The Jesselton Hotel
69 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu 88000 Malaysia
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Avg. RMÂ 250 /night, 1/25 - 1/26
RMÂ 250
per night
RMÂ 215
per night
RMÂ 180
per night
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Today
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About
#16 of 123 hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
The Jesselton Hotel welcomes business and leisure travelers alike with a central location in the heart of the city and an array of selection for places to visit; encapsulating the full lifestyle of a city life within a tropical haven. Located on 69 Gaya Street, the hotel doors open to a Sunday Market which has become the place to go on for some retail therapy. Another great place to experience the culture and the livelihood of the Sabahan families on a Sunday outing. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Sabah Tourism Corporation office, KK Heritage Walk and Night Market, Shopping Malls and about a 20 minutes’ drive from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). The prime location also provides an easy access to a whole range of dining options including Italian, French, Western, Asian and fusion cuisines, which are all available within walking distance to the hotel. Experience for yourself this wonderfully inspiring one of a kind colonial jewel in KK!
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Concierge
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, Malay
Location
69 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu 88000 Malaysia
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 97 out of 100
97
Kota Kinabalu Airport
5.8 km•
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107 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Check in and waited for 40 minutes. I really don't understand.
There is no internet at night, not at all. The mobile phone signal is also very poor, even worse than the signal blocking of the college entrance examination
Why does it require at least 50 characters?
There is no internet at night, not at all. The mobile phone signal is also very poor, even worse than the signal blocking of the college entrance examination
Why does it require at least 50 characters?
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Date of stay: August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm always a little weary of the so-called boutique hotels, but the Jesselton in Kota Kinabalu truly is a class act and I can't say enough about it. Lovely, colonial style rooms, all the usual room amenities, and quiet. I would have liked a few more toiletries (for the price I was paying), example: a toothbrush, razor would have been nice, but a minor complaint. The staff were extremely attentive and helpful and the breakfast (included in the room price) was just what the doctor ordered. The location is central, and if you are looking for a top end alternative to the nearby Hyatt, the Jesselton is a sure bet. If you are emerging from the Borneo jungle or from the tough trek to the top of nearby Mt Kinabalu and you want to reward yourself with a bit of luxury, check this hotel out.
-- peter tolman, Okayama, Japan
-- peter tolman, Okayama, Japan
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Jesselton is a lovely place to stay. Their Junior Suite is extremely quiet and comfortable and imaginatively decorated. The mix of English colonial and Chinese antique in the décor works well and is a refreshing change from the standard issue big hotel. Staff are friendly and English is widely spoken.
Location is excellent – right in the city centre, handy for the ferry terminal, market and shops and a short taxi ride from the airport. This does mean that you don’t get a view – even the suite overlooks a multi-storey carpark – but we were not in any way bothered by traffic noise.
The hotel’s Wishbone Café is great with a good mix of Eastern and Western dishes. Excellent breakfasts served here too. The more upmarket Gardenia Restaurant is a little odd. The food, particularly the main courses, is on the whole excellent. Unfortunately the place is very small and moodily lit which creates a cave-like atmosphere which doesn’t combine happily with a constantly looping muzak tape. Said muzak tape is really my only grumble about the Jesselton – it plays continually in the café and the restaurant and rapidly becomes maddening – you really can have too much of the Girl from Ipanema! That apart we loved it – and would go back
Location is excellent – right in the city centre, handy for the ferry terminal, market and shops and a short taxi ride from the airport. This does mean that you don’t get a view – even the suite overlooks a multi-storey carpark – but we were not in any way bothered by traffic noise.
The hotel’s Wishbone Café is great with a good mix of Eastern and Western dishes. Excellent breakfasts served here too. The more upmarket Gardenia Restaurant is a little odd. The food, particularly the main courses, is on the whole excellent. Unfortunately the place is very small and moodily lit which creates a cave-like atmosphere which doesn’t combine happily with a constantly looping muzak tape. Said muzak tape is really my only grumble about the Jesselton – it plays continually in the café and the restaurant and rapidly becomes maddening – you really can have too much of the Girl from Ipanema! That apart we loved it – and would go back
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Date of stay: September 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It took me just 20 mins by taxi from the KK International Airport to reach the Jesselton Hotel located ideally in the heart of the city surrounded by numerous shopping centres , banks and restaurants almost everything a traveller needed. The hotel was established in 1954 but it retained it's evergreen colonial elegance and originality through it's consistent restoration and renovation programmes over the years .
