The Best Hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu - 2026 Updated Prices

Atkinson Clock Tower, the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu.

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Compare popular hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B	4.5 star property	9.8 Exceptional 36 reviews	View
CJ Residence	2.5 star property	9.6 Exceptional 52 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	3.0 star property	9.6 Exceptional 96 reviews	View
The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels	3.5 star property	9.4 Exceptional 155 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	3.0 star property	9.6 Exceptional 5 reviews	View

Where to stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

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

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.

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Aerial view partial part of Semporna island with blue ocean and coral reef in Malaysia, Borneo.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Luyang

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Luyang. You might consider stopping by Tabin Wildlife Reserve while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

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Top Downtown Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Hotel location is good"

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

8/10 Good

"A lovely hotel by the waterfront with an amazing view of yachts and the islands. All meals are in the buffet restaurant that provides a huge choice of local dishes and some international food. There is a tiny bar by the waterfront that serves simple food in the evenings. Excellent service staff and ambience. The hotel is just 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to shopping malls, served by the hotel's free shuttle bus. Grab to the city is easy to get and inexpensive. Very convenient location. A hassle-free stay at this lovely hotel."

Seaview Capsule Hotel

4/10 Poor

"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."

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 Regency Kinabalu is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu. This hotel offers 2 restaurants and 2 bars. Other good choices for your stay in the neighbourhood include Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu and The Magellan Sutera Resort.

How many hotels will I be able to find in Downtown Kota Kinabalu?

Expedia has 329 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.

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Our top choices for Downtown Kota Kinabalu hotels

1. Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

2. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

3. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

4. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

6. Jesselton Quay Citypads by Kota Kinabalu

7. Cottonhouz by Ayuhouz

8. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

9. The Magellan Sutera Resort

10. Riverson SOHO by Kota Kinabalu

11. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

12. The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

14. Regis by Ritz Imago Mall Loft B

15. The Shore by Kota Kinabalu

16. Seaview Bliss Studio - Tropical Elegance

17. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

18. The Shore Premier Suites Kota Kinabalu

19. Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B

20. Mandarin Hotel

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Where to stay in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Tanjung Aru

Karambunai

Kampung Air

Alamesra

Luyang

Top Downtown Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Frequently asked questions

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