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 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.

A modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, a toilet, and a sink with a mirror above it.

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

1. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kunthea

₩36,603

₩42,812 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a sitting area, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.

A hallway with a wooden door, a mirror, and a chandelier.

A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a unique sink, and a large window offering a city view.

A modern bathroom with a large mirror, a bathtub, and a view of a parking lot through a glass door.

2. Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Heidi

₩78,461

₩84,749 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 24 - Oct 25

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

Two white towels with embroidered text and decorative flowers.

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

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

₩36,603

₩42,812 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

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.

A modern bar area with a long counter, bar stools, and a television mounted on the wall.

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Genya

₩64,631

₩85,909 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

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

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

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Imran

₩55,363

₩63,073 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

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

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

A modern hotel lobby with a marble floor, a wooden bench, a glass railing, and a decorative wall piece.

6. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Michaela

₩112,858

₩125,168 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 6 - Nov 7

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

A hallway with marble walls, wooden doors, and chandeliers.

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

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

₩44,220

₩51,039 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

An indoor swimming pool with a clear view of the water, surrounded by a modern architectural design with vertical wooden slats and a glass barrier.

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 person standing by a window with arms raised, overlooking a lush green landscape and distant mountains.

8. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MRS

₩136,480

₩150,679 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 5 - Nov 6

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

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

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

A modern hotel room with a curved ceiling, a large window offering a view of the sea, two green armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a chandelier.

9. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Sri Ganesh

₩121,388

₩134,380 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

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

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

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ganesh

₩44,868

₩51,738 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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 hotel lobby with a large sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, 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.

11. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Thomas

₩91,862

₩102,492 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

A hotel room with a bed, a TV, and a balcony with a view of a building.

12. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ong

₩68,076

₩76,803 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

A spacious restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a buffet area, and large windows providing natural light.

A window with sheer curtains, a view of a body of water, and a distant hill.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, several receptionists, and a large potted plant.

A hotel room with a bed, a television, a desk with a computer, and a window with curtains.

13. The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

John

₩65,058

₩80,048 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

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

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

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, a sofa, and a view of the sea.

14. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Savannah

₩134,183

₩148,199 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

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

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.

15. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

₩46,652

₩74,734 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

16. Space Cap Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ye-Seul

₩15,582

₩18,398 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 24 - Oct 25

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

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

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

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

17. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

₩30,159

₩35,620 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

A modern hotel room with a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, a compact kitchenette with a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a built-in oven.

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

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

18. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

₩40,754

₩47,296 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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 modern lobby with a seating area, a wall of framed items, and a decorative ceiling.

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

19. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kampung Air, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Joshua

₩46,321

₩50,040 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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

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

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

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

20. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

₩42,731

₩46,159 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Property class	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 57 reviews	View
Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group	9.8 Exceptional 37 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 100 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 251 reviews	View
A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	10.0 Exceptional 5 reviews	View

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"VERY NICE"

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"We stayed for one week and the room was very comfortable. The breakfast included was worth the extra fee. 24/7 Gym and laundry services available. Infinity pool was relaxing and has a great view of sea. Citadines is a popular meet up spot. We went on two tours and they picked us up right outside our hotel. There is a restaurant, massage spa, burger king, cafe and lemon tea shop in the same building."

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Good location, very alert staff who demonstrated initiative in many small ways."

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"

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."

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."

Hotel 7 Suria

8/10 Good

"Located in the Suria mall"

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 356 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 356 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 ₩18,398

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu Esplanade hotels

1. CJ Residence

2. Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

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

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

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

6. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

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

8. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

9. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

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

11. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

12. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

13. The Klagan Hotel

14. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

15. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

16. Space Cap Hotel

17. Hotel O Five 2

18. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

19. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

20. Walk In Hotel

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

The Klagan Hotel

Hotel 7 Suria

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