The staff were so friendly, hospitable and ever helpful with their excellent service. Foods served in the only Bella Restaurant met my expectation and I would recommend you to eat there. They served Western and local food. Just by it's side was the popular Old Town Cafe to provide you good coffee ,tea , bread and a variety of common local foods in case you got hungry any time of the day, a bonus for you.
The room and the rest room were clean, so were the bed, the sheets and the pillows with complete amenities inclusive of free WIFI . I was quite impressed, there were two safety bars for holding at the bath tub area which you seldom find in other hotels.There was a book containing the history of the hotel, places of interest to visit and the various contact numbers of the hotel. Perhaps another page on the Do's and the Dont's for a traveller in KK would be helpful too.
The people in Kota Kinabalu were mostly friendly people with smiles all around and quite conversant with the English language. The airport transfer would cost you Ringgit Malaysia 30 and generally, the ample number of taxi drivers are honest and helpful to tourists. I would recommend this hotel to you but you would be considered lucky if you could book a room on your first call as it was booked fully most of the time.
Cheers and hope you enjoy your stay here !
The staff were so friendly, hospitable and ever helpful with their excellent service. Foods served in the only Bella Restaurant met my expectation and I would recommend you to eat there. They served Western and local food. Just by it's side was the popular Old Town Cafe to provide you good coffee ,tea , bread and a variety of common local foods in case you got hungry any time of the day, a bonus for you.
The room and the rest room were clean, so were the bed, the sheets and the pillows with complete amenities inclusive of free WIFI . I was quite impressed, there were two safety bars for holding at the bath tub area which you seldom find in other hotels.There was a book containing the history of the hotel, places of interest to visit and the various contact numbers of the hotel. Perhaps another page on the Do's and the Dont's for a traveller in KK would be helpful too.
The people in Kota Kinabalu were mostly friendly people with smiles all around and quite conversant with the English language. The airport transfer would cost you Ringgit Malaysia 30 and generally, the ample number of taxi drivers are honest and helpful to tourists. I would recommend this hotel to you but you would be considered lucky if you could book a room on your first call as it was booked fully most of the time.
Cheers and hope you enjoy your stay here !
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Date of stay: May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This really was a find in the heart of KK. Nice clean rooms and delightful public spaces. Probably the best hotel in KK in terms of style, class and value for money.
The lounge Bar is lovely if a bit small but the cafe is excellent value and the restaurant is pretty solid though certainly not cheap. Loved the Lounge Bar waiter who has been working at this hotel for over 40 years. All the staff were superbly attentive and helpful.
Nearby is the best eating establishment in KK - Little Italy - an absolute must with its fresh pasta attentive service and delightful atmosphere.
As a previous reviewer said this is an excellent alternative to the Hyatt, it's only blemish for me was the lack of a swimming pool. That facility would have got it an extra star rating.
The lounge Bar is lovely if a bit small but the cafe is excellent value and the restaurant is pretty solid though certainly not cheap. Loved the Lounge Bar waiter who has been working at this hotel for over 40 years. All the staff were superbly attentive and helpful.
Nearby is the best eating establishment in KK - Little Italy - an absolute must with its fresh pasta attentive service and delightful atmosphere.
As a previous reviewer said this is an excellent alternative to the Hyatt, it's only blemish for me was the lack of a swimming pool. That facility would have got it an extra star rating.
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Date of stay: April 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the Jessleton for 1 night following a trip to the jungle outside of Sandakan. I was choosing between the Jessleton and the Meridian, so I went the the Jessleton just for something different. It is definitely an older hotel, but renovated and well maintained.
