A Premier Destination for both business and leisure travelers
Amari is well-branded as a vibrant 5 star city hotel right in the heart of Johor Bahru’s Central Business District, and we had the wonderful opportunity to visit them and stay with them over the recent March 2024 School Holidays.
Amari Johor Bahru (JB) is strategically nestled within Zenith Mall Lifestyle Hub, in the heart of the thriving city of Johor Bahru, very close to the JB Sentral Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ), between the Singapore and Malaysian border. As a modern hotel theming with the Amari brand, expect a haven of homely comfort and great service, along with modern facilities encircled by popular shopping centres, commercial facilities, amid the traditional old town city centre of Johor filled with a heritage trail (yes, to explore the old town) and an entire plethora of restaurants, bakeries, shops selling knick knacks and conveniences, old coffee shops, makan shops (superb Johor cuisine) and modern cafes, bars, entertainment facilities, and fashion stores (that's what staying in the city centre is all about).
Amari Johor Bahru is located only a couple of steps from Komtar JBCC, City Square and the Persada Johor International Convention Centre. The accessibility is superb and it is only a 30-minute drive from Senai International Airport, an 80-minute drive from Singapore’s Changi International Airport, and a five-minute walk from JB Sentral CIQ Complex and the upcoming Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, which will link Johor Bahru and Singapore.
The hotel is well emplaced with the fast and developing transformation of thissouthern city of Malaysia in a very modern metropolis boasting the Iskandar Economic Development Corridor.
Guest Rooms
Amari JB comprise of 242 guest rooms and suites that offer a home-from-home warmth with exquisite touches to the décor that are uniquely Asian in inspiration, and with Thai influences, you can expect an influx of the latest modern feel, whilst luxuriating with traditional influences, coupled to enhance the overall sensory experience.
The interior design in each room is thoughtfully curated for your comfort and adds that unexpected yet subtle play of colour, which is very much, an Amari signature, and a virtue that is synonymous to tantalise your senses. Room and suite configurations include Superior King and Twin, Deluxe King and Twin, Grand Deluxe King and Twin, Executive Club Room King and Twin, Junior Suite, One Bedroom Suite and the Deluxe Pool Access King and Twin. One unique feature is their Deluxe Pool Access rooms that offer a private terrace with direct access to the free-form swimming pool, and as I was informed, this is always occupied so book early, if you like to spend a beautiful weekend with your family here (yes, right next to direct pool access).
We stayed on the Club executive 19th Floor, complete with Executive floor benefits with a stunning view of Jalan Wong Ah Fook, both during the day and an amazing feel complete with a cool silhouette vibe in the evenings. The Room amenities, bed and pillow comfort, fast wifi, welcome gift set and all-inspiring mood ambience made my 2 night stay a truly special one!
Executive Club
The Executive Club rooms, situated on the higher floors, come with exclusive access to the Executive Club Lounge, and private check-in and check-out. The Executive Lounge on the 20th floor is a warm and friendly space offering enhanced personalised service, privacy, amenities and panoramic views of the transforming city skyline. Executive Club Guests receive full executive privileges, plus complimentary Wi-Fi while enjoying their breakfast, all-day refreshments, early evening hors d’oeuvres, canapés and evening cocktails. This is full testament as I enjoyed myself with these benefits during my lovely stay.
Meetings & Events
Boasting some of the finest conference and meeting venues in town, Amari Johor Bahru offers a Ballroom which can be divided into two function rooms, which are called Rex and Lido, and a pre-function foyer, all equipped with the latest audio visual technology, video conferencing capability and high–speed internet access.
With state-of-the-art conference and meeting venues, Amari Johor Bahru is an ideal choice for events of any scale. From intimate creative meetings in the Idea Room to grand events in the Ballroom, Amari Johor Bahru ensures a seamless and memorable experience. The Ballroom is ideal for dinner functions for up to 300 persons, while the Lido and Rex can each accommodate dinner events for up to 140 persons. The Idea Room is ideal for smaller creative meetings.
