Locally known as KK, Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah in Malaysia. As one of the main gateways into Sabah and Borneo, this gorgeous coastal city has earned itself the title of a significant Malaysian tourist destination. However, the city also doubles as a leading industrial and commercial center of the country.
Kota Kinabalu is perched on the island’s northwest coast and is named after the stunning Mount Kinabalu, located just a few miles from the city. With a diverse eastern population and a booming industrial scene, the city is overflowing with a blend of unique cultures and traditions of different religions and cultures, including that of Brunei Malay, Bajau, Chinese, and Kadazandusun people.
Set on the pristine coastline of the South China Sea; it’s no wonder this destination is known for its exquisite beaches, tropical ocean, and lush jungles. Naturally, luxury hotels and resorts are common here, offering guests all-inclusive experiences with amenities like spas, restaurants, swimming pools, private beach access, and babysitting services.
What’s more, the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu are incredibly well-priced compared to other regions, offering incredible services and comfortable accommodation options for a fraction of what you might expect to pay. In this article, I’ll run through fifteen of the city’s top hotels, resorts, and hostels, suitable for all sorts of trips and travelers.
Vista Sea View King Room at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Outdoor swimming pool and spa and wellness center
- > World-class international breakfast served each morning
Budget Double Room at CJ Residence
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Bar and food corner on the property. Room service available
- > Tea and coffee facilities and complimentary toiletries in rooms
Borneo Executive Suite at Nexus Resort and Spa Karambunai
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > A five-star resort with three outdoor pools, private beach access, and jungle views
- > Eight dining options and a golf course on the property
Staying in a Hotel in Kota Kinabalu
Wherever you’re visiting from, one thing you will quickly notice is the incredible hospitality and level of service offered at hotels in Southeast Asia. Jobs are appreciated and respected, and staff are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
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Whether you’re visiting for a beach vacation with your family, a solo trip as a digital nomad, or a romantic honeymoon, hotels in Kota Kinabalu are an excellent option for accommodation for a few reasons. Naturally, they offer basic hotel amenities, including laundry services, room service, breakfast, and housekeeping, which allows you to totally relax and rejuvenate without having to deal with housework or other normal activities. However, they also include added benefits such as tour desks, 24-hour reception, fitness centers, spa and wellness centers, and swimming pools.
With an affordable currency, your money can go far here. So, staying in one of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu, whether on a budget or not, is usually more affordable than in other parts of the world.
What to Look For in a Hotel in Kota Kinabalu
Since you can spend much less than anticipated for a more luxurious room in Kota Kinabalu, you can expect beautifully designed and spacious rooms, updated interiors with modern fittings, and luxurious linens and towels in most hotels.
This coastal city has a fair share of high-rise hotels, often owned by international conglomerates and hotel brands. While these hotels offer slightly more basic accommodation, with monotonous rooms and standard hotel facilities, you can expect staff to be highly attentive in most hotels.
Most of these hotels are in the city center and offer gorgeous city or ocean views from many rooms. You can also expect free private parking, valet services, and tour desks available through 24-hour reception, depending on how luxurious your hotel is.
The daily breakfast is one of the best things about hotels and resorts here. If there is one thing Malaysia knows how to do, it’s a world-class breakfast, and most of these high-end resorts offer incredible spreads, including Western and Asian food. However, check with the property before you arrive, as this isn’t the case for every hotel.
Resorts are another type of hotel common in Kota Kinabalu. Typically set on the tropical coastline, these large hotels are suitable for families, groups of friends, or couples. Some resorts target families with babysitting services, family-sized rooms, and child-friendly dining, while others are better suited for couples, with lavish spa and wellness centers, room service, and fine-dining restaurants.
Most resorts along the coastline include access to a private beach, making it a convenient beach vacation destination. They also offer different options for restaurants and bars, with some properties running up to eight in-house restaurants.
You’ll find the most extensive selection of hotels on Booking.com, with a few rooms listed on Airbnb.
The Top 15 Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
From family-friendly resorts on the beaches of the South China Sea to high-rise hotels in the bustling industrial city center, this list runs through 15 of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu.
