Kota Kinabalu offers a rare setting for travelers looking for something otherworldly. A beautiful coastal city in the northern section of the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is not only a seaside paradise but this capital city is partially surrounded by lush rainforest luster and tall rugged peaks. Tourists visiting peruse the vibrant markets, stroll the lively boardwalk, play on sun-kissed beaches, and explore the grand waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. With so much to see and do, at day’s end, you’re sure to be ready to unwind with a dip in the hotel pool. If you’re ready to book your accommodation you must read on to discover the best hotels with pools in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to pool. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. C'haya Hotel (from USD 42)
A best seller in the city, C'haya Hotel features air-conditioned rooms that showcase subtle modern elegance with polished parquet floors and cushy beds. The rooftop infinity swimming pool is an absolute standout of this hotel offering impeccable views of Kota Kinabalu. For convenience, units have an en suite bathroom replete with a soothing shower and complimentary toiletries. For extra convenience, some rooms even offer a handy washing machine. Popular Tanjung Aru Beach is only moments away and if you want to swing a golf club there’s an 18-hole course 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometers) away.
C'haya Hotel
Address: Lot 7, Jalan Tanjung Aru
1.11 km (0.7 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
2. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel (from USD 98)
Good value for money with strategic location and waterfront views.
Fast wifi, infinity pool, attentive staff, and strategic location near city attractions.
Convenient access to local markets, malls, and waterfront seafood markets.
Decent rooftop restaurant, great buffet breakfast, and complimentary honeymoon room setup.
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel is a waterside beauty oozing with deluxe pleasure. Residing along a beach with wonderful views of Gaya Island in the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel’s room decor is understated but appealing with lots of natural light from large windows. Top-notch treatment is this hotel’s aim and guests can enjoy a splendid outdoor sparkling infinity pool with breathtaking views, a fine fitness facility, an expansive sun terrace, and more. This hotel is near Filipino Market Sabah, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, and the bustling Gaya Street Sunday Market.
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
Address: Lot G-23A, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
4.02 km (2.5 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
3. Hilton Kota Kinabalu (from USD 69)
Great value for money with spacious rooms and excellent breakfast options.
Superb rooftop pool, modern gym, and convenient central location with easy access to nearby attractions.
Centrally located in Kota Kinabalu, close to restaurants, shops, and attractions, with a safe and comfortable surrounding area.
Delicious and diverse breakfast buffet, with local and international options, though some minor room service and dining area improvements could enhance the overall experience.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu is an upscale lodging that boasts contemporary furnishings, high ceilings, and pretty accent lighting. You’ll never want for a place to dine with no less than four delicious restaurants that serve tasty Malaysian and International cuisines. If you’re an avid shopper check out the delightful Gaya Street Sunday Market and Filipino Market less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from this hotel. The spacious and shimmering outdoor pool area shines with a glamourous flair and is attractively lit at nighttime and replete with an ample collection of lounge chairs and umbrellas for shade during sunny days.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City
4.34 km (2.7 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
4. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu (from USD 81)
Overlooking the marvelous waterfront, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is a five-star hotel with spacious rooms filled with lots of streaming sunlight, an en suite equipped with a rain shower, and a flat-screen TV with entertaining satellite channels. This first-rate property is surrounded by onsite eateries that include a welcoming Irish pub and a renowned Japanese restaurant. There’s also a couple of must-see tourist markets nearby. The outdoor swimming pool is divine for a refreshing dip. The accent palm-tree planters and plush seating complete the poolside tropical vibe.
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Address: Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong
5.31 km (3.3 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
5. Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu (from USD 43)
Affordable rates, especially when booked through cooperation with booking.com.
Nice pool for children, clean and comfortable rooms with big beds and toilets.
Strategically located near the airport, with easy access to banks, restaurants, stores, clinics, and malls.
Breakfast place could offer a wider menu and better decoration, but Semenanjung food style is enjoyable.
