Best Hotels In Johor Bahru [2024]: Where To Stay In Johor Bahru For The Best Trip Ever!

Heading to Johor Bahru and want to know the best hotels in Johor Bahru, Malaysia? We have you covered!

Johor Bahru is a popular destination thanks to being both a major city in Malaysia as well as the gateway to Singapore. This brings a lot of both business and leisure travel to Johor Bahru. It’s also an alternative to staying in Singapore on a Singapore holiday as it represents much better value.

There are also some great attractions in Johor Bahru itself with the famous Legoland (full review here). You can enjoy nature with swimming at a waterfall or watching fireflies at night. Or you can eat great food, visit the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque or shop.

When planning your trip, the first question you need to answer is where to stay in Johor Bahru and what hotels in Johor Bahru town are right for you.

In this article, I give you a comparison of each best place to stay in Johor Bahru, information about the different areas to stay in so you pick the right location and a Johor Bahru hotel review for each top hotel choice. At the end, you will find a map of all the places to stay in Johor Bahru.

The good news is that there are a great range of resorts near Johor Bahru as well as hotels in Johor Bahru city centre. So whether you are looking for the best budget hotels in Johor Bahru or a 5 star hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, this hotel Johor Bahru list has you covered!

So, let’s start! Here’s your guide to each top hotel in Johor Bahru!

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Comparison Of The Best Hotels In Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Name	Stars	Location	Price	Book
Amari Johor Bahru	★★★★★	Johor Bahru City Center	$$	Click here
DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru	★★★★	Johor Bahru City Center	$$	Click here
Z Hotel	★★★☆	Johor Bahru City Center	$	Click here
Legoland Malaysia Hotel	★★★★★	Nusajaya	$$$	Click here
GBW Hotel	★★★★	Johor Bahru City Center	$	Click here
Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel	★★★★★	Bandar Baru Permas Jaya	$$	Click here
Thistle Johor Bahru	★★★★★	Johor Bahru City Center	$	Click here
Berjaya Waterfront Hotel Johor Bahru	★★★★	Johor Bahru City Center	$	Click here
Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre	★★★★	Johor Bahru City Center	$$	Click here
SEM9 Senai	★★★	Senai Airport	$	Click here

Where To Stay In Johor Bahru, Malaysia

The hotel area in Johor Bahru is rather spread out and so you should consider the location of the attractions you would like to visit before deciding which is the best hotel to stay in Johor Bahru for your trip.

For those wishing to stay in a convenient location for exploring both Johor Bahru and Singapore attractions, you should stay in a Johor Bahru hotel near City Square. This area of Johor Bahru is close to the Causeway that links the city to Singapore and is also home to JB Sentral (the main bus and rail station) so you will have easy access to attractions both locally and in Singapore.

If, however, the purpose of your trip to Johor Bahru is to visit places such as the Legoland theme park or Puteri Harbour, a good hotel in Johor Bahru, would be one located in Nusajaya.

Top 10 Options For The Best Hotel In Johor Bahru

Below are our reviews of each of the top 10 hotels at Johor Bahru.

Amari Johor Bahru Review

Address: No. 82C, Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru

Amari Johor Bahru is suitable for both business and leisure and offers multiple rooms and facilities for a pleasant stay. It is situated just a short walk from the City Square.

This hotel is a great jumping off point for travelling in both Malaysia and Singapore because of its close proximity for easy access to the causeway to Singapore which is walking distance away.

This 5 star hotel offers a fitness centre, spa and outdoor pool with kids area. For business travellers, there are multiple function rooms for hire. The on-site Amaya Food Gallery offers guests both Asian and international dining options, and the Amaya Cafe and Dip Bar serves lighter refreshments.

There are a range of accommodation options suitable for one or two guests including superior, deluxe and grand deluxe rooms as well as junior and one bedroom suites. Each guest room comes with air-conditioning, a TV and free WiFi.

Certain rooms also include access to the Executive Lounge which offers daily breakfast, cocktails and canapes from 5pm to 7pm and all day coffee and juice.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

This hotel is great for travellers looking for a more luxury style hotel close to Singapore. The Executive Lounge is particularly great.

Worst Parts?

The hotel is starting to show some signs of aging.

Summary?

This hotel is located close to both Singapore and the centre of Johor Bahru and provides good value accommodation.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru Review

Address: 12, Jalan Ngee Heng, Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru

Located just minutes from the Causeway, this hotel is one of the best hotels for those wanting to spend some time exploring attractions around both Johor Bahru and Singapore. The Johor Baru City Square is only 650 metres away while the railway station is 1.5 kilometres away.

