Renaissance Johor Bahru: More than just a business hotel, luxe staycations await!

~Invited Session~

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I grew up in a typical Singaporean family, where regular trips across the Causeway were as common as grocery shopping in the supermart. Back in the days where jams could last anywhere from an hour onwards, it definitely made my Dad the daredevil driver he is today and us almost atuned to the idea of queueing for good food.

Of late, my travels across the Causeway have been getting more frequent and a friend even jested if I were planning on relocating. Well, that would deserve an entry on its own but mainly because we have gotten the hang off finding our way around our neighbour and addicted to their Bak Kut Teh, Seafood and thrills of shopping.

We had only stayed in JB once and were tempted to continue these staycations until Renaissance Johor Bahru very kindly extended an invite - to experience the Malaysian hospitality, the relatively new five star property is home to dining establishments like the previously reviewed Wan Li Restaurant and many more.


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Welcome drinks await as the check ins are completed.

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The lobby area, complete with high ceiling and that gorgeous center piece.

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The rest of the hotel is accessed by a common lobby.


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Wan Li Restaurant

Though not Halal certified, this highly acclaimed chinese restaurant does not serve pork or lard but has a stunning ala carte menu that features classics like Peking Duck and Durian Prawns on top of an affordable  dimsum menu.

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Cafe BLD

Breakfast, lunch or dinner at this swanky restaurant promises to be abundant affairs. We had the pleasure of patronizing this for both dinner and breakfast which left us belly happy and full.

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RBar

Unwind over drinks and jazz at their resident bar. Their friendly bartenders give classics a twist while embracing new flavours.

Deluxe Guestroom

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The deluxe guestrooms come with either a king sized bed or twin beds.

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Twin beds.

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Fresh flowers are the highlight of each room, they use orchids and designs are changed regularly.

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I remember travelling as a kid with my parents and the best part about having connecting rooms is being able to run through the doors and creating a ruckus with the equally mischievous sister. The parents are literally a shout away and we could both save the trouble of snatching the hotel phone to dial when quarrels started.

Renaissance Johor Bahru has connecting Deluxe Rooms next to the Junior Suites which would suit a family of 4 or more very comfortably.

Junior Suite

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This looked completely like our bridal suite and it sure brought back many happy memories.

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Our cushy king sized bed for the night!
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Not forgetting the living room area that comes with a sofa so large and wide, it fit the 1.83m husband really comfortably. Rarely, do we get sofas so large and it was his ultimate joy.

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A welcome fruit basket from the team, very sweet gesture I say! For first timers in Johor Bahru, the thoughtful team would prepare a survivor's kit to JB including where to eat, drink and see with snacks to go along. Tasty snacks ranging from a melt in the mouth pandan kueh bangit to a completely edible chocolate bowl and those gula melaka cookies were to die for.

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A handwritten note from guest relations!

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More snooping around the suite brought us to a stash of snacks just in case either of us felt hungry at any time throughout the stay - these are of course, chargeable.

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With compliments.

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The last time we had such a spacious toilet was at Banyan Tree Bangkok and it is one of those memorable staycations that would be even better than your own toilet.

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I say this because we have separate toilets at home and going on a staycation that would trump home would mean couple sinks, a bath tub and even a shower. The toilet was huge enough to accomodate a party and I could get used to having such luxuries on a staycation!
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Their range of amenities including a select range by Tokyo Milk - an American luxury brand meant to pamper and rejuvenate.

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One of the orchid designs spotted in the suite.


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A room view that was not much to speak of though it is a refreshing change from a concrete jungle outside my flat.

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"A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh alot and realise how blessed you are."

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Blogging in the comforts of the suite.

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The man also ended up relaxing in the suite. The great thing about having two television sets in the suite is we need not fight over channels at all!

Pool Terrace Room

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These completely do not look like hotel rooms, they are the 8 pool terrace rooms for families and guests who want a beachy staycation right next to the swimming pool without the mess of the sand.

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Looking just like their deluxe rooms, only bigger and the flooring is tiles rather than carpet.

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Doesn't the toilet resemble the changing room of the swimming pool?

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The pool right at your doorstep.

Presidential Suite

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A room fit for the king, literally. The suite comes complete with a kitchennette (think SMEG Oven amongst the other gadgets), study, dining table, living room, walk in wardrobe and a tub in the open concept toilet as well as a balcony. From the moment I stepped in, I wish I never had to step out - all at a lovely tune of a business class ticket to Hong Kong.

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Enter the study.

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That table of dried roses, so pretty aren't they?

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Well, until you meet the coffee table's centerpiece of coloured roses. Truly, live like a president and you can have anything, as long as you ask.

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The master bed room is another realm of luxury - that bed, furnishings and...

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The very inviting bath tub.

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The view from the balcony.

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I wish I had time for the swimming pool! The skies were blue and weather was great for that one dip but I only had enough minutes for that quick work out.

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Gym 

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A trip to the gym is an absolute must with all that we ate and the well equipped gym was good enough for me to take on cycling, step ups and even sets of planking. Apples and drinks are on standby.

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One hour later, all I burnt was perhaps that punnet of pandan kueh bangkit that I was furiously stuffing myself silly with earlier on.

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Club Access


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Part of the privileges of booking a suite is club access and that grants us to a day long of feasting on canapes and drinks, happy hours, tea times and even a dessert supper. The feeding went on all day long.

Event Rooms

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We were also shown their meeting rooms and banquet halls. Each meeting room has a secretariat table just outside.


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Board room meeting style.

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Interactive table games are included to entertain in between breaks and continuous meeting. This is quite a first and definitely a change from the usual table mints, water bottles and tons of writing paper.

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How about a glass ball to tell the future? I was kidding on that.

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Their only ballroom can seat a maximum of 900 - possibly the largest in the whole of JB which is great for big weddings.

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We sneaked in on one and stole snaps of a newly wed's styled wedding booth - psst, they even do wedding styling services!

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All the best to the newly weds, sometimes all you really need is just love.

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I cannot thank Fazi enough for her hospitality throughout our stay and making it so memorable.
This is a series of entries on Renaissance Johor Bahru, in-depth writeups on their food and beverage options will be covered separately.

They have a series of weekend staycation promotions, to discover more, do dial them up at +607 381 3333 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/jhbbr-renaissance-johor-bahru-hotel/ to find out more!

Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel
2 Jalan Permas 11
Bandar Baru Permas Jaya

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