Overall Best Value Hotel in Kota Kinabalu – Superior Double Room at Signel Hotel
Whether you’re visiting for leisure or business, the spacious rooms at Signel Hotel will exceed your expectations. The rooms have been refurbished with mid-century-inspired interiors and modern fittings, featuring a cozy couch, dedicated workspace, and private ensuite bathroom.
Each room is made up of cotton linens and features room-darkening shades. It’s the perfect combination between functionality and comfort. Guests can also make use of the elevator and washer/dryer facilities in the building.
Best Budget Hotel in Kota Kinabalu – Budget Double Room at CJ Residence
Comfortable bedrooms, a central location, and convenient hotel facilities are the reasons I picked this spot as the best hotel in Kota Kinabalu on a budget. The three-star accommodation features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, each with a private ensuite bathroom.
The hotel is located near the Filipino Market, KK Esplanade, and Atkinson Clock Tower, right in the heart of town. With a restaurant and bar on-site, and room service, you won’t go hungry when staying here.
Best Hotel for Couples in Kota Kinabalu – Vista Sea View King Room at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Modern sophistication meets rugged natural beauty at the Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, set right on the sandy beach in the Sinsuran district. With a private beach, stunning outdoor pool, and spa and wellness center, this resort oozes luxurious romance from every pore.
The rooms are elegantly decorated and equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and a mini-bar and ironing facilities. However, you’ll likely spend most of your time at the poolside cabanas or indulging in the breakfast buffet.
Best Hotel for a Group of Friends in Kota Kinabalu – Three Bed Suite at The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites
If you’re planning a getaway with a group of friends, you can’t do much better than a stay at this three-bedroom suite at Aru Hotel. Just a short walk from the beach, the accommodation features an outdoor pool, free private parking, and an on-site fitness center.
As the best hotel in Kota Kinabalu for groups of six, the rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with a balcony and an en-suite bathroom. Spend quality time with your friends in the central living area, which includes a full kitchen, living room, and dining area.
Over-the-Top Luxury Hotel in Kota Kinabalu – Borneo Executive Suite at Nexus Resort and Spa Karambunai
Take in the tropical surroundings of Borneo by staying in this luxurious resort and spa just out of the center of the city. Surrounded by nothing but jungle and ocean, the resort has its own beach, where guests can enjoy a meal, a massage, or casual sunbathing.
The resort has three pools, eight restaurants, a golf course on-site, and an incredible spa worth spending a day at. The rooms are decorated in a traditional island style, with warm wooden tones and natural light.
Best Hotel for Families Visiting Kota Kinabalu – Apartment with Sea View at Pelagos Suites Oceanus Waterfront
Traveling with young kids can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be when you stay in this self-catering apartment in Kota Kinabalu. Recently renovated with fresh interiors, a fully-equipped kitchen, and modern lighting, you’ll feel right at home at the Pelagos Suites.
The rooms have balconies, sea views, washer/dryer facilities, and free parking. As the best hotel in Kota Kinabalu for families with kids, this hotel has its own swimming pool overlooking the ocean as well as a children’s playground.
Best Hotel in Kota Kinabalu for Backpackers – Single Bed in a Dorm at Signel Hostel
Simple and comfortable, you can’t ask for much more from the Signel Hostel, considering you’ll be paying so little for a bed. Book a room in a shared dorm or a private suite for a bit of added privacy (at an extra cost). There are even female-only dorms.
The hostel is just a short walk from the Filipino Market in the heart of the city and offers a shared lounge, TV room, and terrace, where guests can relax and socialize with one another.
Hotel in Kota Kinabalu with the Best Views – Ocean Suite Room at Kota Kinabalu Marriot Hotel
Views aren’t hard to come by in this idyllic coastal city, but you won’t find a spot with more pristine views than the Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel. Set on the water’s edge in the heart of the city, the property offers sprawling ocean views from most rooms, made even more spectacular by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Besides being the best hotel in Kota Kinabalu for its views, the property has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and five different options for dining. The staff also prepares a tasty breakfast each morning, included in your nightly rate.
