Affordable luxury hotels in JB
Once in a while, we all get the urge to splurge on a holiday – and nothing screams luxury more than a stay in a ritzy hotel. But the reality is that not all of us can afford the hefty price tags that come with a lavish stay.
Luckily, our neighbour Malaysia has us covered with hotels that are atas yet very affordable. For those who’re feelin’ fancy and want to give yourselves a good treat over a long weekend, here’s a list of affordable luxury hotels in JB that have 4- and 5-star ratings:
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What do I need to know before going to JB?
JB can definitely be explored with a 1-day trip if you have limited time to spare. However, considering the causeway jams during the weekend you are 100% better off staying the night to make the most of your journey. Hotels in JB are typically inexpensive, and can easily cost around $30 if you pick boutique options – read more in our affordable JB hotels guide.
If you choose to top up a little more, you’ll unlock luxurious options like the ones below.
Before crossing the causeway, be sure you apply for e-gates or book a KTM shuttle train to cross customs more quickly.
JB’s affordable luxury hotels & their prices
| Hotel | Good for | Starting price/night | Distance from JB CIQ Causeway |
| Fraser Place Puteri Harbour | Group-friendly sea-view rooms | From S$107 | ~20 minutes |
| St. Giles Southkey | Urban luxury with city views | From S$108 | ~10 minutes |
| Opero Hotel Southkey | Skyline views and infinity pool | From S$97 | ~10 minutes |
| Capri by Fraser JB | Spacious kitchenette suites | From S$132 | ~10 minutes |
| Holiday Inn Johor Bahru | Family-friendly stay with free dining for kids | From S$135 | ~10 minutes |
| DoubleTree Hilton Johor Bahru | Walking distance from City Square Mall | From S$118 | ~5 minutes |
| Thistle Johor Bahru | Bright rooms and Italian meals by the pool | From S$64 | ~10 minutes |
| Renaissance Johor Bahru | Terrace pool & jacuzzi | From S$154 | ~20 minutes |
| Pulai Springs Resort | Secluded resort with family activities | From S$89 | ~25 minutes |
| KSL Hotel & Resort | Near a dinosaur-themed water park | From S$47 | ~10 minutes |
| TROVE Johor Bahru | Themed rooms & private jacuzzi | From S$92 | ~10 minutes |
| Amari Johor Bahru | Convenient luxury near JB Sentral | From S$102 | ~10 minutes |
| Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor | Golf resort with extensive facilities | From S$56 | ~40 minutes |
1. Fraser Place Puteri Harbour
Group-friendly sea-view rooms
Wake up to sea views in the Studio Premier Room for 2 (from S$107/night).
Image credit: Fraser Place
Luxury can come in many forms and for families looking for a “home away from home”, Fraser Place Puteri Harbour could check off everything you’re looking for. All rooms in this hotel are “self-catering”, meaning you get a kitchenette to cook a midnight snack and a washing machine.
3 Bedroom Premier Sea View (from S$378/night).
But that’s not the best part. See, unlike most hotels that pander mostly to couples, this seafront accommodation has 2- and 3-bedroom apartments that can fit up to 6 people – talk about an absolute unit.
While it’s admittedly further away from the JB city center, you’ll find yourself just a short drive from a slew of family-friendly attractions. Think LEGOLAND Malaysia, RUD Karting, and Sunway Big Box retail park on the western edge of JB.
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2. St. Giles Southkey
Located above Mid Valley Southkey mall
Image credit: St. Giles Southkey
St. Giles Southkey is the most recent addition to JB’s growing repertoire of luxury hotels. The best part? It’s just 7km away from the Causeway. Plus, shopaholics can get their fill spending all their Ringgit at Mid Valley Southkey. The megamall is conveniently located just below the hotel.
Urban Room.
Image credit: St. Giles Southkey
At the end of your day, check into the hotel’s Urban Rooms (from RM368/night, ~S$107.51) for a good night’s rest as you take in the city view from above.
If you’ve got energy to burn, spend it at the hotel’s amenities that include an infinity pool and a fully-furnished gym. Otherwise, head to the hotel’s The View Bar & Lounge for a chill night. It’s called “The View” for a reason – it’s located 28 floors up, which garners scenic views of the river and the city. Enjoy custom cocktails as you groove to the beats of their live band through the night.
3. Opero Hotel Southkey
Infinity pool with skyline views
Be sure to check out the infinity pool on Level 5, open daily from 7am-7pm.
Image credit: Opero Hotel
If you miss the iconic Marina Bay Sands view of Singapore’s cityscape while in JB, Opero Hotel Southkey offers a compelling alternative. Opened in 2021, the 4-star hotel has rooms sporting a classy blue and white colour palette with wooden touches. It even has its own infinity pool which overlooks the bustling city.
