The Jesselton

8/10

Excellent

11 Dec 2025

Nicholas

This is a nice smaller hotel in an interesting area of KK. Be mindful that if you get a room at the back of the hotel that there is quite at bit of noise from the road.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2025

Eamon

I stayed here for 6 nights. The room was only $100, Australian per night. It was beautiful and clean and the staff were outstanding. This is the most central hotel in KK, right in Gaya street. Close to everything. Highly recommended. Eos

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2025

Bond

It is the most historical hotel in KK. Our suite room is still well maintained. It is roomy and decent. It's location is the best - right at the Gaya Street Market. There area a lot of dining options within walking distance. The only thing we wished it could be improved is the lack of flexible shower head as it is fixed at a very high position; otherwise, it is perfect, especially considering the affordable price.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2025

David

Excellent hotel

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2024

Pei Yun

Place is very convenient, recommended 👍👍👍

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

08 Mar 2024

GIM-LOO

right in the middle of the city centre

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

13 Feb 2024

Leung

The checkout procedure was tedious and lengthy. It may due to lack of training or being trained.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Oct 2023

Flo

Easy access to shopping and dinning

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2023

Siok Siong

Room as expected for age. Quite well maintained.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2023

John

Lovely hotel in perfect location

The Jesselton is in Gaya Street in the heart of KK. It is the perfect location for exploring the city, with everything within walking distance.
The hotel is probably the oldest in KK, but the rooms are comfortable and fairly modern. Everything in the hotel is of high quality, and well maintained. The Jesselton harks back to more elegant times .
There is no ding room, but there is an endless selection of restaurants close by. What was the restaurant is now a rather good sushi restaurant.
The lack of a swimming pool wasn't a problem for us as we only stayed a few days.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2023

john

Recommended

This hotel is one of those old fashioned hotel's It is small but central. Very polite receptionists and room boy.all helpful and speak excellent English. If you require all the modern convenient appliances and sky bars and restaurants. Do not book this hotel if you just want a nice room and old fashioned civility this is the place for you

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Feb 2023

Arthur

A historic hotel in the heart of Jesselton.

However, the classic interior and furnishing is a little aged and tired. Staff were really helpful and courteous. I hope the management can restore this hotel to its former glory.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2022

shahriman

Super clean and comfortable hotel. Very convenient area. But, its not car park friendly. Ideal for walking tourists and Grab.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2022

shahriman

Super clean and comfortable hotel. Very convenient area. But, its not car park friendly. Ideal for walking tourists and Grab.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2022

Robert

Staff members were extremely friendly and helpful in arranging a driver for us who was equally friendly and helpful. The hotel photo doesn't look quite right--it is not on a corner, but it is on a street with trees down the median. We liked it enough that stayed there a second time, two weeks later.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2022

Dennis

This is a nice, small, old style hotel in a good location. Plenty of eating choices nearby with a Japanese restaurant downstairs. The room was comfortable once I figured out how to work the A/C and lights. When I had questions they were quick to take care of whatever I needed. Recommended at a reasonable price.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Very comfortable room. Staff pleasant and helpful. Pity that hotel renovations were proceeding making it somewhat noisy during the day.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2020

Dudleigh George

Comfortable stay.

The Jesselton Hotel is right in middle of town and there are many eating places nearby. It is one of the few English built buildings left standing. It has been modernized to make it a comfortable Hotel. The Restaurant was closed for r enervation while I was there. Over all I had no complaints about this Hotel. had four nights there.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Staff provided great customer service with a smile .

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Great location downtown. Very safe. Great shopping of any sort. All types of foods, all within short walking distances

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Our perfect stopover each and every time!

It has been our third return stay at the Jesselton and the newly renovated rooms wing although lost some of the colonial charm comparing to the original furnishing are smartly appointed with all the creature comforts at hand. As expexted from a boutique hotel the staff welcomes you with a big smile each time you enter the building and Front Desk team acknowledges returning Guests. Perfect location on the corner of Gaya Street with Sunday flea market with local finds and curiosities, plus easy access to the lush jungle hill behind makes it a perfect stopover for any longer stay in Sabah!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

It was not mentioned at Expedia or by the hotel that the inhouse eatery (breakfast area) is under renovation. The bar area was also closed so we can't sit to relax anywhere at the lobby area while waiting for your pick up and etc. The lobby has only 4 seats which are always occupied by check in or check out guests.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Loved the location and the history and the friendly staff

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2019

Arminah Binti

Friendly staff

Very nice place to stay and friendly staff. I stay here only one night and was thinking to comeback again anytime. I love the wooden furniture and old style of the electric switch.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2019

SOHYUN

Good location and nice staffs

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2019

CynthiaTeo

Front desk Ms Lea was helpful, cheerful. Booked us Grab and help us look out for the car. Recommended a good shopping place for us.
Just hope hotel will check on aircon or carpet, once we stepped into our room, we had itchy throat and start to sneeze. Air feels dry and can’t sleep well.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2019

Soo Hwei

Very good location, clean and friendly staffs.

Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Oct 2019

Chee Yeu

Old hotel with old world charm

It was a short stay but the room is nice and clean and the location is the best you can ask for in KK.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Good location with plenty of good food nearby. Supermarkets within walking distance.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Excellent location.
Lovely old property with Old-world charm.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2019

Kenneth

Lovely hotel located in a superb location.

Very well kept and super clean for a heritage hotel, and staff were super helpful.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Sep 2019

Segitan

Old hotel but rooms are nice n clean, overall iam happy with it, facilities have upgraded , walking distance to the mall etc

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

clean , very convenient location, close to food, shopping.
Staff are friendly.

Friends_and_family Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2019

YP

Excellent location, at the end of Gaia street. Stayed in the new wing, in a clean and tastefully renovated room. Helpful reception. Nothing to fault.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2019

Geraldine

Good value for the boutique room in the new wing. Stayed for just one night before catching an early flight.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Sunday Market in front of the hotel.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

The good:
Lovely concept. Hotel has its own personality. Friendly team from reception to cleanup crew. Perfect perfect location, food, pharmacies, kopitiam, convenience stores, herb shop everywhere.

The not so good:
Bedsheets and towels had tiny stains here and there due to age. All items smelt laundry fresh though.

Overall:
I’d recommend this place definitely.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2019

Edward

Great location

Sunday morning market on Street just outside the hotel. Great location for traveling.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2019

Sumie

Comfortable

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Jan 2019

Yvonne

It was very convenient because the location of hotel is near to most attractions.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2019

Jenny

Thumbs up!

Recently very thoroughly cleaned and it shows. Comfortable enough for a pleasant stay, however the lingering smell of fried food was all over the lobby during my 2D stay.

8/10

Excellent

17 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Great location, centre of town walking distance to everywhere. Nice old hotel that has retained its charm while upgrading and modernising the fixtures and fittings. Perfect for short stay.

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2019

Bobo

Comfortable and convenient

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Hotel has a lovely character and the staff were excellent.

8/10

Excellent

29 Dec 2018

EDDy

We stayed for 5 nights just before Christmas. Our room was on level 2 facing Gaya Street and hence it was very noisy late into the night because the restaurants served the supper crowd, and noisy again early in the morning when goods vehicles arrived to load the shops.
The room had light bulbs that kept blowing and replacement did not happen unless I asked for it.

8/10

Excellent

22 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

It was fine.

6/10

Pleasant

22 Dec 2018

Kathryn

Not a great experience

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2018

Ernie

Cosy n strategic

Cosy

Family

6/10

Pleasant

08 Dec 2018

Yee Mei

Old but in a great location

The hotel is really old and small. Room is spacious but every furbishing is antique and quite rundown. Could do with an overhaul. But it’s located in Gaya Street where you’ll find plenty of local coffee shops, cafes and it’s only 8mins walk to the nearest mall Suria Sabah.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2018

thomas

My kind of hotel

Lovely hotel, full of character, tasteful artwork and faded charm. Recommend to those who are sick of the chain hotels and don't mind a room that is a little dated.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

An old-style hotel with charm and character. Good room, and very convenient to central Kota Kinabalu. The Sunday market is just outside, lots of restaurants nearby, and the fishing port and its markets are a 10-min walk. Buy some fresh seafood and take it upstairs to have a great meal cooked by one of the food stalls.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Hotel was centrally located and within walking distance of very good restaurants. The front desk staff was fantastic. I felt like I was the only guest they had.

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2018

Anders

Overall good

Great service from staff. Had our window facing the street, a little noisy but not too loud. Would need to freshen up the rooms as they felt a bit old. Location is in the middle of city center, close to the mall and to the boats which is great. Overall this is a good choice.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Nov 2018

Andy

Very convenient location and easy access. Only not doing full housekeeping daily if we stay continuous days unless requested by us.

