City centre · 3-star · Kota Kinabalu's oldest hotel, open since 1954
The Jesselton Hotel
A 44-room colonial-era boutique hotel on Gaya Street itself, restored rather than rebuilt — the pick for character and location over facilities. No pool, no parking, and the Sunday market sets up outside the front door.
Checked against the hotel's own information and cross-referenced listings. Last checked August 2026.
Image obtained from jesseltonhotel.com
To the airport (KKIA)
18 min8.5 km by road
Pool
No pool
Breakfast
Depends on rateAsk us for a rate with breakfast
Airport shuttle
NoneGrab or taxi, or ask us for a pickup
Walk to Jesselton Point
YesIsland boats leave from here
Booking
Ask usWe check the rate with the hotel
What it is
The Jesselton Hotel opened in 1954 and is the oldest hotel in the city, at 69 Gaya Street in the old town. It has 44 rooms with period furnishings and modern bathrooms, a lift, a restaurant and a lounge. Jesselton Point is about ten minutes on foot, and the Gaya Street Sunday market runs directly past the entrance, which is either the attraction or the reason to pick somewhere else, depending on how you feel about early-morning crowds.
Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM.
Rooms
Boutique Queen, Deluxe and suite rooms; the smaller Boutique rooms are good value if you're out all day. Expect heritage character over space.
Does The Jesselton Hotel have a pool?
No. The Jesselton Hotel does not have a pool. That's typical of Kota Kinabalu's city-centre 3-stars; see the hotels with a pool if it matters to you.
Facilities we could confirm
Pets not allowed
Walking distance to Gaya Street
Walking distance to Jesselton Point ferry terminal
Anything not listed here is unconfirmed rather than absent. We'd rather leave a gap than guess.
Eating
The hotel's own restaurant does international and Asian food; Gaya Street's kopitiams and the night market are a few steps away.
About 18 minutes by car (8.5 km), depending on traffic. Grab and taxis are easy at KKIA, or ask us to arrange a pickup.
Is there parking at The Jesselton Hotel?
No on-site parking; there are public car parks nearby. It suits people arriving by Grab.
Is it noisy on Sunday?
The market sets up from early morning directly outside. Ask for a room at the back if you want to sleep in.
Can I book The Jesselton Hotel through this site?
Yes. Send your dates by WhatsApp or the form and our licensed Sabah tours agency confirms availability and rate with the hotel. There's no booking fee, and you can add island trips, a Kinabalu climb or airport transfers to the same enquiry.
