Escape to Johor Bahru: Luxury Bathtub Bliss Awaits You!
Escape to Johor Bahru: Luxury Bathtub Bliss Awaits You! (Seriously, You Need This) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Escape to Johor Bahru. And let me tell you, after the week I've had, I needed this escape more than air. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs, here's the real deal, messy emotions and all.
First Impressions and Accessibility (or Lack Thereof, Sometimes):
Getting there? Piece of cake. Airport transfer? Smooth as silk. But, and there's always a but, while the website claims to be accessible (Wheelchair accessible, Elevator…), I saw a few hiccups. Now, I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I’m always looking for accessibility, you know? Just in case. The lobby was gorgeous, all high ceilings and that "expensive perfume" smell (that’s always a good sign, right?). Everything seemed to be on the level, no major steps to navigate. But I didn’t scrutinize every corner, and I suspect some of the spa might have some issues. Check beforehand if you need absolute certainty about wheelchair accessibility. SEO Note: *Accessibility is a major consideration for a lot of travelers. Don't be shy about highlighting what's *really* accessible. Phrases like “accessible features may vary” and "some limitations" are helpful, too… being honest is important, and you might even gain some points for it. Also keywords like "wheelchair accessible hotel," "accessible Johor Bahru accommodation," and "hotel with accessible rooms" should be in your arsenal*
Rooms: Bathtub Bliss is NOT an Overstatement!
Alright, the real reason you’re here, the luxurious bathtub. OMG. It was…epically good. Like, "lost all sense of time soaking in bubbles with a glass of wine" good. I’m talking deep, spacious, and with all the jets and whistles. That was what it was about. This hotel delivers on the promise. The room itself was lovely– air-conditioning worked like a charm (essential in Johor Bahru!), blackout curtains that actually worked (thank you, sleep gods!), super comfortable bed, and all the usual suspects: mini-bar, fridge, safe, etc. And free Wi-Fi, which is a must considering my insane addiction to social media. SEO Note: This is where the money is. Emphasize the key selling point. Keywords: "luxury bathtub Johor Bahru," "hotel with bathtub," "romantic getaway Johor Bahru," "spa bath hotel"
Internet and Tech Stuff:
Free Wi-Fi in the rooms? YES! It worked flawlessly (a miracle, sometimes). And the LAN internet option? Well, I didn’t test it, because hello, Wi-Fi, duh. The rooms also have an internet desk, which, in 2024, feels a little…old school? But look, options are good. SEO Note: Internet access is a deal breaker for many. Keywords: "free Wi-Fi hotel Johor Bahru," "hotel with fast internet," "reliable Wi-Fi"
Dining: Feeding the Beast (and My Soul)
Okay, the food. This is where things got a little…mixed. The Asian breakfast was amazing (the mee goreng! Chefs kiss!), but the Western breakfast? Meh. A bit bland. The buffet had everything, but at least it's varied. The coffee shop was decent. There was also a pool side bar that seemed alright, but I never actually went! Honestly, I stuck to the room service. 24-hour room service – a beautiful thing. I may have ordered fries at 3 AM… no judgement. SEO Note: Food is important! Keywords: "Johor Bahru restaurants," "hotel buffet," "24-hour room service," "Asian cuisine Johor Bahru"
Relaxation and Spa: My Personal Paradise Found (Almost!)
Alright, the spa, the pièce de résistance. I indulged in everything. Body scrub? Yes, please! Body wrap? Absolutely. Massage? My aching muscles and screaming nerves demanded it. The therapists were amazing – skilled, kind, and they actually listened when I begged them to ease the tension in my shoulders. The pool area was stunning, with a view that made you forget all your problems. SEO Note: Focus on keywords like "spa Johor Bahru," "massage hotel Johor Bahru," "pool with a view Johor Bahru" and "best hotel spa"
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
In a time where hygiene is paramount, it’s important to check and double check a hotel’s sanitization. The hotel definitely went the extra mile. Stuff like anti-viral cleaning products, room sanitization between stays, and a lot of hand sanitizer everywhere. They had a policy with no room sanitation, but that’s fine. I was feeling quite secure (which is important when you’re trying to unwind). SEO Note: Keywords relating to cleanliness: "clean hotel Johor Bahru," "safe hotel Johor Bahru," "hygiene Johor Bahru"
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The staff were friendly and helpful, the concierge was great. I especially loved the daily housekeeping and the laundry service. The daily housekeeping was a lifesaver. The doorman was always smiling, and there's a convenience store for late-night snacks. They even offered a currency exchange. SEO Note: Highlighting conveniences can attract travelers. Keywords: "hotel concierge," "laundry service Johor Bahru," "daily housekeeping"
For the Kids (and the Big Kids Too!)
