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and sauna facilities within the property. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with essential conveniences such as a desk, kettle, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with bidet. Breakfast options include buffet, à la carte, and continental selections. Nearby attractions include Likas City Mosque at 4.3 km and Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village at 7.6 km; the closest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 10 km. - Modern facilities opened in 2021 - Excellent dining options available - Convenient location near local attractions - Outdoor pool and fitness centre for relaxation - Friendly staff offering 24-hour service
The Pacific Sutera
The Pacific Sutera features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and five dining options, providing guests with a luxurious stay. Situated near the Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, it offers easy access to various recreational activities. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property, and free parking is provided for those who drive. - Olympic-sized swimming pool - Five diverse dining options - Proximity to Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club - Free WiFi throughout the hotel - Complimentary parking for guests
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre features an array of amenities, including four dining options and an outdoor pool, conveniently located just 200 metres from Jesselton Point. The hotel offers modern guest rooms equipped with complimentary WiFi, flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, and ironing facilities. Many units also include kitchens and dining areas for added convenience. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at Maupassant or indulge in Italian cuisine at Fratini's Past & Pizza. Additional facilities include a gym, a 24-hour reception that provides local area information as well as airport transfers and car hire services for an extra charge. Suria Sabah Shopping Mall is only 450 metres away, while the Filipino Market is located 1.9 km from the hotel. - Convenient location near major attractions - Multiple dining options on-site - Outdoor pool for relaxation - Well-equipped modern guest rooms - Friendly staff available around the clock
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu
The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu is an eco-friendly hotel set amidst a tropical forest and organic garden, located just 4 km from the vibrant Kota Kinabalu Waterfront. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with complimentary WiFi, satellite flat-screen TVs, and en suite bathrooms featuring showers and hairdryers. Guests can indulge in Italian, Malaysian, and Asian cuisines at the open-kitchen Tangerine Restaurant, which serves buffet breakfast as well as lunch and dinner with scenic views of the pool and forest. Additional amenities include a refreshing outdoor pool, a spa for relaxation, daily housekeeping services, and convenient access to meeting facilities. Notable attractions such as Sabah Museum (3.2 km) and Jesselton Point (4.6 km) are nearby while Kota Kinabalu International Airport is only 10 km away. **Pros:** - Outdoor pool - Eco-friendly environment - On-site spa services - Variety of dining options - Convenient location near local attractions
The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites
The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites, opened in March 2022, is located in Kota Kinabalu just 1.5 km from Tanjung Aru Beach. The hotel features air-conditioned studio accommodations equipped with a balcony, seating area, and dining area. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a fitness center on-site. Each room includes amenities such as a kettle, coffee machine, fridge, microwave, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, patio with city view, and private bathroom with bidet. An à la carte breakfast is available for guests each morning. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport. - Modern studios with balconies - Outdoor swimming pool - Free private parking - Close proximity to beach and airport - Fitness center available
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu provides luxurious beachfront accommodation in Tanjung Aru, just 7 km from Kota Kinabalu. The hotel features six dining options, an exclusive Chi, The Spa, and an outdoor pool complete with water jets. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi throughout the property as well as free parking. - Six diverse dining options - Exclusive Chi, The Spa available - Outdoor pool with water jets - Free WiFi and parking - Luxury beachfront location
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu is a sophisticated accommodation option situated atop One Place Mall, featuring stylish guest rooms with complimentary WiFi. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and offers two dining venues, including the Coffee House for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the Lobby Lounge for cocktails. Guests can enjoy convenient access to local eateries within walking distance and benefit from affordable airport transfers to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries; some rooms even offer city views. Additional amenities include a 24/7 reception desk offering laundry services (for an additional fee), free luggage storage, a business center, meeting facilities, and a prayer room. **Pros:** - Outdoor pool for relaxation. - Convenient location above One Place Mall. - Affordable airport transfer services. - 24/7 reception support for guest needs. - Proximity to local dining options.
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is centrally located in Kota Kinabalu, featuring spacious and elegantly furnished accommodations with complimentary WiFi. The hotel offers a range of amenities including an outdoor pool and six dining options, such as the award-winning Nagisa for sushi and Japanese cuisine. Guests can indulge in various culinary experiences at Tanjung Ria Kitchen, which serves Halal-certified local and Western dishes in a modern setting. The air-conditioned rooms come equipped with flat-screen satellite TVs, luxury amenities, and en suite bathrooms featuring rain showers. Additionally, some rooms provide access to the club lounge with scenic views. Nearby attractions include the Handicraft Market and Night Food Market within 700 meters, as well as Gaya Street just 400 meters away. - Central location near popular markets - Variety of dining options available on-site - Outdoor pool for relaxation - Fitness center and spa services for wellness - Complimentary WiFi throughout the property
Sabah Oriental Hotel
Sabah Oriental Hotel is located in Kota Kinabalu, just 1.4 km from IMAGO Shopping Mall, offering air-conditioned guest rooms with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and minibars. The hotel features two dining options, Café Oriental for buffet breakfast and all-day meals, and Tapai Lounge for drinks and live music. Guests can utilize the fitness center or relax in the sauna; however, due to current restrictions, facilities like the swimming pool are closed and dine-in services are limited to fully vaccinated individuals only. Free parking is available on-site, with additional services such as room service around the clock. **Pros:** - Convenient location near shopping malls - Air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities - 24-hour room service available - Fitness center access for guests - Free on-site parking
Horizon Hotel
Horizon Hotel, located in Kota Kinabalu, features four dining options and an outdoor swimming pool just a 5-minute walk from Gaya Street. The hotel offers elegant, air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen satellite TVs and minibars, with views of either the sea or city. Complimentary WiFi and parking are provided. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at Deco Cafe & Grill, savor Malaysian cuisine at The Asian Restaurant, or indulge in pastries at Pastria. A gym is available for fitness enthusiasts, while the 24-hour reception assists with car rentals and tour arrangements. Nearby attractions include Jesselton Point ferry terminal (1 km away) and IMAGO Shopping Mall (2.2 km away), with Kota Kinabalu International Airport located 8.4 km from the property. - Multiple on-site dining options - Outdoor swimming pool - Free WiFi and parking - Convenient location near attractions - 24-hour reception service