Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel

Renaissance Johor Bahru is a fresh and modern business hotel that's a great option for guests seeking upscale digs and don't mind being a little farther from the town's action. This 17-story V-shaped structure sticks out in a neighborhood that's full of low-lying shop houses. In fact, the location is a bit odd for a business hotel, but with the the hustle and bustle of the city center farther away, it's a nicer spot to truly unwind in the evenings. Even so, it's one of Johor Bahru's nicest offerings. Inside, the towering lobby is decked out with dark brown marble floors along with white pillars and walls. Contemporary furniture like glossy coffee tables and long sofas, plus artwork and sculptures that give the space a modern spin (though ultimately still feels just a bit too corporate). Leisure travelers may find the all-business atmosphere a bit stuffy. It's a similar look and feel for common areas like the Club Lounge, which uses more wood for surfaces and has several small seating areas. Like most aspects of the hotel, this makes it an excellent place for discussions and casual business meetings.

The hotel's location is great if you drive a car (or don't mind taking a cab everywhere) and want to be away from the busy city center. Otherwise, the Renaissance Johor Bahru can feel a bit remote, with shop houses, small businesses, and local eateries and restaurants all around. It's a 15-minute drive (or more, depending on traffic, which isn't that bad on weekdays) to the business district, where you'll find a number of offices and shopping malls. There's a golf course nearby for those who want to squeeze in game or two, including Permas Jaya Golf Club, which is a six-minute ride away. For shoppers, Aeon Permas Jaya is just a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the city center and its highlights -- like the massive KSL City shopping complex -- is 15 minutes away by car. For those heading to Singapore via car, reaching the Woodlands Crossing via the Johor-Singapore Causeway takes about 30 minutes on a weekday (traffic gets very heavy on weekends), and Singapore's Changi Airport is approximately an hour away. For public trains and buses to Singapore and other parts of Malaysia, there's JB Sentral, and it can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to get there, due to traffic. Johor's Senai International Airport is a 30-minute drive away. 

The 345 guest rooms at Renaissance Johor Bahru are modern and tastefully decorated, though the style generally doesn't stray from the property's corporate feel. Tones like soft blue and gray complement furniture and decor, which comes in hues like burgundy, yellow, and taupe give, creating a look that's both understated and elegant. The bathrooms are simpler, with straightforward interiors: shiny, dark surfaces for the vanity area, rainfall showers with glass walls, and a mix of brown and tan tiles on the the walls and floors.

There are a few different categories available, and the differences are uncomplicated. For example, the Deluxe Bayview Rooms are the entry-level units, and the seaside views of Johor are great. Other types, like the Club Rooms and the Junior and Presidential Suites allow guests access to the Club Lounge on level 16. These units also have extras like stocked minibars (refreshments for a fee). The Suites are larger in size, have separate living rooms, and all come with both soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Guests who want quick access to the hotel's outdoor pool can opt for the Pool Terrace Rooms on the sixth floor. These are only eight of these units available, and each comes with a balcony where smoking is allowed.

Standard in-room amenities for all categories include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, safes, work desks, irons and ironing boards, bathrobes, mini-fridges, hairdryers, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Quality toiletries like bath gels and hair conditioner by fragrance and body care brand TokyoMilk are provided in all bathrooms. There's always positive feedback about the beds by guests: most appreciate the comfortable mattresses, fluffy duvets, and soft pillows. Do note that in-room Wi-Fi is chargeable unless you sign up to become a Marriott member upon check-in. Membership is free, but it's a hassle, nevertheless. 

Given its size, it's no surprise that this hotel delivers on numerous features, though the lack of a spa is noticeable. There are four dining options at the Renaissance Johor Bahru, including a Chinese seafood restaurant, a coffee house serving pastries and sandwiches, an all-day dining spot for international fare, and a bar that screens major sporting events. Breakfast is served in the all-day dining spot, Cafe BLD, but Club-level guests (and those staying in the suites) can choose to have breakfast at the Club Lounge, away from the crowds (though do note that the spread at Cafe BLD is much bigger). The Club Lounge puts out free-flow refreshments all day, and free cocktails in the evening. The space also features a small meeting room (it's free to use for the first two hours), a reading room, plus an outdoor balcony that looks out over the city of Johor.

You'll also find a fitness center that's open 24/7 and is well equipped with an array of machines, free weights, and gym equipment like exercise balls. Towels are provided. On the same floor, there's the outdoor lap pool. It's a plain, large space, and it comes with lounge chairs parked in shaded areas, as well as a shallow wading area for kids.

The hotel has several meeting rooms and event spaces like a ballroom available for use. Fast and strong Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and free shuttle services to areas like Legoland and City Square shopping mall in downtown Johor is available on Fridays and Saturdays.