We made use of this long weekend to check out a new addition in Johor Bahru hotel scene, the one year-old Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru Hotel. With its location in close proximity to Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex, getting there after clearing customs was a breeze. After being stuck in a 3-hour traffic jam along the Causeway, we were thankful for the short drive to the hotel.
Room
We took two double double executive rooms with executive lounge access and was assigned this room on the top-most floor. With 2 double beds, each room can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children comfortably.
For the sharp-eye reader, the crease on the inner bed was created by two kids eager to test out the softness of the beds.
We were provided with the natural skincare range, Aroma Actives Essentials’ bath amenities.
For rooms with executive lounge access, check-in can be done at the lounge. We did it in the hotel main lobby before heading to the lounge for refreshment and Doubletree’s signature cookie.
Just realised we were so into eating and enjoying in the lounge, we didn’t take a proper photo of the place. *blush*. So, here’s a photo from the hotel’s official web-page.
Food
DL and CL were allowed access and enjoyed refreshments at the executive lounge, except during the cocktail hours. From 6pm to 8pm when alcohol is served, children under 12 have to leave the lounge. They were also quite strict in upholding the dress code. We had seen guests wearing singlets and slippers being requested to leave.
Free flow alcohol (beer and wine) with a variety of canapés and light bites were served during the cocktail hour. Great for chilling out. Thankfully we had grandma’s help with the kids.
Instead of having breakfast at the lounge, we chose to have the breakfast at Makan Kitchen, which had wider variety for choice. For two consecutive mornings, we went for their buffet breakfast with Western and Asian items.
On the second night, we tried out their seafood weekend buffet dinner at Makan Kitchen. At RM138 net per person, the buffet was popular, so we were encouraged to make a table reservation. Besides having mouth-watering selection of fresh and grilled seafood with live cooking stations, the food was also displayed in aesthetically pleasing arrangements. The dinner was worth the extra calories we loaded into our stomachs.
Supper in the form of room service in comfort of the hotel room.
Activities
The hotel ran weekend afternoon activities to celebrate their 1 year old birthday, with colouring activities, drawing of caricatures, free balloons and face painting at one end of The Food Store.
We took their complimentary shuttle to City Square Mall for a few hours of shopping before they picked us up again. Arrangement can be made at the concierge.
As for checking out the outdoor swimming pool and gymnasium, we’ll leave it to our next visit.
Views from the Hotel
Since the hotel is located within the city area, there isn’t much greenery view from the windows. Sharing the views from the windows in the next 2 photos.
We could catch a glimpse of Singapore across the Straits from the lift lobby.
A view of the hotel’s vicinity from the lounge.
Verdict
There are many hotels to choose from in Johor Bahru city. Many of which have room rates cheaper than Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru. With the comfort we experienced, no regrets having paid US$125 per room per night for a room in the hotel with lounge access. In fact, we’re sure we’ll be back again in future.