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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!
The jesselton hotel is a lovely friendly quirky hotel , we asked to move after the first night as our air conditioning was not working but it was no trouble and they actually upgraded us to the penthouse suite. The rooms were lovely and clean as well as the bathroom with a separate shower . The staff were amazing , very welcoming and friendly and helped without a second glance, a special thank you to Saiful who was on reception what a lovely man who made us laugh and was very helpful. The only downside to the hotel was that the traffic could be a bit noisy in the mornings but this was fine with us as we were up and out exploring but if you need a nice hotel as a base with good staff this is a good one 😊😊
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Date of stay: July 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 14 Jul 2019
Dear Legaljulie, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us and we are delighted to hear that you have enjoyed your stay. We sincerely apologized for any inconvenience caused during stay with us. We appreciate your kind compliments about our rooms and services. We certainly look forward to welcoming you back to The Jesselton Hotel when your travels bring you back to this sunny island again! Warmest Regards, Michelle Chong
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed for 2 nights either end of our holiday. The first night we were upgraded to the suite which was a pleasant surprise. We went back to stay a week later for another night and had booked the boutique king, but we were put in a boutique extra, which included a queen bed and a single. Thought it was odd, but didn’t question at the time and we were only there 1 night so not a big issue. The room was very small! Great location but would more than likely stay somewhere else next visit. Breakfast wasn’t included but we did try the restaurant for breakfast and I would not recommend.
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Date of stay: June 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 1 Jul 2019
Dear Shelby047, Thank you for staying at The Jesselton Hotel and taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. We were delighted to read that you enjoyed your 1st stay with us, in particular with our great location and the complimentary upgrade to our suite. I wish to apologise that you found the room size during your 2nd stay was not to your expectation. The Boutique King and Boutique Extra rooms are 22sqm and are designed for guests to experience the old era without forgetting contemporary luxury. Should we have the opportunity to welcome you back again, please check out our deluxe king room that falls under our Classic room category, which has a room size of min. 30sqm. Once again, thank you for sharing your feedback with us and rest assured that your valuable comments were personally brought up to the attention of the departments concerned in order to make the necessary improvement. Warmest Regards, Michelle Chong
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was given a room in the original wing. The hotel is in need of TLC. You can see that the hotel had it's good days. The location is central. The power fuse blew in my room. Windows does not block much road noise, and you can hear the doors banging outside. I found it hard to sleep. Housekeeping staff are quite nice. However, more smiles are needed at the lobby, especially at the wine area. The security guard is constantly on his phone sitting around the hotel at various levels. There wasn't a colonial uniformed guard. I would probably return after a renovation. However, there are better hotels at this price range in KK. This hotel needs a new manager.
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Date of stay: June 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 10 Jul 2019
Dear Victorpo, Thank you for sharing your feedback and my profound apologies for the inconvenience caused. It is good to know that our housekeeping team managed to resolve the issue immediately and that you were satisfied with their service. Please allow me to share that The Bottle Shop is actually operated by our tenant, I truly regret the negative impression reflected and rest assured that our management has reviewed the issues raised by your goodself to enhance our service level and our colleagues at the wine area have also been re-briefed accordingly. Thank you for highlighting that the security guard is always appearing on various levels, it is the security guard’s responsibility to patrol around the hotel. We greatly appreciate your kind patronage and hope your experience on this occasion will not mar your overall impression of the hotel. Your positive feedback on the hotel’s strategic location in the city is much appreciated. Should we have the opportunity to welcome you back again, please check out our latest addition, the Boutique Rooms, designed and furnished to fit the Modern Victorian themed, where modern meets historical. Warmest Regards, Michelle Chong
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Jesselton is very central (though not with a sea view) and reasonably priced. There was no breakfast but we found a good place for that a short walk away. We stayed three nights to get over the jet lag we anticipated from our flight from London and it served its purpose for that well though two would have done the trick. Kota Kinabalu is not the most exciting place to be and had we just spent the three nights we would have been satisfied. Unfortunately we returned, after our adventure up the river from Sandakan, for a further four. If you are going to spend such a time in KK it might be worth looking at the resort hotels. The staff are very pleasant and the room we had was comfortable and quiet whilst looking out over the Sunday market. There are plenty of restaurants…
