The Best Hotels Closest to Merdeka Square in Kota Kinabalu for 2026

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Our top choices for Merdeka Square hotels

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a desk with a chair, and a window with a view of buildings.

Two pairs of grey socks in plastic packaging on a tan leather surface.

A street with buildings, cars, and a sign for a health care laboratory.

A hallway with a wooden door, a white cabinet, and a wall-mounted light fixture.

1. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 mi from Merdeka Square

Kunthea

$23 nightly

$28 total

Oct 15 - Oct 16

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with a bed, a window with a view of a cityscape, a wooden door, and a wall-mounted coat rack.

Two white towels with embroidered text and decorative flowers.

A modern bathroom with a toilet, sink, and mirror.

A hotel room with a large window, a clear view of the cityscape, a vase with flowers, and a table with a menu.

2. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Kampung Air, 0.4 mi from Merdeka Square

Zhen

$27 nightly

$32 total

Oct 11 - Oct 12

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a wardrobe, and a window with a city view.

A hotel bathroom with a vanity, a mirror, a shower area, and a door.

A hallway with marble walls, wooden doors, and chandeliers.

A multi-story building with various shops on the ground floor, including a restaurant and a café.

3. ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 mi from Merdeka Square

Yuta

$32 nightly

$37 total

Oct 18 - Oct 19

Total with taxes and fees

A buffet with various food items and a view of the sea.

A high-rise hotel with multiple floors and balconies, situated by a waterfront with a boat docked nearby.

A modern hotel room with a curved ceiling, a large window offering a view of the sea, two green armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a chandelier.

A terrace with tables and chairs, overlooking a body of water with a sunset.

4. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 mi from Merdeka Square

Davide

$91 nightly

$100 total

Oct 24 - Oct 25

Total with taxes and fees

A modern interior with a spiral staircase, a kitchen area, and a dining space.

An indoor swimming pool with a clear view of the water, surrounded by a modern architectural design with vertical wooden slats and a glass barrier.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a balcony with a city view.

A person standing by a window with arms raised, overlooking a lush green landscape and distant mountains.

5. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 mi from Merdeka Square

MRS

$105 nightly

$116 total

Nov 1 - Nov 2

Total with taxes and fees

A modern kitchen with black and white cabinetry, a wooden dining table, and pendant lighting.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and large windows.

6. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 mi from Merdeka Square

Donna

$35 nightly

$38 total

Oct 13 - Oct 14

Total with taxes and fees

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand, a mirror, and a window with a view of the interior.

A street view with a building featuring a restaurant named 'Mint' and a pharmacy.

A modern bathroom with a shower, a vanity with a mirror, and a small table with a vase.

A compact kitchen with a built-in refrigerator, a microwave, and a small oven.

7. AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Kampung Air, 0.3 mi from Merdeka Square

Ganesh

$29 nightly

$34 total

Nov 2 - Nov 3

Total with taxes and fees

A modern building with a glass facade, a pool area with a curved edge, and a view of the sunset over the water.

A modern hotel lobby with a large sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a view of the sunset over the water.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a view of the sunset through large windows.

A modern gym with treadmills, stationary bikes, and exercise equipment. Large windows provide natural light and views of the outdoors.

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 mi from Merdeka Square

Thomas

$69 nightly

$76 total

Oct 11 - Oct 12

Total with taxes and fees

A multi-story hotel with a prominent sign for 'HOTEL SIXTY-3'.

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside lamps, a framed picture on the wall, and a vase with flowers on the table.

A hotel reception area with a curved reception desk, a television screen, and a modern ceiling design.

A modern living room with a flat-screen TV displaying a nature scene, a sofa, a coffee table, a lamp, and a framed picture on the wall.

9. Hotel Sixty3

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 mi from Merdeka Square

David Wong Weng

$63 nightly

$70 total

Oct 9 - Oct 10

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a lamp.

A room with a black shelf holding patterned cushions, a hexagonal mirror, and two orange containers.

A hotel entrance with a sign reading "GAIA95".

A hotel interior with a wooden slat wall, a sign reading "GAIA95", and a view of the outside through a window.

10. Hotel Gaia 95

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 mi from Merdeka Square

Brittany

$22 nightly

$26 total

Oct 7 - Oct 8

Total with taxes and fees

A modern interior with a central spiral slide, seating areas, and a neon sign.

A modern interior with green armchairs, a wooden table, and a staircase with a railing.

