Fives Hotel Meldrum

This hotel offers a modern and comfortable stay, distinguished by its cleanliness and friendly staff. Its signature feature is its strategic proximity to the JB Sentral checkpoint and R&F Mall, making it an excellent choice for border crossers and short-stay guests looking for convenience. The hotel is particularly well-suited for budget travelers and families seeking good value, with many rooms offering ample space. While guests consistently praise the comfortable accommodations and attentive service, some note challenges with nearby construction noise and limited parking. To ensure a peaceful stay, consider requesting a windowless room, and be prepared for alternative parking arrangements.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be modern and well-maintained, featuring new furniture and effective air conditioning that keeps rooms cool. Each room is equipped with a Smart TV offering Netflix and YouTube, along with convenient USB charging ports and multiple power sockets. The hotel provides complete toiletries, a hairdryer, and slippers for guest comfort. Thoughtfully, ear plugs are also provided due to external construction. However, a recurring point of feedback is the absence of a mini-fridge in rooms, which many guests miss for storing beverages. Additionally, some rooms lack a traditional wardrobe, offering only hooks or a simple rung for hanging clothes, and Wi-Fi can be slow at times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives widespread commendation for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. While some rooms are noted as spacious, particularly for families, others are described as quite compact. Guests consistently praise the comfortable beds and firm mattresses, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, noise can be an issue, with guests reporting construction noise from outside and thin walls leading to audible sounds from neighboring rooms. The bathroom is frequently mentioned as being small or compact, with water often splashing onto the floor during showers, and some guests have noted a lingering unpleasant odor. The water heater sometimes provides only lukewarm water, and pressure can be low. Some rooms also feature an odd layout with limited desk or chair space.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers an included breakfast that, while described as a simple spread, is generally found to be tasty and of good quality. Many guests appreciate the delicious food options, with some highlighting the Nasi Lemak. The menu is occasionally rotated, which adds variety for longer stays. However, some guests note the breakfast variety is limited compared to larger hotels. There is no dedicated in-house restaurant for other meals, but guests can easily find alternative dining options at nearby coffeeshops and a trendy food court within walking distance, offering a wide array of cuisine.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location in Johor Bahru, strategically positioned near the CIQ/JB Sentral checkpoint and the R&F Mall. While it is within walking distance to these key areas, guests often find the walk challenging, especially with luggage or for the elderly, due to ongoing construction and roadblocks that complicate direct access. A significant and frequently mentioned concern is the lack of dedicated hotel parking, forcing guests to use nearby public carparks or the adjacent hotel's facilities, which can be expensive and inconvenient. Many guests rely on ride-hailing services like Grab for transport. Some also describe the immediate surrounding area as industrial with limited amenities directly outside the hotel.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, polite, attentive, and helpful. Guests frequently highlight the smooth check-in process and the staff's accommodating nature, including their willingness to assist with requests and resolve issues promptly. The housekeeping team is noted for providing daily cleaning and being responsive to needs. Even the security guards are commended for their friendly and helpful demeanor. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, there have been isolated comments regarding slow service during check-out or instances of an unprofessional attitude from a few individuals, though these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Additional Information
This hotel is relatively new, having opened in October 2023, contributing to its fresh and modern feel. Guests should be aware of the hotel's deposit policy, which typically involves a RM100 deposit upon check-in. While some guests have raised concerns about potential charges for stains, others report that the hotel is phasing out the deposit requirement entirely. The hotel offers flexible late check-out options, subject to room availability, and some guests have even received complimentary room upgrades. The property benefits from 24-hour security personnel stationed at the main entrance. Despite efforts, soundproofing can be an issue due to the ongoing construction nearby, which may cause some disturbance.