10 Best Luxury Hotel Suites in Kota Kinabalu | Best of Lifestyle 2023

Home to many popular tourist spots in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is a must-see place for those who are called to travel. But if you’re a bit worried about looking for a fantastic accommodation, there’s no need to worry further. There are a couple of high-end hotels in the area that you can consider too! With an extensive variety of luxury hotel suites in the market, which then is the best luxury hotel suite in Kota Kinabalu? In our Best of Lifestyle series, we introduce the 10 Best Luxury Hotel Suites in Kota Kinabalu, providing quality recommendations based on your lifestyle and budget needs.

10 Best Luxury Hotel Suites in Kota Kinabalu

1. King Executive Suite, Hilton Kota Kinabalu

A comfortable and luxurious stay in the heart of Kota Kinabalu

Nestled in the heart of the city, Hilton Kota Kinabalu offers the ultimate tropical vacation experience in Sabah. Conveniently located near the airport, ferry terminal, tourist sites, restaurants (do not miss out on the incredible and affordable seafood from Welcome Seafood Restaurant next door!) and entertainment destinations, this hotel gives you access to everything you might need whilst in the city. And with stunning views of the city and the sea right on the horizon, truly, Hilton Kota Kinabalu allows you to thoroughly immerse yourself in the beauty of the region during your stay. 

During our recent visit to Kota Kinabalu, we had the pleasure of staying at Hilton where we booked a King Executive Suite with an adjoining family room for our kids and helpers. The rooms were elegantly decorated with modern furnishings and amenities such as a flat-screen TV and a minibar, providing a comfortable and luxurious stay. Our hotel suite was remarkably spacious, and the availability of connecting rooms was a delightful bonus as it allowed our little ones to freely crawl and run around to their hearts’ content. We were also quite happy with our suite’s spacious dining room which came with a mesmerising city view, along with a well-stocked pantry that kept us refreshed throughout our stay.

King Executive Suite amenities

Top-notch service from the renowned Hilton brand

Booking the King Executive Suite at Hilton Kota Kinabalu also granted us access to their Executive Lounge. To be honest, this lounge took our stay at Hilton to new heights with its top-notch standards of service from the dedicated staff and the extensive array of delectable food and beverages we were able to indulge in. We brought our family here as well and they absolutely loved the experience! We are especially thankful to our service staff – Ben, Mary, and Hashimah – who were tremendously helpful as we spent time with our family in the lounge. They even went the extra mile and got our little Ally toys to play with and keep her entertained! 

At the Club Lounge, you can get coffee, tea, and snacks from 2-10 pm, but for us, the best time to go down there is from 5 to 8 pm for free-flowing cocktails and snacks. Their cocktails were simply delicious, with their Sangria and Bourbon Sweet Sabah Tea being the top must-tries. Though of course if you want to go classic, you may opt for their red and white wines which are also very noteworthy. Snacks were super delicious as well and were served generously like a buffet. From savoury mushroom soups and couscous to delectable bruschettas and luscious red velvet cakes, there are numerous tantalising options to satisfy your cravings at the Club Lounge.

In addition to exclusive Club Lounge access, guests at the King Executive Suite may also enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at Urban Kitchen for an extensive range of Malaysian and International flavours. There was quite a big spread for breakfast options, and as expected, the food tasted amazing as well. Hilton Kota Kinabalu truly excels in its culinary offerings, leaving us thoroughly satisfied with the food options available during our stay.

Endless entertainment options

Hilton Kota Kinabalu also does not disappoint when it comes to entertainment options for the entire family. As the hotel was located in the heart of the city, the view from their rooftop pool was incredible. Your little ones might not appreciate the view the way you do, but they can still have a blast splashing around in the Kids’ Pool located also on the rooftop.

