11 Best Hotels in Kota Kinabalu: Where to Stay Guide

Here are my favorite hotels in Kota Kinabalu for every budget. From tropical island finds to low-cost options with rooftop swimming pools.

Sabah, located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo, is an amazing travel destination for adventurers. Home to rich rainforests and the mighty Kinabalu Mountain! Its capital, Kota Kinabalu, commonly referred to as KK, is the springboard for most travel itineraries around Sabah.

So, before landing in Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu, one of the first things you’ll want to do is find the best areas and hotels to stay to suit your budget and travel style.

I’ll be sharing the best picks, complete with unique insider tips and recommendations from my own visits. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or budget-friendly accommodation, I’ve got the best options for you!

The Best Areas to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital and commonly the first of the many areas travelers stay in Sabah. Here is an area breakdown of the best areas in KK I recommend personally.

• City Center : A top pick for first-time visitors and business travelers as it is close to many restaurants & cafes
• Tanjung Aru: Great for families and luxury stays a little further from the city center
• Waterfront & Jesselton Point: A good option for travelers who enjoy nightlife and island-hopping day trips
• Imago Mall Area: Best for travelers wanting to go shopping
• Likas Bay: A top choice for nature lovers and families wanting an ocean escape
• Gaya Island: Best for adults wanting secluded luxury and those on a honeymoon
• Kundasang & Kinabalu Park: Although outside of KK, staying in Kundsang or inside the park itself offers a quick and easy escape into nature.

My Favorite Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

You may choose a luxury option if you want 5-star service, a unique hotel with its very own adult slide, or a low-cost budget hostel for those backpackers who want to keep their wallets full.

1. Hilton Kota Kinabalu - Luxury

The top luxury 5-star hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Perfect for those wanting to relax with the top-of-the-range service and facilities. Boasting buffet breakfasts, high teas, and a swimming pool.

2. TooJou - Unique Stay

Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu TooJou is a great option for those wanting a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. It even has its very own indoor adult slippery slide.

3. Homy Seafront Hostel - Budget

Perfect for backpackers looking for cheap sleep with comfortable beds within the main area of Kota Kinabalu. It offers a communal kitchen and lounge area with sea views.

Luxury Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

	Hotel	Location	Price
	Hilton Kota Kinabalu	City Center	$$$$
	Le Meridien	City Center	$$$$
	Hyatt Centric	City Center	$$$$
	Harper Boutique Hotel	City Center	$$$
	Luma Hotel	Imago Mall Area	$$$

1. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

• Location: City Center
• Best for: Couples on a honeymoon wanting to relax

Located in the heart of the city, Hilton Kota Kinabalu is one of the best luxury hotels for relaxation.

It boasts four dining options, a cocktail bar, and a rooftop outdoor pool.

All of the elegantly designed rooms feature modern furnishings and a minibar. Rooms on the Executive Floor, have exclusive access to the Executive Lounge. Here you can indulge in evening cocktails and afternoon high tea overlooking the city.

Each morning, guests will dine on a buffet breakfast at Urban Kitchen, which serves Malaysian and International cuisines. The Rooftop Poolside Bar & Grill also offers an extensive menu to satisfy your tastebuds.

Popular tourist attractions near the hotel include Jesselton Jetty, Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, and the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village.

2. Le Meridien

• Location: City Center
• Best for: Couples or solo travelers wanting uninterrupted water views

When it comes to the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu, it's easy to see why Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is one of them with its incredible views over the ocean.

Located 100 m from Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, this five-star hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and four dining options.

You can spend your days lying by the pool, enjoying a massage at the spa, or exploring the wonderful streets of Kota Kinabalu. If you're looking for fun activities, check out Kota Kinabalu Parks hiking trails.

All of the beautiful guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning necessary during summer, a minibar, and a private bathroom. You'll either have sea or city views depending on your choice of room.

Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the Latest Recipe Restaurant. You can also enjoy à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. additionally, there are many more dining options at the accommodation.

Popular points of interest near the hotel include Tanjung Aru Beach and Park.

3. Hyatt Centric

• Location: City Center
• Best for: Families and groups looking for 5-star service

Having only opened in 2022, Hyatt Centric has quickly become one of the best Kota Kinabalu luxury hotels with its outdoor swimming pool and spectacular jungle views.

Located in the city center, this 5-star accommodation boasts a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. The outdoor swimming pool's unique design makes it one of the best in the city as the glass looks like you're floating above the city.

The modern, spacious guest rooms are beautifully designed and fully equipped for a relaxing stay with room service. Ideal for families or groups, as rooms can accommodate up to five people.

Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast before spending their day by the pool or exploring city sites such as the KK Esplanade and the Atkinson Clock Tower.

4. Harper Boutique Hotel

• Location: City Center
• Best for: Couples wanting minimal and boutique

Are you a fan of boutique hotels? Go no further than the Harper Boutique Hotel.

Located in southern Kota Kinabalu, the Harper Boutique Hotel features modern rooms with unique characteristics such as an in-wall bed and luminous light choices which create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere.

If shopping at Imago is on your agenda, you're in luck! The hotel is just an 11-minute walk away, making it a convenient choice for those wives looking to spend some dollars while the husbands venture to the nearby Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club.

5. Luma Hotel

• Location: Imago Mall Area
• Best for: Groups wanting affordable luxury

Luma Hotel is another great hotel choice in Kota Kinabalu for its access to shopping and large rooms.

Features at this hotel include three on-site restaurants, a cafe, a bar, and an impressive gym. Rooms can sleep up to 5 people which is a great option for families or large groups that are traveling together.

All 115 rooms feature modern designs and comfortable beds with large windows overlooking the city. The hotel's common areas are filled with greenery, making guests feel immersed in nature.

