We have created a list with the best central luxury hotels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
A list by Mia Dahl & Kent Berg. Updated March 2024.
Super central. Highly elegant. Friendly staff. Boasting an outdoor pool and 4 dining options, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is set in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. The property offers spacious guest rooms with city or sea views. It is also 100 metres from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and Night Food Market. Elegantly decorated, every room is air conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV. A minibar and ironing facilities are included. The en suite bathroom comes with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. For your comfort, a hairdryer and bathrobes are provided. You can relax in the poolside cabana or enjoy a pampering massage at the spa. Staff at the 24-hour reception are happy to assist you with airport shuttle and laundry services at an additional charge. Activities can be arranged at the tour desk on site. Buffet breakfast is served daily at Latest Recipe, along with a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Favola Italian Restaurant specialises in Italian cuisines and drinks are on offer at Azure Pool Bar & Café as well as Latitude 05. Guests can also enjoy sunset at the Rooftop @ Le Meridien bar. Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal is 1.8 km from Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, while Tanjung Aru Beach is 5.5 km away. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 9 km from the property.Show full description
In my judgement this could be one of the most CENTRAL luxury hotels in Kota Kinabalu. It also has a central location and amazing staff.
Elegant. Great breakfast. Rooftop restaurant. Popular among business travellers. Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City, Hilton Kota Kinabalu boasts four dining options, a cocktail bar and an outdoor rooftop pool with a bird’s eye view of the city and harbor. Rooms are elegantly decorated with modern furnishings and amenities such as a flat-screen TV and a minibar. Rooms on the Executive Floor enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge for evening cocktails, afternoon high tea, and use of private meeting rooms. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at Urban Kitchen, which serves Malaysian and International cuisines. Light meals are offered at Drip, while Breakout Lounge has a selection of alcoholic beverages. Rooftop Poolside Bar & Grill offers an extensive menu of western and Asian specialties. When the sun goes down, guests can enjoy live music and sip on signature craft cocktails at Club Bar located at the Hotel Lobby. Car hire and valet parking are available at an additional charge. Daily housekeeping and luggage storage are provided for free. Don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff at the 24-hour reception for assistance or local area information. Hilton Kota Kinabalu is 10 minutes from the Jesselton Jetty, a 5-minute drive to the famous handicraft market, and a mere 5-minute walk to the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, dotted with bars and restaurants that comes to life when the sun goes down. The Sabah State Museum is 1.3 miles away, and the nearest airport Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 5.3 miles from the property. For some retail therapy, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall is 1.5km away, Imago Shopping Mall is 920m away and the Sabah International Convention Centre is 2.8km away.Show full description
Cool. Creative. Superb breakfast. Situated in Kota Kinabalu, 1.8 km from Filipino Market Sabah, Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre features accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Boasting a garden, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around less than 1 km from Gaya Street (Sunday Market), a 12-minute walk from Karamunsing Capital and 1.8 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, luggage storage space and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also feature a garden view. At Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre the rooms are fitted with a seating area. The accommodation offers a continental or buffet breakfast. A business centre and vending machines with drinks and snacks are available on site at Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre. Oceanus Waterfront Mall is 1.8 km from the hotel, while Imago Shopping Mall is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 6 km from Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu C.Show full description
This hotel has a highly rated breakfast and exceptional cleanliness!