After a day of fun in the water, unwind in the Rooftop Bar & Grill where you can see sweeping views of the city while indulging in grilled meats, fresh seafood, and a fine selection of wine. For a truly relaxing experience, The Club is another perfect spot to unwind. This experiential bar and lounge offers a laidback atmosphere with live music, accompanied by a great selection of beverages, alcohol, evening snacks, and top-notch service. 

2. Ocean Wing Junior Suite, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu offers everything you need for the ultimate tropical escape. A luxurious 400-acre resort, this is where the sea meets the rainforest, providing guests plenty of opportunities to bask in the sun, sand, and sea whilst soaking in awe-inspiring rainforest views. Speaking of views, you will not have to walk all the way to the beach just to see the waves crashing, as you can do just that right in the comfort of your own hotel suite. 

For an equally stunning view of the sea, we highly recommend staying at one of the resort’s Ocean Wing Junior Suite. Luxurious and spacious, this hotel suite in Kota Kinabalu comes with its own expansive balcony equipped with an oversized jacuzzi. This is simply the best place to escape, as you can see the gorgeous Kota Kinabalu sunset while soaking in your own tub. If you wish for more privacy, you can simply shut off the balcony’s automatic blinds. Meanwhile, inside the suite was just as beautiful; we were greeted by a beautifully decorated space with soothing earthy tones and natural wood accents that celebrated the ethnic richness of Sabah. It was such a lovely and comforting space, which was made even better by the delicious welcome snacks (think – dried guava and some peanuts!) prepared by the hotel’s staff. 

Staying in the Ocean Wing Junior Suite would also mean that you will have exclusive access to an array of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu’s luxurious amenities. What we especially love is the gorgeous pool exclusive to Ocean Wing guests, which was typically less crowded than the resort’s main pool. You can also see Kota Kinabalu’s captivating sunsets here! 

Enjoy nature trails and other unique experiences

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu offers more than just the beach as this luxury resort is home to its very own forest reserve. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the Rasa Ria Reserve houses a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including over 100 species of butterflies, bird species, and indigenous wildlife, such as the endangered and protected Pangolin. Explore the hiking trails and immerse yourself in nature, or indulge in bird watching and bee harvesting for a more laid-back experience. For those visiting with kids, the Discovery Centre is a great opportunity for children to discover the wonders of nature. Our Little Ally was especially thrilled with her visit!

In addition to spending time with nature, guests at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu can enjoy a plethora of activities suitable for all ages. From indulging in luxurious spa treatments and relaxing yoga sessions to golfing in an 18-hole championship golf course and trying out thrilling water activities, this resort has everything you need for the ultimate tropical escape.

Embark on a culinary journey

We had a blast trying out all the activities at the resort, but the food at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu was the absolute highlight of our stay. With 10 impressive dining options to choose from, each serving some of the most exquisite dishes we have ever tasted, it was definitely hard to go wrong. If you are in the mood for Western cuisine and fresh seafood, Oceano Modern Grill is the place to be. Their Meat Platter and Prawn Aglio Olio are absolute must-tries! For Oriental cuisine, The Eight offers a delectable fare of Chinese dishes such as Sabah Tiger Grouper Pot, Chilli Lobster with Fried Mantou, and Yam Basket with Kung Pao Chicken. 

Delectable Chinese fare from The Eight

While all of the restaurants at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu are noteworthy, what we highly recommend to families visiting the resort is Kozan Teppan-yaki. From there, you can try a unique dining experience, Teppanyaki, wherein a chef prepares the food right in front of you, using only the freshest ingredients. Our entire family loved every single dish we have tried,  chef, but what’s really great are their Black Cod, Unagi, and Salmon dishes. We only regret not being able to try all the other restaurants, so we suggest staying at least 4 days and 3 nights to fully enjoy the resort’s culinary offerings, among many other things.

