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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu cheap hotels

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a nightstand with a lamp, and a view of the city through the window.

1. A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (5 reviews)
"Hotel very beautiful, clean, good staff"
Malaysia
Imran
The price is AED 112
AED 130 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
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.

2. CJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

CJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
2.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (59 reviews)
"The communication was prompt, accurate, and polite full. Staff assisted by carrying out luggage upstairs, and is happy and polite. The massage chair was an amazing addition to our stay. In the heart of all shops. Will definitely book with them again."
Australia
Kunthea
The price is AED 97
AED 114 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
CJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
A hotel room with a bed, a window with a view of a cityscape, a wooden door, and a wall-mounted coat rack.

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

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (100 reviews)
"I had great time during my trip, easy check in and out, walking distance to most places"
Canada
Zhen
The price is AED 102
AED 119 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a wardrobe, and a window with a city view.

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

ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
"Great stay! Clean, modern room and a good location."
Norway
Åse Lilll S
The price is AED 121
AED 140 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a mirror, and a window with a view of the interior.

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

AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (10 reviews)
"The facilities we had in the room were top notch. Location is great as well but only downside the view from the room isn’t that great. "
United Kingdom
Ganesh
The price is AED 116
AED 135 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group
A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, large chandeliers, and a seating area.

6. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (256 reviews)
"Room was very clean and maintained well by the service staff. Breakfast was reasonable and staff was friendly"
Canada
Catherine
The price is AED 175
AED 233 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a modern building with large windows.

7. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (999 reviews)
"Very nice room. Excellent breakfast one of the best we've ever had in a hotel"
United Kingdom
Matthew
The price is AED 260
AED 280 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Lounge

8. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo
2.5 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (19 reviews)
"Very helpful staff. "
Canada
Donna
The price is AED 131
AED 141 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo
A modern interior with a spiral staircase, a kitchen area, and a dining space.

9. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (225 reviews)
"Very helpful staff good location"
United Kingdom
MRS
The price is AED 383
AED 422 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
A buffet with various food items and a view of the sea.

10. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Stayed for our honeymoon staff where attentive and made special arrangements for us. Also very good location and nice room with great view"
Singapore
KAI YUN KATE
The price is AED 317
AED 351 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
A modern building with a glass facade, a pool area with a curved edge, and a view of the sunset over the water.

11. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
4.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (84 reviews)
"nice,will stay again insyaAllah"
Malaysia
Mohd Hafizuddin
The price is AED 253
AED 283 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a lamp.

12. Hotel Gaia 95

Hotel Gaia 95
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (196 reviews)
"Helpful staff that let me check in early :)"
Australia
Brittany
The price is AED 72
AED 95 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Hotel Gaia 95
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees, surrounded by wooden structures.

13. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"We thought the staff were wonderful and the hotel was very elegant. The breakfast was especially good."
United States
Kip
The price is AED 278
AED 310 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
A modern interior with a central spiral slide, seating areas, and a neon sign.

14. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (13 reviews)
"New hotel located in the central of the city. Clean and good vibe. Staffs are very warm and friendly. Definitely will visit again! keep up the good work!"
Malaysia
Kim
The price is AED 238
AED 267 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social
A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a shower, and a view of the cityscape and sea.

15. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (7 reviews)
"Staff very nice and helpful, room is clean and tidy. "
Malaysia
Yan Ting
The price is AED 116
AED 191 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a minibar.

16. Hotel Capital

Hotel Capital
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (319 reviews)
"Shops nearby, good location."
United States
Sofía
The price is AED 89
AED 114 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Hotel Capital
A balcony with a table and chairs, offering a view of the sea and distant land.

17. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
5.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (631 reviews)
"Staff members are so friendly and helpful! Beautiful rooms"
Australia
Savannah
The price is AED 352
AED 389 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
A multi-story hotel with a prominent sign for 'HOTEL SIXTY-3'.

18. Hotel Sixty3

Hotel Sixty3
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (484 reviews)
"Excellent hotel service "
Singapore
David Wong Weng
The price is AED 249
AED 288 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Hotel Sixty3
A spacious restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a buffet area, and large windows providing natural light.

19. The Klagan Hotel

The Klagan Hotel
3.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay. The staff were friendly and the room was clean and comfortable.The breakfast served was very good. The location was very good too."
Australia
John
The price is AED 154
AED 182 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
The Klagan Hotel
A modern hotel building with a prominent sign reading "MANDARIN HOTEL".

20. Mandarin Hotel

Mandarin Hotel
2.0 star property
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (253 reviews)
"Great location. Able to walk to many locations and night food market next door."
Canada
Tamara
The price is AED 135
AED 155 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Mandarin Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Find out more about Kota Kinabalu

Discover cheap things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant capital of Sabah, offers a paradise of budget-friendly activities that will delight quality-seeking travelers. Begin your adventure at the stunning Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where you can take a short, affordable boat ride to explore beautiful islands like Manukan and Sapi, perfect for snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs. For a taste of local culture, visit the bustling Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu, where you can wander through stalls brimming with fresh produce and local handicrafts, and savor delicious street food without breaking the bank. A trek up to Signal Hill provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding islands, and it’s free! Don’t miss the chance to explore the lush trails of the Kinabalu National Park, where you can enjoy both easy hikes and stunning flora and fauna at no cost. For accommodation, consider staying in the lively area of Gaya Street, where you’ll find a range of affordable hotels and boutique guesthouses. This area not only offers close nearby the bustling Sunday market but also creates an opportunity to experience the local community, with its friendly atmosphere and diverse dining options. With attentive service and comfortable lodging, Gaya Street is the perfect base for your Kota Kinabalu adventure.