Dining
Amaya Food Gallery - All-Day Dining
At this signature market-style all-day restaurant, I had my breakfast and also my Iftar feast and also watched chefs at work in the multiple open-kitchens and experienced the vibrant flavours of Asian and international cuisine inspired by the rich street food culture of the region. I love their Malaysian food concoctions and creations which I truly admired, Johor-style during the Iftar meal.
Thai cuisine, renowned for its explosive blend of contrasting flavors, takes center stage at Amari Johor Bahru. Their local chefs, combining talent and dedication, skillfully translate flavors into a menu that showcases contemporary fusion dishes, international fare, and authentic street food, promising to illuminate your palate and elevate your dining experience.
The multidimensional experience unfolds as guests explore the diverse offerings, each dish carefully curated to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.
For those seeking a more relaxed dining setting, Amaya Café at the Lobby Lounge awaits.
Unwind with friends or business colleagues over quality coffee or a pot of tea in an inviting atmosphere.
Amaya Cafe - Relaxed Casual Dining
The cafe offers a soothing and relaxing atmosphere overlooking the lobby, guests
are invited to sit back and unwind while enjoying a wide selection of beverages, cakes and pastries. Amaya Cafe also offers a wide selection of tea from TWG, and we had the opportunity to partake of this, together with my good pal, Eugene. It was relaxing, tasty and a fun chill-out part of the hotel! The Snacks and cakes on offer blended well with the Tea offering from TWG.
Dip Bar - Sip, Snack and Swim
Surrounded by the lush tropical gardens, the Dip Bar is Amari’s outdoor pool bar for a pre-spa treat, post-workout snack or a pool side refreshment; an array of snacks and drinks perfectly complements moments of relaxation.
Facilities
Amari Johor Bahru prioritises guest well-being by providing a range of facilities. The fully equipped FIT Centre offers a dedicated space for workouts, while the free-form saltwater swimming pool and separate children's pool cater to various preferences.
Spa & Wellness
Breeze Spa
I had an awesome spa treatment at the Breeze, when my therapist, Laina, provide a Dreamy Mood Massage using lavendar oil-infusion on my fatigued body. The spa bed was truly comfortable with a functional head-rest so this complemented her bodywork on me; the calming sounds, hynoptic aromas and long flowing massage strokes brought me to a state of complete rejuvenation and utter tranquility.
Here at Breeze spa located on the same floor as the lobby, one can simply just relax and bring balance back to body and soul, where they offer a full range of treatments, signature mood-based scrubs, facials and massages, Thai therapeutic experiences, body treatments etc. The full-day package is highly recommended as is the Couple twinning facial and massage package.
Rosette Media's Wellness Rating for the Breeze Spa: 9/10 (Heavenly)
CSR Activity - Iftar Dinner with Children from the Ruman Fitrah Qaseh
Once a year, during the holy month of Ramadan, Amari Johor Bahru organizes a special dinner to break the fast with the orphans from this home, complete with a lie band performance, call for Maghrib prayers, goodie bags, duit raya" and also a great get-together and fellowship with Amari staff and their families. I was fortunate to join them on this occasion with 43 children from the Home, and it was heartwarming, enjoyable and fun, and it was also opportunity to sample the wonderful Iftar meal prepared by Hairi and his chef team, truly love Malaysian curries and unique cuisine!
Experience Quotient
We had a truly memorable and enriching stay at the Amari Johor Bahru, one filled with a personally-curated vibe and indeed a relaxing and indulgent hotel home-feel experience, honestly Truly Malaysia! Love it!
We take this opportunity to appreciate every member of the Amari team in Johor Bahru, for looking after me, during my stay, including the GM Pauline Chua, Pierre the HM, Salaman from MarComs, Breeze Spa - Laina and her awesome therapeutic spa regime, Azrai who helped me with my TWG tea experience, Kartika at the Executive Club lounge, Saravena the Chief Concierge, Hairi the awesome Executive Chef, Justin from Procurement and my partner during the Iftar dinner, Shida from Finance, Amrit who did a great job looking after my room in Housekeeping and Aishah - my Amari Host.
Location
Amari Johor Bahru
82C, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
T +60 (7) 266 8888
F +60 (7) 266 8899