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2018

Dee

Vintage hotel in Kota Kinabalu

The Jesselton Hotel is a throwback to another era - 1920-30's. Sort of Art Nouveau style. Solid, graceful and welcoming. We enjoyed our stay there and would return next time.
The only thing negative was the restaurant prices - compared to the nearby cafes, the prices were much too high. Consequently, we always ate outside, but would have loved to eat in the hotel, if the prices had been more sensible.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2018

Tom

calm atmosphere

Our second stay in less than a year . Looking forward to the next.Perfect location in the heart of the city . Plenty of interesting local restaurants/cafes nearby offering value for money. 7 or 8 minute walk to the airport bus stop - 15 minute journey. Short walk from the hotel to the waterfront.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Oct 2018

Anthony

The staff was very helpful, accommodating and welcoming. The location near downtown was fantastic. Our room was the Suite and very spacious. The wallpaper or paint could use refreshing as it looked a little tired. In spite of that, we had a great time and would recommend this hotel to our friends.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Love this place

Good location, friendly and very efficient staff. Lovely and comfortable rooms. Great for business travelling and also leisure

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2018

Ruth

Historic hotel in the heart of Kota Kinabalu

Love this hotel but feel it’s losing some of its ambience. Some Public hallway seating areas now blocked off & lobby felt crowded & not as stylish as it used to be. Nevertheless I had a fairly comfortable night & was well looked after by the staff in the check in/out & the restaurant where I ate at night. Location excellent but difficult to access by car on Sundays when the Gaya Street morning market is in full swing.

8/10

Excellent

15 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Nice historic boutique hotel

Nice location to shops and dining

Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Good hotel to stay in KK city area

The hotel is locate at the center location of the city with very reasonable price. Right on Gaya street with 2 steps access to variety of local gourmet. Hotel is not new but am happy with the price being paid for. Staff are very polite and helpful.

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2018

Boy

Nice Hotel For A Quiet Relaxing Vacation

Good and satisfying stay....very convenient...near to all gisiting places

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jun 2018

Donovan

Only for its location

Very aged hotel. Location is its best point to consider. Good service too.

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2018

Verified traveler

Grand old lady. Great location, comfortable room and nice staff. Breakfast was good and downstairs bar enjoyable.

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2018

Verified traveler

Satisfied

Staff were really nice. Location is convenient. Room is clean and big. Will definitely stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

04 May 2018

Henn Kiew

Hotel is pretty old and needs refurbishment, but can't complain for the rate and location.

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2018

Marietta

Terrific Location and Helpful Staff

The hotel is sited at Jaya Street close to a plethora of eateries that are opened till late at night. The Sunday Market is right at the doorstep. While the decor is a tad dated, the amenities are adequate. The room is relatively clean and comfy, although lighting is rather dim. The staff are most helpful too and hospitable. The Jesselton provides great value for money.

4/10

Poor

03 May 2018

Verified traveler

Old and under maintained

Signs of disrepair everywhere. Toilet seat cover is cracked and bite every time using it. Slow water drainage during shower. Filty old chair in room and dirty lift that should have been replaced years ago. Otherwise excellent location.

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Jesselton, a place to stay for a few nights

The hotel is old but retains its colonial charm. The room is spacious and clean. The hotel staff is polite and friendly. Its location is very central to eating and shopping. The only negative is that the furniture is old too, some in need of repair.

Partner

2/10

Poor

14 Apr 2018

Laurence

Could not sleep in this place.

Could not sleep. I really wanted to like this hotel. Staff was and location were great. But every time the room next to us used the bathroom, we could hear it. So loud! We could not sleep. Ruined our trip.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Mar 2018

Sara

Central hotel with character

We loved our stay at the Jessleton - the staff were super helpful and friendly.
On the last day there was some maintenance work to be done on the hot water system and by way of compensation for our inconvenience we were given a free breakfast which was excellent.
Staff also gave us towels to use on our beach trip to Manukan island which we really appreciated.
The hotel has a lovely ambiance, our deluxe room on the top floor was spacious and very comfortable- highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2018

Shirley

Excellent. Delightful staff very helpful. Good sized rooms.Clean and central positon

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2018

Kwong Meng

Good boutique hotel

Small boutique hotel located in Chinatown and conveniently among local coffee shops and retailers of local goods.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2018

Mary

Very convenient location for shopping and food!!

Enjoyed our two days stay at the Jesselton, have stayed here before many times, it is so good to be remembered by staff both admin and housekeeping. Will definitely book to stay here again next trip.

Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2018

Lee

Great location

If you are driving with rented car. Parking is s big challenge. hotel does not have parking lots. You must park outside, fighting with locals on the limited parking space.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2018

Khen Chung

Good memories Great Hotel

a historical site. one of the few hotels established after independence. Situated right in the old town centre and right in the middle of sunday market. great location

Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Clean, large, comfortable with a great location.

We cannot say enough positive things about this hotel. Our room was large, clean and comfortable. We stayed for six nights and enjoyed our holiday completely. The staff were kind and helpful and the location of the hotel made getting around so easy. We will definitely stay at this property again.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Dec 2017

Patrick

Great location!

