5-Star Hotels in Sabah, Malaysia

One of the standout features of this hotel is the efficiency of the staff. The check-in and check-out processes were super fast, which is always appreciated after a long day of travel. Additionally, the hotel provides free parking, a major plus for those of us driving in KK where parking can often be a challenge. The accommodations were excellent. Both the room and the toilet were spotless, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout my stay. I also appreciated that they were generous with essentials—there was sufficient drinking water provided, so I never felt the need to constantly request more. Breakfast at the hotel was a pleasant experience. While the quality of the food was nice, I did find the variety a bit limited and hope they can provide more choices in the future to keep the buffet exciting. However, the absolute highlight of the morning was the fresh juice station. It is easily the best part of the breakfast service; you can request specific fruits, and the staff prepares the juice freshly for you right on the spot. It’s a personalized touch that really elevates the meal.

I chose this hotel because it's the closest to the beach with the best views, perfect for sunset watching, and indeed, the sunsets were spectacular! It's also very close to the airport. The room had a fantastic view. While the facilities felt a bit dated, it didn't detract from the overall vacation vibe. There's an ice machine on every floor, which was great for drinks. The heated pool was a nice touch, and the breakfast restaurant was huge with a wide variety of options. Because it's so large, getting from the Tanjung wing to the lobby was a bit of a walk. Also, on the fourth floor, the roof can slightly obstruct wide-angle photos. Overall, it offered a wonderful resort experience, and finding the hotel for Grab pickups was easy.

Came here specifically for the 'Hilton' name, haha. When traveling, it's always better to stick with brands you're familiar with. The room was decent, nothing spectacular but perfectly fine. Breakfast had a good variety of options, and there was even a server who showed you to your table. As for the location, it's right next to a famous internet-famous restaurant, but as an introvert, I didn't bother waiting in line. Guess I'll save that for my next visit, haha.

The location is excellent, just a 5-minute walk from Gaya Street and a 5-minute walk from the durian market (the durian night market is only open on weekends and gets really lively at night – remember to bargain!). Drawbacks: The room decor is a bit dated (though still clean); the floor-to-ceiling glass door doesn't open at all, so there's no ventilation (see picture 1). For rooms on the 5th floor and below, please pay special attention: #If you plan to stay here, be sure to request a room with an openable window at the front desk.

Here’s a polished review: Everything was excellent. The room was new and well-maintained, with a beautiful sea view. The club lounge access was great, with good food and beverage offerings. Overall, it was a worthwhile stay, and I would definitely return again.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I chose this resort for the sea view, and it was definitely worth it! I emailed the front desk in advance, but didn't get the specific room I requested. However, room 7516 had an amazing sea view. Room 7430, on the other hand, had some obstructions, so that's something to keep in mind. The room itself was quite spacious, and the bathroom was also large. Breakfast was just average and a bit crowded. The whole hotel really has that resort feel, with excellent facilities and a fun pool! There are also several restaurants, cafes, and kids' facilities. All in all, it's perfect for a relaxing getaway where you can just spend the whole day at the hotel doing nothing. The only downside was the incredibly slow service. Check-in took about 10 minutes per person, and even though late check-out was arranged, my room card stopped working and I had to go back to the front desk to reactivate it.

This place seriously blew me away. Located above Imago mall and styled like a high-end hotel, the room felt ultra-luxurious from the moment I walked in. Yes, it’s on the pricier side — but you can see and feel where the money goes. Every detail screams premium: a Dyson hairdryer, thick and fluffy slippers, electronic blinds, touch-control lighting, and a stunning bathtub that instantly sets the mood for a relaxing stay. The design is sleek, modern, and Instagram-worthy in every corner. What truly sets this place apart is the generosity in amenities. Instead of the standard small bottled water, they provide 1500ml drinking water, plus free-flow drinking water and soft drinks to enjoy anytime. Even the Starbucks cups added a classy, thoughtful touch that made the stay feel extra special. On top of all that, parking is provided, making it incredibly convenient — especially with the mall right downstairs. This isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s an experience. If you love luxury, comfort, and those little details that make you say “wow”, this place absolutely delivers.

My stay here was incredibly satisfying. The hotel recently opened, so all the facilities are brand new and spotless, with a fantastic design throughout. Both the public areas and the rooms are perfect for taking photos. The buffet breakfast offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, making every meal a pleasant experience. The entire staff was very friendly and attentive to details. A special thank you to the front desk staff member named Lin and the restaurant hostess, both of whom speak fluent Chinese. The hotel's location is a huge plus, as Gaya Street is within walking distance, making it incredibly convenient. This is definitely the place to stay when visiting Kota Kinabalu!

We were lucky enough to get a room upgrade when checking in, offering a full ocean view. It was absolutely stunning and made me feel like we'd chosen the perfect hotel – a true beachside getaway is exactly what a vacation needs! The room itself was very spacious, and the bathroom was even bigger, cleaner, and brighter than it appeared in the online photos. We arrived late and caught the tail end of the sunset, and it only took a few minutes to walk down to the beach to see it. My friend and I aren't early risers, so we skipped Jesselton Point the next day and instead departed directly from the hotel's pier to Manukan Island. There were plenty of boat times available, and we took the 12:30 PM one. There's a dedicated boat for hotel guests, which also drops you back at the hotel – super convenient. If you want to visit The Magellan, the hotel also provides a shuttle bus. The Magellan is more family-friendly, but if you're looking for better value, The Pacific is definitely the way to go. However, I do have to mention that many of the hotel's facilities are quite old. The showerhead was leaking, and I hope they'll replace it soon.

I booked the Executive Room with 2 Double Beds and access to the M Club Lounge at Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel. The room was very spacious with a modern urban style. I was lucky to get a room with both city and sea views, which made the stay even more enjoyable. The breakfast selection was excellent, with a wide variety of dishes including Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. There were also live stalls for fried dishes and noodle soup. The beverage choices were impressive too, including coffee, teh tarik, and various juices. I also enjoyed the hi-tea experience at the Club Lounge on the 15th floor. The lounge offers a beautiful view, especially during sunset, which created a very relaxing atmosphere. What made the stay even better was the friendly and helpful staff. They were very welcoming, attentive, and always ready to assist throughout my stay. Overall, I had a wonderful experience staying at Marriott Hotel Kota Kinabalu. Thank you!