Despite not being rated as a five-star hotel in Johor Bahru, the DoubleTree Hotel offers first class facilities. On-site facilities include a stunning outdoor swimming pool on the 13th floor, four restaurants, gym, steam room, spa and wifi. For families staying at the hotel, equipment such as high chairs and cribs are also available upon request.

Each of the hotel’s spacious guest rooms feature air-conditioning, TV, tea and coffee making facilities and, for the perfect night’s sleep, there is even a pillow menu. For guests that prefer a little more space, they can book into rooms which have separate living areas as well as rooms which have a kitchenette. Bedding configurations on offer include one large bed, two double beds or two single beds.

As an added bonus, the breakfast buffet is just unreal – the best I have ever had!

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

The location, pool, rooms, amazing breakfast… Everything! This first-class modern hotel is located in a prime position for exploring the area as well as Singapore attractions.

Worst Parts?

It’s difficult to fault this hotel. Perhaps the worst thing about this hotel is having to leave!

Summary?

The DoubleTree by Hilton is a great hotel for travellers wanting a modern hotel with first-class facilities, whilst being in a convenient location to explore local attractions as well as nearby Singapore. Put the DoubleTree at the top of your list of hotels in Johor Bahru city to consider booking. It is on ours!

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

Z Hotel Review

Address: 18 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru

Another great option for those looking for the cheapest hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia is Z Hotel. Located just 600 metres from the City Square, Z Hotel is ideal for those looking for a Johor Bahru City Square hotel.

Not only is the Z Hotel well positioned for shopping, it is also located very close to the Causeway making it a great base for day trips into Singapore.

While there are fairly limited facilities on offer at this hotel, they do have free and convenient on-site parking, as well as a spa centre with massage services, and laundry services upon request. For business travellers, there is also a meeting room.

There is a good range of accommodation options at the hotel including family rooms and two bedroom suites, triple rooms, deluxe king rooms and more. All rooms are well equipped with desks, minibars, TVs with Netflix, air-conditioning, free WiFi and a comfortable bed and private bathroom.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

Location and price. Z Hotel provides a great base for exploring both the downtown area of Johor Bahru and Singapore all at a low rate. It’s a great hotel if you’re after a reasonably cheap hotel in Johor Bahru near City Square.

Worst Parts?

This is one of the more basic hotels around City Square, Johor Bahru. So if you’re after the best luxury hotel in Johor Bahru – this isn’t it.

Summary?

Z Hotel offers travellers an exceptionally good value hotel in the heart of downtown Johor Bahru. When it comes to budget hotels in Johor Bahru near city centre, they don’t come much better than Z Hotel.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Legoland Malaysia Hotel Review

Address: No 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, Bandar, Johor Bahru

When it comes to families looking for a hotel near Legoland, Johor Bahru you can’t beat staying in the Legoland Resort itself. Located on the same site as Legoland Malaysia, both kids and adults will absolutely love this nice resort in Johor Bahru which is Lego themed.

Given its location right by Legoland, the Legoland Resort is the ideal place to stay for anyone visiting the theme park itself. However, even if you are not interested in the theme park itself, I think you will still love a night at this Johor Bahru resort hotel. Whilst the hotel is only a short drive from Johor Bahru and Singapore, the location of the resort is not ideal for exploring other attractions in the region.

The rooms at Legoland Resort are perfect for families. They come in a range of sizes and choice of themes such as a pirate, kingdom, Ninjago or adventure theme. Families will appreciate how the rooms have two separate sleeping areas – one for adults with a king-sized bed and one for up to three children with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and their own TV.

Click here for more information.

For hotel guests, there are Lego-themed activities and events throughout the day including meeting a range of Lego characters as well as dance parades and nightly movies. There is also a swimming pool, Lego play area and puzzle activities to unlock secret treasure in your room! There is even a Lego-themed restaurant with a range of Lego-shaped foods.

The best facility here is obviously Legoland Malaysia. This theme park is great especially for younger kids and kids of all ages who love Lego. There is also a water park here too.

My kids absolutely loved staying here, and it’s my top choice for a family hotel in all of Malaysia.

Best Parts?

An awesome hotel for families. Families will love the rooms, facilities and various activities on offer. This is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a family room hotel Johor Bahru offers.

