Fives Hotel Johor Bahru City Centre — Hotel in Johor

During my 5 Days, 4 Nights stay at Fives Hotel, I truly felt the heart and soul of the hotel through the warmth, genuineness and vibrant energy of the staff.

In fact, my positive experience began even before I physically checked in. My first touchpoint with the hotel was through a phone call with Mr Adlan (Reception) a few days prior to arrival. After hearing about my cross-border transport issues and how they had greatly affected mine and my elderly mum’s travel to Johor Bahru, he offered immense comfort and reassurance. Going the extra mile, Mr Adlan promptly checked for possible adjustments to my booking and assured me of the convenience of an early check-in (subject to availability). His exceptional service and care were key to my decision to proceed with my booking, and I recognise him as a truly precious asset to Fives Hotel.

Another exemplary staff member I was fortunate to connect with was Ms Siti (Reservation). Just like Mr Adlan, she listened empathetically when I shared my concerns about travelling with an elderly parent. She created a safe, non-judgmental space where I could speak openly about my concerns and her warmth, kindness and compassion shine through our conversation. She also followed up swiftly on the successful booking adjustment. I deeply appreciate her outstanding service and consider her another precious asset to the hotel.

After these wonderful tele-conversations, my physical check-in did not disappoint — it was equally impressive and exemplary. Mr Eddy (Manager) facilitated a smooth check-in and reassured me that the hotel would do everything possible to make my stay comfortable after learning about the stress I had endured due to recent cross-border transport changes. His warmth, sensitivity and genuine care really stood out. Mr Eddy also provided great attention to detail in assisting with my additional room booking and stay extension requests. I truly appreciate the extra miles he took to help and I wholeheartedly felt Mr Eddy's genuine kindness to the hotel guests. Undoubtedly, Mr Eddy is definitely a valuable asset to the hotel. Mr Eddy also introduced me to Mr Ideen (Manager), who was equally warm and very helpful.

Throughout my stay, the exceptional service extended across all departments. I commend the entire F&B Team — F&B Manager Mr Hafiz, Head Chef Ismail, his assistant chef, and Mr Irsyad with his colleagues — for their smooth coordination in quick breakfast top-ups, clearing plates promptly and greeting guests with warm smiles that created a truly positive start to the day

The Housekeeping Team also deserves recognition. My room was spotlessly cleaned and beautifully made up every day. Special thanks to Mr Sujan, whose excellent service and attention to detail ensured I have a very comfortable room everyday. Housekeeping also managed my laundry requests swiftly and efficiently.

I have taken the time to write this detailed review because I want to share how genuinely I felt the heart and soul of Fives Hotel through every interaction — from Management to Reception such as the warmth lovely smiles and vibrant vibes from Ms Siti and Ms Suzy each time I approached the front desk, to the outstanding work of the Reservation, F&B and Housekeeping teams. The warmth, sincerity and thoughtful initiatives of all these staff members and departments speak volumes. They are truly the heart and soul of the hotel and I definitely see all of them as precious asset to the hotel❤️

I wholeheartedly encourage others to consider Fives Hotel for their stay. The service, the extra miles taken, and the heartfelt care have left a lasting impression on me. I will most certainly recommend Fives Hotel to family and friends and I personally look forward...

13–14 September 2025 I was given Room 1501, a king-bed room. However, the layout was rather awkward — there is a very tight corner at the foot of the bed, leaving barely enough space to walk between the toilet and the main door.

The curtains were disappointing, with many visible stains (wet spots). I have no idea who previously stayed in the room, but it seems like the curtains were neglected. Hotels should really have an SOP to clean or replace curtains at fixed intervals. I enjoy looking out the window, but I believe the dust from the curtains triggered my rhinitis flare when I returned home.

The air-conditioning also had issues. It took a long time to cool the room, but once it did, it felt like a freezer, most likely because the unit faced directly towards the bed. We had to set the temperature to 26°C, reduce the fan speed to 1, and tilt the flaps away from the bed, yet it was still too cold.

