Thistle Johor Bahru

The hotel is recognized for its strategic location in the city center and its ongoing renovation efforts, which have brought a fresh, modern look to many rooms while retaining its grand architectural charm. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable and spacious rooms, the delicious breakfast (despite occasional queues), and the attentive service provided by many staff members. The sea view from higher floors is also a significant draw, offering a pleasant backdrop to the stay. It is well-suited for leisure travelers and business travelers seeking convenience, as well as couples and families looking for a comfortable stay with good amenities. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to arrive early for breakfast to avoid long queues and to consider requesting a newly renovated room for the most updated accommodations.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though feedback is mixed. The swimming pool is a notable feature, often described as large and enjoyable for families, with some even mentioning slides. However, a recurring concern is the cleanliness of the pool, with several guests reporting green or dirty water, along with the presence of dead flies and ants. Access to the pool can also be challenging due to non-functioning elevators or steep stairs. The fitness center is frequently noted as run-down, with many machines, particularly treadmills, being in poor condition and potentially unsafe. Free Wi-Fi is available, ensuring guests can stay connected. While parking is generally ample and convenient, some guests found the entrances narrow or dimly lit. A tennis court is also available, which is an uncommon amenity.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room condition and cleanliness is varied, largely depending on whether the room is newly renovated or older. Newly refurbished rooms are consistently praised for their cleanliness, modern interiors, and overall comfort. However, many older rooms are described as jaded, with mouldy carpets, peeling paint, and worn furniture. The beds are generally found to be comfortable and spacious, contributing to a restful sleep. A significant number of reviews highlight issues with the bathrooms, including leaking or poorly draining floors, stagnant water, outdated fixtures, and a lack of shower curtains, leading to wet and slippery conditions. Some also note the absence of a hand shower or bidet. In-room amenities like televisions are often reported as old or malfunctioning, and some rooms lack a wardrobe or slippers. Air conditioning can be noisy in some units.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the hotel receive considerable attention, particularly regarding breakfast. Many guests report long queues for breakfast, especially during peak hours, which can lead to significant waiting times. The breakfast variety garners mixed reviews; some find it delicious with a good spread of local and continental options, while others describe it as basic, limited, or underwhelming, with popular items running out quickly. The omelette station is specifically mentioned for its long lines. Beyond breakfast, the lunch and dinner buffets are often praised for their amazing variety and delicious food, with specific dishes like "durian goreng" and "nasi lemak" receiving high commendation. In-room dining is also noted for its convenience and quality. The dining areas can become quite crowded, and some guests experienced issues with table assignments.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it highly convenient for exploring the city. Guests appreciate its strategic position which provides easy access to various attractions, shopping areas, and dining options within walking distance or a short drive. It is noted to be close to key landmarks such as the CIQ, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, and Pantai Lido. Despite its central setting, the surrounding area is often described as quiet and peaceful, offering a relaxing environment. Ample parking is available on-site, contributing to the convenience for guests traveling by car, though some have noted that the parking entrances can be narrow or dimly lit, and some spaces might be tight for larger vehicles. Traffic congestion can occur in the area during peak hours, particularly for those relying on ride-sharing services.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is varied, reflecting both positive and negative experiences. Many guests commend the friendly staff, highlighting their helpfulness, attentiveness, and warm greetings, with specific individuals often receiving praise for their exceptional service and professionalism. However, a notable number of reviews report instances of rude, unprofessional, or unresponsive staff, particularly at the front desk, leading to frustrating check-in processes or unaddressed requests. The check-in process itself can be slow with long queues, though some guests experienced quick and smooth arrivals. Housekeeping is generally praised for maintaining cleanliness. Requests for amenities like iron boards or shower curtains are sometimes delayed or not fulfilled. Some guests felt that staff service was more accommodating to direct bookings rather than those made through third-party applications.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing renovation, which means guest experiences can vary significantly between newly refurbished rooms and older sections. While some guests appreciate the updated spaces, others encounter areas that are still dated. The hotel's policy regarding early check-in is a point of contention, as it is often refused even when rooms appear available, leading to frustration for guests arriving after long journeys. For Muslim guests, prayer mats and Qibla direction are provided in rooms, which is a thoughtful amenity. Many guests find the hotel to offer good value for its price, especially considering the comfort of the renovated rooms. The hotel's grand architecture and historical significance evoke a sense of nostalgia for some returning visitors, adding a unique charm to their stay.