Nice,quite comfortable hotel at Jln Gaya..location is great esp when food is concerned. Lots of food stores around.Big mall is also walking distance. Recommended

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2017

Tom

A pefect short break in Kota Kinabalu

Just back from a 6-day holiday in Sabah. Local transport is very efficient and enabled us to get out and about to various places such as Tenom and Beaufort. The perfect location of the Jesselton Hotel allowed us to fully enjoy town life.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Very affordable price and value for money. Will stay here again next time. Cheers

8/10

Excellent

20 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

review

older hotel, but clean and close to Jesselton wharf, close to downtown, good staff, ...

8/10

Excellent

09 Oct 2017

Skye

A pleasant, nicely located hotel.

I stayed at the Jesselton for 2 weeks. I thought that the price was reasonable. The staff were courteous and helpful at all times. The room itself was well maintained and they offered a laundry sevice that didn't break the bank too much. Having a restaurant attached to the hotel was handy, especially when the weather wasn't so favourable. On the Sunday there was a market right outside the front door that offered all sorts of local trinkets and food, and even fish in bags. It was nicely situated near some good cafes and restaurants and the local taxi and Uber prices were next to nothing so it made getting around Kota Kinabalu very easy indeed. It was good that they allowed, and even arranged, take away to be delivered to your room as some places would frown upon this. All in all, a pleasant stay and just right for my needs. The only issues I had were that the wifi kept cutting out and the plug didn't quite fit in the bath, but I get showers anyway so this didn't really affect me.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2017

Mark

Great choice. Good Value.

This the second time I have stayed at this Hotel. Deluxe room is spacious and very comfortable.
Location is central to most things. Plenty of good places to eat close by. I would recommend this Hotel in KK.

8/10

Excellent

25 Sep 2017

KC

Good hotel but lost its charm - Churchill Bar

Good location. Friendly staff. It's clean, it's comfortable and the shower pressure is great but was disappointed Churchill Bar is no longer there. Although I don't drink, nostalgia of Jesselton made me book the hotel in the first place which to me would have been their selling point.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

Great hotel

The horseless was in a great location, very comfortable and the staff were very friendly & helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2017

Andy

Centrally Located KK Hotel

Very welcoming staff. The hotel itself has loads of character. Located close to all the amenities in KK, and on Sundays the street market is literally on the doorstep. Room was huge and cleaned really well every day. I'd definitely stay there again if I go back to KK, which in truth, is very likely

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2017

Elaine

Location location location

My husband told me many years ago to stay here. Its location is magnificent in that I could walk to shopping malls, cafes, etc. every day. It was easy to visit special tourist attractions by taxi from outside the Jesselton hotel. As a lone and elderly traveler I appreciated the friendliness of each member of staff .. and the fact that the Sunday market was held outside the hotel door!

8/10

Excellent

18 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

Good hotel

Some renovation taking place during our stay meant that areas were closed.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2017

JK

Great hotel with easy access to everything

Very friendly staff who will try their best to make your stay comfortable. Walking distance to a few shopping malls, local foods with lot of varieties, tourist areas. Recommended for both locals and tourists.

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2017

Kay

Very enjoyable

Great location,very clean and great staff-all you need but do wish breakfast was still available.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2017

Martin

Liked it so much booked more nights.

Very large room with coffee making in the room,staff happy to help with any requests,we booked an extra 5 nights we enjoyed this hotel so much.Breakfast and diner although run by another company is first class and at reasonable cost just book it you can't go wrong. Staying Saturday night a little noise due to Sunday market but that all adds to the experience, right in the centre of China town.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2017

paul

Great and comfortable location

We had a fabulous stay here; staff were super helpful, the room extremely spacious and comfortable - great shower! Overall we were well looked after and it was a really easy place to be. The location suited us perfectly too; easy to walk to everywhere we needed and the White Coffee Shop opposite was another easy place for refreshments. Would definitely recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2017

Verified traveler

Distinguished local hotel with history

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2017

JOKER

Nice Hotel, escpecially for walking to many places

This hotel is located in the heart of city that is suitable for walking, shopping, and also walking to the pier, which you can buy a trip to islands and nation park.

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2017

ANGIE

Helpful staff. Location good

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2017

Astrotony

Very comfortable

Great location, very comfortable, spacious, great staff.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2017

vui san

classic but modern styling

Feel like staying at home.

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Good for short stay

Though the room is a little bit old, it's clean and comfortable. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The location is very good as well.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2017

Thomas B.

Comfortable and convenient

very comfortable rooms; spacious; great staff; free water daily

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2017

Susan C

Jesselton Hotel - Charm in KK

Staff at the front desk and in housekeeping were exceptionally friendly and helpful at all times. There were no bath towels in my bathroom two days in a row - had to ask for what seemed like a necessity for the room.