Image credit: Opero Hotel
Rooms such as the Superior Twin (from S$97/night) is a good option if you don’t want to skimp on a good stay without splurging.
However, if you want to elevate your experience, the Premier Room (S$197/night) has a bathtub and peekaboo window, offering a clear view of the TV. You haven’t lived in the lap of luxury till you watch your fave show while soaking in a bubble bath, or use that bath bomb you’ve been saving.
4. Capri by Fraser JB
Kitchenette suites bigger than 2-room HDB
Image credit: KASCB
Located just a 6-minute drive from the JB checkpoint, Capri by Fraser JB is great for folks who want to dump their luggage and start their holiday ASAP. The 4-star hotel opened in 2019 and with 40 storeys, the building towers over its surroundings.
Image credit: Capri by Fraser
Experience swanky apartment life with their Studio Executive King suite, reasonably priced at S$132/night. Measuring 46sqm, it’s slightly larger than the average 2-room HDB. You can also look forward to a fully furnished kitchenette to stock all your FamilyMart hauls, reheat leftovers in the microwave, and even whip up some simple meals.Ba
5. Holiday Inn Johor Bahru
Kids 12 & under stay & dine for free
Image credit: IHG
Holiday Inn is a hotel chain that needs no introduction, and in 2020 they opened a 4-star branch in JB. Rooms here feature soft, pastel shades with pops of bold colour, and the overall aesthetic is definitely more youthful than luxury hotels which have been around for decades.
The in-house restaurant, Dine @ EIGHT, serves local cuisine as well as international fare.
Image credit: IHG
They’re also very spacious, which makes this hotel a solid choice for family vacays. Better yet, kids aged 12 and under get to stay for free with every paid room (from S$135/night).
Plus, as part of the Kids Eat Free programme, up to 2 kids aged 12 and under can eat free per adult ordering from the main menu of the in-house restaurant. Your little one will get to choose dishes from the Kids’ Menu such as Spaghetti Bolognese and Popcorn Chicken – and it’ll be on the house.
6. DoubleTree Hilton Johor Bahru
Walking distance from City Square
The Deluxe King Rooms grant views of either the pool or city.
Image credit: Hilton
DoubleTree Hilton Johor Bahru is a hotel under the renowned Hilton brand, but a more budget-friendly option. It focuses less on opulence and more on fuss-free, comfortable stays with the same high standards of service. You can get a cosy Deluxe King Room at this 4-star hotel for RM414, ~S$118/night.
Swing by the pool level for a dip, some shots for the ‘Gram, and drinks from the attached cafe.
Image credit: Hilton
Perhaps one of the strongest selling points for those who value convenience and want to save money on transport, this hotel is located less than 1km away from the iconic Johor Bahru City Square Mall. Especially if you’re just here for a weekend getaway, you’ll be able to leisurely stroll there for meals and retail therapy.
7. Thistle Johor Bahru
Italian meals by the pool
Image credit: Thistle
From S$64/night, Thistle Johor Bahru’s rooms feature vibrant colours and floor-to-ceiling windows – perfect for travellers who like bright and cheery dwellings as opposed to moody dim lighting. Another staple of luxury hotels that you’ll find here: fancy bathrooms. Atas-ify your getting ready routine in their large ensuite bathrooms clad in warm tones and marble fixtures.
Image credit: Thistle Johor Bahru via Google Maps
Settle your meals conveniently at any of their 3 in-house eateries, such as Fresh for the daily buffet breakfast, and Glass, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s pool and garden. Big eaters can take advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, affordably priced from RM39.90/adult (S$11.40).
8. Renaissance Johor Bahru
Terrace pool & jacuzzi
Book the Pool Terrace Room (S$232/night) and you’ll get to step out straight to the pool and jacuzzi.
Image credit: Marriott
If you’re visiting LEGOLAND Malaysia but want to stay somewhere less kiddy and more refined than the onsite themed hotel, Renaissance Johor Bahru will be a good choice because it’s located just a 30-minute drive away. It’s under the Marriott umbrella, and is one of the few certified 5-star hotels in JB. Despite that, rooms start at just S$154/night.
Image adapted from: Renaissance Johor Bahru via Google Maps
Besides housing 2 restaurants and a pub so you can have a proper feast, the hotel also has a fitness centre with a view for those who wish to keep up with their daily workout routine. Rooms come equipped with a sleek glass desk and swivel chair should you need to Work From Hotel.
9. Pulai Springs Resort
4-room suites under S$200
Image credit: Pulai Springs Resort
To get away from the city centre and head somewhere that’s enveloped by lush greenery, book a stay at Pulai Springs Resort. The location is rather secluded, giving it a hidden gem vibe especially with the LA-esque stretch of palm trees lining the entry.
With choices from 2-4 rooms, the wood-clad villa-style Suites (from RM313, ~S$89/night) are uber spacious for large families to roam.