3. Tanjung Wing Executive Seaview Suite, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Grand family vacation in a beachfront paradise

Situated just 10 minutes away from the city, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, is a luxurious, tranquil resort that provides the setting for an unforgettable tropical retreat for the entire family. You will be surrounded by Borneo’s beauty wherever you are inside the resort. But what’s really special is the resort’s Sunset Bar, a renowned place where you can one of the world’s best sunsets along with picturesque, colourful skies. You could just never get tired of the view here at the resort, which is why it is best to book your stay at a Tanjung Wing Executive Seaview Suite. With a spacious open balcony, you can gaze right into the beautiful surroundings of Kota Kinabalu without leaving the comfort of your hotel suite. 

In addition to the beautiful views, what’s great about staying at a Tanjung Wing Executive Seaview Suite is that you will truly get to experience luxury beachfront living with its modern amenities. The living and dining rooms were huge and offered plenty of space for our little tot Ally to run around. Even the bathroom was spacious and equipped with a jacuzzi that had plenty of room for a couple to soak in.

Of course, no family vacation is complete with delicious food. We highly recommend dining at the Shang Palace for delightful Chinese dishes, particularly their dim sum. Their  Deep-fried Bean Curd Rolls with Prawns are an absolute must-try! Additionally, breakfast at the resort was fantastic, with a vast selection of options that catered to every taste for a hearty meal. They even have a dedicated Korean food section which we really enjoyed.

Delight in delectable dim sum at Shang Palace

Family-friendly water activities

Beyond the comfortable and luxurious hotel suite, families visiting Kota Kinabalu will love how this resort comes with a huge water play area for both kids and kids at heart to enjoy. The first and only one of its kind in the entire Borneo, the water play area boasts a range of thrilling amenities, including water battle stations equipped with water balloon launchers and a giant water bucket, a 2,000 sqm swimming pool with a tapered shoreline for children, and an infinity pool designated for adults. 

For those who prefer to explore the azure seas, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu boasts STAR Marina, the resort’s very own centre for all water activities. From thrilling professional water sports activities and scuba diving excursions to relaxing sunset cruises, island transfers, and fishing trips – STAR Marina has it all. 

Fun indoor activities for your little ones

As we all know, the weather in Kota Kinabalu could get really hot at times, making it less than ideal to let your kids be out in the sun all day. With that, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu offers Cool Zone  – an indoor Kids Club that allows your little ones to still enjoy a day of fun while staying cool and comfortable. The Kids Club has slides (which our little Ally thoroughly enjoyed!), toys, and even a creative area for children to foster their inventive skills. 

Additionally, there is a dedicated section for younger children, where padded walls and soft toys provide a safe and cosy space for babies to play. Our baby Aaron had so much fun! Older children will also find the Kids Club entertaining as they also have pool tables, gaming consoles such as PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Wii, and more.

Furthermore, we love how Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu is committed to saving our biodiversity and has even taken part in a marine conservation program In fact, the resort is home to the Clownfish Discovery Centre, which seeks to educate guests and the local community on the clownfish and many other marine species, as well as the environmental threats they face. We highly recommend visiting the centre with your children, as even the youngest visitors will enjoy seeing Nemo and his friends in action.

Overall, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu delivers a truly lovely experience to everyone who visits the tropical paradise of Sabah. If you are looking for the most perfect stay, consider booking their Tanjung Tanjung Wing Executive Seaview Suite where you can luxuriate in the stunning views of Kota Kinabalu while simply lounging around in your hotel suite. Our family had an exceptional time and relished all the family-friendly amenities that the resort provided!

4. Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa

With a stunning beachfront resort, Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodations for those who just want the best. This luxury hotel boasts of its modern amenities and facilities which are super worth it to splurge on. We also love that this hotel stands in a hub surrounded by an assortment of high-end restaurants and bars you can spend your time in. Besides this, their premium spa facility is also a good consideration should you prefer to just relax and pamper yourself.

