Kota Kinabalu hotels
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Good to know
Low season | October | Cheapest month to stay with an average 7% drop in price. |
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High season | March | Most expensive month to stay with an average 36% rise in price. |
Average price (weeknight) | RM 130 | Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks. |
Average price (weekend night) | RM 146 | Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks. |
When to book a hotel in Kota Kinabalu
Top tips for finding perfect Kota Kinabalu hotel deals
- If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Kota Kinabalu, you should consider visiting during the low season. You'll find cheaper accommodations in Kota Kinabalu in October and July.
- Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but you’ll most likely find the best hotel deals in Kota Kinabalu if you stay on a Sunday. The opposite is true for, Thursday, which is usually the most expensive day.
- Book at least 90 days before your stay begins to get the best price for your Kota Kinabalu accommodation.
- The cheapest 3-star hotel room in Kota Kinabalu found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was RM 58, while the most expensive was RM 418.
- How long should you stay? KAYAK users usually book their accommodation in Kota Kinabalu for 2 days.
- One of the main landmarks in Kota Kinabalu is the Atkinson Clock Tower, which offers spectacular views over the rest of the city. A stay at Hotel Sixty3 or the Jesselton Hotel, both 3-star properties, will place you about 10min walking distance from the clock tower.
- The Green Connection Aquarium is a must-see for any nature lovers interested in marine life. If visiting the aquarium, consider a stay at Dreamtel, a 3-star accommodation about 15min drive away. Good for families and friends, the property also features a restaurant, room service, laundry facilities and business centre.
- Pick up some local souvenirs at Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, also known as Pasar Filipino, which sits along the waterfront. The Hyatt Regency is one of the best 5-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu, also situated by the water. As well as its prime location, guests can make use of a stunning swimming pool, spa and fitness centre.
- Hike the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia and one of the highest in the world – Mount Kinabalu. Prepare for your multi-day trip or recover afterwards by staying at a spa hotel in Kota Kinabalu like Le Meridien. The 5-star property has a luxurious vibe, featuring a pool, spa and fitness centre, making it the perfect destination to relax and refresh.
- Discover over 5,000 plant species in Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden. Located about 2h drive from the city centre, look for a hotel on the outskirts of the city in Inanam. The ibis Styles, for instance, provides good access to the highway as well as local shopping and dining areas. Other amenities include a fitness centre, bar and restaurant.
FAQs when booking a hotel in Kota Kinabalu
Hotels are safe environments for travellers as long as they properly implement sanitary measures in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). However, we recommend getting in touch with the local authorities regarding safety procedures for hotels in Kota Kinabalu. For more advice, please view our information page on what to know about coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel.
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai, Aristo Hotel @ Putatan and The Magellan Sutera Resort are very popular with users who want to stay within walking distance of 1Borneo Hypermall.
Although the average price for a double room in Kota Kinabalu is RM 197, RM 27 is the lowest price found by KAYAK users in the last 3 days.
Culture lovers should head to the Sabah Museum, where you can learn about the diverse aspects of Sabahan culture. A stay at the TH Hotel will place you about 5min drive from the museum with good access to the rest of the city. Other amenities include a fitness centre, restaurant and free parking.
There are some excellent family hotels in Kota Kinabalu, including Sky Hotel, a 3-star property in the heart of the city featuring a rooftop pool, fitness centre and restaurant. Alternatively, the Grandis Hotel, a 4-star property, is also a great option for families with kids. Located near Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, this hotel features a pool, spa and fitness centre.
If you’re seeking a romantic escape and taste of luxury in Kota Kinabalu, our recommendation is the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. The 5-star accommodation is spectacular, set in tropical surroundings with sea views. The decor is modern and luxurious with facilities aplenty, including pillow menus, bathrobes, six different restaurants, and room service available 24h a day. The property has a fantastic outdoor pool with lounges and umbrellas as well as a full-service spa.
If you need a hotel close to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), you should stay at C’Haya Hotel. The 3-star property is located about 10min drive from the airport and offers a free airport shuttle for passengers. Also near the beach and city centre, guests here will have good transportation links to the rest of Kota Kinabalu. Featured amenities include a pool, restaurant, bar and free on-site parking.
After you launch a hotel search on KAYAK, you can refine your research by neighbourhood, which allows you to pick the central Kota Kinabalu districts. You can also do a search using the city map to choose a specific location, like Kota Kinabalu city centre
Take a look at our extensive hotel map to find the best hotels near you.