Best Hotels In Desaru [2024]: Best Options For All Budgets

The Desaru Coast is the up-and-coming holiday hotspot in south-eastern Johor, not far from Singapore. It’s a great place to get away for the weekend for some beach fun and a splash at the Adventure Waterpark.

Add to this that it’s now quicker and easier to get to Desaru thanks to the completion of the Senai-Desaru Expressway, and a direct ferry here from Singapore, bypassing the need to cross the causeway.

As a result, Desaru has become a major holiday destination with a new integrated resort, plenty of great new places to stay in Desaru and some fun attractions. Also, old favourite resorts on the pristine coast have been re-energised.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Desaru Malaysia, check out our Desaru hotel and resort list below. You can find indulgent hotels in Desaru Johor Bahru that are perfect for families, business travellers, solo travellers and couples. There are also some budget hotels in Desaru listed, so you can find the perfect hotel in Desaru for your circumstances.

With so many great options, what are you waiting for?

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Comparison Of The Best Desaru Coast Hotels

Name	Stars	Location	Price	Book
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas	★★★★★	Desaru Beach Area	$$$$$	Click here
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort	★★★★★	Desaru Beach Area	$$$$$	Click here
Four Points By Sheraton Desaru	★★★★	Bandar Penawar	$$$	Click here
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast	★★★★★	Desaru Beach Area	$$$$	Click here
Amansari Hotel Desaru	★★★	Bandar Penawar	$$	Click here
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa	★★★★	Desaru Beach Area	$$	Click here
Tiara Desaru Resort	★★★	Desaru Beach Area	$$	Click here
Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort Desaru Coast	★★★★	Desaru Beach Area	$$$	Click here
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa	★★★★★	Desaru Beach Area	$$$	Click here
Hotel Desaru Penawar	★★	Bandar Penawar	$	Click here

Top 10 Best Hotel In Desaru, Malaysia

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas Review

Address: Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, Johor

If you’d like to experience a stay in a luxurious seaside villa Desaru style, consider this 5-star resort. The low-rise villas and residences are designed as part of an upscale take on the traditional Malaysian fishing village.

Set amongst lush gardens and lagoons, you can stay in a hotel-style room, a standalone villa or a beach house with private pool. The resort has two swimming pools, including a spectacular beachfront pool. The rooms are about 50 m2 and each has a private balcony with seating, an espresso machine and free Wi-Fi.

An on-site spa and fitness centre with personal trainers are among the amenities. You can take yoga classes, too. A shuttle service takes you to the Els Club golf course that’s just five minutes away. The Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is walking distance from the resort.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This is perhaps the best resort in Desaru if you’re travelling with a large group of family or friends since the residences can accommodate up to 18 adults. There’s an abundance of activities for all ages, both at the resort and in the resort area Desaru. It’s also fabulous if you can afford the beach villas. Just gorgeous.

Worst Parts?

The staff could do a better job keeping flies off the buffet food.

Summary

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas provides excellent luxury lodgings for couples, families and groups of friends. While it is a fairly new addition to the list of Desaru resorts, it is well on its way to becoming the best Desaru beach resort.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort Review

Address: Jln Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar, Johor

This is a 5-star resort at Desaru Johor that’s right on the coast, with some rooms providing views of the South China Sea. Choose from nine types of rooms, including 42 m2 Deluxe Rooms and a 244 m2 Presidential Suite.

All rooms have air-conditioning, free bottled water, high-speed Wi-Fi and mini-refrigerators. You can choose adjoining rooms as well as rooms that are accessible with roll-in showers. If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the Kids’ Club for activities like making giant origami.

The full-service spa provides everything from couples’ massage to eye treatments. Splash in the outdoor pool when you aren’t relaxing at the Beach Bar or on the resort’s private beach. It’s gorgeous!

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This is one of the resorts in Desaru Malaysia that is renowned for its warm and welcoming staff. Also, Westin provides super-comfy beds that are often described as “heavenly,” with relaxing touches like lavender essential oil. The food served at the on-site restaurants does not disappoint. The Beach Bar is particularly awesome and the private beach area is fantastic.

Worst Parts?

The price is the only bad part. It’s one of the most expensive on this list (for good reason, though).

Summary

The staff are attentive, and the facilities are meticulous here. Add in the private beach, and it’s heavenly. Among the luxury hotels and resorts in Desaru, the Westin Resort is a top choice.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Four Points By Sheraton Review

Address: Jalan Kempas 2, Taman Desaru Utama, Bandar Penawar, Johor

If you’re looking for the best hotel in Bandar Penawar, look no further! Four Points by Sheraton is it. In fact, it’s one of the best hotels in the whole region as it consistently gets great reviews, and the price is very good value.

It’s located in a handy spot to restaurants and shops, but it’s not in the beach area. Still, it does not take long to drive to the beach.

There is a range of twin and double bed rooms to choose from. There’s also a family room option with two beds and a cool tent area for kids.

