Most of the accommodation in Kota Kinabalu is located in the downtown area and this is the best place to stay. While fairly busy, it is not overly noisy or smelly, and places you within reach of the water and attractions.
Both business and budget hotels are based in downtown Kota Kinabalu, and even those at the bottom end of the spectrum are generally clean and have good service. You can find lodging here, at the water's edge, south towards the airport, or north near the jetty.
Where to Stay
The city centre is where it is at, with the Jalan Gaya being right in the thick of it. This busy street has hotels, shops and restaurants, and is just a few blocks back from the waterfront. There are luxury themed, business and backpacker hotels along here and this part of Kota Kinabalu also stages a Sunday market.
There are further accommodation options to be found along the Jalan Pantai to the north-west, as well as on the Jalan Tun Razak and right at the waterfront, along the Jalan Tun Faud Stephen. The latter is home to the Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu Hotel and boasts fantastic sea views.
Other top hotel options include the Berjaya Palace Hotel - which takes in views of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, the top-end Hyatt Regency, and the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort to the south-west on the water.
There is also cheap accommodation near to the ferry terminal and the southern bus station, as well as around the train station. The best Kota Kinabalu hotel deals can be had online, and in particular at the top end, where facilities and service are assured.