Image credit: Pulai Springs Resort
While there’s no shopping mall nearby, you won’t have to worry about getting bored. There’s a tennis court, gym, spa, and a sprawling 18-hole championship golf course within the resort to keep you fully occupied. Kids aged 1-12 can have a blast at the huge Tee Tee Club play centre from RM10/hour (~S$3).
10. KSL Hotel & Resort
Dinosaur-themed water park
With 904 rooms across 27 floors, you might score a stunning view on the higher levels.
Image credit: KSL
KSL Hotel & Resort sits right above KSL City Mall, perfect for you to go on a giant shopping spree knowing that bringing all your loot back will be easy-peasy. Although the hotel is decidedly posh and certified 4 stars, you can get a room for just RM162, ~S$47.33/night.
To help fill up your itinerary, there are also free shuttle bus services to popular tourist destinations like LEGOLAND so you don’t have to stress about transport arrangements.
Image credit: KSL
Guests are welcome to make use of the wide range of hotel facilities such as a gym, indoor golf simulator, cinema, karaoke centre, and spa.
In particular, families travelling with their kids should check out the sprawling Dinosaur Waterpark within the compound for some fun in the sun. Hotel guests get to enjoy a special flat rate of RM20/pax (~S$5.86) while walk-in visitors need to pay RM50/adult (S$14.65) and RM30/child (S$8.79).
11. TROVE Johor Bahru
Themed rooms & private jacuzzi
The Deluxe King (RM315, ~S$92.02/night) includes a spacious king bed accented with artsy geometric motifs.
Image credit: TROVE Johor Bahru
If you’re looking for a hotel with pretty decor, give TROVE Johor Bahru a try. Instead of the usual white bed sheets and plain walls, the rooms here are spruced up with walls in vibrant shades and tropical or geometric prints. They have 283 rooms split across 5 design themes like pop art and jungle, so you can experience something new and funky on return stays.
Although quite a splurge, the Honeymoon Suite (RM2,500, ~S$729.86/night) comes with your own jacuzzi bathtub.
Image credit: TROVE Johor Bahru
Besides being able to connect to free Wi-Fi no matter where you’re at in the hotel, you’ll be treated to a flat-screen TV with Netflix in your room so you can catch up on your favourite series during your downtime.
12. Amari Johor Bahru
Located near JB Sentral
Image credit: Amari
Another certified 5-star hotel that remains wildly affordable with rooms from RM350/night (~S$102.25), Amari Johor Bahru is as convenient as you can get. It’s less than a 10-minute drive away from JB Sentral, ideal for folks travelling to JB by bus or the KTM shuttle.
Once you check in, let the R&R begin with a soak in the outdoor swimming pool, relaxing massage at Breeze Spa, or cardio sesh at the gym.
Image credit: Amari
Head down to Amaya Food Gallery to round off your days on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 10.30pm; they’ve got an ongoing Seafood Feast Buffet Dinner that runs till 30 December (RM148/adult ~S$43.24, RM74/child, ~S$21.62 & RM138/senior citizen, ~S$40.32). Buffet offerings include seafood, charcoal-grilled prime meats and more, prepared in a variety of Asian styles such as Thai, Japanese and Chinese.
Address: No. 82C, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7 266 8888 | Amari Johor Bahru website
Bonus: Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor
The scenic surroundings grant plenty of photo ops in nature.
Image credit: Palm Resort
Nestled within a landscaped golf course is Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor, a 4-star establishment offering quality respite not just for golf enthusiasts.
It’s situated deeper into Johor, but it’s well worth the 40-minute journey from the checkpoint considering you’ll have access to an Olympic-sized lap pool, archery range, snooker tables, bowling alley, and a board game room. Did we mention that rooms start at just RM190.01, ~S$55.51/night?
Image credit: Palm Resort
All rooms are elegantly furnished and feature a private balcony overlooking either the hotel’s golf course, pool, or luscious garden. There’s also the usual free Wi-Fi and cable TV, so you can be a couch potato in between trying out all the resort’s activities.
Affordable 4- & 5-star hotels in Johor Bahru
JB is a prime holiday destination whether you want a quick escape over the long weekend or a trip packed with good food, shopping, and lots of activities. The good news for travellers who just want to nua is that these hotels are either situated near popular haunts or house restaurants and recreational facilities within the resort.
It’s time to take advantage of the attractive exchange rate and treat yourself to a stay at some of these luxury hotels. Whether you’re heading to JB with your friends, SO, or family with little ones in tow, you’ll get to experience fancy accommodation without suffering too much wallet damage at all.
Check out our other guides to plan your trip to Malaysia:
Cover image adapted from: TROVE Johor Bahru, Capri By Fraser & St.Giles Southkey
Article originally published on 12th July 2019 by Lim Bi Hui. Last updated by Kezia Tan on 22nd March 2024.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.