There are some great facilities here including a pool, gym, bar and restaurant.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This four-star hotel is well presented with everything you need and represents better value than the beachfront hotels.

Worst Parts?

It’s not near the beach and is about a ten-minute drive.

Summary

This accommodation Desaru is great for anyone who doesn’t mind not staying near the beach. It’s a solid 4-star hotel with plenty of food and shops in the vicinity.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast Review

Address: Jalan Pantai 3, Bandar Penawar, Desaru Beachfront, Desaru

The Hard Rock is a Desaru 5 star hotel that’s a top area destination. Choose from Superior and Deluxe Gold Rooms and Rock Royalty Rooms and Suites. The rooms range in size from 42 m2 to 226 m2, and all have private balconies, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

The Rock Royalty Rooms provide upgraded amenities (how does an in-room plunge pool sound?), exclusive access to the Rock Royalty Lounge and the services of a personal concierge.

There are many facilities at this hotel including a pool, kids’ club, a day spa, the Rock Shop for Hard Rock merchandise, a gym and a cool lolly and toy shop.

There are also three restaurants and cafes as well as a lounge bar. This is handy as there aren’t that many places to eat in the area. You can also get room service.

A huge plus is access to the private beach shared with the Westin just a few minutes walk away. We loved hanging out here!

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This upscale hotel is right next to the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast which you can access with your park-entry ticket from level one of the hotel. Free shuttle services take you to Desaru Beach or you can simply walk through the Westin hotel which is in front of this hotel and be in the beach in moments.

You can take a tour of rock memorabilia in the hotel while you’re there. Among the 5 star hotels in Desaru Malaysia, the Hard Rock provides an incredible experience for music lovers.

Worst Parts?

If you’d like to dine outside of the hotel, there aren’t many options nearby. Some guests were disappointed that the sandy beach was part of the waterpark next door and not included in the hotel stay. However, there’s a large pool for Hard Rock guests that has an underwater sound system.

Summary

The Hard Rock Hotel more than makes up for its non-beachfront location with an awe-inspiring assortment of amenities and a family-friendly setting next to a great waterpark. It’s a luxurious place to stay for every type of traveller, making it a contender for the best hotel in Desaru. We very much enjoyed staying here with our family.

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

Amansari Hotel Desaru Review

Address: No.127, Jalan Kempas 1, Taman Desaru Utama, Bandar Penawar, Desaru

Amansari Hotel Desaru is a fairly new hotel, having just opened in 2016. It’s a 3.5-star hotel that’s just right for everyone from business travellers to families.

There are 238 rooms including family suites with a queen bed and sofa bed. The rooms range in size from 20 m2 to 41m2, and all rooms have air-conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and city views.

Some of the amenities on-site are a fitness center, lounge and cafeteria. It also has a large hall for business functions. This hotel’s price is at the lower end of the midrange. You can enjoy an American style and Halal buffet breakfast there.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

The hotel’s location in Bandar Penawar is convenient for exploring Desaru and doing some shopping since the city centre is nearby. It’s also easy to access Pengerang and Kota Tinggi from there.

Most guests agree that the rooms feel spacious and comfortable.

Worst Parts?

Some small details still need to be worked out at this hotel. Each room only receives one key card, which can be a problem if there is more than one guest because you need the key card to activate the lights in the room, and it is also required to use the lift. You can get additional room cards for a fee.

The pool is closed until further notice. You can access a pool about a kilometre away. This hotel is not near the beach.

Summary

The Amansari Hotel has modern rooms and is surrounded by shops and places to eat. If you need a place to lay your head in a convenient location, this is a good choice among hotels near Desaru Malaysia.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa Review

Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi Johor Darul Ta’zim, Desaru Beachfront, Desaru

This beach resort in Desaru is a destination in itself with family activities and a luxurious spa on-site. Located in the Kota Tinggi district, it’s hard to miss this 3.5-star resort with its distinctive fairytale-castle look.

The rooms are apartment-style. They range from 59 m2 one-bedroom suites to 210 m2 four-bedroom suites. You can also choose a three-bedroom penthouse. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and kitchenettes.

Guests can enjoy the resort’s Splash Park that has water-feature playgrounds and a lazy river that people of all ages enjoy. A lagoon-style pool and grotto area provide more aquatic enjoyment. It’s a great little water park.

You can relax indoors with one of the many games, such as table tennis, or get active outdoors with offerings like beach volleyball, tug of war and paintball. An outdoor swimming pool is separate from the water park if you want a change of pace from the beach.

You can dine on-premises at the seafood and Indian restaurants, perk up at the coffee house and unwind at the Beach Hut Bar with table-side barbecue.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

Guests consistently report that the staff are helpful and accommodating. The water park area is amazing at this Desaru hotel apartment.

Worst Parts?

Some of the rooms neeed renovating, and many rooms and facilities are looking tired at this sea view beach resort Desaru.