I don't have kids, so I can't personally vouch for the babysitting service or the kids facilities. But the hotel is family friendly. SEO Note: Useful for families, but if you don't specifically cater to kids, don't overdo it in the review.
Getting Around:
They offer Airport transfer (which I always appreciate), car park on-site (and free!), and a taxi service. Easy peasy. SEO Note: Convenience is everything! Keywords: "airport transfer Johor Bahru," "hotel parking Johor Bahru"
The Downsides (Because Honesty is the Best Policy):
I never went to the gym, since I am a lazy slug. The "business facilities" didn't really apply to my vacation, but there was a room with a Xerox/fax. The smoking area? I never saw one. Sometimes I felt that there was a bit too much…plastic. Not an absolutely perfect experience, but overall a good one.
Final Verdict: Book It! (Just Don't Expect Perfection)
Look, Escape to Johor Bahru isn't perfect. But the bathtub alone is worth the price of admission! If you are looking to relax, recharge, and get away from it all, this hotel is probably a good choice. Just go! SEO Note: The conclusion MUST be compelling! Keywords: "best hotel Johor Bahru," "Johor Bahru vacation," "book your hotel"
My Personal Anecdote… The Bathtub Story (Again!)
I spent one evening, utterly exhausted from a day of…well, let’s just say a particularly stressful situation, and I sank into that tub. The jets were on full blast. The bubbles were mountains high. I had a glass of wine, a book I didn’t actually read because I was too busy staring at the ceiling and breathing deeply. For those 2 hours, I was gone. I was in my own little world of warm water and pure, unadulterated bliss. And honestly? That's what made the trip worth it. That tub… chef's kiss.
Kwalitys Motel Shiraz Bhopal: Your Luxurious Indian Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on what might be a relaxing getaway in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Emphasis on might. I'm calling it "MR17 Chill & Relax Space for Holiday" (because, let's be real, marketing copywriters are getting PAID to come up with these names. I'm winging it). And the main draw? That glorious-sounding bathtub. Let's see if reality lives up to the Instagram hype. Prepare for the chaos.
Day 1: Arrival and (Attempted) Bliss - The Great Bathtub Hope
10:00 AM - Touchdown Singapore, Hectic Hubbub: Okay, so first hurdle. Getting through Changi Airport. Man, that place is HUGE. And beautiful. I swear, it’s like an airport AND a botanical garden had a baby. But the crowds! The… smells (good ones, mostly). I’m immediately regretting my decision to wear those slightly-too-tight jeans. Also, am I the ONLY person who can never, ever find the right exit? Seriously, I end up walking in circles for what feels like an eternity. Managed to find the bus to the causeway…wish me luck!
11:30 AM (ish) - Causeway Chaos & Border Blues: The "causeway" is basically a bridge connecting Singapore and Malaysia. And it’s every bit as fun as…getting a root canal. So many passport checks, so much waiting, so many sweaty armpits. I swear, the guy in front of me spent a solid 10 minutes arguing about whether his passport photo was “flattering.” (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t). Finally, FINALLY, made it through. I feel like I've aged a decade.
12:30 PM - Uber/Grab-ing (the struggle is real): Okay, so I'm smart(ish). I pre-booked a Grab (because taking local transportation is an adventure I'm not sure I'm ready for yet). Except. The Grab app…it's like a living organism! It kept telling me the driver was "5 minutes away" for, like, half an hour. Eventually, he actually arrived, looking very apologetic. Turns out, traffic was "terrible". Apparently.
