It’s really nice to see how Johor Bahru is quickly being revamped. From new malls, to the upcoming RTS train.. and of course, more hotels!
I have to say, though, with all these new hotels from prominent brands opening, the more affordable options seem to be disappearing, with room rates getting increasingly expensive. With the recent closure of the Thistle Hotel, I can bid goodbye to what was $70 for a night, to what I’m sure will be about $150-$200 a night, when they officially rebrand the hotel to JW Marriott Johor Bahru soon.
Thankfully, my stay at Sheraton Johor Bahru was partially sponsored by Donovan. So make some noise!
Sheraton Johor Bahru, which was recently opened for booking last year October, is located about 10 minutes away from the CIQ, so getting here was pretty quick and easy. Literally, Grab and go.
Unlike most hotels, the lobby for this hotel was up on the fifth floor instead of the first. Though the floor isn’t that high, you can expect great view of the city from here.
With ample seating area, everything was designed to be practical and aesthetically pleasing. It was so pretty. I talk like a real estate agent eh actually. Everything looked new and fresh, and with the massive natural lighting, it gives off a great, airy ambience. This is indeed quiet luxury, nothing too fancy. Everything was just perfect.
Check-in was a breeze.
Our room was the Deluxe category and just like the hotel lobby, everything looks and smells new.
I do not know what theme the hotel was going for unfortunately, but it’s giving me a Japanese vibe to it. Muji? Is Muji even Japanese actually?
It’s clean, it looks modern. It’s spacious, I honestly love the entirety of the room. Nothing for me to actually say anything negative about. If there’s a score card here, I’ll rate the room design, an easy 11/10, with one extra point as a gesture of goodwill.
The bed, especially the pillows, were so comfy. I’m a snuggler, I like to be on bed with nothing but the duvet on, it was exceptionally cosy.
Also, what I really loved was the attention to modern times. Do you realise how we’re not really relying on traditional USB slots as much anymore? The sockets here include an international plug, a USB slot and USB-C ports, which I think is a really great addition. With most newer phones, tablets and laptops now charging via USB-C, it’s a small but very practical detail that makes a big difference.
The wardrobe too, has mroe than enough space for your clothes. Multiple hangers are provided, but what I really really like are the bathrobes. $1 for you if you’re able to guess my outfit for the night.
Amenities for the coffee and tea were from Dilmah and Nescafe respectively. I feel there’s a disconnect between the brands they have chosen for their amenities and the more upscale, premium image that Sheraton is trying to portray. Nescafe sachets and Dilmah teas seem rather mass-market to me, and I think a more premium hotel brand should have better options.
You know what? They should explore more on local Malaysian coffee or tea brands. Support lokal kan? They taste way better actually. Oh my god, the white coffee from Oriental Kopi? I love them.
The bathroom is bright and I find it so luxurious when hotels incorporate marble designs on the wall and sink counter. I also appreciate the lights by the mirror, really helps when I’m trying my best to draw my eyebrows in the morning. Some hotels have bathrooms that are so dimly lit, with barely any lighting, that I can’t even get ready properly. If you really wanna know if a hotel has great lightning, just look at my eyebrows at this point.
Bathroom amenities are from Gilchrist & Soames, a luxury brand from London.
Not sure if it’s a midlife crisis kicking in, but I have finally start working out. But worry not! I don’t intent to make that into my personality.
And for that reason alone, I now have a newfound appreciation for hotel gyms that are proper, functional and clean. Never thought I’d be the person actually judging a hotel by its gym? But here we are! Truthfully, I just needed the dumbbells and the treadmill.
And after a great workout, you can go for a good swim!
The ambience by the swimming pool was so serene, the weather was great. It wasn’t the haze season when I went, so it was really perfect. There’s multiple cabanas, a lot of sunbeds for you to lounge on. The only regret I have is not bringing my tanning oil.
The pool area was really great, it’s really the bestest place to hang out at if you have large group.
I will absolutely return to Sheraton Johor Bahru. Of course, I will! Provided if Donovan is there to partially sponsor the stay again.
I’m just not sure if I would actually spend almost $200 for a one night stay in Johor Bahru. But then again, my experience here was priceless.