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.

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.

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

₩38,180

₩44,656 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 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.

2. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ines

₩120,803

₩133,889 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 19 - Sep 20

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 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

₩38,180

₩44,656 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

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 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.

4. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Davide

₩126,621

₩140,173 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 19 - Sep 20

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

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

5. 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 neatly made bed with white linens and pillows, a wooden headboard, and a wall socket.

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

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

6. Signel Hostel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Richard

₩21,533

₩26,678 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 21 - Aug 22

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

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

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

₩46,126

₩53,238 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

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

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

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

John

₩95,821

₩106,909 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 modern bathroom with a shower, a vanity with a mirror, and a small table with a vase.

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

₩46,802

₩53,968 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

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 hotel lobby with a red carpet, potted plants, and a glass storefront.

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

10. 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 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.

11. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Murray

₩149,286

₩164,709 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 18 - Sep 19

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

12. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

₩42,510

₩49,334 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 9 - Sep 10

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

A conference room with rows of tables and chairs, a projector screen, and wooden cabinets.

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

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

13. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Anonymous traveler

₩32,841

₩38,890 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 23 - Aug 24

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

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

14. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

₩90,757

₩127,627 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

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 ground floor entrance, and parked cars.

15. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

₩28,994

₩34,238 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 14 - Sep 15

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

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

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.

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

A multi-story hotel with a modern geometric facade, large windows, and a well-lit entrance.

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

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

17. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

₩43,702

₩47,210 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 19 - Sep 20

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Imran

₩57,749

₩65,791 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

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.

19. Seaview Capsule Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Maria Ariane

₩21,895

₩29,259 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 21 - Aug 22

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

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

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

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

20. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kampung Air, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Sazali

₩46,383

₩50,105 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

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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
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu	9.0 Wonderful 1,003 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 236 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 ₩26,678

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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. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

6. Signel Hostel

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

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

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

10. The Klagan Hotel

11. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

12. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

13. Hotel DeLeeton

14. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

15. Hotel O Five 2

16. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

17. Walk In Hotel

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

19. Seaview Capsule Hotel

20. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

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