A quick day trip to JB does a lot to satisfy our cheapo hearts, with tonnes of affordable things to do near the Causeway. But if you and the gang are heading up for a weekend getaway, then you’re going to need somewhere to retreat for the night.
If convenience and affordability are key, then Glex Hotel Signature JB will tick all your boxes. It’s got rooms from ~S$41.62/night and it’s a short distance from hotspots like City Square Mall JB and KSL City Mall. Here’s what to expect:
Check out these things to do in JB:
With 7 room types, Glex Hotel Signature JB suits groups of all sizes – whether it’s couples, friends, or families – to stay in comfort after a romp around the city.
Our team booked the hotel’s Family Suite Room (RM131/night, ~S$41.62) for our 3D2N stay in JB. Although check-in was slated for 3pm, we were able to drop off our bags with the receptionist for safekeeping before returning later in the day.
A deposit of RM100 (~S$31.77) in cash is required upon check-in, which you’ll get back when the keys are returned at check-out.
Tip: If you’re driving or on a Grab to the hotel, make sure your destination is marked as Glex Hotel Signature JB and not the nearby complex Plaza DNP, or you may have to lug your barang-barang a couple of metres before reaching the hotel.
Great for post-shopping HTHT sessions.
The Family Suite Room is fitted with 2 queen size beds to lounge in at the end of the day. This room type is perfect for groups of 4 on a budget, as it rounds up to about S$10/person for a night’s stay.
The room was cosy and clean, with fresh sheets neatly tucked under the mattress. Each room is provided with bottled water, as well as coffee and tea. One feature we got excited about was the bathroom’s rain shower, which added some luxe vibes and was much welcomed after we spent the entire day out and about.
One sleek modern feature is the transparent glass screen separating the sleeping area from the bathroom. Thankfully, blinds can be pulled down for privacy.
Conserve data for the next day’s documentation on your socials by using the hotel’s free WiFi to catch up on Netflix shows to wind down. Otherwise, the room also has a TV with local channels for entertainment.
Smaller groups of 2-3 can opt for the Superior King (RM109/night, ~S$34.63) or Executive Family Rooms (RM120/night, ~S$38.12) where you’ll find similar amenities like a hairdryer, a safe, and bar fridge. Groups who’d like to have more private sleeping quarters can get the Executive 2 Bedroom Suite (RM220/night, ~S$69.89).
Each hotel room comes with a bar fridge, kettle, as well as a rain shower in the bathroom.
Image adapted from: Glex Hotel Signature JB
Here are the other room types at Glex Hotel Signature JB:
After unpacking and settling down, head downstairs towards the main entrance of Plaza DNP and you’ll find Happy Mart, a 24-hour convenience store selling snacks and necessities. Stock up on cup noodles and chips to munch on for supper while the gang huddles up in the room to chit-chat.
Address: 59 Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Unit 2.06 Level 2 Plaza DNP, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Telephone: +60 11-2655 1337
The hotpot set from RM79 (~S$25.07). Choose from either Clear or Tom Yam soup.
Image adapted from: Chok Dee Thai Restaurant, Chok Dee Thai Restaurant
For a more substantial meal, check out Chok Dee Thai Restaurant around the corner of Plaza DNP. This Thai food joint opens till 2am every day – great for satisfying those late-night hotpot cravings. Even if you aren’t staying the night, you can still rally up your kakis to hit up this supper spot near JB Sentral.
Order the Hotpot Set (RM79, ~S$25.07) which comes with plates of pork belly, veggies, and mushrooms for a balanced meal. Thai staples like Pad Thai (RM9.90, ~S$3.13) and Green Curry Chicken (RM15.90, ~S$5.02) are also served here to add variety to the spread.
Address: Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, L2-01 No.59 Plaza DNP, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 2pm-2am, Daily
Telephone: +60 16-717 1239
Chok Dee Thai Restaurant website
Sit beneath the pretty fairy lights and enjoy tunes from live bands here.
Image credit: Banafee Village
If the night is still young, head over to Banafee Village, an open-air eatery just 2 minutes from the hotel where you can chill until 5am. Early birds can also pop by for brekkie as Banafee Village is open from 8am onwards – just drop them a call to reserve a spot before heading down.
Food options are aplenty, with traditional Nasi Putih Ayam (white rice and chicken) from RM10 (~S$3.17) and Ikan Goreng (fried fish and rice) sets from RM15 (~S$4.74). Their revamped menu also includes Boba Milk Tea and Honeycomb Soft Ice Cream for sweet tooths to get their dose of sugar.
Address: 9022, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am-5am, Daily
Telephone: +60 7-333 3377
Image credit: Trip.com
Glex Hotel Signature JB is one for groups on a budget to snooze in comfortably. Booking your stay is a fuss-free process too, as it can be done online through your mobile phone – and you might be able to score even better deals with cardmember promos depending on your preferred hotel booking platform.
Situated a 5-minute drive away from KSL City Mall, it won’t be difficult getting to and from the hotel between the lineup of activities in your itinerary. Freely venture out to shop and play, before coming back to a sweet hotel to rest one’s head for the night.
Address: 59 Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, #1-09 Plaza DNP, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 7-336 1218
Price: From RM131/night
Check-in: 3pm
Check out: 12pm
Glex Hotel Signature JB website
For more places to stay in Malaysia:
Cover image adapted from: Banafee Village
Photography by Ian Sim & Oh Qian Yi.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
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