Kota Kinabalu Small Luxury Hotels
Show on map
If You Are in a Hurry
Here’s a quick list of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Nestled between the South China Sea and the Crocker Range, Kota Kinabalu’s Small Luxury Hotels blend intimate boutique design, locally inspired cuisine and personalized service—perfect for travelers seeking sunset-front rooms, rooftop cocktails and easy access to island excursions or Mount Kinabalu day trips. When choosing a property, opt for waterfront or city-edge hotels for dining and nightlife convenience, or eco-conscious retreats near nature reserves if you prioritize guided jungle treks, wellness amenities and curated island tours.
Best Small Luxury Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Set amid lush landscaped gardens with expansive outdoor pools in Kota Kinabalu, The Magellan Sutera Resort offers tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites in a luxury setting, conveniently located near Sutera Harbour Marina and Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club; complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property and free parking is provided for guests who drive. - Lush gardens and large outdoor pools - Elegant, well-appointed rooms and suites - Close to Sutera Harbour Marina and Golf & Country Club - Free WiFi throughout the property - Complimentary on-site parking
Avangio Hotel
Hotel 7 Suria
Opened in December 2019, Hotel 7 Suria is located in Kota Kinabalu less than 1 km from the Filipino Market Sabah and about 6 km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport; the hotel offers free WiFi, concierge services and 24-hour reception with staff who speak English, Indonesian, Malay and Chinese. Some rooms feature balconies with city views and all are air-conditioned with a wardrobe, kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with bidet, and provided bed linen and towels. The property sits within easy reach of popular attractions such as Kota Kinabalu Harbour, KK Esplanade and Atkinson Clock Tower, and is approximately 4.5 km from Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, 4.8 km from Likas City Mosque and 7.2 km from North Borneo Railway. - Central location near Filipino Market Sabah - Modern rooms with balconies and city views - 24-hour multilingual reception and concierge - Amenities: minibar, kettle, flat-screen TV, bidet - Close to airport (6 km) and major attractions
Downtown Kota Kinabalu Hotels with Balcony
Horizon Hotel
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu is a luxury beachfront resort in Tanjung Aru offering six dining venues, the exclusive Chi, The Spa, and an outdoor pool with water jets; located 7 km from Kota Kinabalu, the hotel provides complimentary WiFi throughout and free on-site parking. - Beachfront location - Six dining options on-site - Exclusive Chi, The Spa for wellness - Outdoor pool with water jets - Free WiFi and parking
Shangri-La Rasa Ria
Kota Kinabalu Hotels with Private Balcony
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Manukan Island
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island sits on a private beach overlooking the South China Sea and offers an outdoor pool alongside spacious villas and suites; each air-conditioned unit has a flat-screen TV and direct beach access, with private terraces that provide beach views, and some accommodations include a dining area and kitchen, while en suite bathrooms feature free toiletries and a shower. - Private beach with South China Sea views - Outdoor pool - Spacious villas and suites with private terraces - Direct beach access; air-conditioned units with flat-screen TVs - Select units include a kitchen and dining area
The Cara Boutique Hotel
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu, a seafront property overlooking the South China Sea and a 5-minute walk from Oceanus Waterfront Mall, offers elegantly furnished rooms with satellite flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee making facilities and en suite bathrooms stocked with soap and shampoo; the hotel features five dining outlets including Promenade Café (daily buffet breakfast with Asian, Halal and international choices) and Dynasty Restaurant for Szechuan cuisine, plus an outdoor swimming pool, gym, salon, ballroom and meeting facilities, 24/7 reception with airport transfer assistance and currency exchange, free WiFi throughout, and is conveniently located 1.4 km from the Filipino Market, 2.5 km from Atkinson Clock Tower and 9 km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. - Seafront location near Oceanus Waterfront Mall - Five on-site dining options including Szechuan specialties - Outdoor pool, gym and salon facilities - Free WiFi and 24/7 reception with airport transfer assistance - Close to local attractions and 9 km from the airport