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

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

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

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

1. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Michaela

NT$2,557

NT$2,839 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

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.

2. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Scott

NT$870

NT$1,017 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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 modern bathroom with a toilet, sink, and mirror.

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zhen

NT$869

NT$1,017 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

A beach scene with a couple embracing, a clear sky, and calm sea.

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Genya

NT$1,645

NT$2,171 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

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

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

NT$1,050

NT$1,212 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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.

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.

6. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MRS

NT$3,851

NT$4,237 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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

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

7. 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 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 hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a view of the sea through large windows.

8. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Davide

NT$2,882

NT$3,191 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

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.

9. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Thomas

NT$2,181

NT$2,434 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A calm water body with a paved walkway alongside.

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.

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

NT$1,617

NT$1,825 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

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

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.

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$1,545

NT$1,901 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

A balcony with a table and chairs, offering a view of the sea and distant land.

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

A spacious lobby with a modern chandelier, a reception desk, and a decorative wall.

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

NT$3,188

NT$3,521 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

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

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

NT$1,217

NT$1,904 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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.

14. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

NT$968

NT$1,123 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

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.

15. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Shih Chung

NT$2,566

NT$2,849 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

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 room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a mirror, and a small table with a lamp.

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

16. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Anonymous traveler

NT$735

NT$871 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 reception area with a white Christmas tree, a reception desk, and two staff members.

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.

17. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

NT$1,096

NT$1,262 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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 ground floor entrance, and parked cars.

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 sign indicating it is Hotel 2, and a visible storefront below.

18. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

NT$719

NT$849 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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 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.

19. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kampung Air, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Joshua

NT$1,103

NT$1,192 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 9 - Oct 10

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Imran

NT$1,315

NT$1,498 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Hilton Kota Kinabalu	9.2 Wonderful 1,001 reviews	View
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 55 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 97 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG	9.2 Wonderful 240 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews	View

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

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 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"

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 NT$849

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Be picky

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu Esplanade hotels

1. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

2. CJ Residence

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

4. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

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

6. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

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

8. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

9. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

11. The Klagan Hotel

12. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

14. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

15. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

16. Hotel DeLeeton

17. Walk In Hotel

18. Hotel O Five 2

19. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

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

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

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

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