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

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

Next weekend

In two weeks

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.

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

A modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, a toilet, and a sink with a mirror above it.

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

1. CJ Residence

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Kunthea

SAR 103

SAR 120 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Oct - 24 Oct

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a nightstand with a lamp, and a view of the city through the window.

A minibar setup with a selection of beverages, a coffee machine, and a small shelf with decorative flowers.

A shower with a handheld showerhead and a wall-mounted control panel.

A hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign for 'City Express' and a visible 'KINABALU SPORTS' sign.

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

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Merdeka Square

Imran

SAR 135

SAR 157 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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

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

A compact minibar with a coffee maker, a glass, and a vase with flowers.

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.7 km from Merdeka Square

Zhen

SAR 136

SAR 156 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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

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

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

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

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

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Merdeka Square

Yuta

SAR 124

SAR 143 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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 hotel hallway with a marble floor, wooden doors, and a chandelier.

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

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

Kampung Air, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Ganesh

SAR 117

SAR 136 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

A modern bar area with a long counter, bar stools, and a television mounted on the wall.

A buffet with various food options, a counter with plates, and a modern interior design.

A modern building entrance with glass doors, a blue carpet, and two lion statues.

6. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Merdeka Square

Catherine

SAR 181

SAR 241 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Nov - 15 Nov

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

A modern living room with a large window overlooking a body of water and a forested hill. There is a sofa, a coffee table, and a small table with a plant.

7. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Merdeka Square

MRS

SAR 368

SAR 406 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

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

8. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.3 km from Merdeka Square

Donna

SAR 133

SAR 144 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

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

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

9. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Kip

SAR 314

SAR 348 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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 reception area with marble walls, a reception desk, and a digital information board.

10. Hotel Capital

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

Sofía

SAR 100

SAR 127 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Oct - 31 Oct

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

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

A hotel named 'CAIA 95' with a modern facade, a business service center, and a visible entrance.

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

11. Hotel Gaia 95

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.4 km from Merdeka Square

Brittany

SAR 76

SAR 100 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Oct - 24 Oct

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

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

A modern living room with a sofa, a hanging chair, and a laptop on a table.

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

12. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

Kampung Air, 0.3 km from Merdeka Square

Kim

SAR 242

SAR 271 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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

A modern hotel with a prominent 'Shore' sign, featuring a grid-like facade and a central entrance.

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

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

Yan Ting

SAR 221

SAR 316 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

A modern hotel corridor with a marble floor, dark wooden walls, and a large abstract artwork on the left.

A modern hotel entrance with a glass facade, a visible staircase, and a sign for 'GRANDIS HOTEL'.

A reception area with a marble counter, wooden bench, and decorative wall panels.

A spacious living room with a modern sofa, a round coffee table, and a chandelier.

14. Grandis Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.8 km from Merdeka Square

Monika

SAR 369

SAR 413 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Nov - 19 Nov

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 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.

A modern elevator area with a wooden panel wall, a digital information display, and a trash bin.

15. Hotel Sixty3

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.6 km from Merdeka Square

David Wong Weng

SAR 286

SAR 329 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

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

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

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.

16. The Jesselton Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.5 km from Merdeka Square

Henn Kiew

SAR 190

SAR 214 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Oct - 23 Oct

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

A hotel lobby with a red carpet, potted plants, and a glass storefront.

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.

17. The Klagan Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Merdeka Square

John

SAR 182

SAR 215 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

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

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.

18. Mandarin Hotel

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.2 km from Merdeka Square

Tamara

SAR 152

SAR 176 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Nov - 19 Nov

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.

19. Hotel Eden54

Downtown Kota Kinabalu, 0.7 km from Merdeka Square

Anonymous traveler

SAR 97

SAR 114 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Oct - 1 Nov

A hotel room with two beds, each with white bedding and red accents, a wooden floor, and a wall-mounted coffee machine.

A hallway with a wooden floor, a series of framed pictures on the wall, and a mirror reflecting the hallway.

A multi-story hotel with balconies, a ground floor entrance, and parked cars.

A hotel lobby with a wooden reception desk, a sofa, and a coffee table.

20. Hotel O Five 2

Kampung Air, 0.4 km from Merdeka Square

valerie

SAR 85

SAR 100 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Merdeka Square

Property	Property class	Guest rating
CJ Residence	9.6 Exceptional 57 reviews	View
A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	10.0 Exceptional 5 reviews	View
AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 100 reviews	View
ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews	View
AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group	9.6 Exceptional 10 reviews	View

Top Merdeka Square Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Room was very clean and maintained well by the service staff. Breakfast was reasonable and staff was friendly"

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."

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."

Horizon Hotel

8/10 Good

"I enjoyed my stay .It was a a spacious and comfortable room .The staff were friendly and helpful and the included breakfast was very nice .The pool was pleasant too .The location was convenient too."

Hotel 7 Suria

8/10 Good

"Located in the Suria mall"

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

8/10 Good

"Tired room but good enough "

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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.

See properties

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 SAR 100

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Our top choices for Merdeka Square hotels

1. CJ Residence

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

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

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

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

6. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

7. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

8. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

9. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

10. Hotel Capital

11. Hotel Gaia 95

12. TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Travel Meets Social

13. The Shore Kota Kinabalu by Five Senses

14. Grandis Hotel

15. Hotel Sixty3

16. The Jesselton Hotel

17. The Klagan Hotel

18. Mandarin Hotel

19. Hotel Eden54

20. Hotel O Five 2

Compare popular hotels close to Merdeka Square

Top Merdeka Square Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

Grandis Hotel

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Horizon Hotel

Hotel 7 Suria

Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu

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