1:30 PM - MR17: The First Impression: We found the place. MR17. Looks promising enough from the outside! The pictures online were…generous. Everything, however, did seem clean. So, the bathroom could be a mess. Let's check in!
2:00 PM - The Bathtub Reveal (Dramatic Pause): Okay. Here we go. The moment of truth. The reason I booked this place. The…bathtub. And…it’s…actually pretty good! Slightly smaller than the pictures implied, but definitely fits the bill. I immediately start scheming a bubble bath extravaganza.
2:30 PM - The Great Bubble Bath Debacle: Went to the store and bought all the bubble bath. Everything. I mean, look, I'm here for relaxation! Turns out. The water pressure is… not ideal. It fills the tub at the speed of snailmail. But I'm undeterred. Let the bubbles flow! So I did and, then the water turned freezing. Turns out, the hot water heater has a mind of its own. So, I'm sitting in a lukewarm bath, getting increasingly grumpy.
4:00 PM - The Afternoon Nap That Never Was: Tried. Truly tried to get a nap in and failed. Turns out, city sounds are a thing. And, even more unsettling, the air-conditioning struggled to keep up. My pillow was slightly damp which was weird, considering it wasn't particularly hot.
6:00 PM - Food hunt, or the search for sustenance: I'm STARVING. Time to explore. Google maps shows what looks like promising places. I'm picturing street food, vibrant colours, sizzling smells…
6:30 PM - Food Adventures (and Misadventures): I got so lost!! I could not find anywhere. The food stalls look wonderful but I'm pretty certain I wouldn't be able to communicate in the event of danger. I ended up at a food court in a mall that sold things that looked suspiciously like frozen, deep-fried…something. I ate it anyway. It was mostly edible, but I think it gave me a mild case of food-related existential dread.
8:00 PM - Evening Recon: Back at MR17. Trying to salvage the day. I've resigned myself to the fact that complete relaxation is not in the cards. I’m watching something terrible on Netflix and hoping for a decent night's sleep. (Spoiler alert: I have my doubts.)
Day 2: Embracing the Imperfection (and Possibly More Food)
9:00 AM - Morning Glum: Woke up feeling…slightly less rested than I would have hoped. The air conditioning won the battle and went. I'm seriously considering just requesting a refund and fleeing back to Singapore. Okay, okay, deep breaths.
10:00 AM - A Second Attempt at Relaxation: Decided to try the tub again. Not expecting much. But then, something unexpected happened. The water actually got to a reasonable temperature! And there were actual bubbles. And I just kind of…let go. Okay, maybe this chill space thing isn't so bad after all.
12:00 PM - Food, Round Two: Taking a chance. My stomach is rumbling again. This time, I'm going to try to be a little more adventurous. I found Google maps and took a trip to a nearby restaurant I found; this was a better choice.
2:00 PM - Goodbye, MR17 (and a final thought). I checked out and I'm on my way to my next appointment. The whole trip wasn't perfect, but it felt like I had a getaway that was actually mine.
So, there you have it. My MR17 "Chill & Relax Space" adventure. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Was it a disaster? Maybe, definitely, a little. But it was also…a little bit wonderful. And that, my friends, is life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a proper nap. And maybe another deep-fried…something. (Help me).
Nieuwpoort Beachfront Paradise: Stunning Apartment with Terrace!
Escape to Johor Bahru: Luxury Bathtub Bliss - You Got Questions? I've Got Answers (Probably)!
Is Johor Bahru actually worth the trip? Like, even for a quick bathtub soak?
Okay, so here's the thing. Johor Bahru? Before this, I thought it was just *that* place you passed through on the way to somewhere else. But then... the Instagram ads started. Sparkling bathtubs, champagne flutes, the whole shebang. And, let's be real, I'm a sucker for a good soak.
Verdict: Yes. But with caveats. JB is... well, it's a mixed bag. The luxury bathtub experience *itself*? Absolutely worth it. Seriously, I still dream about that oversized tub at the Amari. It was like submerging myself in pure, unadulterated bliss. The rest of JB? It depends on what you're after. Shopping? Can be overwhelming. Good food? Absolutely, especially the hawker scene. But this is a trip *primarily* for the tub. You can't go wrong, right? ...Probably not.
