Johor Bahru is often associated with shopping spots and quick weekend trips, but there are also hotels that make you want to slow down and stay in for the entire getaway. Set in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel delivers exactly that kind of experience. The 5-star lifestyle hotel combines spacious comfort and a surprisingly relaxing atmosphere that feels slightly removed from the city bustle.
First impressions
The hotel already felt warm and welcoming. The interiors were modern yet cosy, with elegant details that gave the space a refined touch without feeling overly formal. What stood out most was the service. The staff were approachable, and always ready to help with genuine smiles throughout our stay.
We stayed under the Family Escape package, which included an Executive Suite connected to a Deluxe Room. The layout worked especially well for families because it gave everyone their own space while still feeling connected. The suite came with a spacious living area, making it easy to relax together after spending the day exploring the hotel. One of the best moments during the stay was honestly the simplest one. Waking up, slipping into a bathrobe, and enjoying a quiet soak in the bathtub while looking out at the city view felt incredibly peaceful. The room itself was comfortable and filled with natural light, creating a space that instantly made us feel at home.
The Executive Lounge experience
Something that deserves special mention is the Executive Lounge. Guests staying in Club Level Rooms and Executive Suites get access to this private space, which quickly became one of our favourite spots in the hotel. The lounge has a calm and elegant atmosphere, paired with a very pretty panoramic view that becomes even better around sunset. In the evening, cocktails and light bites are served, making it a nice place to wind down before dinner.
We tried several cocktails including the Tequila Sunrise, Blue Lagoon, and Negroni, alongside beer and other beverages available at the lounge. The drinks were well prepared, and the overall experience felt elevated yet relaxed. What impressed us most was the food selection. There were plenty of savoury options alongside different type of desserts beautifully displayed across the counter. Sitting there with cocktails in hand while watching the city lights slowly appear was one of those simple hotel moments that ends up becoming the most memorable part of the trip.
Dining at Café BLD
The food here deserves its own section because it genuinely exceeded expectations. Café BLD, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and each session offered an impressive variety of cuisines.
Breakfast quickly became something we looked forward to every morning. The spread covered almost everything you could think of, from local Malaysian favourites to Western breakfast staples. We started our mornings with crispy roti canai, cereals, pastries, eggs, and fresh fruits before moving on to heavier dishes later on.
For lunch and dinner, the buffet selection became even more extensive. There were Malay, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Western stations, alongside a carving section featuring freshly prepared meats. One section that immediately caught our attention was the seafood on ice. Everything tasted extremely fresh, and it paired perfectly with the variety of sauces and condiments available. Among the many dishes, the satay was easily one of our favourite. The meat was tender and grilled beautifully with that smoky aroma that makes Malaysian satay so addictive. Not to mention, the over 10 types of desserts that were insanely sweet and tasty! What makes Café BLD enjoyable is definitely the consistency in quality across every meal session. Even after multiple visits throughout.
Amenities for both adults and kids
Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel also delivers strongly when it comes to facilities. The hotel has a large swimming pool surrounded by comfortable lounging areas, creating a relaxing space to spend the afternoon. Families will especially appreciate the kids’ area, which gives children their own space to play while parents enjoy some downtime nearby.
Since we stayed with the Family Escape package, it was easy to see why many families choose this hotel for short getaways. There is also a fitness centre, pool bar, and several communal spaces throughout the property that make the hotel feel lively without becoming overcrowded. Honestly, once we checked in, there was barely any reason to leave the property because everything we needed was already there.
Our stay at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel felt like the kind of staycation that has comfort and genuine hospitality. Between the spacious suite and everything else, the hotel managed to create an experience that felt welcoming. For anyone planning a getaway in Johor Bahru, especially families or couples looking for a relaxing retreat, this is easily one of the best staycation spots worth considering.
Hotel Renaissance Johor Bahru
Address: 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
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The post Love chilling in bathtubs with a view? This 5-star Johor Bahru hotel is made for slow staycation weekends appeared first on Malaysia Food and Travel.
