With Johor Bahru being just less than an hour’s drive away, it has become second nature for many Singaporeans to head across the causeway to ignite the wanderlust within us. There is an extensive list of things to do in JB, from shopping, to cafe-hopping, to getting cheap massages and spa treatments.
If you’re planning for your next getaway without wanting to break the bank, check out this list of boutique hotels in JB that are so chio your IG feed will thank you.
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Eco Bed & Breakfast is an environmentally friendly hotel that aims to reduce carbon footprint by using locally sourced raw materials and products. With a mission to raise environmental awareness in every traveller, they have interestingly designed bed frames and plants placed in every room.
The clean white walls also make it more convenient than ever to have your Instagram-worthy photos taken in these minimalist rooms.
As an added service, this B&B serves a vegetarian continental breakfast if you’re someone who prioritises health and nutrition. Charged separately, you can start your day by choosing from a variety of Belgian waffles, organic teas, and freshly brewed coffee.
Address: No. 42 Jalan Setia Tropika 9/6, Taman Setia Tropika, Kempas 81200, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM175 (~S$50.73) per night
Website
If standard hotel rooms are a tad too boring and villas are too huge for you and bae, check out The Mood Hotel. With three types of loft-style suites to take your pick from, they are suitable for both couples and families. Regular hotel rooms are offered here as well, so be sure to check out the different rates for the type of room you prefer.
Being well equipped with basic facilities and a modern lounge, this homely two-storey suite could be the very place to live out your penthouse dream. This hotel is also conveniently located near lots of dining options so you’ll never go hungry.
Address: 2, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM256 (~S$73.74) per night
Website
Designed according to the theme of an urban garden, Natura Hotel has a rustic and comfy vibe. It is accessible to popular areas like Legoland Malaysia, AEON Bukit Indah and Johor Premium Outlets, where you can get your branded goods at knockout prices.
With the heavy use of cork as part of the rooms’ decor, this enhances the whole eco-chic look. Photographed images of the world’s iconic landmarks are also added to the walls to elevate its artistic appeal.
Address: 15, Jalan Nusaria 4/6, Taman Nusantara, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM111 (~S$32.90) per night
Website
Having a total of 16 Boutique Rooms, 30 Designer Rooms and a Luxury Suite, the hotel’s collection of uniquely designed rooms display colourful decals on their walls for a more vibrant and lively vibe. The outer facade of the hotel is pretty eye-catching too, and definitely easy to find in case you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Formerly called Bliss Boutique Hotel, the property is only a 2-minute drive to Johor Bahru City Centre and the Woodlands Checkpoint leading to Singapore. It is also a mere 10-minute drive to Johor Bahru’s ferry terminal, 15-minute drive to North-South highway and 20 minutes away from Senai International airport.
Address: 50, Jalan Jaya, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM73 (~S$21.17) per night
Website
Recreated from traditional Japanese-style rooms, the Japanese Quad Family Room is akin to one of those rooms featured in anime shows. If that’s not your thing, Eight Days Boutique Hotel has other types of rooms available as well.
Rooms options include Japanese tatami beds, regular twin, queen, and king beds, and the platinum king rooms come with a jacuzzi for premium relaxation. Just imagine leaving the cares of the world behind and soaking in a bubble bath with bae or even your closest friends, because why not.
Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from various attractions such as Mini Kuso Trick Art Gallery and Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, this clean hotel is great for your next rendezvous around JB.
Address: 119, 121 & 123, 10, 19, Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM108 (~S$30.93) per night
Website
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Formerly known as Swiss-Inn Johor Bahru, this revamped Holiday Inn Express is a charming hideout in the heart of JB city centre.
It’s a vast change to what the Swiss-Inn looked like. Although it’s not exactly “boutique” style, it’s nice to have an option of upgraded rooms and amenities without the hefty cost. Most of the room prices here also come with breakfast.
For fitness junkies who are intending to keep their bodies in shape even when they’re on a holiday, there is a simple gym in the hotel with treadmills and weights so you can clock in a workout session after a feast.
Address: Lot 512, Jalan Syed Mohamed Mufti, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM228 (~S$66.12) per night
Website
If your aesthetic is more cute than minimalist, make a reservation at Zoom Inn Boutique Hotel. Their rooms come with cartoon wall decals and motivational quotes, making this suitable for families and friends.
The hotel is found just on the edge of Danga Bay, a recreational park by the Straits of Johor. There are plenty of places to check out at Danga Bay, including an Angry Birds activity park and a huge mall. If you’re in for a romantic evening, take a walk down the waterfront with bae before ending your day with a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Address: Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM110 (~S$31.88) per night
Website
If you love chic and modern atmospheres, Stella Hotel is a pretty good choice. Featuring popular modern European style interiors, your weekend getaway will look both bougie and expensive. The rooms are airy, comfortable, and clean with free Wi-Fi and parking for your convenience.
The lobby area is also very welcoming with flower arrangements and sofas for you to chill when you’re checking in or out, and the property is located near Legoland. The hotel also has its own restaurant if you want the option, if not, there are several other restaurants within a short walking distance of the location.
For other activities, Sutera Park, Taman Sterling Park, and Danga Bay Park are all very close by and accessible by car or a 15 to 20 minute walk.
Address: No. 8 Jalan Utama 2, Taman D Utama, Gelang Patah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM133 (~S$38.47)
Website
Located just 5km from JB city centre, this hotel comes highly recommended because of their spacious and clean rooms. According to reviews, the free Wi-Fi works quite fast as an added bonus, and it’s near Angsana Mall where you have many different dining options.
Note that there’s a bus stop outside of the hotel if you want to save on Grab.As for shopping, besides Angsana Mall, there’s Paradigm Mall which is less than 5km away from the hotel.
Address: 195 K-M, Jalan Skudai Kiri Batu 4 1/2, Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM93 (~S$27.06)
Website
One thing about most boutique hotels is they don’t always have a pool, so, if that’s something you’d like to include in your itinerary, V8 Hotel comes with its own pool and gym too. The hotel also has a kid’s playground so it’s a great option if you’re travelling with family.
The location of this hotel is near to several different attractions like Seri Orkid Recreation Park, MBIP Recreational Forest, and Rini Hills 2 Park. There’s also a McDonalds literally next door, as well as a KFC and mamak restaurant less than a 10-minute walk away for any late night snacking. And breakfast tends to be included in the room rates, so food wise, you’re covered.
There’s also Danga Bay beach 8km away, and Country Garden Beach 9km away from here to make it a complete vacation with sun, sand, and sea.
Address: 2, Jalan Jati 2, Taman Nusa Bestari, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Rates: From RM131 (~S$37.99)
Website
If you are looking for a quick respite from your hectic work schedule, you now know where to immerse yourself in a relaxing vacation across the causeway.
Armed with this list of affordable boutique hotel options, you’d be able to save some money to splurge at JB’s shopping outlets. So go ahead, bring your kakis along for a short yet fulfilling getaway over the upcoming festive season or long weekends in the new year.
This article was originally written by Jiahui Ong on 18 January 2019 and updated by Priscilla Emmanuel on 31 October 2023.
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