The Jesselton Hotel Reviews

The hotel's location is excellent; you can shop, eat, and get a spa treatment right downstairs. My check-in was smooth, and the room was clean and spacious.

The front desk staff were very helpful and friendly; the hotel is in a very strategic location and easily accessible.

Very Good location if you want to move around the city by foot. However, Hotel is old and if u prefers the modern aesthetic look this hotel is not for u. Breakfast can be improved.. stated in the menu muesli but what i got is cornflakes with some fruits..Bagel is also cold. You can opt out the breakfast as they are a lot of breakfast choice nearby.

Having stayed in all sorts of standard hotels, I took a chance on this one because of its long history and unique character, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a beautiful historic building, and right outside, you'll find top-rated restaurants from review sites, plus shopping is incredibly convenient. Gaya Street truly is a great place. I'm glad I chose this over a resort. If you love experiencing local life, I highly recommend it. BTW, the massage on the 3rd floor is definitely worth trying. Of course, I'd read some negative reviews and was prepared. Luckily, both check-in and check-out were super fast, and the front desk staff were all very nice. There was some motorcycle noise, but I was so exhausted from exploring every day that it didn't bother me at all. The curtains block out light really well; I slept in until almost 10 AM on the first day. The facilities are a bit older but all perfectly functional. They clean the room and restock supplies daily, which I really appreciate. It's perfect for those who enjoy unique accommodations.

Pros: The location is excellent, situated on the bustling Gaya Street. It's within walking distance to popular local eateries and attractions, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the lively surroundings. The hotel itself exudes a strong, distinctive classical colonial charm. Cons: As it's an older hotel, some of the room facilities and bathroom amenities show their age and might benefit from refurbishment. Recommended for travelers who appreciate a vintage atmosphere and prioritize convenient transportation.

Location: Fantastic, absolutely perfect! 👍 Facilities: The hotel's facilities are a bit dated. There are no charging outlets next to the bed, which is a minor inconvenience for modern travelers who can't live without their phones. The bathtub also had some cracks, which I can understand. Cleanliness: Generally good. I skipped housekeeping on the first day as I was resting in the room, but they didn't come to clean on the second or third day either. When I asked the front desk, they said I had pressed the 'Do Not Disturb' button, but I couldn't find any such button in my room. A bit confusing, but not a big deal. Ambiance: The lobby is quite spacious and pleasant. There's a spa on the third floor, which is convenient for a foot massage or a spa treatment after a long day of exploring. However, the facilities are relatively basic and can't compare to spas in China. Service: Good service overall. After speaking with the front desk, they were accommodating with a late check-out.

Strategic location and easy to move around in the city. But the room is a bit small and can get better value room from hotel nearby.

COzy and nice hotel. convenient place. centre of the city with alot of things to eat

The hotel lobby was constantly packed, so checking in probably took ages. Plus, the elevators were always crowded, so factor in at least 10 minutes to get downstairs. Finally, I stayed in one of their pricier, larger room types, which cost around 500 a night. It was called the 'Water Curtain Cave' room, and every time I went into the bathroom, the air conditioning above the toilet dripped water right onto my head! It was incredibly annoying. It dripped whenever the AC was on, and the room was just constantly dripping. I'm done, I won't be staying here again.

Location: Extremely convenient, with easy access to dining, entertainment, and shopping. Service: Luggage storage is a great perk, and the hotel also offers a fantastic (paid) sand spa. Facilities: The hotel boasts a classic British vintage style. While some of the basic facilities might be a bit dated, everything is clean.

The front desk staff were incredibly helpful. The rooms in the new building are well-maintained and very clean. Located right on Gaya Street, all the popular spots and restaurants are just a few hundred meters away, making it super convenient to get around. However, it does get a bit noisy at night; you can constantly hear cars and motorcycles.

A night stay here before our next day to Kundasang/Mt Kinabalu hike. Very near to iconic point and many restaurants and souvenirs shop near by. Jz the hotel a bit old. Friendly and helpful staff. Allow us to drop off our luggage here during our 3D2N to Kundasang/Mt Kinabalu.

Very satisfied! The hotel looks new and clean, and the location is excellent. It really feels like an apartment from an American TV show, haha.

This is an old boutique hotel located in the heart of Gaya Street, rich with history and character. Initially, I booked it purely for its excellent location, but during my stay I came to appreciate the hotel’s historical significance, which made the experience feel much more special. What disappointed me, however, was that the hotel does not do enough to highlight or preserve its own story. There was very little information displayed or explained for guests to understand the role the hotel played in the growth of Kota Kinabalu after World War II, particularly following the Allied bombings and the Japanese occupation. I truly feel the hotel could promote itself more as a historical destination rather than simply another hotel on Gaya Street. As a small locally owned boutique hotel, amenities are understandably limited. There is a massage parlour on-site that operates independently and rents space from the hotel. However, it is not located in the lobby or a separate commercial area, but on the third floor where many guests’ rooms are located, with both hotel guests and massage customers sharing a single lift. As a solo female traveller, this made me feel slightly concerned about security and privacy, since non-guests were able to access the same guest floors. One positive aspect was that despite the busy Gaya Street Market taking place over the weekend and continuing late into the night, the noise levels were surprisingly manageable and did not disrupt my stay too much. One downside during my stay was that the bidet in the bathroom was broken and leaked continuously whenever the water was turned on, which was quite inconvenient. Overall, I enjoyed the historical charm and strategic location of the hotel, but I believe it has much greater potential if it embraces and showcases its heritage more thoughtfully.