Overview
Formerly Hotel Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu since 1976, this building has been operating under Wyndham's Howard Johnson economy brand for a while now — same central address, updated ownership.
Rooms
120 rooms including a junior suite, established 1976 as Hotel Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu, renovated and rebranded under Wyndham's Howard Johnson economy tier.
Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre have a pool?
No, this property does not have a pool.
Dining
Tivoli Cafe & Bar — all-day dining, Asian/Western fusion, local Malaysian and seafood. Buffet breakfast RM40/adult, RM25/child if not included in your rate.
What guests consistently say
Value for money is the theme that shows up most: guests describe it as clean, well-located, and reasonably priced for a CBD address a short walk from local eateries. Staff enthusiasm and quick check-in/check-out are noted repeatedly. The consistent critique is that rooms, while functional, read as simple and slightly dated — guests looking for a design-forward stay should look elsewhere on this list.
Who this hotel suits
Good fit if you want a straightforward, well-located, budget-friendly CBD base and don't need a pool or contemporary room design.
Skip if you specifically want the 5-star Shangri-La brand experience — that's the separate Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, not this property.
Amenities checklist
- No pool
- Free parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pets not allowed
- Free Wi-Fi (standard across all properties)
Free parking in the vicinity. Not to be confused with the unrelated 5-star Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on the other side of the city.
Location & getting around
| Landmark | Distance / time |
|---|---|
| Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) | 7.5-7.6 km · 8-15 min |
| Todak Waterfront / Marlin Statue | Walking distance |
Frequently asked
How far is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre from Kota Kinabalu Airport?
About 7.5-7.6 km · 8-15 min by car, depending on traffic.
Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre have a pool?
No, this property does not have a pool.
What dining options are at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre?
Tivoli Cafe & Bar — all-day dining, Asian/Western fusion, local Malaysian and seafood. Buffet breakfast RM40/adult, RM25/child if not included in your rate.
Is this the same as Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort?
No. This is a separate, unrelated 3-star property that used the Shangri-La name until its rebrand to Howard Johnson by Wyndham. The 5-star Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort is a different hotel entirely.
Does this hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, Tivoli Cafe & Bar serves all-day Asian/Western fusion dining.