Opened September 2022. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a restaurant and bar in Kota Kinabalu. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is allergy-free and is set 1.2 km from Filipino Market Sabah. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The daily breakfast offers buffet, continental or American options. Popular points of interest near Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu include KK Esplanade, Atkinson Clock Tower and Signal Hill Observatory. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 5 km from the accommodation.Show full description
Stylish. Central. Rooftop restaurant. Set in Kota Kinabalu, 800 metres from Filipino Market Sabah, Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at this 5-star hotel. Some units at the property feature a balcony with a city view. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village is 3.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel, while North Borneo Railway is 5.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 4 km from the hotel.Show full description
Central. Elegant. Great location. Centrally located in Kota Kinabalu, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu offers spacious and elegant accommodation with free WiFi throughout. The property boasts an outdoor pool and 6 dining options. Furnished with contemporary decor, the air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV and luxury amenities. Handicraft Market and Night Food Market are within a 700 metres walk away. Some rooms offer club lounge access. The en suite bathroom is fitted with a rain shower and a hairdryer. Guest may enjoy scenic view from the rooms. Dining options at the hotel include Tanjung Ria Kitchen, which is Halal-certified and features local and Western cuisines in a contemporary, show-kitchen setting. Sushi and Japanese fare can be enjoyed at the award-winning Nagisa. Guests can exercise at the fitness centre or have a pampering treatment at the spa. Other facilities include a tour desk and a 24-hour reception. Currency exchange and laundry services are also available. Gaya Street is 400 metres from Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, while IMAGO Shopping Mall can be reached with a 3.5 km drive. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 10 KM from the property.Show full description
Trendy. Creative. Friendly staff. Popular among business travellers. Boasting a surrounding tropical forest and an organic garden, The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu is located 4 km from Kota Kinabalu Waterfront. This eco-friendly property features air-conditioned guests rooms with free WiFi access. All rooms are fitted with a satellite flat-screen TV and complimentary bottled water. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower and a hairdryer. Complete set of toiletries and bathrobes are available during the stay. Newspaper can be delivered daily upon request. Buffet breakfast is served daily at Tangerine Restaurant, which also opens for lunch and dinner. It specialises in Italian, Malaysian cuisines and other Asian dishes, cooked in an open-kitchen with pool and forest view seating. Other facilities on site include a spa. Staff at the 24/7 reception are happy to assist you with laundry at an additional charge. For your convenience, daily housekeeping and luggage storage are provided for free. Other facilities include a ballroom, business center and meeting facilities. The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu is 3.2 km from Sabah Museum, while Jesselton Point is 4.6 km away. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 10 km from the property.Show full description
Very central. Great location. Great value. Boasting 4 dining options and an outdoor swimming pool, Horizon Hotel is located in Kota Kinabalu. The property is a 5-minute walk to Gaya Street and offers elegant, air-conditioned guest rooms . Free WiFi is accessible throughout and free parking is provided. Overlooking the sea or the city, every room is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. The en suite bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries. For your comfort, a hairdryer and ironing facilities are available. Daily buffet breakfast is served at Deco Cafe & Grill, which also features a bar. Malaysian specialties are offered at The Asian Restaurant, while you can grab pastries and coffee at Pastria. Guests can exercise at the gym. Staff at the 24-hour reception are happy to assist you with car rentals and tour queries. Jesselton Point ferry terminal is 1 km from Horizon Hotel, while IMAGO Shopping Mall is 2.2 km from the property. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is a 8.4 km drive away.Show full description
Newly opened, December 2023. Located in Kota Kinabalu, 200 metres from Filipino Market Sabah, Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is set 3.1 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu offers a terrace. Popular points of interest near the hotel include KK Esplanade, Atkinson Clock Tower and Signal Hill Observatory. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 4 km from Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu.Show full description
Good breakfast. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and spacious outdoor pools, The Magellan Sutera Resort features tastefully decorated guest rooms and suites in Kota Kinabalu. This luxury resort is a short distance away from Sutera Harbour Marina and Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club. Free WiFi is accessible in all areas and free parking is provided for guests who drive. Overlooking the garden or the sea, every room and suite is fitted with a private balcony and a flat-screen satellite TV. The en suite bathroom comes with a bathub/shower and premium amenities. Some rooms offer access to Magellaan Club. Dining options are plenty, with breakfast served at Five Sails everyday and Italian cuisine on the menu at Ferdinand's. Al Fresco specialises in seafood dishes, while coffee/tea and pastries can be enjoyed at Muffinz and Tarik's Lounge. Adults can play a game of golf or tennis, while the little ones can play in the kids' club and the outdoor playground. Bowling, billiard and fitness centre are among the facilities offered. For your convenience, shuttle service to the city is provided and staff at 24-hour reception are happy to assist you with tour arrangements. IMAGO Shopping Mall is 3 km from The Magellan Sutera Resort, while Kota Kinabalu is a 4.5 km drive away. Kota Kinabalu Airport is reachable within a 8 km car drive from the resort.Show full description
