The Best Hotels Closest to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade in Kota Kinabalu for 2026

A crowded riverside dining area with tables and chairs, string lights, and flags.

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu Esplanade hotels

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a modern building with large windows.

A spacious lobby with a large chandelier, seating areas, and a patterned carpet.

A modern lobby with a reflective floor, a large abstract wall art, and a view of a staircase.

A modern hotel with multiple floors, large windows, and a prominent entrance.

1. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Paula

₩109,750

₩121,876 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a desk with a chair, and a window with a view of buildings.

A street with buildings, cars, and a sign for a health care laboratory.

Two pairs of grey socks in plastic packaging on a tan leather surface.

A hallway with a wooden door, a white cabinet, and a wall-mounted light fixture.

2. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Scott

₩37,330

₩43,662 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A hotel room with a bed, a window with a view of a cityscape, a wooden door, and a wall-mounted coat rack.

A hotel room with a large window, a clear view of the cityscape, a vase with flowers, and a table with a menu.

A compact minibar with a coffee maker, a glass, and a vase with flowers.

A modern bathroom with a toilet, sink, and mirror.

3. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zhen

₩37,330

₩43,662 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, large chandeliers, and a seating area.

A buffet with various food options, a counter with plates, and a modern interior design.

A beach scene with a couple embracing, a clear sky, and calm sea.

A modern building entrance with glass doors, a blue carpet, and two lion statues.

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Genya

₩71,940

₩94,774 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a wardrobe, and a window with a city view.

A minibar setup with a selection of beverages, a coffee machine, and a small shelf with decorative flowers.

A multi-story building with various shops on the ground floor, including a restaurant and a café.

A hotel bathroom with a vanity, a mirror, a shower area, and a door.

5. ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

₩45,100

₩52,054 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A buffet with various food items and a view of the sea.

A high-rise hotel with multiple floors and balconies, situated by a waterfront with a boat docked nearby.

A terrace with tables and chairs, overlooking a body of water with a sunset.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a view of the sea through large windows.

6. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Davide

₩123,803

₩137,053 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a balcony with a city view.

A modern living room with a large window overlooking a body of water and a forested hill. There is a sofa, a coffee table, and a small table with a plant.

A modern interior with a spiral staircase, a kitchen area, and a dining space.

A modern building with multiple floors, large windows, and a balcony area with outdoor seating.

7. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MRS

₩162,283

₩178,612 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a mirror, and a window with a view of the interior.

A hotel hallway with a marble floor, wooden doors, and a chandelier.

A street view with a building featuring a restaurant named 'Mint' and a pharmacy.

A compact kitchen with a built-in refrigerator, a microwave, and a small oven.

8. AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ganesh

₩45,761

₩52,768 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A modern building with a glass facade, a pool area with a curved edge, and a view of the sunset over the water.

A modern gym with treadmills, stationary bikes, and exercise equipment. Large windows provide natural light and views of the outdoors.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a view of the sunset through large windows.

A modern hotel lobby with a large sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a view of the sunset over the water.

9. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Thomas

₩93,689

₩104,530 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

A calm water body with a paved walkway alongside.

A modern living room with a grey sofa, a coffee table, a TV mounted on the wall, and a ceiling fan.

A hotel entrance with a modern design, featuring a large glass door and a wooden slatted facade above.

A hotel room with a large window, a bed, and a view of the cityscape.

10. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ong

₩69,008

₩77,855 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

A balcony with a table and chairs, offering a view of the sea and distant land.

A modern hotel with a waterfront view, featuring a large building with multiple floors and a parking area adjacent to the water.

A spacious lobby with a modern chandelier, a reception desk, and a decorative wall.

A person sitting in a clear blue infinity pool with a view of a distant island and a calm sea.

11. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Savannah

₩136,853

₩151,147 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a shower, and a view of the cityscape and sea.

A modern hotel pool area with a clear view of the sea, lounge chairs, and a large building in the background.

A modern living room with a sofa, a TV, a small table, and a dining area with chairs.

A modern hotel with a prominent 'Shore' sign, featuring a grid-like facade and a central entrance.

12. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

₩47,581

₩76,221 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a computer, a microwave, and a small refrigerator.

A hallway with a wall covered in large, bold text, likely representing various destinations or locations.

A modern hotel lobby with a white leather sofa, blue cushions, and framed artwork on the wall.

A modern hotel room with a sofa, a bed, a glass coffee table, and a ceiling light fixture.

13. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

₩41,564

₩48,236 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

A modern hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and artwork on the wall.

A tray with a coffee maker, two white mugs, a glass, and a card holder with business cards.

A reception area with a white Christmas tree, a reception desk, and two staff members.

A modern, minimalist wall-mounted light fixture with a geometric design.

14. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

₩43,559

₩47,052 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, large columns, and a polished marble floor.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

A hotel with a swimming pool, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

A buffet with various dishes and decorative lighting.

15. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Shih Chung

₩109,473

₩121,557 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

A reception desk at Hotel de Leeton with a sign indicating the reception area.

