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The Jesselton Hotel: Traveller Reviews

69 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu 88000, Malaysia
Hotel amenities
The Jesselton Hotel
Ranked #10 of 85 hotels in Kota Kinabalu
4.0 of 5 stars 153 Reviews
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153 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Very helpful(6)
  • Gaya street(5)
  • Italian restaurant(3)
  • Air conditioning(3)
  • Sunday market(3)
Traveller rating
    52
    76
    17
    4
    4
Only show reviews for Family (20) | Couples (55) | Business (1)
Date Rating
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
118 reviews 118 reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
“Hotel with character in town center”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012
3
people found this review helpful

As I visited KK for the second time I choose another hotel. The first time I stayed in Gaya Center. I prefer the Jesselton as it has character. As I had to leave early the arranged a pre breakfast for me. As I came down at 6.30 am the hot fried eggs were on the table. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and a great coffee. Within ten minutes I could take the taxi (ordered by the hotel) who just waited for me to finish breakfast. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Far more service than I expected in this price category. The room was clean and spacious as was the bathroom. If you go to KK I strongly recommend this hotel.

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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canada
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“A great location in KK”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

As a group of 7, we stayed here twice during our visit to Borneo. We enjoyed the old world ambiance of the hotel. The breakfasts were good. Rooms were clean, of decent size, and reasonably priced. The location is good - the Sunday market is just outside the door - and you can walk to any place in old KK. Service was good and the staff friendly; we left bags here when we went out into the jungle and they took good care of them.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Oxford
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Very classy hotel with "colonial style" in heart of KK”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 January 2012
2
people found this review helpful

The Jesselton was a charming hotel with old-world ambiance in a great loc in KK. Bar area with piano was very cosy and the Italian-themed restaurant as well. Didn't eat dinner there, but the cooked-to-order breakfast was good.

Rooms were modern and clean, with effective, quiet, air con and good bathroom.

Highly recommended.

  • Stayed January 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Disappointing! Checked out early!”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 January 2012

Booked this place because of all the positive reviews on Tripadvisor. This was the first time ever where we felt so disappointed that we checked out early even with a penalty on one night's stay. The rooms are so old, and dingy. It was depressing. This is the first hotel that I've ever stayed in where the hallways are nicer than the rooms. Hotel is very well located, in the heart of downtown KK, but there are better choices for this price. The rooms need refurbishing.

  • Stayed August 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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UK
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Smart hotel, clean and good location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 December 2011

Great hotel - stayed two nights.

Friendly staff, nice decor all around- we found it very good value if you are looking for a few days of comfort after backpacking around the island. Very close to the pier and to the middle of town for the shops/ restaurants etc

  • Stayed May 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about The Jesselton Hotel

  • Jesselton Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Address: 69 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu 88000, Malaysia
Price range (per night):* 58 AUD - 91 AUD

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The Jesselton Hotel
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