A staircase with a mural featuring a cartoon character and a sun.

A modern lounge area with sofas, chairs, and tables, featuring large windows and a ceiling with exposed ductwork.

11. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

Kampung Air, 0.2 mi from Merdeka Square

Kim

$54 nightly

$61 total

Oct 8 - Oct 9

Total with taxes and fees

A spacious restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a buffet area, and large windows providing natural light.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, several receptionists, and a large potted plant.

A window with sheer curtains, a view of a body of water, and a distant hill.

A hotel room with a bed, a television, a desk with a computer, and a window with curtains.

12. The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 mi from Merdeka Square

John

$46 nightly

$49 total

Oct 13 - Oct 14

Total with taxes and fees

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees, surrounded by wooden structures.

A wooden deck with a table and chairs overlooking a body of water.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a TV, a large window with a view of the sea, and a bathroom with a sink and mirror.

A modern hotel room with a dining area, a sofa set, and a large window with a view of the sea.

13. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 mi from Merdeka Square

HEIDI

$86 nightly

$95 total

Oct 20 - Oct 21

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a minibar.

A hotel room with a sofa, a coffee table, a small dining table, a kitchenette, and a large window.

A hotel room with a white desk, a coffee maker, a water bottle, and a tray with cups and a bag of snacks.

14. Hotel Capital

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 mi from Merdeka Square

Sofía

$30 nightly

$34 total

Oct 8 - Oct 9

Total with taxes and fees

A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a shower, and a view of the cityscape and sea.

A modern living room with a sofa, a TV, a small table, and a dining area with chairs.

A modern hotel pool area with a clear view of the sea, lounge chairs, and a large building in the background.

15. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 mi from Merdeka Square

Yan Ting

$50 nightly

$56 total

Oct 29 - Oct 30

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside lamps, a chair, and a green wall.

A reception desk with a computer, a plant, and a framed picture on the wall.

A staircase with a potted plant and a framed picture on the wall.

A hallway with wooden chairs, a vase of flowers, and a staircase in the background.

16. Hotel Eden54

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 mi from Merdeka Square

Anonymous traveler

$28 nightly

$30 total

Oct 8 - Oct 9

Total with taxes and fees

A modern hotel building with a prominent sign reading "MANDARIN HOTEL".

A modern bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, a toilet, and a sink with a towel rack above.

A modern living room with a sofa, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a wooden panel wall.

A hotel room with a bed, wooden wardrobe, and an air conditioning unit.

17. Mandarin Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.1 mi from Merdeka Square

Tamara

$42 nightly

$48 total

Oct 11 - Oct 12

Total with taxes and fees

A spacious lobby with a grand piano, a curved sofa, and a reception desk.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, a wardrobe, and a bathroom with a glass door.

A spacious lobby with a curved sofa, a chandelier, and a seating area with tables and chairs.

A grand lobby with a grand piano, a curved sofa, and a chandelier.

18. The Jesselton Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 mi from Merdeka Square

Henn Kiew

$56 nightly

$63 total

Oct 8 - Oct 9

Total with taxes and fees

A reception desk at Hotel de Leeton with a sign indicating the reception area.

A hotel entrance with a 'No Smoking' sign, a 'Hotel deFeet' sign, and a 'Please make deliveries to side door' sign.

A conference room with a long table, red chairs, a projector screen, and speakers.

A conference room with rows of tables and chairs, a projector screen, and wooden cabinets.

19. Hotel DeLeeton

Kampung Air, 0.4 mi from Merdeka Square

Anonymous traveler

$22 nightly

$27 total

Nov 3 - Nov 4

Total with taxes and fees

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a view of the sunset over the water, and a balcony with a chair.

A modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, a freestanding bathtub, and a black marble sink.

A corner room with large windows, a teal chair, and a small table with a remote control.

A hotel reception area with a modern design, including a large flower-shaped ceiling light, a reception desk, and a seating area with tables and chairs.

20. Hotel 7 Suria

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 mi from Merdeka Square

Ai Ming

$50 nightly

$56 total

Oct 6 - Oct 7

Total with taxes and fees

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Merdeka Square

Property	Star rating	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 56 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 97 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews	View
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu	9.0 Wonderful 1,001 reviews	View
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu	9.2 Wonderful 220 reviews	View

Top Merdeka Square Hotel Reviews

Grandis Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was just as we expected"

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"We stayed for one week and the room was very comfortable. The breakfast included was worth the extra fee. 24/7 Gym and laundry services available. Infinity pool was relaxing and has a great view of sea. Citadines is a popular meet up spot. We went on two tours and they picked us up right outside our hotel. There is a restaurant, massage spa, burger king, cafe and lemon tea shop in the same building."