Worst Parts?

Location – this hotel near Johor Bahru is not ideal for visiting any other local attractions.

Summary?

Without a doubt, this is the best family hotel in Johor Bahru, perfect for anyone wanting a place to stay whilst visiting Legoland. This is one of my top picks when it comes to not only the best resort in Johor Bahru for families but, in fact, all of Malaysia.

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

GBW Hotel Review

Address: No 9R Jalan Bukit Meldrum, Johor Darul Takzim, Johor Bahru City Center, Johor Bahru

For those travellers looking for a cheaper hotel in Johor Bahru, you can’t look past the GBW Hotel (formerly the Grand BlueWave Hotel). This four-star hotel offers exceptional value for money in the centre of the Johor Bahru commercial district.

Conveniently located near a range of restaurants and shops, this hotel near Johor Bahru Checkpoint is also close to the Causeway making it perfect for exploring various attractions in Singapore. Also, if you’re looking for a hotel near shopping mall in Johor Bahru, you’ll love how the hotel offers a free shuttle to the R&F Shopping Mall and Mid Valley Shopping Mall.

The hotel is also close to the train station, and it’s also worth considering the GBW if you’re after a Johor Bahru hotel near Custom, Immigration Quarters which is only 800 metres away.

Click here for more information.

Each guest room can comfortably accommodate up to two people. Guests can choose from a standard hotel room or have the option of choosing a studio room which includes a kitchenette and dining area. There is also the option of the larger executive and premier rooms. All rooms include a TV, air-conditioning, wifi, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

Other facilities at this budget hotel in Johor Bahru city centre include a swimming pool, bar, fitness centre and restaurant.

Best Parts?

The value for money! This is a cheap hotel in Johor Bahru near to Singapore.

Worst Parts?

This is an older budget hotel in Johor Bahru town so don’t expect any bells and whistles. It could use with a renovation. Stay elsewhere if you are wanting a new hotel in Johor Bahru. It’s also on the opposite side of the causeway to most attractions and shopping. So while it’s close to everything central, it can take awhile to get to things.

Summary?

The GBW Hotel is a great cheap hotel at Johor Bahru conveniently located to local JB attractions as well as the Causeway making it the perfect base for day trips to Singapore.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel Review

Address: 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru

If you prefer a quiet hotel away from the busy city, the Renaissance Johor Bahru is a good choice. This hotel is situated in a quieter part of the city, but you can be within the centre of town in 15 minutes. It’s also close to the port in JB so handy if you need access to this.

The Renaissance is a 5-star luxury hotel, providing guests with stylish modern accommodation featuring contemporary decor (worth considering if you’re after a romantic hotel in Johor Bahru). You can choose from rooms with either one king bed, two singles or some rooms even offer two double beds. All rooms include air-conditioning, TV, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

Facilities on offer at the hotel include two restaurants, a cafe, a bar, wifi, gym, sauna and outdoor swimming pool.

This hotel is operated by the Marriott brand, so you can be confident it is a good choice if you’re after the best 5-star hotel in Johor Bahru.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

Beautifully appointed modern rooms with first class customer service.

Worst Parts?

Limited facilities on offer and a little isolated from the local attractions.

Summary?

The Renaissance Hotel is a first class hotel located away from the busy city centre and within easy reach to JB Port.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Thistle Johor Bahru Review

Address: Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam, Johor Bahru

The Thistle Johor Bahru is located relatively close to the Causeway and directly across from the Dataran Bandaraya, the main square in Johor Bahru. It is also within walking distance to cafes and bars and is only a short taxi ride to many local attractions.

The hotel can accommodate family groups of four people including the ability to choose the layout of the bedding. Every room is appointed with a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning and beautiful views no matter which direction your room is facing. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. For stunning water views across the Strait, book into one of the executive rooms on the higher floors.

There is free parking and complimentary WiFi throughout. There is a vast array of health and wellbeing activities on-site and a pool just for the kids after they have worn themselves out on the tennis court. Picky eaters are catered for with the kid-friendly buffet, children’s television network and evening entertainment for the adults at the on-site nightclub.

Unfortunately, the hotel maintenance is not as good as it was before the pandemic, so rooms and facilities are not as good as they were.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

The luxury two-level free form swimming pool and stunning waterfront views of the Straits.

Worst Parts?

The location is not in the city centre but offers a great compromise if you are visiting the city as well as attractions in Nusajaya. The hotel has some maintenance issues and the food taste could be improved.