A hotel entrance with a 'No Smoking' sign, a 'Hotel deFeet' sign, and a 'Please make deliveries to side door' sign.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and a small table with a lamp.

A conference room with a long table, red chairs, a projector screen, and speakers.

16. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Anonymous traveler

₩31,534

₩37,403 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A modern restaurant with a central island, dining tables, and chairs.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a TV screen displaying a hotel name.

A multi-story hotel with a rooftop bar, surrounded by a busy urban street at night.

A banquet hall with tables set for a formal event, a red carpet, and a city view.

17. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kampung Air, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Joshua

₩47,235

₩51,025 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a nightstand with a lamp, and a view of the city through the window.

A shower with a handheld showerhead and a wall-mounted control panel.

A hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign for 'City Express' and a visible 'KINABALU SPORTS' sign.

18. A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Imran

₩56,464

₩64,327 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A hotel room with two beds, each with white bedding and red accents, a wooden floor, and a wall-mounted coffee machine.

A hallway with a wooden floor, a series of framed pictures on the wall, and a mirror reflecting the hallway.

A hotel lobby with a wooden reception desk, a sofa, and a coffee table.

A multi-story hotel with balconies, a sign indicating it is Hotel 2, and a visible storefront below.

19. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

₩30,706

₩36,241 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

20. Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MASAKO

₩45,091

₩52,044 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 17 - Oct 18

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Hilton Kota Kinabalu	9.2 Wonderful 1,000 reviews	View
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 55 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 97 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 240 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews	View

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Great location - close to all amenities and the waterfront Great roof top pool although very overpriced food in the restaurants. Great staff Would definitely recommend"

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Try not get be placed on low floors... love the big room but its way too close to ground floor pool people can see ur room"

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

8/10 Good

"Very helpful staff good location"

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Very comfortable and spacious room. Excellent breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff."

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

10/10 Excellent

"The room was spotlessly clean and well maintained. There was even a nice little common hallway with extra toiletries and coffee/tea packets. The host provided a waterproof beach pouch which was exactly what I needed that day. The location is unbeatable. It's literally upstairs from the most amazing grilled seafood night market. 10/10. I will definitely book here again"

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"The pool area was lovely and the rooftop bar was fabulous. Friendly and helpful staff. Food by the pool was great."

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Great locations and tidy facilities"

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

10/10 Excellent

"Great place to stay, staff very helpful and lots of amenities"

The Klagan Hotel

8/10 Good

"Room is clean and comfortable. Staff are friendly and attentive to requests. Walking distance to Centrepoint shopping mall and Handicraft market."

Other attractions near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

A sunset with a dramatic sky and silhouettes of trees.

Oceanus Waterfront Mall

7.6/10 (15 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Oceanus Waterfront Mall during your stay in Pusat Bandar. Check out the shops and seafood restaurants in this romantic area.

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A table with various dishes including shrimp, soup, and a lobster.

Kompleks Asia City

7.4/10 (41 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can enjoy retail therapy at Kompleks Asia City. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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Anjung Samudera

7.6/10 (408 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Anjung Samudera. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the local tours.

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Warisan Square

7.2/10 (44 reviews)

During your trip to Pusat Bandar, you can do some window-shopping at Warisan Square. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

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Centre Point

7.8/10 (402 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Centre Point. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

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Local Fruits Market

8.4/10 (17 reviews)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Local Fruits Market during your stay in Sinsuran Kompleks. Check out the shops and seafood restaurants in this romantic area.

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Anjung Kinabalu

You can do some window-shopping at Anjung Kinabalu during your visit to Pusat Bandar. Discover the beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants in this family-friendly area.

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Plaza Wawasan

7.6/10 (4 reviews)

During your visit to Kota Kinabalu, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Plaza Wawasan. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Kota Kinabalu Esplanade?

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is located in Pusat Bandar. This family-friendly area is known for its beautiful island views and top seafood restaurants. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 357 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade?

Adjacent to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Other good options within a short distance include Hyatt Regency Kinabalu and Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.

How many hotels will I be able to find close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade?

Expedia has 357 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, will I receive a refund?

Yes, the majority of room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to get the top deals on offer near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade?

To access more information about picking new dates or cancelling your stay near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, go to https://www.expedia.com/service/.

What can I see and do near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade?

Learn about local history at Atkinson Clock Tower and Koisaan Cultural Village. Enjoy the outdoors at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, or Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre. Create some family memories at Downbelow Adventure Centre and Aquascape Center.

Find hotels near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Kota Kinabalu from ₩36,241

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Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu Esplanade hotels

1. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

2. CJ Residence

3. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

5. ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

6. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

7. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

8. AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

11. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

12. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

13. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

14. Walk In Hotel

15. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

16. Hotel DeLeeton

17. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

18. A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

19. Hotel O Five 2

20. Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

The Klagan Hotel

Other attractions near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Oceanus Waterfront Mall

Kompleks Asia City

Anjung Samudera

Warisan Square

Centre Point

Local Fruits Market

Anjung Kinabalu

Plaza Wawasan

Frequently asked questions