Best Hotels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: From Cheap to Luxury Accommodations and Places to Stay

The capital of Sabah, or Kota Kinabalu (KK), as the locals call it, is one of the main entry points for visitors to Borneo and it is truly a buzzing and exciting off-beat holiday destination in Malaysia that surprises tourists all over the world. After all, it has an array of beautiful beaches and rainforests, fascinating tourist attractions, and adventure activities that would cater to just about any type of traveler. (Best Hotels in Kota Kinabalu)

To add, Kota Kinabalu is a budget-friendly destination, and to start off, there are a lot of affordable things to look forward to including accommodations that offer quality services and facilities. In order to help you out, here’s a sneak peek at the topmost recommended hotels and hostels in Kota Kinabalu that you should consider!

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Best Budget Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Homy Seafront Hostel

» BEST price on Agoda, Booking.com, HostelWorld

Provides cozy and minimalist accommodations with stunning views of the sea. This is truly one of the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu that even serves ala carte breakfast every day.

To love: Cozy rooms, budget-friendly | Landmark: Gusto Food and Wine | Price starts from: $5~

Dimple Life Hostel

» BEST price on Agoda, Booking.com, HostelWorld

This budget-friendly hostel features excellent services and amazing facilities including a fitness room and a shared lounge. All rooms are air-conditioned and provided with complete amenities.

To love: Facilities | Landmark: Imago Shopping Mall | Price starts from: $7~

Life Sabah Hostel

» BEST price on Agoda, Booking.com, HostelWorld

This is one of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu that comes at a great value.

To love: Shared Lounge | Landmark: Camaca | Price starts from: $7~

Dock In Hostel

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or HostelWorld

Fondly known as the ‘Hostel of the Future’, this is located in the center of Kota Kinabalu.

To love: Stylish lounge | Landmark: Kedai Kopi Wah Juan, Tanjung Aru | Price starts from: $10~

SPOT ON 89726 Capsule Inn

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or Booking.com

Apart from capsule-styled rooms, guests will also have the choice to book into regular-sized rooms.

To love: Budget-friendly | Landmark: Welcome Seafood Restaurant | Price starts from: $15~

Mid-Range Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Center

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or Booking.com

Features an outdoor pool, four dining options, and rooms decorated with modern furnishings.

To love: Outdoor Pool | Landmark: Shoney’s Dining & Bar | Price starts from: $35~

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

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Overlooking the South China Sea, it features an outdoor pool and 5 dining options serving Asian, Halal and other international specialties.

To love: Outdoor Pool | Landmark: Mother India Restaurant | Price starts from: $35~

Hilton Hotel Kota Kinabalu

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or Booking.com

This is one of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu that comes at an affordable price despite being luxurious. With a range of amenities, you’re sure to have all your needs met!

To love: Hotel interiors | Landmark: Welcome Seafood Restaurant | Price starts from: $45~

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

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Offering both city and sea views, guests can relax in the poolside cabana or pamper themselves at the spa.

To love: Outdoor Pool | Landmark: Filipino Market | Price starts from: $50~

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

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Features amazing facilities that include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a bar and restaurant. (Some rooms feature a balcony with a sea view).

To love: Sea Views | Landmark: Mother India Restaurant | Price starts from: $55~

Best LuxuryHotels in Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or Booking.com

A luxury hotel located in the center of Kota Kinabalu and it features spacious and elegant accommodations along with a number of recreational facilities.

To love: Hotel interiors | Landmark: El Centro | Price starts from: $65~

The Magellan Sutera Resort

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or Booking.com

This luxury resort is surrounded by landscaped gardens and outdoor pools. Every room is fitted with a private balcony so guests can have a stunning view of the garden or the sea.

To love: Location | Landmark: Ferdinand’s | Price starts from: $70~

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or Booking.com

Boasts six dining options, an exclusive spa, and an outdoor pool with water jets.

To love: Location | Landmark: Café Tatu | Price starts from: $80~

Nexus Resort

» Get the BEST price on Agoda or Booking.com

One of the most prestigious luxury hotels in Kota Kinabalu and it features luxurious facilities including three outdoor pools, eight dining options, and a golf course.

To love: Amenities | Landmark: Borneo Marine Research Institute Complex | Price starts from: $85~

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

» Get the BEST price on Agoda

This one of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu for families and friends. It has an Olympic-sized pool, five dining options, and elegant rooms with contemporary décor.

To love: Location | Landmark: Ferdinand’s | Price starts from: $130~

» Compare All Kota Kinabalu AirBnBs & Hotels «

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Overall

Kota Kinabalu is an exciting destination in Malaysia that is worthy to visit and it will definitely surprise travelers with its natural wonders and attractions! Plus, the hotels listed above offer great services and facilities that will surely make your stay fun and convenient.

I hope you find this article helpful when planning where you’ll stay in Kota Kinabalu!