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Good location, very alert staff who demonstrated initiative in many small ways."

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Great location - close to all amenities and the waterfront Great roof top pool although very overpriced food in the restaurants. Great staff Would definitely recommend"

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

8/10 Good

"Very helpful staff good location"

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Very comfortable and spacious room. Excellent breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff."

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

10/10 Excellent

"The room was spotlessly clean and well maintained. There was even a nice little common hallway with extra toiletries and coffee/tea packets. The host provided a waterproof beach pouch which was exactly what I needed that day. The location is unbeatable. It's literally upstairs from the most amazing grilled seafood night market. 10/10. I will definitely book here again"

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"The pool area was lovely and the rooftop bar was fabulous. Friendly and helpful staff. Food by the pool was great."

Hotel Capital

10/10 Excellent

"I LOVE TO STAY WITH THIS HOTEL. VERY CONVENIENCE. NEAR TO TAMU GAYA WHICH ME AND MY FAMILY LOVE TO GO THERE. SURROUNDING WITH NEAR SUPERMARKET AND MALL. . EVERY TIME TO KK, WE WILL STAY TO THIS HOTEL. 5 STAR TO STAY HERE"

Other attractions near Merdeka Square

Atkinson Clock Tower

7.6/10 (17 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Pusat Bandar with a stop at Atkinson Clock Tower. Visit the area's shops or amble around its marina.

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Api Api Night Food Market Gaya Street

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Api Api Night Food Market Gaya Street during your stay in Pusat Bandar. Discover the beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants in this romantic area.

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Gaya Street Sunday Market

8.2/10 (478 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Gaya Street Sunday Market. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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Sedco Square

8.8/10 (3 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can do some window-shopping at Sedco Square. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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KK Plaza

7.6/10 (97 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at KK Plaza. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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Kota Kinabalu Central Market

7.8/10 (375 reviews)

During your trip to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Kota Kinabalu Central Market. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

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Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center

8.0/10 (183 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can enjoy retail therapy at Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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Handicraft Market

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Handicraft Market during your visit to Pusat Bandar. Discover the beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants in this family-friendly area.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Merdeka Square?

Merdeka Square is located in Bandaran Berjaya. This family-friendly area is known for its beautiful island views and top seafood restaurants. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 283 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay close to Merdeka Square?

Adjacent to Merdeka Square, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers 2 bars and a restaurant. Other good options within a short distance include Hyatt Regency Kinabalu and Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu.

How many hotels are there near Merdeka Square?

Expedia has 283 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Merdeka Square.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Merdeka Square, will I receive a refund?

Yes! Most hotel bookings are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, it may still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Add dates, click "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to view top deals close to Merdeka Square.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Merdeka Square?

To access more information about picking new dates or cancelling your stay near Merdeka Square, click here.

What can I see and do near Merdeka Square?

Sights like Atkinson Clock Tower and Koisaan Cultural Village highlight some of the local culture. Local parks like Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, and Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre are peaceful spots to stop and take in some fresh air. Bring the family to Aquascape Center, Downbelow Adventure Centre, and Orchid De Villa while you're checking out the area near Merdeka Square.

Find hotels near Merdeka Square, Kota Kinabalu from $26

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Merdeka Square hotels

1. CJ Residence

2. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

3. ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

4. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

5. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

6. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

7. AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

8. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

9. Hotel Sixty3

10. Hotel Gaia 95

11. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

12. The Klagan Hotel

13. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

14. Hotel Capital

15. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

16. Hotel Eden54

17. Mandarin Hotel

18. The Jesselton Hotel

19. Hotel DeLeeton

20. Hotel 7 Suria

Compare popular hotels close to Merdeka Square

Top Merdeka Square Hotel Reviews

Grandis Hotel

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Hotel Capital

Other attractions near Merdeka Square

Atkinson Clock Tower

Api Api Night Food Market Gaya Street

Gaya Street Sunday Market

Sedco Square

KK Plaza

Kota Kinabalu Central Market

Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center

Handicraft Market

Frequently asked questions