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

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

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

Kunthea

₩37,007

₩43,285 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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

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

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.

2. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Genya

₩68,551

₩90,697 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

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.

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

Two white towels with embroidered text and decorative flowers.

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

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zhen

₩37,007

₩43,285 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

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

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

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

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

4. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Michaela

₩114,807

₩127,320 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 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.

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

₩44,707

₩51,601 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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

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

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.

6. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Davide

₩122,728

₩135,863 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 24 - Oct 25

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.

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

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

7. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MRS

₩156,893

₩172,761 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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

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

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Thomas

₩92,875

₩103,622 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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 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.

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ganesh

₩45,363

₩52,309 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A calm water body with a paved walkway alongside.

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

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.

10. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ong

₩68,827

₩77,650 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

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.

11. The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

John

₩65,776

₩80,933 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

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

12. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Savannah

₩135,664

₩149,834 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

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.

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

₩47,321

₩75,806 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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 modern hotel lobby with leather sofas, a flat-screen TV, a coffee table, and a reception desk.

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

14. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Shih Chung

₩109,184

₩121,236 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 conference room with rows of tables and chairs, a projector screen, and wooden cabinets.

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

15. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Anonymous traveler

₩32,811

₩38,753 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 multi-story hotel with balconies, a sign indicating it is Hotel 2, and a visible storefront below.

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

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

16. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

₩28,141

₩33,220 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

17. Space Cap Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ye-Seul

₩15,767

₩18,612 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

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 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.

18. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

₩41,203

₩47,817 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

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

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

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

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

19. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

₩43,212

₩46,678 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

20. Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MASAKO

₩46,331

₩53,355 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Property class	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 56 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 240 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 97 reviews	View
Hilton Kota Kinabalu	9.2 Wonderful 999 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews	View

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"VERY NICE"

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Easily THE BEST experience in Kota Kinabalu. Not just the best hotel, the best experience. Exceptionally well managed. The staff here is amazing and when you've come a long long distance (California) that is so so appreciated. There are lower cost hotels, but there is no better value than this Hyatt in KK. After 34 hours of flying, to arrive and know that I will be 100% taken care of, is invaluable. I have stayed here now five trips to Borneo, and every time, everything is perfect. Especially the cleanliness. My room is always pristine. The cleaners work super super hard to make sure of that fact. And as well the staff at the front desk is always smartly assessing and managing your stay. And at breakfast, just love the staff and chefs, amazing food, amazing service, again 100% taken care of. Many thanks to everyone. See you again soon! - AB from Santa Barbara, California"

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"

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."

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 ₩18,612

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Treat yourself

Be picky

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu Esplanade hotels

1. CJ Residence

2. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

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

4. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

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

6. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

7. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

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

10. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

11. The Klagan Hotel

12. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

14. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

15. Hotel DeLeeton

16. Hotel O Five 2

17. Space Cap Hotel

18. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

19. Walk In Hotel

20. Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota 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

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