It was so nice to be in a clean, comfortable room. I booked my room online and at random, but it was big, with a nice big comfortable bed and a great shower.
Pleasant location on a nice street, only a short walk to the mall and the waterfront.
Service in the hotel was particularly classy, friendly and professional.
I would definitely stay here again.
It was so nice to be in a clean, comfortable room. I booked my room online and at random, but it was big, with a nice big comfortable bed and a great shower.
Pleasant location on a nice street, only a short walk to the mall and the waterfront.
Service in the hotel was particularly classy, friendly and professional.
I would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent a total of four nights at this lovely hotel right in the centre of Kota Kinabalu. The first two nights were with our son, and we got upgraded to the suite which was a lovely treat. The room had been well prepared for us with an extra bed, towels and water for three and was extremely comfortable and spacious. The included breakfast was good, and was prepared to order from a menu. After an absence of four days, we returned without our son for two more nights. We were in a standard double room this time, which was still very comfortable, but we were on the road side this time so could hear traffic and motor bikes at night. Breakfast wasn’t included in this stay, so we ordered from the menu and paid. It seems it is a separate company, because we were unable to put the breakfast on our room bill. The rooms come complete with a safe which is free to use, and there is also a fridge, kettle, large tv etc. The hotel is a ten minute walk max to the sea front, with the seafood market and handicraft market etc all within easy reach. We ate at the Phillipino fish market, with incredible sunset views three times, enjoying gorgeous freshly cooked fish, and would highly recommend. There is a convenience store just over the road, and a multitude of shops, bars and restaurants nearby, as well as shopping malls. This hotel is quite historic and dates back a long time, with pictures in the reception area of days gone by. The reception staff were all efficient and helpful.
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Date of stay: August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 18 Oct 2019
Dear RainbirdM, Thank you for sharing your delightful experience with us. Your wonderful comment warms our heart and gives us great motivation in providing our guests the best service. We look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you back in the near future! Warmest Regards, Michelle Chong
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was the 5th hotel we stayed at on our trip around Malay and Borneo. It is indeed a colonial gem. Steeped in history, beautifully decorated. Hospitable staff keen to assist in any way they can. It is a bit sad that the city has grown up around it and makes the area look a tad downtrodden. But it is an oasis. Would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
During a recent business trip I booked a single room with queen bed accomodation and didn't expect too much for the bargain price but I was to be pleasantly surprised. In terms of location, it is right smack in the middle of Gaya Street with quite a few food choices very nearby and a short walk to anywhere. The check in was pleasant and they will help you get a cab if needed. The room is small but adequate. Bed is firm and sheets are clean. White towels in the bathroom are the colour it should be and the water pressure is fantastic, I didn't feel like getting out of the shower...! Fridge in the room and bathrobe. The only minus point is the carpet needed cleaning and the lift furnishing jaded but hey, you are not going to be sleeping in the lift or on the floor. Good place to stay if you need to be in the city. Free internet and lots of options to choose the best connection where you are located.
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Date of stay: January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location of this hotel is good but then I realized there hotels with better facilities nearby at cheaper rates. What pissed me off is that they don't have room service so no food to order. The towel was smelly. There was no bidet. Nowadays even most western hotel chains have bidets, this local 'boutique ' hotel doesn't.
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Date of stay: December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Velle_san,
Thanks for your enquiry. Yes, we do have connecting rooms available for the superior room category. You may check out our website for more information or contact us directly should you require further clarification.
Hello Rainbows1118,
Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, we do provide breakfast. Rooms with breakfast rate is only available on our official website, alternatively you may purchase your breakfast upon check in which is chargeable at RM25.00nett per person.
"Dont arrange your day tours at the hotel desk, it will spare you a lot of disappointments and energy."Read full review
"Avoid booking online at their website. Price can be double. Also the rooms at the far corner (1st floor)...best avoid."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
RMÂ 198 - RMÂ 250 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
jesselton hotel kota kinabalu
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahWest Coast DivisionKota Kinabalu DistrictKota Kinabalu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
44
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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