Travelers to Sabah will most likely enter this amazing region through Kota Kinabalu, a bustling coastal city filled with a variety of sights and experiences. Tourists can enjoy seaside picnics on the white sands of Tanjung Aru Beach, with beachgoers often staying late to watch the beautiful sunset. Shopaholics can indulge in retail therapy at the Handicraft Market, where they will find numerous stalls offering local treasures such as sarongs, handbags, and pearl jewelry.
For those making plans to visit Kota Kinabalu, we have a list of the city’s newest hotels so you can make a better-informed decision on where to stay. Read on for our rundown of the top new hotels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, prioritizing hotels that have opened or undergone significant renovations since January 2023. Our selection process considers recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 07, 2024.
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Your options at a glance
| Hotel | Best Feature | Opening Date | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu | Pet-friendly residences with rooftop infinity pool overlooking the port | February 2024 | from USD 101 |
| Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu | Upscale hotel with a double-edge infinity pool on the 23rd floor | October 2022 | from USD 181 |
| The LUMA Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels | Biophilic design and aesthetics inspired by Sabah's nature | January 2022 | from USD 91 |
| Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel | High-rise property with views of the sea and Mt. Kinabalu | 2025 | - |
Why you should stay in a new hotel
Staying in a new hotel can offer several advantages:
- Fresh and clean: A brand-new hotel is likely to be pristine and free from wear and tear.
- First-class service: New hotels are eager to impress their guests and may provide exceptional customer service.
- Potential deals: To attract guests, new hotels often offer special introductory rates or promotions.
- Upgrade potential: If you have elite status, you may have a better chance of getting a room upgrade at a new hotel that's trying to impress its first guests.
- Unique design: New hotels may showcase innovative architectural designs and interior decor, providing a fresh and exciting experience.
If you value modern amenities, a clean environment, and a unique experience, a new hotel might be an excellent choice.
How we choose the best new hotels in Kota Kinabalu
When selecting the best new hotels in Kota Kinabalu, we consider a variety of factors to ensure that each recommendation meets the diverse needs of travelers. Our criteria include:
- Opening dates: Completed or significantly renovated since January 2023, or scheduled to open within the next 12 months
- Location: Proximity to key attractions, transportation hubs, and dining and nightlife options
- Design and amenities: Room types, size, unique features, and overall ambiance
- Guest experiences: Reviews and feedback on service, comfort, and operational aspects such as check-in and check-out times
- Value: Overall quality relative to price
- Distinguishing factors: Innovative technology, deep connections to local culture, or exceptional dining experiences.
By thoroughly analyzing these aspects and providing a comprehensive assessment of each hotel’s strengths and areas for improvement, we aim to help you make an informed decision and choose the ideal hotel for your Kota Kinabalu visit.
1. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu (from USD 101)
Opened in: February 2024
What we love:
1. Great location:
- 14-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport
- 4-minute walk to the Handicraft Market
- 13-minute drive to Tanjung Aru Beach
2. Lovely stays:
- All accommodations are well-equipped apartments with a kitchenette and dining area
- Pets are welcome for an extra fee
3. Handy amenities:
- The infinity pool faces the sea and is a great place to watch the sunset
- The on-site gym is equipped with modern machines and open 24 hours
- For those on an extended vacation, the on-site laundry facilities will come in handy
What could be better:
- Due to the location and shared building, events in the neighborhood may cause disturbances
- On-site dining only for the breakfast service
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
2. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu (from USD 181)
Opened in: October 2022
What we love:
1. Convenient location:
- 21-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport
- 6-minute walk to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
- 4-minute walk to Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
2. Stylish stays:
- Guests will love having an uncluttered accommodation with the spacious units
- All 222 units include a furnished private balcony
3. Fantastic amenities:
- Cool off with a dip in the infinity pool on the 23rd floor
- ON23 Sky Bar offers light meals that go well with their signature mixes
- Enjoy the views while savoring delicious Asian fare at ON22 Restaurant
What could be better:
- With 222 rooms, service may not be as personalized
- Some guests have mentioned the air conditioning can be a bit loud and fussy to work with
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Address: 18, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu
3. The LUMA Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels (from USD 91)
Opened in: January 2022
What we love:
1. Convenient location:
- 14-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport
- 6-minute walk to Riverson The Walk Mall
- 6-minute walk to Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu
2. Sleek design and accommodations:
- The hotel features incredible biophilic design, with numerous plants in public spaces
- Standard configurations are well-appointed and include comforts such as air-conditioning and TV
- Upscale options are more spacious and feature a living area
3. Fine amenities:
- Guests can discover new flavors at JOJO Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion cuisine
- The on-site gym is very well-equipped and boasts a wide array of exercise gear for a variety of workouts
What could be better:
- No on-site pool for those who love to relax with a swim
- On-site parking is paid and does not come bundled with stays
The LUMA Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels
Address: Lot 2-5, Block A Sutera Avenue,Sembulan
Upcoming hotel in Kota Kinabulu
4. Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Opening in: 2025
What we love:
1. Plentiful accommodations:
- Will feature 378 high-rise units with promising views of the region
2. Lavish amenities:
- Fitness-oriented guests will enjoy the well-equipped gym
- There will also be an infinity pool for lounging and taking in the view
3. Dining and drinks:
- Admire the skyline while sipping your favorite cocktails and beverages at the rooftop bar and cigar lounge
What could be better:
- Having a high number of units to maintain may mean less personalized service
Kota Kinabalu is the best place to play
From beautiful beaches to native handicrafts, Kota Kinabalu is an amazing destination to get away from it all. There are plenty of wonderful lodgings available, ranging from budget homestays to fancy beach resorts. But if you’re a returning visitor, try something new by picking any of the options above!
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