Each morning, hotel guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast before embarking on a day full of adventures to surrounding locations such as Tanjung Aru Perdana Park. If shopping is more your thing the impressive 300-store Imago Mall is just a short 20-minute walk from the hotel.

Best Budget Stays in Kota Kinabalu

	Hotel	Location	Price
	AC Residence	City Center	$$
	Homy Seafront Hostel	Waterfront & Jesselton Point	$
	Aru Hotel	Tanjung Aru	$$
	Toojou	City Center	$$

6. AC Residence

• Location: City Center
• Best for: Solo travelers wanting a quiet stay at a low price

If you're looking for where to stay in Kota Kinabalu that offers the best value for money, AC Residence is a fantastic choice.

This 3-star hotel features a restaurant and bar where guests can grab a bite to eat before exploring the nearby attractions such as the Centre Point Sabah and Gaya Island which is great for a day trip.

All of the guest rooms come with modern amenities and large windows that boast incredible views at night of the surrounding lights from the city.

Although this isn't your 5-star luxury hotel it tops the charts for hospitality and comfort and for the price it beats sharing a dorm room when you need to recharge the body batteries.

7. Homy Seafront Hostel

• Location: Waterfront & Jesselton Point
• Best for: Solo travelers looking to meet others

If you're a budget traveler looking for the cheapest hotel in Kota Kinabalu, you've found it!

This hostel offers private rooms and dormitory room options and is perfect if you want to meet others. Specific rooms boast gaming consoles which is great for those who need a day to chill out and do nothing (let's be honest travel can get tiring!)

Each morning, you can wake up and enjoy an à la carte breakfast and meet new friends in the shared dining area.

Some attractions you may want to check out near the hostel include the Filipino Market and the impressive Likas City Mosque.

8. Aru Hotel

• Location: Tanjung Aru
• Best for: Travelers who love low-cost & great value

This 4-star accommodation is one of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu for rooftop pool views at an affordable price.

Some of the features you can expect at the Aru Hotel include daily breakfast, two restaurants, and free wifi. The rooftop pool has magnificent views over the surrounding areas and is perfect for relaxing after a long day of adventuring.

All 33 spacious guest rooms are uniquely designed and reasonably large with seating and dining areas. Family rooms sleep up to 6 people so this is a perfect choice for those traveling as large groups wanting to split costs.

You can spend your days relaxing by the pool or exploring the wonderful area of Tanjung Aru.

9. Toojou

• Location: City Center
• Best for: Low-budget travelers wanting for a unique stay!

If you're looking for a unique stay in Kota Kinabalu, Toojou is the best place for you with its very own adult slide!

Surrounded by lush trees, Toojou boasts quirky interior designs throughout the female and mixed dorm rooms along with private studio rooms.

This is an adult's playground as it features, a cafe, a restaurant/bar, a games room, and its own indoor slide. It has a beanbag chill-out area with great views over the surrounding city.

This would be a great place for someone working online that's looking for a unique setting with reliable wifi. It is located a short distance from the Bus Terminal and some delicious curry house restaurants.

Best Beach Resorts Near Kota Kinabalu

	Hotel	Location	Price
	Shangri-La Tanjung Aru	Tanjung Aru	$$$$
	Gaya Island Resort	Gaya Island	$$$$

10. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

• Location: Tanjung Aru
• Best for: Families & groups wishing to stay at a beach resort.

If you're looking for the best beach resort in Kota Kinabalu, this is a must-stay!

Located on the South China Sea, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru boasts six dining options, an outdoor pool, an exclusive Chi, and a spa.

Featuring elegant decor, the rooms at this luxurious accommodation are hard to beat with views over the surrounding sea it gives guests a taste of paradise.

Being in such a fantastic location, guests have access to a wide range of water sports, including jet skiing, diving, and surfing. Children can also enjoy the waterslides at the kids' pool. There is also a 9-hole golf course for those who want to hit the green.

For those wanting to get out and explore the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park a great option for a day trip.

11. Gaya Island Resort

• Location: Gaya Island
• Best for: Travelers looking for an island getaway!

Located on Gaya Island just a 10-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Gaya Island Resort is a fantastic place to stay for families, couples, and those looking for an island getaway!

Set within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, this resort offers elegant villas that boast panoramic views of the South China Sea and the rainforest.

This Kota Kinabalu resort features five dining options, a private beach, an outdoor pool, and free wifi. Scheduled boat transfers are available at an additional charge which makes it easy to plan activities to the mainland.

Each morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast served at Feast Village. Other dining options that are available from the resort include Fisherman's Cove, Omakase, and the Pool Bar & Lounge.

For those wanting to experience some fun, there are a range of activities enjoyed at the resort such as yoga classes, diving, snorkeling, and day cruises.

Before You Go - Must-Do Activities in Sabah

Below are my top picks for the best things to do while visiting Sabah.

1. 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climb

Climb Borneo's highest peak and most renowned World Heritage site (top tour company with hundreds of 5-star reviews).

2. Kinabatangan River Cruise Must-Do

This 2D1N Sandakan tour from KK offers an incredible opportunity to spot orangutans in their natural habitat.

3. Tun Sakaran Marine Park

An incredible island-hopping trip to top destinations around Semporna including Bohey Dulang viewpoint!

FAQ About Accommodation in Kota Kinabalu

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I hope that this Kota Kinabalu accommodation guide has helped you find the perfect hotel for your base in Sabah's capital!

Before you go, make sure to check out some of my other Sabah travel guides below. If you're here to see wildlife, make sure to visit the Kinabatangan River.

• Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay - how to reach this wonderful area and the best place to stay
• Borneo Accommodation Guide - plan which areas to stay and visit, along with personal hotel recommendations for all budgets
• One Day In Kuala Lumpur - my popular itinerary guide to spending a layover in KL.