Top 10 Best Hotels In Tawau [Book Them NowđŸ„°]

Published Categorized as Tawau
This article may contain compensated links. Read the disclaimer for more info. We follow our review guidelines

Heading to Tawau?  Lucky you! It’s a great part of the world with great seafood, nature and accommodation options. The next step after deciding to go is to find the best hotels in Tawau for you. And that’s what we will help you with here!

Located in the north-east of Borneo, Tawau is the third-largest city in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It’s also the capital of the Tawau District and is the home to several tourist attractions, including Tawau Hills Park and the Tawau Tanjung Market.

Known for its cocoa plantations, you can visit the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum as well. And when it’s time to eat, chow down on some fantastic seafood, another thing Tawau is known for. It’s also close to the gorgeous islands surrounding Semporna.

Tawau Sabah Malaysia

So, if you’re planning on heading over to Tawau, you’ll need a great home base. And we’ve got you covered!

In this article, I will help you find the best hotel in Tawau town and surrounds no matter what your budget or what exactly you are looking for.

So whether you are looking for a luxury hotel in Tawau, a cheap hotel in Tawau or a guesthouse in Tawau, we have you covered with the top 10 hotels in Tawau for you.

Here is our list of hotels in Tawau. Scroll to the bottom for a map of all the top accommodation options.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist. We’ll help you get ready for your trip! 

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Comparison Of The Best Hotel In Tawau, Sabah Malaysia

NamesStarsPriceTop FeaturesBook
City Garden Hotel Tawau★★★8.5$$WiFi, sea view in some rooms, great location, fantastic valueClick here
Check Inn Hotel Tawau★★★8.1$$Handy location, good range of rooms, sea view possibleClick here
My Inn Hotel Tawau★★8.1$$Luggage storage, business centre, free parkingClick here
MB Hotel★★★7.9$$On-site restaurant, room service, convenient locationClick here
Borneo Royale Hotel Tawau★★★★7.4$$$Outdoor pool, gym, breakfast, lunch and dinner buffetsClick here
OYO 89619 De Choice Hotel Tawau★★7.1$Free parking, good location, great priceClick here
OYO 43959 Astana Hotel★★6.9$On-site cafe, walking distance to centre, crazy cheap priceClick here
Pertama Lodge★★7.8$Near Eastern Plaza, WiFiClick here
Shervinton Executive Boutique Hotel★★★7.6$$On-site restaurant, spa facilities, convenient locationClick here
Heritage Hotel★★7.6$$Near ferry terminal, dining and shopping options, meeting areaClick here
The $ are to relatively compare the hotels above. All hotels in Tawau are relatively cheap compared to most destinations.

Top 10 Best Hotels In Tawau, Sabah

City Garden Hotel Tawau Review

Address:  Jalan Chen Fook, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau

Near: Very central spot in Tawau centre

Room Types: Standard and deluxe rooms

Top Features:

  • WiFi throughout the property
  • Some rooms have a sea view
  • Breakfast
  • Free luggage storage 

If you want to be in the centre of Tawau, this hotel gives you this. You are close to many eating options and everything you need.

Like many hotels in the area, there are normal and deluxe-sized rooms, and some rooms even have a fantastic view of the sea which is just a couple of blocks away.

You’ll stay cool while sleeping here as each room is outfitted with air-conditioning. If you work online and need to get down to business while at the hotel, there’s also a desk in each room. And if you just want to kick back and relax, every room has a TV with satellite channels. 

If you find that you’ve arrived too early in Tawau and check-in isn’t for another few hours, the City Garden Hotel Tawau has luggage storage and will keep your belongings safe. That goes for if you decide to explore the city more after checking out, too. 

There’s complimentary WiFi for guests and free bottled water. Guests also get breakfast every morning should they choose. 

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

Waking up to a sea view every morning is something we can get behind! Reviews for this hotel are consistently fantastic especially given it’s low price point.

Worst Parts?

There is no parking or restaurants available at the City Garden Hotel Tawau. 

