Hyatt Regency · PremiumH
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu · Central Kota Kinabalu / Waterfront
A 288-room waterfront Hyatt Regency in central Kota Kinabalu, opened in 1977 and last renovated in 2011, with six dining options and a Regency Club.
Hyatt Centric · Premium
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Central Kota Kinabalu
88
Guest sentiment
A 222-room lifestyle hotel designed by architect Kengo Kuma, in Kota Kinabalu's most walkable district, with rooftop infinity pools on level 23.
Last updated August 8, 2026
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, the first Hyatt Centric in Southeast Asia, sits in the city's most walkable corner, with Gaya Street and Central Market within a 10-15 minute walk. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, guests consistently praise the modern, interesting design, spacious rooms, and comfortable beds, along with double rooftop infinity pools on level 23 offering sea and Mount Kinabalu views. Reviewers describe it as among the best hotels in the city, with strong food quality, friendly staff, and a genuine sense of value, though as a newer, design-forward property it's better suited to travelers who prioritize walkability and local exploration over a resort-style, all-inclusive stay.
How guests rate it
- Location92
- Service88
- Rooms86
- Food & breakfast88
- Value84
| Address | 18 Jalan Haji Saman, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Brand Sub Brand | Hyatt Centric |
| Neighborhood | Central Kota Kinabalu |
What World of Hyatt status gets you here
- Complimentary full breakfast daily for World of Hyatt Globalist Elite members at properties without a dedicated club lounge, per World of Hyatt program terms
- Room upgrades for Explorist and Globalist Elite members, subject to availability
- Late check-out until 4pm for Globalist Elite members, subject to availability
Pros
- The first Hyatt Centric in Southeast Asia, designed by architect Kengo Kuma
- Kota Kinabalu's most walkable district, with Gaya Street and Central Market 10-15 minutes away
- Double rooftop infinity pools on level 23 with sea and Mount Kinabalu views
- Guests describe the design as cool, clean, modern and interesting
- Food quality and friendly staff draw consistent, strong praise
Cons
- As a design-forward lifestyle hotel, it suits travelers who want to explore the city more than those wanting an all-inclusive resort stay
The research view
What the research keeps finding
Themes that came up again and again across independent reviews — not a single opinion, but the patterns that repeat.
Consistently praised
- Guests repeatedly call it among the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu
- The rooftop pools and sunset views draw consistently strong praise
- The walkable location near Gaya Street and Central Market is a standout
Worth knowing before you book
- No significant recurring watchouts surfaced across recent reviews
Verified elsewhere
Reviews & videos from around the web
Independent coverage from real reviewers and travel channels, published in the last year or two -- not written or commissioned by us. Each links back to the original.
Video reviews
Behind this page
How we researched this
This page pulls from the hotel’s own information alongside independent guest reviews. These are the primary sources we checked — last refreshed Aug 8, 2026.
kengo kuma design rooftop pool gaya street
Find out more about Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Frequently asked questions
Is Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu close to Gaya Street?
Yes -- it sits in the city's most walkable district, with Gaya Street and the Central Market within a 10-15 minute walk, making it a strong base for exploring Kota Kinabalu's local food and markets on foot.
Does Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu have a pool?
Yes -- double rooftop infinity pools on level 23, adjacent to the ON23 Sky Bar, with views over the sea and toward Mount Kinabalu, making it a popular spot for sunset among guests.