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

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

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

1. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Scott

NT$868

NT$1,016 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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

A hotel room with a large window, a clear view of the cityscape, a vase with flowers, and a table with a menu.

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

NT$868

NT$1,016 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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

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

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

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

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

NT$1,049

NT$1,211 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 lobby with a marble floor, a wooden bench, a glass railing, and a decorative wall piece.

A spacious lobby with a large chandelier, seating areas, and a patterned carpet.

4. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Paula

NT$2,553

NT$2,835 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

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

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.

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

5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Genya

NT$1,643

NT$2,168 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ganesh

NT$1,065

NT$1,228 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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 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.

7. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ong

NT$1,615

NT$1,822 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

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.

A high-rise hotel with multiple floors and balconies, situated by a waterfront with a boat docked nearby.

8. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Davide

NT$2,880

NT$3,188 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

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

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

A modern building with multiple floors, large windows, and a balcony area with outdoor seating.

9. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MRS

NT$3,845

NT$4,231 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

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

10. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Thomas

NT$2,180

NT$2,432 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

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

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

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

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

NT$1,544

NT$1,899 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a shower, and a view of the cityscape and sea.

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

A modern hotel pool area with a clear view of the sea, lounge chairs, and a large building in the background.

12. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

NT$1,328

NT$2,034 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

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

13. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Savannah

NT$3,184

NT$3,516 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

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

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

A hallway with a wall covered in large, bold text, likely representing various destinations or locations.

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.

14. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

NT$967

NT$1,122 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

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

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.

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

15. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Anonymous traveler

NT$734

NT$870 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

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

16. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

NT$1,016

NT$1,097 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

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.

17. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Shih Chung

NT$2,562

NT$2,845 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

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.

18. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

NT$718

NT$847 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

A set of English Soap Company products arranged on a marble surface with a large yellow flower and green ferns.

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

NT$1,314

NT$1,497 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 21 - Oct 22

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

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

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

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

20. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kampung Air, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Joshua

NT$1,101

NT$1,189 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Property class	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 55 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 97 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews	View
Hilton Kota Kinabalu	9.2 Wonderful 999 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 240 reviews	View

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

8/10 Good

"Beds were super comfy. Breakfast was varied and the eggs cooked fresh to your liking were fast and fab. Front desk staff were great. The Club Bar service was exceptional - as was the ambience. Rooftop bar and restaurant could improve. Convenient location - could walk to waterfront easily, Would stay again."

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Try not get be placed on low floors... love the big room but its way too close to ground floor pool people can see ur room"

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."

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Great locations and tidy facilities"

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

10/10 Excellent

"Great place to stay, staff very helpful and lots of amenities"

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."

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, Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre, or Tanjung Aru Perdana Park. Create some family memories at Downbelow Adventure Centre and Aquascape Center.

Find hotels near Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Kota Kinabalu from NT$847

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Treat yourself

Be picky

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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. ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

4. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

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

7. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

8. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

9. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

10. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

11. The Klagan Hotel

12. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

13. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

14. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

15. Hotel DeLeeton

16. Walk In Hotel

17. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

18. Hotel O Five 2

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

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

Hyatt Regency 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

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

The Klagan Hotel

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