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

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

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

1. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Scott

₩38,824

₩45,410 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

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.

2. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ines

₩122,839

₩136,146 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 11 - Sep 12

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

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

Two white towels with embroidered text and decorative 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

₩40,106

₩46,795 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 1 - Sep 2

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

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

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

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

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

KIAN HEONG

₩77,949

₩102,284 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 18 - Sep 19

A living room with a beige sofa, a white coffee table, and a blue rug. There are three exercise balls on the rug.

A signboard with information about hotel check-in times, payment options, and cancellation policy.

A hallway with a white sink, mirror, and hanging plant.

A reception desk with a sign reading "SIGNÉL Hostel" and a modern interior design.

5. Signel Hostel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Richard

₩21,895

₩27,127 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 20 - Aug 21

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

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

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

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

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

₩47,026

₩50,803 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

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 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.

7. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Davide

₩128,755

₩142,535 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 18 - Sep 19

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 kitchen with a central island, stainless steel appliances, and wooden cabinetry.

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

John

₩97,436

₩108,711 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 3 - Sep 4

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

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

A modern bathroom with a shower, a vanity with a mirror, and a small table with a vase.

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ganesh

₩50,523

₩58,045 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 3 - Sep 4

A terrace with tables and chairs overlooking a body of water and a distant island.

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

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

10. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Paul

₩155,898

₩171,850 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 6 - Sep 7

A calm water body with a paved walkway alongside.

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.

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

11. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ong

₩66,117

₩74,886 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 20 - Aug 21

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

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

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

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

12. The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

John

₩57,684

₩68,080 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

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

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.

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

13. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Murray

₩142,326

₩157,192 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

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.

14. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

₩92,286

₩129,777 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 6 - Sep 7

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

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.

15. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

₩37,412

₩43,885 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

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

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.

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

16. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Anonymous traveler

₩34,422

₩40,656 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 23 - Aug 24

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 multi-story hotel with balconies, a ground floor entrance, and parked cars.

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

17. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

₩29,425

₩34,746 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

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

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

18. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

₩44,247

₩47,802 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 18 - Sep 19

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

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

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Imran

₩62,347

₩70,815 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 1 - Sep 2

A modern living room with a large window, a sofa, a coffee table, and a dining area.

A modern, well-lit room with a bed, a control panel, and a digital display on the wall.

A modern living room with a striped sofa, a beige couch, a coffee table, and two chairs. There are hanging light fixtures, a world map on the wall, and a window with a view of a bus.

A room with a large window overlooking a sunset, a wooden table, and a hanging light fixture.

20. Seaview Capsule Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Maria Ariane

₩22,264

₩29,751 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 20 - Aug 21

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Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Property class	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 53 reviews	View
Hilton Kota Kinabalu	9.2 Wonderful 1,001 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 96 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 236 reviews	View
Signel Hostel	9.8 Exceptional 20 reviews	View

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Room was clean and cosy. Staff very friendly and helpful."

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Great swimming pool with view of the sunset. The 24 hour gym is very nice. The restaurant on the 6th floor on the same floor as the gym and pool is very good too, though a bit expensive for what you get. They did allow substitutions, for example substituting a fried chicken sandwich for a grilled chicken sandwich, and having sauces on the side. You just have to ask them for this. The ground floor restaurant is more affordable, but most of the dishes serve fried meat, so it’s not a good choice for health conscious eaters. The bed was very comfortable, though not long enough for taller people, which resulted in my feet hanging off the end. All of the staff are very friendly and helpful. The location is excellent, with so many places within walking distance, be it outdoor fresh fish restaurants, night markets, during street, jetties for boat excursions, etc. What’s nice too is in the lobby there is kind of a small mall, with an Orange convenience store, a souvenir shop, and chocolate shop, a Burger King, and a terrific Cantonese style fish restaurant. It’s nice sometimes to not go out in the heat and have a nice meal. I found that the fish restaurant was the best place to eat in the hotel and mall complex. Nearby within walking distance are large shopping malls, including a place called Wisma Merdeka, which is the best place to change money. Be warned though , that this downtown area is dirty and maybe even scary to some, so take that into consideration."

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"The hotel location is fantastic. We had a sea facing room and had a wonderful view of the ocean and mountains in the background, as well as fishing boats. The gym is also well equipped - multiple stationary bikes, treadmills, exercise machines. The only down side is that there is a strong odor of cigarettes in there all the time. May be due to bad air circulation in that room. There is also a nice outdoor pool. The breakfast buffet was very good, with lots of local and western choices. Hotel staff are wonderful, very helpful, polite and customer focused."

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."

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

8/10 Good

"Great location , rooms were spacious but very dated property needing updating . Carpets were stained . Buffet was very good with a good selection of local cuisine."

The Magellan Sutera Resort

10/10 Excellent

"Gym was in a separate building which was a little bit of a pain and yoga sessions were further still which wasn’t great"

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"I like this hotel very much. The room is spacious for the 2 of us. The beds, room and corridors are clean. The hotel is still being upgrading but we are not affected in anyway. The upgrading has improved the ambience. Buffet breakfast is also good. The location is so convenient for walking to Imago mall and the waterfront. But it’s really too hot for walking. So Grab is cooler!! Also the staff at front desk is so helpful and polite. Recommended 👍"

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Perfectly placed property overlooking the sea. Staff were all very accommodating and friendly."

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

10/10 Excellent

"I really enjoyed my stay here; The room and staff itself were amazing and also upgraded my room and catered to all my needs:) The only thing is that it's a bit further from the main area so you have to do a bit more walking but overall really nice"

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 family-friendly 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 romantic 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 romantic 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 354 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 Centric Kota Kinabalu and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.

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

Expedia has 354 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 Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman 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 ₩27,127

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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. CJ Residence

2. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

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

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

5. Signel Hostel

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

7. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

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

10. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

11. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

12. The Klagan Hotel

13. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

14. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

15. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

16. Hotel DeLeeton

17. Hotel O Five 2

18. Walk In Hotel

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

20. Seaview Capsule Hotel

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

The Klagan Hotel

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

The Magellan Sutera Resort

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

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