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.

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.

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

￥3,963

￥4,694 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 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 modern hotel with multiple floors, large windows, and a prominent entrance.

2. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Michaela

￥12,663

￥14,062 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

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

A hallway with a wooden door, a mirror, and a chandelier.

A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a unique sink, and a large window offering a city view.

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

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Heidi

￥9,222

￥9,960 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 modern bathroom with a toilet, sink, and mirror.

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zhen

￥4,301

￥5,031 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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 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.

5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Genya

￥7,953

￥10,522 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

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 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

￥14,266

￥15,793 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 16 - Oct 17

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 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.

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yuta

￥4,833

￥5,635 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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

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

8. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

MRS

￥18,029

￥19,857 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 10 - Oct 11

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a mirror, and a window with a view of the interior.

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

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

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ganesh

￥4,904

￥5,712 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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

A modern hotel lobby with a large sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, 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.

10. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Thomas

￥10,796

￥12,045 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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 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.

11. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ong

￥7,361

￥8,387 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 person sitting in a clear blue infinity pool with a view of a distant island and a calm sea.

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.

12. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Savannah

￥15,770

￥17,417 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.

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

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Yan Ting

￥5,483

￥8,784 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

￥12,692

￥14,093 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 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 hallway with a wall covered in large, bold text, likely representing various destinations or locations.

15. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Zachary

￥4,790

￥5,559 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

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 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.

16. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Anonymous traveler

￥3,585

￥4,276 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

A hotel room with two beds, each with white bedding and red accents, a wooden floor, and a wall-mounted coffee machine.

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

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.

17. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

valerie

￥3,552

￥4,193 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 2 - Oct 3

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.

18. Walk In Hotel

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Bahrinizam

￥4,829

￥5,649 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

19. Space Cap Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Ye-Seul

￥1,832

￥2,163 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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 banquet hall with tables set for a formal event, a red carpet, and a city view.

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

20. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Kampung Air, 0.8 km from Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Joshua

￥4,552

￥4,916 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Property	Star rating	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 56 reviews	View
Hilton Kota Kinabalu	9.2 Wonderful 1,002 reviews	View
Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group	9.8 Exceptional 37 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

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

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."

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 ￥2,163

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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. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

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

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

5. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

6. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

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

8. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

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

10. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

11. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

12. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

14. Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

15. HotSpot at City Centre by SSVC

16. Hotel DeLeeton

17. Hotel O Five 2

18. Walk In Hotel

19. Space Cap Hotel

20. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Compare popular hotels close to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Top Kota Kinabalu Esplanade Hotel Reviews

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

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