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.

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

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

1. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kunthea

₩36,599

₩42,807 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 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.

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

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zhen

₩36,578

₩42,783 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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

A balcony with a glass railing overlooking a road and greenery.

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.

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Heidi

₩78,285

₩84,559 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

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 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

₩67,577

₩89,408 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

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

₩55,358

₩63,067 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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 with multiple floors, large windows, and a prominent entrance.

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

₩113,176

₩125,510 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 7 - Nov 8

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

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

₩44,190

₩51,004 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

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 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.

8. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MRS

₩136,387

₩150,577 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

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

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.

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.

9. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Sri Ganesh

₩121,306

₩134,289 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 17 - Oct 18

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.

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ganesh

₩44,837

₩51,703 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

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 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.

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

11. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Thomas

₩91,799

₩102,421 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

A calm water body with a paved walkway alongside.

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

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.

12. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

₩68,029

₩76,750 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

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 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.

13. The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

₩65,013

₩79,993 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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

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

14. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

₩134,092

₩148,098 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.

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

₩46,620

₩74,684 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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 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.

16. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

₩30,091

₩35,540 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

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

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.

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

17. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kampung Air, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Joshua

₩43,750

₩47,255 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

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

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.

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

₩40,726

₩47,263 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

19. Space Cap Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ye-Seul

₩15,547

₩18,357 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

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 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.

20. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

₩42,635

₩46,056 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Property class	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 57 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 100 reviews	View
Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group	9.8 Exceptional 37 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 249 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"

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."

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 ₩18,357

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. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

3. Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel 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. Hotel O Five 2

17. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

18. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

19. Space Cap Hotel

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

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

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