Hotel Five 2 Kota Kinabalu
by the TopOfHotel team
A high-scoring private-room guesthouse — wood floors, relaxed design, right next to the night market.
A high-scoring private-room guesthouse — wood floors, relaxed design, right next to the night market.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
An 8.7/10 at the $24 price point — Hotel Five 2 Kota Kinabalu posts numbers that pricier places still can't match. Open the door and the wood floor and easy color scheme make it feel warmer than the usual budget room. It's compact — noticeably smaller than a standard hotel room — but laid out well enough that it feels right for two people who aren't hauling much luggage. There's an en-suite bathroom and air-con. Most reviews praise the cleanliness; the one thing several flag in unison is that the mattress is fairly firm, so if you like it soft, set expectations first — though for most travelers it still lands fine at this price.
Food and amenities
This is a small guesthouse, so the amenities are simple and honest — free Wi-Fi, air-con, an en-suite bathroom, no lift and no pool. It sells value and location, not a full feature list. What makes the stay better than expected is what's around it: lots of restaurants and massage shops within walking distance, plus a night market right beside the property, which turns dinner into a non-event — you just walk down and you're there.
Location and getting there
Location is the real strength here — 300 meters from the Filipino Market, dead center in KK, with easy walks to shops, restaurants and Jesselton Point, the ferry pier for island trips. For anyone in town to reach the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands or just wander the city, having a base you can walk everywhere from saves a lot of time and a lot of Grab fares.
Things to know before booking
Two honest caveats. The mattress is firm — fine for most, less so if you want plush. And the rooms are small, so pack light and travel as a pair rather than a group. Being a small guesthouse, it keeps things basic: no lift, no pool, simple front-desk service. None of that is a surprise at the price, but it's worth knowing going in.
Our take
If you can live with a compact room and a firm mattress, this is one of the best-value budget stays in KK — a clean private room in the right spot, without the dorm. The 8.7/10 that keeps coming back is the proof.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Wood-floor private rooms with a relaxed color scheme and a high review score around 8.7/10
- Excellent location — about 300 m from the Filipino Market, with a night market right beside the property
- Plenty of restaurants and massage shops nearby, all within easy walking distance
- Clean, well-kept rooms — reviewers give high marks for cleanliness
- Double rooms from about $24 a night — strong value for a central private room
- Mattresses are fairly firm — a point some reviewers flag, so factor it in if you like a soft bed
- Rooms run smaller than a typical hotel, best suited to two people traveling with light luggage
- It's a small guesthouse with simple amenities — no lift and no pool
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Kota Kinabalu
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Kota Kinabalu — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
See activities in Kota KinabaluAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Insider Tips
- The mattresses are fairly firm — if you prefer a soft bed, set your expectations accordingly
- The night market is right beside the property, so heading down for dinner is about as easy as it gets
- Rooms are compact — pack light and skip the extra bags