The most compelling feature of the Holiday Villa is its unbeatable location. Situated right in the heart of Johor Bahru City Centre, the hotel provides immediate access to some of the city's most popular attractions. It is located directly next to KSL City Mall, making shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps away. Furthermore, it is incredibly convenient to major shopping centers like Holiday Plaza, placing guests at the epicenter of retail therapy. This proximity eliminates the need for lengthy travel, allowing you to maximize your time in the city. Its position also offers a relatively short drive to the Johor Bahru Causeway (CIQ). Accommodation and Comfort: Spacious but Aging The guest rooms are generally spacious and clean, providing a comfortable and adequate retreat after a long day of exploring. Travelers often appreciate the room size, which is larger than many standard city hotels. However, some guests have noted that the rooms, particularly the bathrooms, could benefit from a modern refresh. While the accommodation is entirely serviceable and clean, those seeking ultra-modern aesthetics might find the decor slightly dated. Standout Amenities: The Rooftop Pool The hotel shines when it comes to its amenities. The true highlight is the infinity pool located on the 25th floor. This rooftop oasis offers genuinely stunning, panoramic views of the city skyline, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and photo opportunities. Further leisure and wellness facilities include: Spa Area: Guests can unwind with a sauna, steam room, and massage services. Dining: Complimentary buffet breakfast is provided, served at the Fern Pine restaurant, which also offers local cuisine for other meals. While the breakfast variety is decent, some feedback suggests there is room for improvement, especially concerning the quality of the coffee. Service and Practicality The hotel provides all the essential services one would expect, including 24-hour room service, laundry services, and luggage storage. For those driving, free car parking is available, though drivers should be aware that navigating the parking levels can be slightly challenging due to narrow ramps. Final Verdict The Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre is a solid, reliable choice for travelers prioritizing location and convenience above all else. Its direct access to KSL City Mall and proximity to Holiday Plaza makes it the definitive hub for a shopping getaway. While the room décor and breakfast spread may not be five-star perfect, the spacious rooms, cleanliness, and the spectacular 25th-floor infinity pool offer tremendous value, especially considering its competitive pricing during peak travel periods. Highly recommended for short stays focused on shopping and local...
Read moreThe hotel is located in an ideal spot, with plenty of eateries, 24-hour convenience stores (Family mart and KK mart) and even shopping malls (KSL & Holiday Plaza) within short walking distance — definitely a big plus for the location.|The mart located within the hotel lobby, too expensive! Rather take an effort walk a short distance outside and grab what you want. There's even ramly burger mobile stall vendor located right behind the hotel.||However, my experience had several downsides. Upon check-in, the front desk staff were not friendly or welcoming, looking lost and unapproachable. As a motorcycle rider, I had an especially frustrating time trying to get clear directions for parking. There was miscommunication between the concierge and security, and in the end, I was directed to park at the staff motorcycle lot right by the roadside. It was cramped, dirty, and felt unsafe. To make things worse, my bike was covered in dust the next morning. I found it unreasonable that guests who ride motorcycles are not allowed to park inside the hotel’s proper parking levels (4 & 5), which are only for cars. Even more disappointing — the hotel charges RM20 just to park at an open-air area opposite the lobby. For paying guests, this felt very unaccommodating.||On the positive side, I did receive a complimentary room upgrade as most rooms were taken up. The room itself was clean, the bed comfortable, and the bedsheets fresh. The toilet flush worked fine, but the shower head had very weak water flow and seemed overdue for replacement.||The biggest letdown, however, was the breakfast. It was honestly one of the weakest hotel breakfasts I’ve had. The mee rebus gravy was so diluted that I gave direct feedback to the supervisor, who only removed my bowl but didn’t change the gravy for other guests. The waffle was kept in a steamer, turning it soggy and unpleasant. Overall, the food quality was poor and definitely not worth paying for, especially when there are much better options nearby.||Overall:|The stay was comfortable enough in terms of the room, but the parking experience was the worst I’ve faced at a hotel, and the breakfast was very disappointing. If I return, it would only be for the location and room comfort But I’d definitely park elsewhere and skip the...
Read moreHoliday Villa Johor Bahru Review
I recently stayed at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru, part of a well-known chain of hotels, and I must say it was an enjoyable experience overall.
Pros: Effortless Check-in and Check-out: The process was seamless, making for a stress-free start and end to the stay. Room with a View: My room (2122) had a stunning view that I truly appreciated. Infinity Pool: The pool was a highlight, though pictures don’t do it justice! Cleanliness: The room, bedsheets, and towels were spotless, with no unpleasant odors—absolutely tiptop. Bay Window Surprise: To my surprise, the room had a cozy bay window with a cushion, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view. Convenience: A mini-mart in the lobby was perfect for grabbing essentials, and the café next door provided a cozy spot to relax during rainy weather. Prime Location: Being close to Holiday Plaza and KSL was ideal for shopping, hair, and nail services. Plus, there are plenty of food options nearby. Thoughtful Touches: The toiletries smelled wonderful, and the lobby and level-21 lift lobby had seating, which is a considerate addition for elderly guests. Breakfast: A great spread with good variety to suit different tastes. Excellent Service: The staff were attentive and provided top-notch service. Umbrellas Provided: A thoughtful amenity for rainy days.
Cons: Bathroom Safety: The use of a bathtub in the bathroom poses a hazard due to its slipperiness—extra caution is needed. Vintage Vibe: The hotel’s décor leans towards a vintage and classic style, which might not appeal to everyone. Firm Beds: The bed was a little hard for our liking, though this is subjective and might suit others better.
Overall Impression:
Holiday Villa Johor Bahru offers a comfortable and well-located stay with excellent amenities and service. The surprise addition of the bay window with a cushion added an extra cozy touch to the room. While the classic décor and firm beds might not be for everyone, the hotel’s pros far outweigh its cons. A great choice for both leisure and convenience in...
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