Find the best cheap hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Travelers looking for affordable accommodations in Kota Kinabalu will find these top budget hotels to be excellent choices. Each offers essential amenities and great service without breaking the bank.

Signel Hostel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Signel Hostel is a top-rated budget option in Kota Kinabalu, achieving an impressive review rating of 10.0. This hostel provides essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, making it a great base for travelers looking to explore the city without overspending.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include shared refrigerator and kitchenette facilities, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. The hostel also offers terrace access for relaxation, along with nearby street parking for convenience, ensuring a comfortable and budget-friendly experience.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kota Kinabalu
  • Nearby attractions: Kota Kinabalu Central Market - 0.6 miles, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade - 0.66 miles, Kompleks Asia City - 0.51 miles

Hotel 17

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Hotel 17 is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort and convenience in downtown Kota Kinabalu, a solid review rating of 8.0. Guests enjoy complimentary daily newspapers, free Wi-Fi, and toiletries, ensuring a pleasant stay without the extra costs.
  • Other amenities: In addition to budget amenities, Hotel 17 offers daily housekeeping for added convenience. The hotel features premium bedding and air conditioning to enhance guest comfort, while the concierge is always available to assist with local inquiries and recommendations.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kota Kinabalu
  • Nearby attractions: Kota Kinabalu Esplanade - 0.36 miles, Anjung Samudera - 0.75 miles, Oceanus Waterfront Mall - 0.62 miles

KK Times Square Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: KK Times Square Hotel is a fantastic option for travelers looking for budget-friendly accommodations with a rating of 8.0. The hotel provides a range of complimentary services, including 24-hour airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and daily newspapers, making it an excellent base for exploring Kota Kinabalu.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include a room service option for convenient dining, as well as various transportation services such as area shuttle and airport transportation. Guests can also take advantage of self-parking and air conditioning for a comfortable stay.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kota Kinabalu
  • Nearby attractions: Imago Shopping Mall - 0.82 miles, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade - 0.99 miles, Oceanus Waterfront Mall - 1.28 miles

Homesuite’ Home @ Riverson SOHO

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Homesuite’ Home @ Riverson SOHO is an excellent choice for budget travelers seeking a bit more space and facilities, with a review rating of 8.0. The hotel offers essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour airport shuttle, ensuring a straightforward stay for guests.
  • Other amenities: Beyond the basics, this hotel features an outdoor pool and spa services, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy self-parking, access to a fully equipped kitchen, and a furnished balcony with sea views, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kota Kinabalu
  • Nearby attractions: Imago Shopping Mall - 0.76 miles, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade - 1.16 miles, Oceanus Waterfront Mall - 1.25 miles

Seaview Capsule Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Seaview Capsule Hotel offers a unique budget experience for travelers in downtown Kota Kinabalu, with a review rating of 6.0. Guests appreciate the complimentary continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi, perfect for starting the day right without any added expenses.
  • Other amenities: The hotel boasts a prime location near the ocean and a shopping center, for added convenience for travelers. Additional amenities include self-parking, air conditioning, and a waterfront location, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the beauty of Kota Kinabalu.
  • Neighborhood: Downtown Kota Kinabalu
  • Nearby attractions: Kota Kinabalu Esplanade - 0.29 miles, Centre Point - 0.35 miles, Anjung Samudera - 0.4 miles

Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent
"Stayed for our honeymoon staff where attentive and made special arrangements for us. Also very good location and nice room with great view"
KAI YUN KATE 1-night trip
Posted 5 days ago
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Grandis Hotel

Grandis Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Everything was just as we expected"
Monika 1-night trip
Posted 2 months ago
Grandis Hotel

Frequently asked questions

What is Kota Kinabalu like for travelers on a budget?
Kota Kinabalu has a variety of cheap accommodations and places to visit, making it a great vacation choice for budget-conscious travelers. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Centre Point, KK Plaza, and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Kota Kinabalu?
Based on our traveler reviews, TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other good choices for your budget-friendly stay include Sarang Hostel Kota Kinabalu and Signel Hostel.
How many low cost hotels will I be able to find in Kota Kinabalu?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet among Expedia's 18 budget hotels in Kota Kinabalu.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Kota Kinabalu?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Kota Kinabalu, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually May and June with an average temp of 82°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 80°F. The rainiest months in Kota Kinabalu are January, November, December, and October, with each month seeing an average of 10 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors with its major shopping area and island views, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Check out the area's cultural spots like Sabah State Museum and Mari Mari Cultural Village, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Centre Point.
How can I get to Kota Kinabalu and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Kota Kinabalu can help keep you on budget. The closest airport is 4 mi (6.5 km) away from the center in Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI). To see more of the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Tanjung Aru Station or Putatan Station. You can find out about your water travel options at the marina.