Summary

City Garden Hotel Tawau is another prime choice for you to pick for your Tawau holiday especially if you want a great value option in the centre of town.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Check Inn Hotel Review

Address: TB 248, Jalan Bunga, Tawau

Near: Great location that is a few blocks from the waterfront

Room Types: Single, double, triple and family options from standard with no window to superior, deluxe and executive options with sea view

Top Features:

  • Many room types
  • Free WiFi
  • Sea views in some rooms
  • Centrally located

Centrally located and an easy walk to the waterfront, Check-Inn Hotel is making some noise on this list. In fact, it’s where I chose to stay on my most recent visit to Tawau thanks to the quality rooms, great value, great location and sea views.

There is an abundance of different rooms available from budget singles without a window to triple and family options. You can pay more if you want an updated appearance or a sea view or pay less to still have a comfortable room while saving some money.

The rooms are all compact, clean and comfortable as well as generally modern. They all have ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a desk and toiletries. Basically, they offer everything you would expect from a good hotel.

Your room will never get too messy as there are daily housekeeping services.

There is a lack of facilities here so no restaurants on-site. You are surrounded by them, however. as this is a short walk from a great strip of seafood restaurants. There’s also a big supermarket across the road. There is great free wifi.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This hotel is in a great location in Tawau. The rooms are great value, and the sea view is a plus.

Worst Parts?

There is a lack of facilities.

Summary

Check Inn Tawau is a relatively simply hotel, but what they lack in facilities, they make up for with great rooms and a great location. I enjoyed my stay here.

Click here for more information and the latest prices or click here to see our full review.

My Inn Hotel Tawau Review

Address:  TB254 A/B, Block 25 Jalan Dulop, Tawau

Near: Convenient location close to the centre of town

Room Types: Standard and deluxe-sized rooms

Top Features:

  • Luggage storage
  • Business centre
  • Free parking
  • Air-conditioning

My Inn Hotel Tawau can be “Your Inn” as it’s another great option in the city. Each air-conditioned room has a private bathroom that’s stocked with free toiletries. And you’ll have a desk, a TV and the ability to make coffee and tea. 

If you need to get some work done, or just want a quiet place to read or browse the internet, there’s a business centre on-site available for guest use. WiFi is available at My Inn Hotel Tawau, but only in public areas.

If you need it, there is free parking as well as luggage storage, daily housekeeping and 24/7 front desk service. 

This accommodation is close to many dining options. And if you need to get some shopping done, this is a great location for that also. 

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

Having a common area like the business centre is sometimes under-appreciated, but it can come in handy if you find yourself needing some extra room to spread out and get some work done. 

Worst Parts?

The internet. It should be free and available everywhere.

Summary

In a city full of accommodation options, My Inn Hotel Tawau does what it can to stand out.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

MB Hotel Review

Address: TB 339 Jalan Masjid, Tawau

Near: Walking distance from the absolute centre of town

Room Types: Normal and deluxe-sized rooms

Top Features:

  • Round trip airport shuttle service for a charge
  • Air-conditioning 
  • On-site restaurant
  • Room service

Boasting air-conditioned standard-sized and deluxe rooms, MB Hotel is a centrally located accommodation. 

Each room has a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer as well as a TV, desk and safe. WiFi connectivity is available in every room. 

If you want to shop at the popular Tawau Tanjung Market, it will only take you about 10 minutes to walk there from the property. And for your convenience, there’s a restaurant on-site that also supplies room service. 

If you need any general service, the front desk is staffed 24/7. And if the plan is to fly in and out of Tawau, you can arrange a shuttle with the hotel for an extra charge. 

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This is a good value hotel in a good location. The room service can be handy. 

Worst Parts?

Honestly, nothing is that bad. There could always be better facilities, fresher rooms, but overall, nothing that negative. 