Summary

Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is a top place to stay for families and beach lovers, especially if you want a water park at your hotel.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Tiara Desaru Resort Review

Address: Ptd 1588, Jalan Tanjung Lompat, Bandar Penawar, Desaru Beachfront, Desaru

Tiara Desaru Resort is a 3-star resort in Desaru Johor Bahru vicinity. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The types of rooms you can book include studio, family suite and penthouse. You can rent bicycles at the resort and play tennis and ping pong for a fee.

Indoors, you’ll find a children’s play area and board games and puzzles. There’s an on-site coffee shop, restaurant and convenience store. It’s close to the beach.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

Tiara is one of the resorts at Desaru that has a private beach that guests love. It’s a family-friendly place with spacious rooms and an outdoor pool.

Worst Parts?

This hotel is old and needs better maintenance and updating. Housekeeping is hard to reach and doesn’t clean rooms effectively.

Summary

This is one of the low-frills hotels at Desaru beach Johor. If you’d like to enjoy relaxing at the beach without spending a ton of money, this is a decent Desaru hotel JB to consider. Just don’t have your expectations high.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort Desaru Coast Review

Address: Bandar Penawar, Johor

If you’re looking for a seaview resort Desaru, check out Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort. Each of its 134 rooms has clear views of the water. Rooms range from 40 m2 to 60 m2 and there are also larger suites with their own living areas. These can be great for families.

Each room has air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and a small refrigerator.

The resort has a large outdoor infinity pool, a gym and a kids’ playground. You can sing karaoke at the indoor lounge or appreciate the sea breeze while you sip a drink at the Beach Bar.

You can find plenty of things to do at this midrange hotel Desaru beach resort.

Breakfast is included with your stay.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

You can walk to the adjoining beach that offers jet skiing and parasailing. Bike rentals are available at the hotel too. For a laidback experience, visit the Sarang Spa for traditional Malay massage, Balinese massage, aromatherapy treatments, facials and other spa treatments.

Worst Parts?

Sadly, some facilities have shut in recent times, yet they are still advertised. This Desaru resort hotel needs a facelift and is currently priced too high.

Summary

If you love a sea view, this place is great! Otherwise, it’s tired and needs some updating before it’s the great hotel it was again.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa Review

Address: Jalan Desaru Desaru, Bandar Penawar, Johor

This 5-star hotel near Desaru Johor is located in a great spot right by the beach and close to Bandar Penawar. Even the most basic room at this luxurious resort has a private furnished balcony and sofa. You can also expect air-conditioning, free water and free Wi-Fi in every room.

A complimentary breakfast buffet is also included for guests.

With 10 types of rooms to choose from, every type of traveller can find a luxurious escape at this Desaru hotel Johor. Among the many offerings, you can select a room with a private garden, a family suite that’s on two floors or a romantic room for couples with a four-poster bed and private indoor plunge pool.

The resort has a tropical-style pool and an indoor/outdoor spa. The outdoor gym appears to float on the pool lagoon-style.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This hotel is right on the beach. If it’s raining outside, kids can spend time in an indoor playroom and arcade. Several restaurants are on-site, and the rooms are spacious and indulgent.

Worst Parts?

This resort is huge. That allows for spacious rooms, but some guests note that it makes keeping the grounds clean challenging for staff since there is so much to attend to.

Summary

This resort near Desaru is suitable for singles and families, but it is perhaps the best hotel in Desaru beach for couples, including honeymooners. It’s priced in the upper midrange.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Hotel Desaru Penawar Review

Address: No. 2, Jalan Kempas 4 Taman Desaru Utama, Bandar Penawar, Desaru

Hotel Desaru Penawar is a basic hotel to meet the needs of most budget travellers. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a tea kettle. It has accommodation to meet just about every budget.

You can reserve a superior double room or a family room. To save some money, you can book a room without a window. There are also dorm rooms, but at the time of publishing this article, these are only available to rent the whole room and not on a per-bed since the pandemic started.

Hotel Desaru Penawar is about a ten-minute drive from Desaru Beach.

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Best Parts?

The price! Also, this Desaru hotel Johor Bahru is a mere two-minute walk from the SKS Mall. You can find plenty of supermarkets and restaurants in this hotel area Desaru.

Worst Parts?

One of the drawbacks of this hotel is that some of the rooms don’t have windows. However, rooms without windows cost less than other rooms. It’s your choice.

This hotel is not in the beach area of Desaru.

Summary

This best budget hotel in Desaru is a solid option for budget travellers and backpackers.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Map Of The Best Hotels In Desaru Options

Getting to your Desaru hotel is ultra easy from all over Malaysia with our private taxi service.

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I hope you found this guide to hotels in Desaru useful.  Check out our guide on things to do in Desaru or exactly how to go from Singapore to Desaru Coast here. You can also find our ultimate Desaru Beach guide here and our remaining Desaru guides here.

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