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Date of stay: March 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 14 Jul 2019
Dear MikeGOsterleyMiddx, Thank you for sharing your feedback and we are delighted to hear that you have enjoyed your stay with us; particularly on the comfortable room, service and convenient location. Indeed, our hotel is located within the financial district and enjoys close proximity to places of interest nearby. There is also an abundance of choices when it comes to food & beverage that are available within this area for your dining pleasure. Alternatively, guests could also enjoy a short 15 minutes’ walk to the waterfront area for dinner where you can enjoy the sunset. We certainly look forward to welcoming you back to The Jesselton Hotel when your travels bring you back to this sunny island again! Warmest Regards, Michelle Chong
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arrived late from Adelaide. Smooth checkin. Didn’t get to experience our included breakie due to 530 trip to airport next morning, however a basic takeaway breakfast was provided. The staff made a great impression and everything went smoothly. Friendly hospitality, complimentary upgrade and well organised. Great location for easy access to restaurants and shops. Returned at the end of our 9 day Sabah travels for one night and again had consistent experience. Could not fault the service. Thank you
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Date of stay: June 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 14 Jul 2019
Dear leonienjason, Thank you for sharing your delightful experience with us. Your wonderful comment warms our heart and gives us great motivation in providing you 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.
Couldn't ask for more from the friendly and smiling staff. High tea is a must and worth going back. Rooms are majestic and spacious. Reminds me of a time warp to the 19th century. Thank you Jesselton for making a our stay in KK an unforgettable one
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Date of stay: May 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 18 Jul 2019
Dear antonrockwell, Thank you for sharing your delightful experience with us. Your wonderful comment warms our heart and gives us great motivation in providing you 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.
Located in the mid of town which easy access to all amenities. Nice quiet rooms and well kept. Ask for room facing city as the other side could be noisy with traffic at night. Small little lovby with a wine shop adjacent. Did not try the breakfast
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Date of stay: May 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 18 Jul 2019
Dear FreshprinceofBA, Thank you for sharing your feedback and we are delighted to hear that you have enjoyed your stay with us; particularly on the comfortable room and convenient location. Indeed, our hotel is located within the financial district and enjoys close proximity to places of interest nearby. There is also an abundance of choices when it comes to food & beverage that are available within this area for your dining pleasure. We look forward to your visit again! Warmest Regards, Michelle Chong
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was upgraded since I wanted a quiet room on Gaya Street as opposed to the busier main road on the other side of the hotel, but even so I wasn't impressed. At £40 a night, it wasn't very good value compared to Kuching where I stayed at a better hotel for almost half the price. Nothing was uncomfortable or terrible but there wasn't enough light in the room, since there was no overhead lighting and the room wasn't terribly clean. Indeed a half bottle of body lotion had been left by the previous occupant and not replaced and it continued not to be replaced over the 2 nights I was here. Other irritations were: only tepid water in the shower and an inadequate shower curtain, weird lighting turn on and off arrangements that were awkward, slow internet and early noise from hotel…
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Date of stay: May 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.
This hotel is one of the oldest hotels in KK. If you're ever in the city and walking around Gaya street, you'd probably pass it. In fact, you'd probably miss it. But if you keep a keen eye this hotel's facade will call to you. Outside and inside this is a beautiful hotel. While it is rather small, it makes up with all the small details. The beds are extremely comfortable, the rooms are very quite despite being next to the main road and the curtains block out a lot of the sun. In fact, the rooms are so comfortable, you'd probably spend a lot of time in it. The staff are friendly but this hotel's location is like amazing for those who want to explore the area and the price is very very reasonable. I highly recommend this stay.
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Date of stay: April 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.
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Response from Jesselton_Hotel, General Manager at The Jesselton Hotel
Responded 14 Jul 2019
Dear wolfisin, Thank you for your kind feedback and it is very comforting to read that you enjoyed your stay with us; particularly on the comfortable room, friendly service and convenient location. It will be our pleasure to provide you another delightful stay on your next visit. Warmest Regards, Michelle Chong
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great stay. right in city centre and in the middle of gaya street. During sunday there will be a sunday market. The room is cozy and clean. The staff are extremely polite andvery welcoming. I highly recommend this hotel
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Date of stay: January 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.