Summary

MB Hotel covers all of your basic needs, as well as many of your wants.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Borneo Royale Hotel Tawau Review

Address:  Mile 1, Jalan Kuhara, 91000 Tawau

Near: Close to food and shopping options

Room Types: Standard and deluxe-sized rooms, and suites 

Top Features:

  • Outdoor pool and spa facilities
  • Gym
  • Can accommodate large events
  • Buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner

The Borneo Royale Hotel Tawau starts our list off with a bang. It has a variety of room options, whether you want a standard-size room, a deluxe one for more space or a suite to maximize your comfort at this hotel. Although, the rooms could use a renovation.

It’s located just outside the centre of Tawau but you can commute in quickly.

The Borneo Royale Hotel Tawau has a gymnasium that is loaded with weights and cardio machines, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. 

There’s a coffee house on-site as well as a buffet to ensure you never go hungry while touring around Tawau. The buffet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as high tea in the afternoon. 

If you’re planning on hosting an event on Borneo, this hotel has great facilities to bring everything together. 

And like many places in Malaysia, you’re not allowed to bring durian inside the property. 

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

The leisure centre has everything you need to make sure you continue working out, even while on holidays. 

Worst Parts?

The hotel needs renovating. The cleanliness level could be improved.

Summary

It’s always important to have a comfortable place to stay while touring around a country, and you’ll get that at Borneo Royale Hotel Tawau.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

OYO 89619 De Choice Hotel Tawau Review

Address:  TB 3023 Jalan Masjid, Tawau

Near: Conveniently located near the centre

Room Types: Standard and deluxe-sized rooms as well as suites

Top Features:

  • Air-conditioning
  • Free parking
  • Good location
  • Great price

If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Tawau, look no further than OYO 89619 De Choice Hotel Tawau. You can rent a standard-sized room, a deluxe-sized room which is a little bigger than the standard rooms, as well as a suite. 

The location is great close to the centre of town and you can walk to most places you’d want to go in tawau centre.

Each room has air-conditioning inside to help you beat the heat. You’ll also find a satellite TV, an electric kettle and a private bathroom in your room. Each bathroom has hot and cold water, and a shower and toilet. 

Daily housekeeping is available, as well as front desk service around the clock. There’s WiFi here as well to keep you connected and if you’re driving, you’ll be able to park your car here free of charge. 

If you’re hosting a banquet or meeting, you can also work with the OYO 89619 De Choice Hotel Tawau to make it a memorable or productive event. The hotel is close to several food and shopping options, and is roughly 30 minutes away from the Tawau Airport.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

The price! This place is cheap. 

Worst Parts?

The building is a little old. Some rooms need renovating. Cleanliness could be better.

Summary

You won’t break the bank by renting a room at this accommodation, and you’ll be close to the city’s action.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

OYO 43959 Astana Hotel Review

Address:  TB4713, Lot 2, Tingkat Bawah, Jalan Dunlop, Tawau

Near: Located just out of the centre, but it is still walking distance

Room Types: Standard and deluxe-sized rooms

Top Features:

  • On-site cafe
  • Air-conditioning
  • Super budget accommodation

If you’re looking to save as much money as possible, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort and convenience, then OYO 43959 Astana Hotel is the perfect place for you. It’s walking distance to the centre of town.

There is a selection of different standard and deluxe-sized rooms to rent, with there being different bed and perk options. Each room has a TV and private bathroom, as well as free internet and bottled water. 

If you’re looking for some coffee or a snack, there’s a cafe at the hotel. You are also a short walk from many options.

Services include housekeeping, 24-hour front desk support and luggage storage. There’s also a TV and lounge common area for guests to relax in. 

Cleanliness can be an issue for some guests. The best selling point of this hotel is the price. It’s crazy low!

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

It’s a very cheap place to stay. 

Worst Parts?

The rooms could be cleaned better at the OYO 43959 Astana Hotel. 

