Since my flight arrived in Kota Kinabalu at 1 AM, I chose a hotel close to the airport. This one is about 5km away, which isn't too far.
Regarding the hotel facilities, there were pros and cons. The room was spacious, and the air conditioning worked well. The price was fair for the environment.
However, the bathroom was a letdown. The shower had no hot water, so I had no choice but to take a cold shower. They only provided small bottles of shower gel and shampoo, which felt a bit stingy. The sink also had no hot water, and I'm not sure if the water heater was broken.
I didn't bother calling the front desk to complain, as I was just too exhausted.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
AAzha Syazri2026.02.12
Room was spacious and very clean. Very comfortable with 2 pillows each bed. Toilet also very clean and has enough towels for 3 of us.
Hotel staff also was very friendly and helpful especially during check in. Breakfast buffet not many choices of food but still enough to make stomach full.
Location wise very good. Near to Pasar Philippines and next to Central Point mall. Easy to get anything around there.
Had a very pleasant stay and will consider coming back.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
AAnonymous User2026.02.19
The hotel is quite close to Gaya Street, I think it's within walking distance. The front desk said they upgraded our room for free because there was an issue with our booked room, which was a nice surprise. The environment and bathroom were both pretty good, and the price was affordable, offering great value for money.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
GGuest User2026.03.15
The room was very clean and spacious, quiet, and the air conditioning was nice and cool. The shower had great pressure. The front desk staff were very helpful; even though they didn't speak Chinese, check-in was smooth. The room was cleaned daily. The hotel's location is excellent, with many eateries downstairs, making it very convenient for seafood. If you're not looking for luxury, this hotel is definitely worth staying at. You need your room card to access the upper floors, which adds to the security.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
BBujiangbaidadeafu2026.03.01
This is a great hotel located near the city center and very convenient for the airport. The facilities are excellent, with everything you need, including a swimming pool and fitness center. It's a good option for a quick overnight stay if you arrive late at night, though the breakfast is just okay. The front desk staff were fairly friendly. The scent in the elevator was a bit odd, though.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
DDennis Ting2026.04.03
This is a newly renovated hotel. The room facilities are new with comfortable bed and good lighting setup. This hotel have a bar and a gym located at rooftop. You can have your drink and enjoy the view of Kota Kinabalu from the rooftop bar. During my stay, the room services did a great job to tidy up my room which I am very satisfied with the services provided. The hotel location is good and walkable distance to most of the famous shop and street.
Lastly, I must mentioned that the front desk receptionist, Ms H***is very friendly and helpful.
If you looking for a nice hotel with good price, this is the one you must give a try.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
SSarah F. Adam2026.02.18
I recently stayed at Hotel Raia Kota Kinabalu for the second time, and it continues to impress me. The hotel maintains a high standard of cleanliness, and the room was both spacious and very comfortable, making my stay truly relaxing.
One of the highlights was the stunning sunset view from my room — absolutely breathtaking and the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Overall, it was another wonderful experience, and I’m already looking forward to my next stay here in the future. Highly recommended!
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
AAmoon_012026.03.08
The hotel is very close to Gaya Street. The front desk staff were also very friendly, and the room had a comfortable bed and was well-equipped and clean. When I checked in, it was almost noon, and the front desk helped me contact a tour group for a trip to the mangroves. I had a great time.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center,Kota Kinabalu91.2% of visitors choose this area
SSarah F. Adam2025.09.20
I had a great stay at Stanton City Hotel KK during a recent business trip. The room was very clean, modern, and spacious, with a super comfy bed that made it easy to relax after a long day. I also appreciated thoughtful touches like the anti-slip mat in the bathroom, which shows attention to guest safety.
The location is excellent, with lots of food options within walking distance — very convenient for quick meals. As a business traveler, I found the room well-equipped, with stationery and a proper work desk that made working from the hotel hassle-free.
Highly recommended for both business and leisure stays in Kota Kinabalu!
Very Good
201 reviews
8.5/10
Price from
SGD 39
per night
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6.9/10
KKarynnnnnTents condition is worn out, but the stay the setup is really nice. Toilet / bathroom conditions need to be improve. Location is by the beach, food is good. Overall is good for staycation. Can accommodate large groups 👍🏻
GGuest UserThe room was very clean and spacious, quiet, and the air conditioning was nice and cool. The shower had great pressure. The front desk staff were very helpful; even though they didn't speak Chinese, check-in was smooth. The room was cleaned daily. The hotel's location is excellent, with many eateries downstairs, making it very convenient for seafood. If you're not looking for luxury, this hotel is definitely worth staying at. You need your room card to access the upper floors, which adds to the security.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center, Kota Kinabalu
Price per night from:SGD 38
8.5/10
Very Good
SSanfengeOverall, I'm giving this hotel 4 stars, as my experience was quite satisfying. The location is definitely the biggest highlight, right in the heart of the city center. There are plenty of restaurants and supermarkets nearby, making it super convenient for visiting attractions or getting around, which is a huge plus for travelers.
The room itself was spacious, and the standard king room had a well-designed layout with good natural light and ventilation, making for a comfortable stay. The hygiene was well-maintained, and the environment was clean and tidy. The staff were also quite enthusiastic, and the facilities generally met my travel needs, so it met my expectations overall.
However, one small detail needs improvement: when I opened the wardrobe, there was a strong, pungent odor, possibly from the wood material or cleaning residue. This really impacted the user experience. I suggest the hotel improve ventilation and odor removal to enhance the attention to detail.