Summary?

A solid hotel choice with a range of amenities in a good location for visiting attractions in the city centre, Singapore as well as Nusajaya.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Berjaya Waterfront Hotel Johor Bahru Review

Address: 88, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Taman Stulang Laut, Johor Bahru

Located in Stulang, the Berjaya Waterfront Hotel is a 4-star hotel boasting 5 on-site restaurants within walking distance to local cafes and bars. It is classically decorated with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool.

With its location and incredible views of the Straits of Bahru, it is a great option to base your travels from. Although note that the hotel has not been maintained as well as we would like during the pandemic.

This hotel near Stulang Laut Johor Bahru offers basic guest accommodation in rooms that are suitable for up to two guests. Bedding configuration options are either one double or two singles with rooms including mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning and a TV.

Click here for more information.

For families, children under 12 can stay for free in their parent’s room. For those travellers that want extra room, book into the suite which includes a kitchenette.

Whilst the rooms at the hotel are fairly basic, the hotel has some great facilities. Here you will find a spa, gym, a rooftop pool, nightly entertainment, beauty/barber shop and the 5 restaurants as already mentioned.

Best Parts?

The price! If you’re after a budget hotel at Johor Bahru, this is it! Free wifi and parking are also included.

Worst Parts?

The guest rooms offered are only basic and whilst rated as a 4-star hotel, it is more like a 3-star hotel in Johor Bahru. It’s not close to the attractions in Johor Bahru.

Summary?

This is an option for people looking for cheap accommodation in Johor Bahru. If you’re after a basic place to sleep, consider adding this hotel to your Johor Bahru budget hotel list.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre Review

Address: 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, Johor Bahru

This 4-star hotel is steps away from the City Mall and only a 5-minute drive from the Causeway.

The rooms are fitted with modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, a TV, wifi, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. Each room can accommodate up to two guests in either one large bed or two single beds.

The infinity pool is a must see along with the sensational views of Singapore. Other hotel facilities include free parking, cafe, bar, sauna and gym.

Click here for more information.

Best Parts?

The infinity pool looking over the city skyline and modern rooms.

Worst Parts?

Limited on-site facilities – but you’re not going to want to leave that infinity pool anyway! Some rooms could use renovating and cleanliness standards can be improved.

Summary?

If you want a modern first class hotel, with great views and a great price, then you can’t go past the Holiday Villa Johur Bahru. The hotel is a short walk to local restaurants and local attractions are only a short drive away.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

SEM9 Senai Review

Address: 21, Jalan Terminal 1, Senai Centerpoint, Senai / Airport, Johor Bahru

If you are flying in late or flying out early, a hotel near the airport can be a great choice. The SEM9 Senai is not just one of the best budget 3-star hotels in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, but is also just a couple of easy minutes walk from the terminal.

This three-star hotel is set up for gamers as well as regular hotel guests. Regular hotel rooms come in twin, king, triple and family (deluxe) room options with bedding for two to four people. Every room has a wall mounted TV, tea and coffee making facilities, some bottled water, air-conditioning, toiletries and everything you would expect from a quality hotel option.

If you’re a gamer, there are also rooms that have all of this but also LED gaming desks, high performance gaming PCs, NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU and 24-inch 165hz gaming monitors. Each room has a desk, monitor and PC per person in the room.

Click here for more information.

There is a cafe on-site open for breakfast and lunch. The hotel is also surrounded by many shops and eating options so you won’t go hungry.

There is free high-speed internet for all guests, parking for an extra charge and a free shuttle to the airport daily except Saturdays. However, the airport is so close that you shouldn’t need this unless you have a lot of luggage. There is also a merchandise store.

Best Parts?

This hotel is quality at a great price, super close to the airport. If you are a gamer, you will absolutely love the gaming rooms.

Worst Parts?

Unless you need to be near the airport, this isn’t a convenient location for exploring Johor Bahru.

Summary?

This is the best boutique hotel in Johor Bahru for gamers and airport stays.

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

Map Of The Options For Best Resort In Johor Bahru Malaysia

I also highly recommend the Holiday Inn Johor Bahru. You can read my full review of this hotel here. It has an awesome rooftop pool.

So what’s your choice of a recommended hotel in Johor Bahru?

Travelling on a budget? Click here to find more great budget hotels in Johor Bahru, Malaysia or here for hotels near Legoland Malaysia. You can also find all our guides for Johor Bahru here.

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