Summary

If you’re on a strict budget, or simply don’t want to part with much cash, then this hotel is a fantastic option.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Pertama Lodge Review

Address:  Pertama Commercial Complex Mile1 Apas Road, Tawau

Near: 200 metres from Eastern Plaza

Room Types: Normal rooms, deluxe rooms and even larger superior rooms

Top Features:

  • Close to the Eastern Plaza
  • WiFi in all areas
  • A lot of room choices

The Pertama Lodge is a budget price located just outside the city centre area. A quick taxi ride or long walk will have you wherever you want to be.

If you want to check out and shop at a massive mall in Tawau, the Eastern Plaza is only 200 metres away from the Pertama Lodge. And for movie lovers, the shopping mall has a cinema.

There is a large selection of rooms to pick from ranging from standard sized to superior rooms with a balcony and street view. 

Every room has WiFi, air-conditioning, a work desk and private bathroom. The hotel offers someone at the front desk all day, every day to help you with whatever you need, as well as daily housekeeping and luggage storage. 

There’s also free parking on-site and complimentary bottled water. 

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

The proximity to the Eastern Plaza is convenient.

Worst Parts?

The location is not as good as most others in this list. Air-conditoning units are old and need replacing.

Summary

Although it doesn’t have everything, this hotel is a solid budget choice.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Shervinton Executive Boutique Hotel Review

Address: TB224-227, LOT 1-4, Jalan Bunga, Fajar, Tawau

Near: Short walk from the centre

Room Types: Standard-sized rooms with different bed options

Top Features:

  • On-site restaurant
  • Spa facilities

This hotel is located in a convenient location, just a short walk from the centre of Tawau. There are a range of rooms available for cheaper rooms without windows to family options with bedding for four, seating area and city views.

There’s an on-site restaurant that has a loaded Malaysian and international food menu. There is an array of spa options here for an extra charge, including a massage and sauna. 

Stay connected online with the hotel’s complimentary WiFi that runs throughout the accommodation. And for services, there’s luggage storage, 24/7 front desk support and daily housekeeping. 

There’s also free parking, but if you’re not driving a rented vehicle, you can also arrange the hotel shuttle transportation to and from the airport, which is only 30 minutes away. 

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

You’re on holiday, so why not pamper yourself by using the offered spa facilities?

Worst Parts?

Some rooms don’t have a window, so make sure you double-check what you’re booking at the Shervinton Executive Boutique Hotel. Some rooms could also use with a renovation.

Summary

With its comfortable rooms, good price and full service, it’s tough to beat this hotel.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Heritage Hotel Review

Address: TB 210, 213, Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex, 91000 Tawau

Near: Walking distance to centre

Room Types: Standard and deluxe-sized rooms as well as suites

Top Features:

  • Close to countless dining and shopping options
  • Meeting area
  • Close to a ferry terminal
  • Breakfast offered

All in all, there are 80 air-conditioned rooms for you to choose from at the Heritage Hotel which is located near the centre of Tawau. There are standard rooms, deluxe rooms and two suites for you to pick from. 

Rooms have a private bathroom as well as coffee and tea making facilities 

You’re close to all the happenings of the Tawau business centre if you stay at the Heritage Hotel.

Along with complimentary water, you’ll also have WiFi throughout the hotel and free parking should you need it. There are a ton of reception services including luggage storage, currency exchange and personnel at the front desk all day and night. 

For an extra fee, you can have breakfast prepared for you. 

The property will also do your dry cleaning for an extra charge, and there’s daily housekeeping as well.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This hotel consistently receives great reviews.

Worst Parts?

The WiFi can be spotty and the breakfast can be lacklustre. 

Summary

It’s important to have a home away from home when travelling, and Heritage Hotel is a prime candidate to fill that role.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Map Of The Best Hotel At Tawau Options

Best Hotels In Tawau Sabah map
Click the Map to open in Google Maps. You can then access directions to each of the locations discussed in this article.

I hope you found this guide to the best hotels in Tawau useful. Know exactly how to get to Tawau from Kota Kinabalu here, all the best things to do in Tawau here or find our full travel guide to Tawau here.

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.