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu’s locale is a dream for shopaholics. Residing atop the popular shopping mall One Place Mall, this gleaming hotel offers ample creature comfort and attentive staff. Encompassed by the lofty hotel structure, the lengthy outdoor swimming pool is well maintained and provides a great respite for stressed-out businesspeople or exhausted tourists. Each air-conditioned unit is functional and offers a warm bed, a flat-screen with excellent cable TV, and en suite bathroom with complimentary fragrant toiletries. Select rooms have great city views.
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Address: One Place Mall, Lorong Putat 3, 88200 Putatan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
6.3 km (4.0 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
6. Hotel Grandis (from USD 48)
Only 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) from the heart of Kota Kinabalu and just moments from the city waterfront, Hotel Grandis is a conveniently located gem. Filled with wondrous comforts, Hotel Grandis is the place for cozy air-conditioned rooms that provide crisp LCD/plasma screen TVs, plush beds, free internet, and more. Upgraded rooms offer either a sea or city view. This luxury hotel not only provides a terrific outside pool that overlooks the water but an additional compact pool for children. This area also has a poolside bar and a large outdoor lounge space so you can unwind with your favorite cocktail and drink in the gorgeous scenery.
Hotel Grandis
Address: Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, 1A, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88000
5.73 km (3.6 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
7. Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre (from USD 54)
Awash in a funky and colorful decor, Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre is an attention-grabbing accommodation you’ll be glad you booked. This hotel with a casual atmosphere offers comfy units with lovely courtyard views, nicely stocked minibars, high-quality flatscreen TVs, and complimentary WiFi. You can upgrade your room if you want a great sea or city view. Need more room? then choose a suite with roomy living areas and efficient kitchens. The highlight is the inviting rooftop bar that sits adjacent to the pleasant swimming pool and soothing hot tub: it’s the ideal refuge if a day leaves you depleted.
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Address: No 41 Jalan Gaya, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88000
5.88 km (3.7 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
8. Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu (from USD 92)
Situated in the center of the city, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu showcases spectacular views throughout the premises and the guest rooms exude a refined feel. This hotel is steps from the city waterfront and the Night Food Market and you can explore beyond the immediate area if you head to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal just 1.1 miles (1.77 kilometers) away. For beachcombers, Tanjung Aru Beach is only 3.4 miles (5.47 kilometers) away. The hotel’s turquoise-hued swimming pool is heavenly and has pod-shaped loungers that are cushy and keeps you sufficiently shaded from the sun’s rays.
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Sinsuran
4.61 km (2.9 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
9. Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu (from USD 56)
Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu is an in-demand lodging. Guest rooms make an impression with a rich color scheme, lovely accents lighting, and handsome wood features. Upgraded rooms even provide rejuvenating and spacious hot tubs. The open-air outdoor swimming pool on the hotel’s sixth floor is a prime spot to relax offering unobstructed expansive views of the exquisite surroundings. The partially tiled pool bottom is an eye-popping sight and makes for a pleasing spot to take an invigorating swim. There’s even a children’s pool you may have trouble getting the kids to leave.
Horizon Hotel
Address: Jalan Pantai, Locked Bag 2084
5.06 km (3.2 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
10. Avangio Hotel Kota Kinabalu Managed by Accor (from USD 49)
Comprised of 103 sunny and contemporary rooms, Avangio Hotel Kota Kinabalu Managed by Accor is a prized four-star lodging in the heart of Kota Kinabalu’s Central Business District. Just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, this hotel features top-quality luxuries. The recreational activities are fabulous with a well-appointed fitness center, a reinvigorating spa, and a wellness facility. To further pamper you, this hotel possesses a dreamy pool setting with a crystal-blue outdoor swimming pool and a calm wading pool. Guests can also enjoy a delicious restaurant, a relaxing lounge, a lively pub, and a fun billiards bar.
Avangio Hotel Kota Kinabalu Managed by Accor
Address: Jalan Metro 2, Metro Town, Off Jalan Lintas,, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88300
8.11 km (5.1 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
Kota Kinabalu's superb pool dips
Possessing a blend of present-day excitement and old-world charm, Kota Kinabalu offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy one of Malaysia’s awesome regions. To ensure your stay is the utmost in comfort pick one of these amazing hotels with a pool and your time is destined to go swimmingly.
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