Which hotels are best for this "luxury bathtub bliss" thing? Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. I've done the research (read: scrolled through endless hotel photos) and here's the lowdown:
- The Amari Johor Bahru: Seriously, the one WITH the giant tub. My personal favorite! The room was modern, the service was decent, and that tub... oh, that tub. I spent a solid three hours in there, just reading, drinking tea, trying to forget about *everything*. Worth it. Absolutely. Slightly loud from the road though. Sigh.
- Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre : A bit more budget-friendly, but still has some killer tubs, depending on the room. The pool area is nice because of the views. I had a slightly less-than-ideal receptionist on checkin who made me feel like I hadn't showered in a week, and the air con didn't work the best, but... the tub was a decent remedy to the issues I was having.
- Thistle Johor Bahru: A bit further out but boasts some serious luxury suites with stunning views. Might be a better option if you're not obsessed with being in the heart of the city centre. I heard the beds were a bit hard, but the free shuttle to the mall was quite a plus.
Is it easy to get around once you're there? Transportation tips, please!
Okay, so the transportation situation in JB is... well, it's an adventure. Here’s my survival guide:
- Grab is your best friend. Seriously, download the app before you go. It's the Southeast Asian version of Uber/Lyft and it's cheap and readily available. Getting to and from the airport, hopping around the city? Grab. Easy peasy.
- Taxis: Avoid them if you can. They can be a bit... pushy, and the prices aren't always transparent. Unless you *really* know what you're doing, stick with Grab.
- Walking: Depends on where you are. The city center is walkable, but things are quite spread out. It's usually hot and humid, so consider this before taking a stroll. I mean, I walked to a cafe, thinking "Oh, it's not that far," and promptly melted. It was like being in a sauna, but I was the entree. Maybe stick to grabbing around.
What should I pack for a luxurious bathtub escape? Besides the obvious shampoo...
Okay, for optimal tub-related bliss, here's your packing list:
- Bubble bath: Duh. Pack your favorite, or try something new! I went wild and bought a whole assortment, lavender, rose, citrus... I basically turned my bathroom into a perfumed wonderland.
- Bath bombs: Because fizzy goodness!
- Candles: Dim the lights, light some candles, and instantly transform your bathroom into a spa. Battery-operated ones are safest, if you're a klutz like me.
- A good book (or five): Or download a bunch of Netflix shows. Whatever floats your boat (or, you know, steeps in your tub). I brought a book I'd been meaning to finish for months, and I actually DID IT. Score!
- A waterproof phone case: For those all-important bathtub selfies. No judgement here. (I took about a hundred.)
- Face mask: Slap one on while you soak. Multi-tasking at its finest.
- Eye mask/earplugs: Sleep is important. Don't be like me who stayed up past 3am from excitement.
Okay, so you raved about the tubs. What about the *other* stuff? Food? Shopping? Anything else?
Look, let's be honest. I went for the tubs. The rest was a bonus. But yeah, there's stuff to do:
- Food: The hawker scene is amazing. Cheap, delicious, and everywhere. Definitely hit up the night markets! I found this amazing "kueh" (sweet cake) stand. I actually went back TWICE.
- Shopping: There are huge malls, packed with every brand you can imagine. Think H&M, Zara, the works. I'm not a huge shopper, but I found a cute dress. I may have also bought, like, five pairs of shoes. Don't judge me.
- The Angry Birds Activity Park: Okay, so it's probably mainly for kids, but it looked kinda cool. I'm not sure if I'd go, but it's there.
- Things I skipped: Basically, everything that wasn't related to a bathtub. I was on a mission! Maybe next time, I'll explore the cultural sites, but... the tub beckoned.
Any regrets? Anything you'd do differently?
Regrets? Hmm... I wish I'd stayed longer. Seriously. I was only there for two days, and I could have easily spent a week just soaking. And maybe bought a bigger suitcase to fit all the bath products.
I probably spent a bit *too* much time in the bathtub. Maybe. But honestly? No regrets. It was an amazing, relaxing, rejuvenating experience. Go. Soak. You won't regret it.