All in all, apart from the slight wardrobe odor, the hotel performed well in terms of location, space, and basic services. The value for money is decent, and it's a good choice for travelers who prioritize location. I hope to see further improvements in the details in the future.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center, Kota Kinabalu
Price per night from:SGD 42
8.2/10
Very Good
GGuest UserI liked the location as it’s not too crowded and has easy parking. There’s a nice chilling space where you can enjoy the cold breeze with a view of Mount Kinabalu. Overall, the hotel is very clean, and the room’s interior design gives off a nostalgic 90s vibe. I was lucky to get a room facing Mount Kinabalu, so it’s the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes. Overall, I enjoyed my stay. The only minor inconvenience was needing to iron clothes at the lobby, which, as a Muslim woman, felt slightly inconvenient. However, I was okay with it. The service was good 👍🏼 I would happily choose to stay here again
AAnonymous UserThey gave me a great sea-view room. There was a slight noise from the bathroom plumbing, but thankfully no bad odors. The location is very convenient, with a direct sea view, right next to Shuguang Plaza and the pier. It's super convenient.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center, Kota Kinabalu
Price per night from:SGD 37
8.2/10
Very Good
GGuest UserIt's a little out of town but I chose it for the close proximity to the beach and swimming ,which is about a 10min walk from the hotel. There are street food and drinks stalls available from about 3pm . Tanjung Aru beach is beautiful, uncrowded and the beach shelves away gently making it a safe swimming area. However, the beach had rubbish washed up and maintenance isn't a priority I guess. I swam everyday and didn't get sick ,that's a bonus.
The room ( the whole place)was tired looking, it could do with a lick of paint and maintenance. Room was clean when I got there but I strongly doubt it was cleaned in the entire time I was there for five days. Often had to ask for toilet paper , shampoo and shower gel , and coffee sachets etc ,basics to be stocked whenever housekeeping does their cleaning. Air con worked for me although the settings couldn't be altered !
The bed springs creak and you feel the springs when you sit on the bed but I slept ok only because I was usually exhausted from the day's activities . The beds and mattresses definitely need renewing though.
The fridge was mouldy and smelly , what a blooming shame : /
The safe was broken - hallelujah!
I kept my room door locked at all times only because Reception staff hardly looked up to see who comes and goes- they sit very low,almost out of view at their front desk. I wasn't convinced about their perception of safety especially as I'm a solo female traveller and I need to be alert and take great caution.
Casuarina Hotel are you taking note?
Reception is helpful but that depends who is present.
Lifts work fine without too much of a wait. The cafe on ground level serves an American breakfast but I couldn't tell you whether that's worth your while. It looked like Mary Celeste everytime I peeped in there so wasn't convinced about getting fed or a service. Therefore, I had fruit and snacks as standby .. There's a lovely restaurant a few yards from the hotel called the Yolo Seafood Restaurant which tends to open from 11.30am- delicious and inexpensive with friendly staff.
Grab taxi fare to city centre varies from MYR 7- 25 Ringgit ,the higher tariff if returning during commuter rush hours from city centre which is a 15- 25 min ride .
Would I stay here again ? I would actually knowing all its idiosyncrasis compared to so many awful or simplly mediocre accommodation charging an arm and a leg , I think Casuarina is just ok . Value for money? I don't think so .
GGuest UserThe closest hotel to the pier, hands down. I don't know how the ratings are calculated... I'm not judging it by domestic standards; when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Local facilities just aren't that great. Based on what I saw online, I thought it would be terrible, but the room was surprisingly clean. Although there's nowhere to hang clothes to dry, I'd advise anyone who loves going out to sea and exploring the pier to stay close by. The front desk staff were also great; they have a WeChat for communication and translation. Don't bother looking at the negative reviews or the ratings. I stayed in town for 6 days, and the first place, which had the highest rating, was personally the worst.
GGuest UserThe room is clean and facilities are in good conditions. Location is great. Nearby has eating places, two 24 hours convenient shops and Imago Shopping Mall. Services are prompt and staffs are friendly and helpful. We had a very good experience staying here for 5 days. Thanks.
Hotel near Kota Kinabalu City Center, Kota Kinabalu
Price per night from:SGD 29
6.5/10
GGuest UserIt’s similar to hotels/guesthouses in China, and much simpler than domestic budget hotel chains such as Home Inns or GreenTree Inn. Hotels in Sabah generally feel two stars lower than those in China. The one I stayed in in Kota Kinabalu is owned by Marriott The Le Méridien hotel is also comparable to domestic All Seasons hotels, so don’t expect too much.
The sanitation is quite clean, and there are often people chanting sutras with loud speakers in the morning and evening... overall it's not bad.
It is two kilometers away from the pier and takes a taxi for 6-8RM. You can go to the seafood market to bargain for dragon knives, which is quite fun!
AAnAstAsiATssSince my flight arrived in Kota Kinabalu at 1 AM, I chose a hotel close to the airport. This one is about 5km away, which isn't too far.
Regarding the hotel facilities, there were pros and cons. The room was spacious, and the air conditioning worked well. The price was fair for the environment.
However, the bathroom was a letdown. The shower had no hot water, so I had no choice but to take a cold shower. They only provided small bottles of shower gel and shampoo, which felt a bit stingy. The sink also had no hot water, and I'm not sure if the water heater was broken.
I didn't bother calling the front desk to complain, as I was just too exhausted.
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