The Best Hotels Closest to Merdeka Square in Kota Kinabalu for 2026

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Our top choices for Merdeka Square hotels

Deluxe Double Room (CJ 1) | Desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request)

Deluxe Double Room (CJ 1) | Bathroom | Shower, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries, hair dryer

Couple Double Room (CJ 2) | Bathroom | Shower, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries, hair dryer

Business Double Room (CJ 3) | Room amenity

1. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Scott

₩38,285

₩44,780 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

2 bars/lounges, cocktail bar, lobby lounge

Presidential Suite, 2 Bedrooms | Living area

Club Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Sea View | Premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds, in-room safe

2. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Merdeka Square

Davide

₩127,563

₩141,216 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 18 - Sep 19

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

3. Signel Hostel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

Richard

₩21,591

₩26,750 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 28 - Aug 29

Superior Double Room | Premium bedding, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request)

Coffee/tea maker, shared fridge, shared microwave, electric kettle

4. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Merdeka Square

Donna

₩49,758

₩53,741 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

Grand Double Room | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Merdeka Square

Yuta

₩43,750

₩47,257 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

King Seaview Suite (High Floor) | View from room

6. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Merdeka Square

Paul

₩154,454

₩170,258 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

Premier Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Sea View (King) | Private kitchenette | Coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, toaster

Premier Studio, 1 Queen Bed, Sea View | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes

7. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

John

₩96,083

₩107,201 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, in-room safe, desk

Shower, rainfall showerhead, free toiletries, hair dryer

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Ganesh

₩46,929

₩54,115 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 22 - Sep 23

Superior Twin Room (With window) | Premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

9. Hotel Gaia 95

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Merdeka Square

Brittany

₩31,409

₩40,492 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 25 - Aug 26

2 restaurants; breakfast, lunch, and dinner served

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, cribs (free)

10. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Kingsley

₩129,954

₩143,782 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 10 - Sep 11

Junior Suite | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

11. Mandarin Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 km from Merdeka Square

Tamara

₩57,461

₩65,491 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

Studio | Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free), bed sheets

12. Hotel Eden54

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Merdeka Square

Anonymous traveler

₩30,581

₩39,518 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 23 - Aug 24

Suite | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

13. Hotel Sixty3

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

David Wong Weng

₩90,781

₩105,107 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 10 - Sep 11

Deluxe King | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

14. Hotel Capital

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Sofía

₩35,918

₩45,815 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

15. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

Kampung Air, 0.3 km from Merdeka Square

"Enjoyable stay and a great budget property choice. Staff were all helpful, Wi-Fi good, rooms, although snug, more than adequate for sleeping and showering. The one thing that let the property down was the lack of options at breakfast. Everyday a different breakfast meal was given but you had no idea what it would be and didn’t have another option to choose if it wasn’t to your liking. That said, the quality of the food was good. Would happily stay at the property again if looking for somewhere...

Wayne

₩76,354

₩85,894 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 11 - Sep 12

Deluxe King | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

16. Qlio Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

Myona

₩38,780

₩45,314 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 25 - Aug 26

Boutique Extra | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board (on request)

17. The Jesselton Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

Henn Kiew

₩78,640

₩88,363 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 1 - Sep 2

Presidential One Bedroom Bathtub Suite | Balcony

Signature One Bedroom Bathtub Suite | In-room dining

Premium One Bedroom Bathtub Suite | Private kitchen | Full-size fridge, cleaning supplies, freezer, ice maker

18. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

Yan Ting

₩91,004

₩127,974 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 7 - Sep 8

Deluxe Triple Room | In-room safe, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board (on request)

19. Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Merdeka Square

Anonymous traveler

₩41,875

₩52,845 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 25 - Aug 26

Minimalist King Suite | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Industrial Family Suite | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

20. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

Zachary

₩37,067

₩43,480 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Merdeka Square

Property	Property class	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 53 reviews	View
Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo	9.4 Exceptional 18 reviews	View
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu	9.0 Wonderful 1,004 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews	View
Signel Hostel	9.8 Exceptional 20 reviews	View

Top Merdeka Square Hotel Reviews

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Great location Amazing views Amazing. Breakfast"

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."

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."

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8/10 Good

"Well located with easy access to ferry terminal and main business district. Property needs a little updating and maintenance, but rooms are large, clean and comfortable. Staff are friendly and helpful. Plenty of places to eat within easy walking distance."

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

8/10 Good

"Lots of 24 hr restaurants in the area but walking around the area can be hard"

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

10/10 Excellent

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

Hotel 7 Suria

8/10 Good

"Located in the Suria mall"

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Excellent services, Thank you"

Other attractions near Merdeka Square

Atkinson Clock Tower

7.6/10 (17 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Pusat Bandar with a stop at Atkinson Clock Tower. Visit the area's shops or amble around its marina.

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Api Api Night Food Market Gaya Street

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Api Api Night Food Market Gaya Street during your stay in Pusat Bandar. Discover the beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants in this romantic area.

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Gaya Street Sunday Market

8.2/10 (478 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Gaya Street Sunday Market. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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Sedco Square

8.8/10 (3 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can do some window-shopping at Sedco Square. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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KK Plaza

7.6/10 (97 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at KK Plaza. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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Kota Kinabalu Central Market

7.8/10 (375 reviews)

During your trip to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Kota Kinabalu Central Market. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

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Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center

8.0/10 (183 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can enjoy retail therapy at Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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Handicraft Market

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Handicraft Market during your visit to Pusat Bandar. Discover the beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants in this romantic area.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Merdeka Square?

Merdeka Square is located in Bandaran Berjaya. 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 282 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay close to Merdeka Square?

Adjacent to Merdeka Square, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers 2 bars and a restaurant. Other good options within a short distance include Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.

How many hotels are there near Merdeka Square?

Expedia has 282 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Merdeka Square.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Merdeka Square, will I receive a refund?

Yes! Most hotel bookings are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, it may still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Add dates, click "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to view top deals close to Merdeka Square.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Merdeka Square?

To access more information about picking new dates or cancelling your stay near Merdeka Square, click here.

What can I see and do near Merdeka Square?

Sights like Atkinson Clock Tower and Koisaan Cultural Village highlight some of the local culture. Local parks like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, and Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre are peaceful spots to stop and take in some fresh air. Bring the family to Aquascape Center, Downbelow Adventure Centre, and Orchid De Villa while you're checking out the area near Merdeka Square.

Find hotels near Merdeka Square, Kota Kinabalu from ₩26,750

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Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Our top choices for Merdeka Square hotels

1. CJ Residence

2. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

3. Signel Hostel

4. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

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

6. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

7. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

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

9. Hotel Gaia 95

10. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

11. Mandarin Hotel

12. Hotel Eden54

13. Hotel Sixty3

14. Hotel Capital

15. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

16. Qlio Hotel

17. The Jesselton Hotel

18. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

19. Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

20. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Compare popular hotels close to Merdeka Square

Top Merdeka Square Hotel Reviews

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Hotel 7 Suria

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Other attractions near Merdeka Square

Atkinson Clock Tower

Api Api Night Food Market Gaya Street

Gaya Street Sunday Market

Sedco Square

KK Plaza

Kota Kinabalu Central Market

Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center

Handicraft Market

Frequently asked questions