Noise from the neighboring room was another problem. The room next door, likely occupied by a family with children, was extremely noisy. The children were constantly opening and closing the heavy room door, running down the hallway, and talking loudly. To make matters worse, the parents and children stood just outside our door talking loudly for almost an hour. This also happened the evening before. I don’t understand why they couldn’t stay inside their room to talk.

Breakfast was modest, as usual with my previous stays, but on 14 September, I was pleasantly surprised — the nasi lemak sambal was delicious. For the first time, I can happily commend it, as on past visits the sambal tasted “raw” or undercooked.

I am also curious about the check-in SOP for deposit collection. On some of my previous stays, I was not asked for a deposit, but this time I was required to pay one. My bookings have always been consistent via Agoda, so perhaps management can review and fine-tune the deposit policy. At the very least, please indicate clearly on the booking page whether a deposit is required, so guests are not left confused.

On the positive side, the staff were friendly and fairly reasonable.

That said, I strongly suggest the restaurant open the dining area behind the buffet spread instead of seating diners near the lifts. Sitting directly in front of the lifts is unpleasant and unhygienic, as it exposes diners to people crowding, waiting, or exiting the lifts. Head scratching, hair flicking, and coughing from less socially aware guests right next to diners is not a pleasant dining experience.

To fellow diners: Please practice basic manners. Dedicated utensils are provided for each dish, and the food warmers are covered for hygiene reasons. Kindly return the utensil to its proper plate and close the warmer after use. Do not leave utensils inside the food warmers, and do not leave the lids open. Also, please control your coughing — whether at the buffet line, dining table, or while walking past other diners. A little self-awareness and courtesy would...

Just had my stay for 3 nights. Overall was good. Check in around 3.30pm, no queue. Have problems with the first room and request for a change of room within 15min. Initial was given 11th floor but due to aircon not cool and tv cant connect to internet , we was reassign to 8th floor which still acceptable. I'm surprise the work ethics of the maintenances crew, after informing counter staff of the issues, crew came in under 5min. 2 guys came and workaround the issue for another 5min before also suggesting to have a change of room. Like mind thinks alike. Thumb up to the maintenances crew; Kumar and his team. He went the extra miles and meet me at the reception counter to help explain the issues we encountered.

Counter staff is are quick but remember to be polite and smile. While requesting for change of room at the counter, reception staff don't seems to be pleased. Should maintain a record which rooms that required maintenances as my wife overheard them saying quite a few room have similar issues, and not issuing them. Amuse it only known to the maintenances crew? Surprising, the reassigned room came with a better and newer 43' tv and super super cooling aircon. Aircon brand is YOKE, tv i think is Samsung.

Noise level is kept to minimum, although near lift, is still peaceful throughout the nights. View is the same for 11th and 8th floor. Toilet is very well maintained. No mold spot, dry fast, wall, shower screen was cleaned after every make up.

Breakfast crew not very friendly, greetings is near to zero and quite daunting. Buck up, you only faced guest for 3.30hrs. Food varieties change daily.

Cons - the room card is not very sensitive. Not just mine, other hotels guest as well. It's the tapping that is the issue. I manage to have a memorable lift tour from 6-G-17-8 floor due to my card not sensitive and guest are in turn using it.

Location looks good on maps but quite a long walk (10min) to JB Sentral. Take into consideration the small road, escalator, the uneven road, crowd and such. I have a kiddo and he already complaining, end up i have to carry him.

The toilet WC area tend to "flood" when using bidet. No drainage, not ideal.

The room cleanliness is superb. Bed is made, toilet is cleaned, table is cleaned as well. Iron board and Iron are ready in room. Lighting is very good. Water pressure is good. Not carpeted but i think is cleaner. Bed stiffness 7/10. Noise level 8/10, (occasionally opening and closing of door, that all). Convenient store is right at ground floor. Only complain is no place for us to heat our food, should open up level 6 from evening like 8pm-11pm and cater a microwave and seat. Overall all is well.

Since it's manage by SKS Hospitality which also manage Marriott, Frasers, Hilton, etc.......