After checking out from Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, we made our way to Amari Johor Bahru for a further extension of our little getaway, hoping for another memorable experience at this supposed luxury property.
Getting to Amari Johor Bahru
Same as last year, we arranged for a driver from the same Desaru car rental company that we’d used previously. The journey took about 1 hour 10 minutes – pretty standard timing for this route.
Amari Johor Bahru shares the same drop-off point as Shama Suasana Johor Bahru (formerly known as Suasana All Suites Hotels Johor Bahru) on Jalan Trus. Both hotels sit atop Zenith Lifestyle Centre, which houses familiar names like Haidilao, 7-Eleven, coffee joints, an Irish pub and massage places.
Arrival lobby
Location-wise, it’s very convenient. Just a short walk away from CIQ as it’s located opposite Komtar JBCC – you just need to cross the road at Jalan Wong Ah Fook. The drop-off point at Level 1 serves as the hotel’s arrival lobby. Take the lift to the 6th floor where the front desk handles check-in.
Help-yourself drinks available while checking in
Recreation room and cosy library right in the hotel lobby
Amaya Food Gallery — the hotel’s main restaurant
Check-in Experience at Amari Johor Bahru
Check-in took a while and frankly, it was frustrating. The male staff attending to us told us our room wasn’t available and that we had to come back at 3pm. As an ONYX Platinum member, we were entitled to early check-in at 12pm and a room upgrade to the next available room type.
However, he didn’t seem aware of the ONYX membership programme. He called another colleague to attend to us who immediately assigned us our room. So minutes later, we were off to our room on the 19th floor. Not exactly the smooth 5-star experience you’d expect.
Room Quality and First Impressions
The Unwelcome Greeting
To our horror, we saw a huge cockroach the moment we stepped out of the lift on the 19th floor. Though it was dead, it still reminded me of the cockroaches at Anantara Desaru Coast. Seriously? Three cockroaches in five days in hotel environments – oh my god.
Comfy seating area at the lift lobby on every floor
Take note: the hotel doesn’t allow durians or mangosteens
We’d initially booked the Superior Room which should have had a pool view but got upgraded to a Deluxe Room with city view. Not much of a view, seriously. Even though we were on the 19th floor, we were practically facing Shama Suasana. We spotted someone watching us from their window. No privacy for sure, so we had to keep the curtains closed.
Room Layout and Comfort
The room had a decent size with carpeted floors and was generally clean. Before entering the bathroom, there’s the wardrobe and storage space where you can put your suitcase. Interestingly, the wardrobe doors can be opened from both sides, which makes it easier to access from either side.
In the wardrobe, you have bathrobes, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, safe, slippers and sewing kit. The bed is slightly on the soft side but comfortable.
There’s a pillow menu so you can request different pillows. I got the Cervicalopedic Pillow which gave good support.
The aircon works fine – the lowest temperature can be set at 20 degrees Celsius. WiFi is generally reliable and fast, though it may drop occasionally.
Work and Relaxation Areas
I love that a writing desk with chair is provided, so you can work on your laptop there. The armchair with ottoman in the corner is also very firm and comfortable. I like to chill there with my iPad – it’s the perfect spot for some downtime.
The mini bar comes with Coke, Sprite, tonic water, soda water and apple juice. There’s also Pringles and a pack of peanuts in the drawer below. All complimentary, but should you need replenishing, you’ll have to pay. Two bottles of mineral water are given every day.
There’s a kettle, coffee machine, Dilmah tea bags and Nescafe instant coffee. The TV has all Singapore channels but no HBO, which was a bit disappointing.
Bathroom Assessment
The bathroom is a bit of a tight space and needs upgrading. The grout lines of the tiles at the shower area are so unsightly. Mouldy never mind, but trying to cover up with orange-brown colour grout just doesn’t work. The wash basin tap is tight and hard to turn. And there’s no hot water from the tap.
Shower water pressure is good though. While shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided, they come in small plastic tubes which aren’t very eco-friendly. It would be better to have refillable bottles which would be easier for guests to dispense, without having to turn the caps of the tubes.
Other amenities like toothbrush, toothpaste, razor kit, comb, vanity set, shower cap, emery board, soap and body balm are also provided. The toilet flush is problematic – when you press it, sometimes water won’t stop flowing in the toilet bowl, so you have to press again to stop the water flow.
Executive Lounge on Level 20
Executive Lounge Experience
As part of the ONYX Platinum membership, we get Executive Lounge privileges.
You can enjoy coffee, tea, soft drinks, and juices any time of the day. Come tea time, they’ll bring out a sweet treat along with cookies, dried fruits, and nuts if you feel like a little snack.
From 5:30pm to 7:30pm is Evening Cocktails at the lounge. Not a bad spread – enough for dinner. Average fare with nothing to shout about. The desserts were just cream cakes that weren’t worth the calories, so skip those.
Drink-wise, the selection isn’t extensive too. They offer a Mocktail of the Day (Lime Fizzy), Cocktail of the Day (Gin & Tonic), Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Jack Daniel’s, Heineken, and Chang Beer.
The next morning, we went to check out breakfast. Very disappointing as there was hardly anything. We were told that on weekday mornings, they only serve light breakfast as there aren’t many people, which is true because besides my husband and me, there was only one other guest there. So we skipped breakfast for the rest of the days. Not a big deal as there are plenty of food options nearby anyway.
Though the food quality was so-so, I think the Executive Lounge is still a nice place to work because it’s bright with lots of natural light. We kept our curtains in the room closed because we didn’t want people opposite looking into our room. And of course, the drinks that you can help yourself to are a nice touch.
Location and Accessibility
Amari Johor Bahru’s proximity to JB Old Town, City Square, Komtar JBCC and CIQ is definitely a plus point. But honestly, taking Grab to go anywhere is so convenient and easy that it really doesn’t matter which part of JB you’re staying in.
In fact, because of the nearby construction work going on, driving routes don’t seem as straightforward as before. And traffic is pretty hectic in this area too.
ONYX Membership Experience
As an ONYX Platinum member, I felt we weren’t given the full benefits. For example, at the front desk, there’s a counter for ONYX members check-in, but no one was manning the counter. So we were ushered to the regular counter where we met the staff who didn’t know the ONYX membership programme well and couldn’t check us in promptly and accurately.
We didn’t receive any Welcome Amenities either. We should get discounts on dining and spa treatments, but nothing was communicated to us. The initiative to make members feel welcomed and well-taken care of just isn’t there.
FIT Centre
Swimming pool
Final Verdict on Amari Johor Bahru
Amari Johor Bahru has branded itself as a 5-star luxury hotel, but honestly, for the facilities, room quality and service level, it just doesn’t live up to 5-star standards. The only real plus point is its proximity to JB’s main attractions and the border crossing.
The hygiene issues (seriously, cockroaches?), maintenance problems in the bathroom, and inconsistent service – especially regarding loyalty programme benefits – make it hard to recommend this property for travellers seeking genuine luxury.
While the location offers undeniable convenience for border crossings and exploring JB, there are likely better accommodation options in the area that deliver superior value and service standards without the premium price tag that Amari Johor Bahru commands.