The Jesselton Hotel is at 69 Jalan Gaya, on the city's historic main street in the middle of downtown Kota Kinabalu, and it trades on character and location. The Gaya Street Sunday Market is about a three-minute walk away, Wisma Merdeka shopping centre about five minutes and Suria Sabah and Imago malls and the Atkinson Clock Tower are close. The hotel's guests rate its location highly, and reviewers praise the staff and the historic feel. Rooms range from Superior Queen and Deluxe Twin and King to boutique rooms and the Jesselton Suite, all air-conditioned with free wifi, a safe, a refrigerator and tea and coffee facilities. It suits couples and independent travellers who want a characterful mid-range base on foot from the markets, and who are happy to trade resort facilities for atmosphere and convenience.
Location and getting around
This is a walking hotel. Most of downtown, including the markets, the waterfront and the Esplanade, is within ten minutes on foot, and the Jesselton Point ferry terminal for the islands is a short ride. Tanjung Aru station is about five minutes by car, and the airport about fifteen minutes. Tours pick up from hotels in the centre, so it works well for day trips to the mountain, the rivers and the cultural village.
Rooms and facilities
The hotel has a twenty-four-hour front desk, luggage storage, tour and ticket assistance, a lift and a banquet hall. Rooms have air conditioning, bathrobes, safes, hairdryers, satellite television, a refrigerator and tea and coffee makers. The boutique categories have more character, and the suite gives extra space for a family or a longer stay. There is no pool or spa, so it is a sleeping and sightseeing base.
Good to know
The street is lively, so rooms that face the road can be noisy, and a room at the back is quieter. The building is historic, so some rooms and bathrooms feel older than at a new-build hotel, and lighting can be dim. Parking is limited, so it is best for visitors without a car.
Check-in is from the afternoon, and late arrivals should tell the hotel in advance. Pets are not allowed and the premises are smoke-free. Choose it for the location and the charm, and ask for a quiet room when you reserve.
Why stay here
- ✓Gaya Street location
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Free wifi
- ✓Twenty-four-hour front desk
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
- ✓In-room safe and fridge
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Smoke-free property
Good questions
Where is The Jesselton Hotel?+
It is at 69 Jalan Gaya in downtown Kota Kinabalu, about three minutes on foot from the Gaya Street Sunday Market.
Is it noisy?+
Rooms facing the road can be noisy, as the street is busy. Ask for a room at the back if you are a light sleeper.
Does it have parking or a pool?+
There is no pool, and parking is limited, so the hotel suits visitors without a car.
