What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in Kota Kinabalu?

A motel is a good choice if you're gearing up to road-trip around Kota Kinabalu. These getaways are typically located near airports and major roads, offer on-site parking and come with basic amenities and services. Spend your stay at a 3-star hotel and you'll be more centrally located. With a wider range of rooms and welcome amenities such as a fitness centre, lobby and free WiFi, you can expect to pay extra for hotel lodgings.

Do any 3-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu have a pool?

Gear up for some poolside relaxation at Kks Marina Court Resorts Condominium . Or switch from touring attractions to lounging around by the water at Cosy 3BR Homestay . Both these 3-star stays with pools are located in Kota Kinabalu, where the summer months are June, July and August. Average temperatures range from 26ºC at night to 30ºC during the day in May, the warmest month of the year.

What 3-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu have an on-site restaurant?

After a day of touring the sights, unwind with a scrumptious meal at Hotel Sri Iskandar 's on-site restaurant. This 3-star Kota Kinabalu property also offers dry cleaning and laundry services and front desk services. Or dine without having to go anywhere at AC Residence . Unlimited data and individually decorated rooms are two other conveniences on offer here.

Do any 3-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu have WiFi?

Take advantage of the WiFi at Walk In Hotel and easily post all of your fantastic photos of Kota Kinabalu. Hotel Sri Iskandar is another 3-star hotel where you'll be able to get online while travelling. WiFi may be included in the price of the room or provided for an extra charge, so check before making your reservation.

What 3-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu have parking?

If you're planning to explore Kota Kinabalu by car, Hotel Sri Iskandar has a space to leave your ride. Seri Borneo Hotel is another 3-star getaway with parking. After you've checked off the famous sights in this city, why not fill up the gas tank and explore a bit farther? Some good day trip suggestions from central Kota Kinabalu are Mount Kinabalu National Park and Mount Kinabalu Park Entrance.

Do any 3-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu have rooms with a kitchenette?

Staying at a hotel with a kitchenette is an excellent idea if you're planning a self-catered break in Kota Kinabalu. Look forward to whipping up your own breakfasts and evening meals at Kks Marina Court Resorts Condominium . WiFi and a garden are other conveniences at this 3-star escape. Or save money on restaurant and takeout bills at Cosy Suite , which also features cooking facilities in addition to a swimming pool and pool sun loungers.

Affordable 3 Star Hotels in Kota Kinabalu for 2026

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu 3-star hotels

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Carol

RM347 total

includes taxes & fees

17 May - 18 May

K Hotel

Kota Kinabalu

chien yong

RM141 total

includes taxes & fees

27 May - 28 May

Hotel 7 Suria

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Kee

RM244 total

includes taxes & fees

14 May - 15 May

Crystal Hill R

Ranau

Imran

RM94 total

includes taxes & fees

20 May - 21 May

Nabalu Kundasang Lodge

Ranau

Marco

RM100 total

includes taxes & fees

21 May - 22 May

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

FOON

RM115 total

includes taxes & fees

25 May - 26 May

Hotel DeLeeton

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Anonymous traveller

RM118 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jun - 2 Jun

Oceania Hotel

Kota Kinabalu

Siang hur

RM209 total

includes taxes & fees

14 May - 15 May

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains

Homesuite' Home at Aeropod SOVO

Tanjung Aru

Anonymous traveller

RM221 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Jun - 14 Jun

Kokol Haven Resort

Kota Kinabalu

Catherine

RM313 total

includes taxes & fees

16 May - 17 May

Premium bedding, minibar, individually decorated, individually furnished

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

Kota Kinabalu

Lee Hyuk Chime

RM277 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Jun - 14 Jun

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

OLEG

RM163 total

includes taxes & fees

21 May - 22 May

In-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Kivana Suite by Ayuhouz

Kota Kinabalu

"I booked this hotel for my sister while she was visiting our mum at the hospital, which is just a 3-minute walk away. It’s also within easy walking distance to nearby cafés and restaurants. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and the rooms are very clean and neat. The only small issue was that there was no soap for the shower, but that was easily fixed. Overall, it’s a great place to stay."

Jurina

RM162 total

includes taxes & fees

14 May - 15 May

Desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Langkah Syabas Beach Resort

Kinarut

RM250 total

includes taxes & fees

17 May - 18 May

Gaya Centre Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Lucy

RM210 total

includes taxes & fees

14 May - 15 May

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Hotel Capital

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

RM160 total

includes taxes & fees

24 May - 25 May

Monocolo Boutique Hotel

Kota Kinabalu

Thomas

RM185 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jun - 12 Jun

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Ooi

RM290 total

includes taxes & fees

15 May - 16 May

Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu Inanam Hotel

Kota Kinabalu

Saxon

RM249 total

includes taxes & fees

24 May - 25 May

The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

kwok tai

RM232 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Jun - 14 Jun

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Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu.

Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

One Place Mall, Lorong Putat 3 Kota Kinabalu Sabah

RM150

RM172 total

17 May - 18 May

includes taxes & fees

8/10 Very Good! (193 reviews)

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

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.

Kota Kinabalu and related destinations

Climb Signal Hill at dawn for panoramic views of the city skyline and islands dotting the South China Sea. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss the night market at the waterfront, while adventure seekers can take day trips to Mount Kinabalu in the nearby national park.

See all hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

K Hotel

8/10 Good

"Clean room, alot of restaurant and cafes are nearby."

Less expensive	More expensive	This month	Next month
March	October	RM140	RM144

Month	Price
January	RM144
February	RM144
March	RM137
April	RM148
May	RM140
June	RM144
July	RM142
August	RM151
September	RM148
October	RM175
November	RM146
December	RM155

Price trend information excludes taxes and fees and is based on base rates for a nightly stay for 2 adults found in the last 7 days on our site and averaged for commonly viewed properties with 3 stars in Kota Kinabalu.

Find out more about Kota Kinabalu

Find Your Ideal 3 Star Hotel in Kota Kinabalu

There's a reason the top 3-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia are so incredibly popular: They combine comforting amenities and just-for-you service with some of the best rates and discounts the area has to offer. When you book a stay at a three star hotel in Kota Kinabalu, you'll get affordable rates at these mid-range properties. Check through our listings and you'll find some hotels may even give you access to perfect little perks like on-site restaurants and cocktail bars, well-appointed fitness centres, and spacious rooms.

Search for a cheap deal on a 3 star hotel in Kota Kinabalu for the most elegant experience, or grab a low rate on one of the cheap 3 star hotels in Kota Kinabalu near the local attractions, if you want something a touch more unassuming. Whatever your travelling style, make sure to use the search tools at Expedia to track down prices, read more about amenities, and score a few local discounts.

From business trips to family getaways, the Kota Kinabalu 3 star hotels offer a fantastic economical yet comfortable stay for any type of holiday.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in Kota Kinabalu?

Our guests highly recommend Seri Borneo Hotel. It features WiFi and front desk services, and is around 0.32 kilometers north of the centre of Kota Kinabalu. AC Residence is another well-liked 3-star hotel. Located approximately 0.32 kilometers southwest of the downtown area, it offers individually decorated rooms and unlimited data.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in Kota Kinabalu?

Take advantage of Expedia's search filters to score a reasonably priced 3-star hotel for your upcoming Kota Kinabalu escape. Simply set your maximum rate with our convenient pricing tool. You can also select the amenities you want, favourite area and plenty more.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from RM172

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in Kota Kinabalu?

Check in to a 3-star hotel and you can look forward to well-kept and comfortable rooms and conveniences such as complimentary WiFi, fitness equipment and coffee and tea facilities. These lodgings may also include an on-site bar and restaurant. Upgrade your Kota Kinabalu holiday by choosing a 4-star hotel. With things like a wellness area, 24-hour room service and luxury bathroom products, you'll experience an enhanced level of comfort and relaxation.

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Kota Kinabalu Holiday Rentals

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu 3-star hotels

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

K Hotel

Hotel 7 Suria

Crystal Hill R

Nabalu Kundasang Lodge

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Hotel DeLeeton

Oceania Hotel

Homesuite' Home at Aeropod SOVO

Kokol Haven Resort

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall

Kivana Suite by Ayuhouz

Langkah Syabas Beach Resort

Gaya Centre Hotel

Hotel Capital

Monocolo Boutique Hotel

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu Inanam Hotel

The Klagan Hotel

Explore similar 4-star hotels

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Grandis Hotel

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Kota Kinabalu and related destinations

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K Hotel

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Three Star Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

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Check availability on Kota Kinabalu 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu 3-star hotels

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

K Hotel

Hotel 7 Suria

Crystal Hill R

Nabalu Kundasang Lodge

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Hotel DeLeeton

Oceania Hotel

Homesuite' Home at Aeropod SOVO

Kokol Haven Resort

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall

Kivana Suite by Ayuhouz

Langkah Syabas Beach Resort

Gaya Centre Hotel

Hotel Capital

Monocolo Boutique Hotel

Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu Inanam Hotel

The Klagan Hotel

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu and related destinations

Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

K Hotel

Find out more about Kota Kinabalu

Find Your Ideal 3 Star Hotel in Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

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