Top Hotel in Kota Kinabalu for Digital Nomads – Deluxe Twin Room with Sea View at Horizon Hotel
Traveling while working is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, and the Horizon Hotel is one of those places that makes working on location all the easier. Set in the heart of the city, a short walk from Gaya Street, the hotel offers elegant, air-conditioned rooms with city or sea views.
Each room has a minibar, personal desk space, a comfortable bed, and an en-suite bathroom. For extra convenience, a complimentary breakfast is served daily, serving Malaysian cuisine, and there are four restaurant options on the property.
Best Hotel for a Weekend Trip to Kota Kinabalu – Superior Apartment at The Jungalow
One of the more unique hotels in Kota Kinabalu, The Jungalow is a boutique hotel offering spacious rooms decorated using tons of color and funky interiors. Each room is unique, from the wall colors to the bespoke furnishings to the linens used.
The superior apartment features a basic kitchenette, a private bedroom, and an ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Ideally located within the city center, you can walk around the city at your leisure.
The Hotel with the Most Epic Location in Kota Kinabalu – Garden Wing Deluxe King Room at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
Set on its own private paradise in a nature reserve outside the hustle of the city, the Shangri-La Rasa Ria will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation from the moment you arrive.
The resort overlooks the South China Sea and boasts elegantly designed rooms inspired by Polynesian island styles. With a swimming pool, golf course, and six dining options, your only issue will be that you won’t want to leave this island paradise.
The Most Beautiful Hotel in Kota Kinabalu – King Room at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Although this hotel is located right in the hustle of the city, you would never know from the peaceful rooms and incredible views. The suites are designed in a contemporary chic style with modern fixtures. All rooms have a well-lit closet, private bathroom, and personal desk space.
However, the award-winning feature of this hotel is its views, which overlook the city and sea from most rooms. As one of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu, guests can revel in the convenience of hotel amenities, including daily housekeeping and 24-hour reception.
Best Hotel in Kota Kinabalu for Solo Travelers – Private Ensuite at JHub
Kota Kinabalu is a wonderful place to travel solo, made even easier since it is so affordable. Spend barely anything and book your own private room at JHub, located right next to the Imago Shopping Mall in the city center.
You’ll have access to your very own room and bathroom, both renovated with clean interiors and modern fittings. When you’re feeling sociable, head to the common living and dining area, which features a full kitchen and living area space. It’s the perfect combination between privacy and socializing.
Best Hotel in Kota Kinabalu for Honeymooners – Hillside Villa at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island
Perched on the beach at Manukan Island, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges is a four-star property that boasts its own private beach on the South China Sea. If a private beach isn’t enough at this unique accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, the hotel also features a swimming pool and exquisite common lobby area, as well as a restaurant and bar on site.
The rooms are beautifully designed, using pops of color and texture to make guests feel right at home. They also include private terraces which overlook the beach. Start your day with a hearty breakfast served daily. Aside from the restaurant options, some villas even have a private kitchen and dining area.
Most Historic Hotel in Kota Kinabalu – Superior Double Room at The Jesselton Hotel
The Jesselton Hotel is one of the few historic properties in the city, which mainly consists of modern high-rise buildings. Set in a trendy area, the hotel offers an in-house restaurant and bar in a classy setting that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, with a TV, in-room safe, tea and coffee facilities, and a minibar, and include a private ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Don’t Forget Your Kota Kinabalu Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Visiting Kota Kinabalu is an epic, whether visiting with young kids or indulging in a high-end honeymoon. Like many places in Malaysia, value for money is superb in this city, and you can expect five-star service and accommodation for a fraction of the price you might expect if you were on vacation in Europe or America.
Best of all, it isn’t challenging to find some of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu, from luxurious beach resorts to modern, slick city aparthotel. Just open your Booking.com and Airbnb apps and get browsing!
Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance in advance if you visit Malaysia from overseas. Small mishaps can be extremely costly and are sure to put a damper on a fantastic holiday.
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