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.

Kota Kinabalu featuring tropical scenes and general coastal views

Three Star Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

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Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu 3-star hotels

Hotel 7 Suria

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Kevin

RM515 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Jan - 11 Jan 2026

Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu Inanam Hotel

Kota Kinabalu

Saxon

RM183 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

Kota Kinabalu

JUNGMI

RM262 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Jan - 30 Jan 2026

Crystal Hill R

Ranau

Imran

RM94 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026

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

Kokol Haven Resort

Kota Kinabalu

Catherine

RM347 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Nabalu Kundasang Lodge

Ranau

Santi

RM100 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Jan - 11 Jan 2026

The Atelier

Tanjung Aru

Tommy

Minibar, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Hotel Capital

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Yin Shan

RM170 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

K Hotel

Kota Kinabalu

chien yong

RM144 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Cherrie

RM163 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026

Daily buffet breakfast (MYR 40 per person)

Hotel Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

FOON

RM176 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jan - 7 Jan 2026

The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Gustav

RM298 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Jan - 31 Jan 2026

The Klagan Regency

Kota Kinabalu

chan hong

RM197 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Jan - 18 Jan 2026

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Anonymous traveller

RM157 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Jan - 21 Jan 2026

Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

MASAKO

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Carol

RM364 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Hotel DeLeeton

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Anonymous traveller

RM124 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Jan - 24 Jan 2026

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, soundproofing

The Klagan Riverson Hotel & Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Caroline

RM182 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jan - 7 Jan 2026

Kinabalu Pine Resorts

Ranau

KIM FUNG

Mile 36 Lodge

Ranau

Wei Suan

RM100 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026

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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

RM128

RM148 total

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

includes taxes & fees

8/10 Very Good! (177 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.

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Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Hotel 7 Suria

10/10 Excellent

"Very good for the price and the convenience of being in the same building as the Suria shopping mall. "

Less expensive	More expensive	Next month
March	October	RM152

Month	Price
January	RM152
February	RM149
March	RM142
April	RM148
May	RM146
June	RM154
July	RM155
August	RM155
September	RM174
October	RM178
November	RM178
December	RM153

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 RM148

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

Three Star Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Kota Kinabalu 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for Kota Kinabalu 3-star hotels

Hotel 7 Suria

Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu Inanam Hotel

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

Crystal Hill R

Kokol Haven Resort

Nabalu Kundasang Lodge

The Atelier

Hotel Capital

K Hotel

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall

Hotel Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu

The Klagan Hotel

The Klagan Regency

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu

The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

Hotel DeLeeton

The Klagan Riverson Hotel & Residence

Kinabalu Pine Resorts

Mile 36 Lodge

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu and related destinations

Top Kota Kinabalu Hotel Reviews

Hotel 7 Suria

Find out more about Kota Kinabalu

Find Your Ideal 3 Star Hotel in Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

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