Very clean. Less than 1 km from Filipino Market Sabah, Hotel 7 Suria is situated in Kota Kinabalu and features free WiFi and concierge services. The property is located 4.5 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 4.8 km from Likas City Mosque and 7.2 km from North Borneo Railway. Some rooms at the property have a balcony with a city view. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Hotel 7 Suria rooms have bed linen and towels. Round-the-clock assistance is available at the reception, where staff speak English, Indonesian, Malay and Chinese. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kota Kinabalu Harbour, KK Esplanade and Atkinson Clock Tower. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 6 km from Hotel 7 Suria.Show full description
Popular among business travellers. Located a 5-minute walk from Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu offers accommodation overlooking South China Sea. The property has 5 dining options and an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is accessible throughout. Each room is fitted with a satellite flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The en-suite bathroom comes with a shower, soap and shampoo. Daily buffet breakfast is served at Promenade Café with Asian, Halal, and International options. Chinese Szechuan delights are on the menu at Dynasty Restaurant. Guests can exercise at the gym or pamper at the salon on site. Staff at the 24/7 reception can assist guests with airport transfers at an additional charge and currency exchange. A ballroom and meeting facilities are available. Filipino Market is 1.4 km from Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu, while Atkinson Clock Tower is 2.5 km away. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 9 km from the property.Show full description
Creative. Very stylish. Cosy rooms.Opened November 2021. Set in Kota Kinabalu and with Filipino Market Sabah reachable within 2.3 km, The LUMA Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels offers concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes buffet, continental and Asian options. Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village is 1.8 km from The LUMA Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, while North Borneo Railway is 3.5 km away. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 2 km from the accommodation.Show full description
I would describe this as the most creative and stylish central luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. It also has very cosy rooms.
Boasting an Olympic sized swimming pool and 5 dining options, The Pacific Sutera offers easy access to Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club. Free WiFi is accessible throughout and for guests who drive, free parking is available. Featuring contemporary decor, every room is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV, an electric kettle and a minibar. The en suite bathroom comes with a bath, a shower and free toiletries. Guests enjoy sea or golf course view. Cafe Boleh serves daily buffet breakfast and all day dining, while Silk Garden specialises in Chinese cuisines. Drinks and snacks are available at the Pool Bar, Lobby Lounge and Breeze Beach Club. Pampering massages are offered at the Chavana Spa and guests can play a game in the bowling alley. Staff at the 24/7 front desk are happy to assist you with outdoor activities and tour queries. Other facilities include a fitness centre and a children's playground. IMAGO Shopping Mall and Sabah Museum are 1.8 km from The Pacific Sutera. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 6 km from the property.Show full description
Featuring a fitness centre and open deck with outdoor pool on the rooftop, Sky Hotel offers air-conditioned studios and apartments with free WiFi and plenty of space. Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and KK Time Square are a 5-minute drive away. Sky Hotel is 800 metres from Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, 1.3 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village and Gaya Street (Sunday Market). Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 4 km away. Each studio and apartment features a kitchen or kitchenette with self-catering facilities, a refrigerator and an electric kettle. Seating and dining areas, a flat-screen cable TV and safe are included. Private bathroom comes with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Free private parking is available at the property, which also has its own restaurant.Show full description
Comfortable beds. Great value. Boasting 4 dining options and an outdoor pool, Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre is situated 200 metres from Jesselton Point. The modern guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi and a flat-screen satellite TV. Decorated with modern furnishings, every unit is air conditioned. It is well appointed with a minibar and ironing facilities. Some units provide a kitchen and a dining area. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower and a hairdryer. Maupassant serves daily buffet breakfast, while Fratini's Past & Pizza specialises in Italian dishes. Drinks can be enjoyed at Compass and light meals are offered at Phileas Cafe. Guests can exercise at the gym. Friendly staff at the 24-hour reception are happy to provide you with local area information.You can also request for airport transfers and car hires at an additional fee. Suria Sabah Shopping Mall is 450 metres from Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre, while Filipino Market is 1.9 km away. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 10 km from the property.Show full description
This hotel has great affordability and a popular rooftop bar!