Ideal also for honeymoons, their luxury suites vary from one-bedroom options with private plunge pools to two-bedroom villas with private pools too! Either, your partner will definitely appreciate the cosy, tropical vibe of the place as you both sit back and watch the sunset from the lounger.

5. The Magellan Sutera Resort

Love golfing? The Magellan Sutera Resort got you. This stunning luxury hotel suite indeed wows us with its impressively polished rooms that are just comfortable yet sophisticated. Like the usual, each includes a WiFi connection, flat-screen TVs where you can binge-watch, and the ever-reliable coffee maker to start your day right. Besides the impressive room setup, they also boast their club rooms where you can lounge while having delicious breakfast and cocktails (by night). We also love their buffet restaurant for an enjoyable international food experience together with your loved ones. If not, their Italian in-house restaurant also sounds fantastic for a dinner date.

More than the luxurious and fancy relaxation paradise this hotel is, they are also kid-friendly! There are spots and activities your kids can enjoy while they’re in here. Besides these, you can also have access to a nearby country club and golf course if you’d like to swing and hit a few golf balls in your downtime. 

6. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

The Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel is one of the best luxury suite hotels you can visit in the area. With the international standard the chain of hotels has already set, it’s no surprise that this also offers a luxurious stay with modern facilities, breathtaking views and a range of dining and entertainment options. Furthermore, we love that this is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu — within walking distance of the best shopping malls, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Its modern and sleek interior also makes this perfect for business trips and convention accommodations. There are also function rooms and lounge areas you can explore should you need to hold an event. But for intimate dinners, their in-house restaurant is a no-brainer option.

7. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

A luxurious hotel located in the city centre, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is a fantastic option if you’re visiting Sabah. We like how this hotel has a lovely view of Likas Bay and the South China Sea — perfect to sit by the window during the sunset while enjoying your fave cocktail on hand. Furthermore, the hotel suites are designed to have amenities and elegant furnishings which can impress guests who expect only a top-tier hotel experience. Besides their suites, they also have club lounges and premium restaurants where you can hang out and chill with your buddies.

8. The Pacific Sutera

Located on the island of Borneo, The Pacific Sutera wows us with its amazing hotel suites and modern out-of-ordinary hotel facilities. We also appreciate that this hotel includes a marina, golf course, and a convention centre — perfect for those who are out here to close deals and secure business transactions. Moreover, the premise remains an exemplary spot for leisure accommodation that’s perfect for couples or families! Their suites have a balcony offering views of the sea or the resort’s gardens which adds a different vibe to each hotel room, depending on the view you opt for. Besides this, the hotel also offers Japanese, Italian, and international cuisine suiting the different preferences of their guests. There is also a lounge bar and cafe you can opt for a chill time.

9. The LUMA Hotel

Offering their guests an unforgettable experience, The LUMA Hotel is a true top-notch luxury hotel you can consider in Kota Kinabalu. We like how the place has a generally warm and cosy atmosphere that’s even more complemented by the hotel’s friendly and professional staff. Furthermore, the interior of the hotel is stunning — with modern decorations and a touch of earthy and greens element for a more nature-like and relaxing atmosphere. At the top of the hotel is its infinity pool which also offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. You can definitely have a fantastic time for a few days’ stay here.

10. Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

A gorgeous summer paradise, Nexus Resort &Spa Karambunai easily wins over our hearts. We also like the tropical vibe of the whole resort which suites guests who are looking for a remarkable getaway from the busy city life. This luxury hotel wows us with its very own private beach, lush rainforest, and championship golf course. Besides these, their suites also come with private balconies overlooking the breathtaking South China Sea. More than lounging around, they are also various activities you can explore while you’re in the area. You can try kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing, or taking a dip in one of the resort’s three swimming pools.

We hope that our guide on the 10 Best Luxury Hotel Suites in Kota Kinabalu has helped you to discover the best Luxury Hotel Suites in Kota Kinabalu for your next tropical beach getaway to have the time of your life. Please share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful.