[Malaysia] DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru: Hotel and King Deluxe Room Review

Last month, instead of planning for a long overseas trip, we decided to enjoy our holiday slowly together and hopped over to Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia for the break.

As we (surprisingly) have not stayed over at JB before, we decided to try out DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru based on TripAdvisor reviews and friends’ recommendations. Something we like about large chains is their consistency in service standards. Furthermore, comparing the rate to Singapore hotels’, this hotels’ (≈S$140 stay per night including breakfast during peak season) was definitely more value-for-money!

As the hotel is very conveniently located across the Woodlands Checkpoint, travelling up to JB by public transport was our preferred choice. After crossing over the causeway, a comfortable 20-minute walk through the JB City Square Mall (exit from Jalan Wong Ah Fook side) and Komtar Mall was all it took for us to reach the hotel.

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The check-in process was smooth and we were fortunate to be offered a late 1pm check-out (subject to availability).

True to DoubleTree hospitality, we were each treated to its famous warm cookies generously filled with chocolate chips and walnuts. It was so good and nutty, we wished we purchased a tin back. (Now I am hoping to find the recipe online so I can recreate a copycat version at home!)

Our King Deluxe Room on the 16th floor overlooked the JB city centre and residential area, and we really liked the warm accents and lightings that greeted us when we entered the room.

It offered one of the most comfortable beds we had rested in in a long time (I really wonder what’s the magic in these hotel beds/ bedsheets!) and a complimentary pillow menu is also available for those who want an even more comfortable night.

The room’s design was overall modern and we particularly loved the rainshower with firm water gushing out from the ceiling. For couples feeling more “adventurous”, feel free to raise the curtains separating the bathroom’s glass wall and sleeping area! A plus point was certainly the luxurious Crabtree & Evelyn bathroom amenities provided.

Something we like to check out during our hotel stays is the exercise facilities as we tend to overeat during staycations (who can resist the wonderful buffet breakfasts?).

While the gym offered an adequate range of gym equipment, we recommend the open-air swimming pool next door instead. Located on the 13th floor, it overlooks the lush greenery near the hotel. How relaxing!

Buffet breakfast was included in our stay and a friend had already told us before our trip that the breakfast at Makan Kitchen, the all-day restaurant, was worth waking up for.

Indeed, it featured a wide range of Western, Chinese and Malay cuisine and we were so glad we woke up early. One of the more unique options was the live juice bar where diners could choose any fruits and vegetables, and get it juiced right before their eyes. The concoction of day was green apple, celery and ginger – and we loved it. Breakfast starts at 6.30am, so remember to set your alarms to enjoy a slow and relaxing breakfast!

Apart from Makan Kitchen, the hotel offers several other dining establishments, including Tosca. To be honest, we initially did not hold much expectations for this Italian restaurant but we were just so wrong.

At dinner time, an Antipasto Bar option at RM52 (≈S$17) is available with free-flow of cured meats, canapes, bruschetta, salads, assorted breads, fruits, 40 different types of cheeses and even simple desserts (the poached pear in red wine was so good). Yes, you read this right and we were so impressed! I would say that the extensive range of cheeses was comparable to what is offered at Regent Hotel (Basilico)’s buffet, so you definitely have to take this starter option.

As life is about making trade-offs, ordering main courses would mean that we would have to take less of the cheeses. Eventually, we just shared a soup and wood-fired pizza for the rest of our dinner.

With Tosca still at the back of our minds the next day when we checked out, we returned for the Weekday 3-course Lunch Set at RM55 nett (≈S$18) and it definitely disappoint. Meals should never be rushed and the attentive service along with the contemporary interior of the restaurant made our meals extra relaxing and special.

For Singaporeans who frequent JB for their massage session or grocery shopping, I would recommend that you stay over at least once to enjoy a more relaxing time with your family. DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru offers this convenient option of having a night away from home at just a fraction of the price of a staycation in Singapore.

Instead of “wasting” time to explore the nearby restaurants around the hotel, make plans instead to dine at its restaurants. If you ask me what would draw me to revisit, the affordable room rate and of course Tosca are certainly our top reasons.