Strategically located in Kota Kinabalu's commercial district, Ming Garden Hotel & Residences offers elegant guest rooms with free WiFi throughout. It boasts an outdoor pool and 4 dining options. Free private parking is provided for guests who drive. Decorated in warm colors, every room features air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The en suite bathroom has a shower and a hairdryer. Some rooms have a kitchenette and a dining area. Daily buffet breakfast is served at Golden Dew Bistro, which also caters all-day dining. Drinks can be enjoyed at Sparks Fun Pub and Pool Bar. Special dietary requirement and room services are available upon request. Adults can enjoy a pampering massage at the spa while the little ones play at the kids' club. Friendly staff at the 24/7 reception can assist you with airport transfers and city shuttle at a surcharge. Other amenities located on site are a business centre and a mini-market. IMAGO Shopping Mall is situated across Ming Garden Hotel & Residences, while Sabah Museum is 3.1 away. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is 7.2 km from the property.Show full description
Situated 1.4 km from IMAGO Shopping Mall, Sabah Oriental Hotel offers air-conditioned guest rooms in Kota Kinabalu. It features 2 dining options and a fitness centre. Free parking is provided onsite. Due to new restrictions put in place by article 14, please review the following: *Will be only accepting essential service guests (guest to provide supporting/prove that they are from essential services *All facilities such as Swimming Pool, Gym will be "CLOSE" *F&B will be only for take-away and room service. No Dine-In allow. Guest must be fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Sinovac vaccine; or 28days for Johnson & Johnson or CanSino vaccine after receiving their jab. For families checking-in with children under age 17 (who are not vaccinated) may be permitted to stay with their parents, so long as the parents have completed their vaccinations, as required by the local authorities. For guest who are travelling for work, a MITI letter and employment letter is to be submitted or fully vaccinated. Children must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian at all times. Restaurant dine-in remains restricted to fully vaccinated guests only. Every room is carpeted and feature a flat-screen TV. A minibar and tea/coffee making facilities are included. The en suite bathroom is fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. Ironing facilities are available upon request. Daily buffet breakfast is served at Cafe Oriental, which also opens for lunch and dinner. Drinks and live music are offered at Tapai Lounge. Room service is available 24-hour. Guests can exercise at the gym or relax in the sauna. Staff at the 24/7 reception are happy to assist you with tour activities and car hire. Other facilities include valet parking and laundry service. Gaya Street is 2.3 km from Sabah Oriental Hotel, while Sabah Museum is 4 km away. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, accessible within a 7.6 km drive away.Show full description
Creative. Elegant. Great views. Boasting 6 dining options, an exclusive Chi, The Spa and an outdoor pool with water jets, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu offers luxury beachfront accommodation in Tanjung Aru. Set 7 km from Kota Kinabalu, it features free WiFi throughout and free parking is provided. Featuring elegant decor, the spacious rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, a seating area and a flat-screen satellite TV. Stunning ocean or mountain views can be enjoyed from private balconies with outdoor seating. For your convenience, the en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Dining options include Shang Palace, which specialises in Chinese cuisines. Live entertainment accompanies light refreshments at Borneo Lounge and Bar. Guests can enjoy various water sports activities, such as jet ski, surfing and diving. Children can play in the kids' pool with waterslides. Other amenities include a 9-hole golf course and Chi, The Spa, which offers relaxing massages. The staff at 24/7 reception are happy to assist you with car rentals and airport transfers at ab additional charge. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 7.3 km from the property.Show full description
Hip. Nice style. Great views.Opened March 2022. Situated in Kota Kinabalu, 1.5 km from Tanjung Aru Beach, The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a fitness centre. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is set 4.5 km from Filipino Market Sabah. At the hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels and a balcony with a city view. The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites offers some rooms with sea views, and every room has a coffee machine. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. North Borneo Railway is 2 km from the accommodation, while Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village is 3.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, a few steps from The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites.Show full description
This hotel has outstanding views and a unique rooftop pool.
We do our best to keep this list very up to date. It was last edited in March 2024. If you know of a central luxury hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!
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