Comfort. Convenience. Security, And of course, good value for money.
These are key determining factors of a budget hotel that will turn your holiday stay into a spectacular one.
Here's a handy guide to the best budget hotels in Johor that are affordably priced below $50 per night.
Better yet, they are guaranteed to keep you safe and help you save!
1. HOTEL CIQ
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BgAo8TpnoB-/[/embed]
Right smack in downtown JB is Hotel CIQ, located just a mere 5 minutes' walk from the Customs, Immigration & Quarantine (CIQ) Complex of JB, and hence its name! Besides its strategic locale, the hotel's colourful exterior is so eye-catching that tourists often stop to snap a shot.
Heritage Peranakan patterns can be found on the floor and wall tiles.
There's also a super chill lounge and even a trishaw as part of the deco for your perfect photo opportunity! The guest rooms are particularly well designed with air-conditioning, en-suite private bathroom, TV and toiletries, making it worth the price.
Better yet, it is conveniently located just 1km away from major malls such as Johor Bahru City Square and KOMTAR JBCC. Nearby is another shopping haven, Galleria Kotaraya and an abundance of F&B eateries all around.
Within walking distance is the famous Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street. Here is where traditional coffee shops, bakeries, places of worship and museums are at.
Best of all, there are attractions aplenty for families with kids. Just next door is the Angry Birds Activity Park located in Galleria Kotaraya. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas within the malls. What makes this hotel popular? Its awesome location to watch the annual Chingay Parade.
Upside: Convenient location
Downside: Street-side parking
Price: From RM93 (S$31) on Booking.com
Address: 1, Jalan Meldrum, 80000 Johor Bahru
2. SWISS-INN JOHOR BAHRU
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BzKM_KhJQwJ/[/embed]
Another budget hotel for that is popular amongst locals and tourists alike, the Swiss-Inn Johor Bahru enjoys the best location being close to convenient shopping, dining and government amenities.
Within a 5km radius are popular shopping malls, fine dining restaurants and cineplex located in Johor Bahru City Square. Also, there are night markets at the heart of the city.
With a vibrant facade and interiors designed to reflect JB's upbeat city scenes, the hotel offers several room types. From Cosy Queen, Twin, 2-bedders to Tatami 6 for up to 6 guests, there is a room-size for everyone.
Moreover, guests also enjoy facilities such as in-hotel F&B outlets, 24-hour gym, and banquet hall for events. Public transport is easily accessible with bus services within the city and train services to Singapore via the KTM train station at CIQ Complex is also nearby.
Upside: Easy accessibility to attractions
Downside: Security of surroundings when exploring the city at night
Price: From RM129 (S$43) on Booking.com
Address: Lot 512, Jalan Syed Mohd Mufti, 80000 Johor Bahru
3. GBW HOTEL JOHOR BAHRU
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMBnAZhYHy/[/embed]
The GBW Hotel was formerly known as Grand BlueWave Hotel JB thanks to the panoramic sea views from the hotel. Following refurbishments, the hotel now offers well-appointed rooms, spacious suites, modern facilities and F&B dining.
What makes it attractive? The choice of studio or 2 and 3-bedroom suites that are perfect for bigger families as they come with living area, dining and kitchenette.
Better yet, the hotel's cafe offers affordably priced buffet lunch and dinner. So, guests need not travel far to find good food. You will also get to check out JB's newest R&F Mall that has been getting quite the attention. Finally, this hotel is within walking distance to the CIQ complex, making it easy to travel from Singapore to JB.
Upside: Spacious family suites
Downside: Traffic around the area near CIQ Complex
Price: From RM141 (S$47) on Agoda
Address: No 9R, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, 80300 Johor Bahru
4. THE GRAND JADE HOTEL
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BIr1MyngPY4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
A lovely boutique hotel in the city, The Grand Jade Hotel has an elegant exterior with modern colonial styling.
Just a hop, skip and jump away to the JB CIQ, this hotel is popular among guests. Moreover, well-decorated rooms, simple lobby and easy parking provide guests ease of accessibility and a great stay.
What good about it? Nearby are popular shopping malls such as R&F Mall JB and Berjaya Waterfront Mall. Within walking distance is the Stulang Laut beach.
So, guests can enjoy beach walks, water sports and street-side eateries. In fact, you can even spot the locals fishing by the waters along the beach if you're lucky!
Upside: City location
Downside: Security when exploring the city area by night
Price: From RM135 (S$45) on Agoda
Address: 15R & 15S Jalan Bukit Meldrum, 80000 Johor Bahru
5. MILLESIME HOTEL ISKANDAR PUTERI
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BxcSlfiJxCt/[/embed]
Located in Iskandar Puteri, Millesime Hotel is a good choice for budget-conscious travellers. Priced right for the business-minded and holidaymakers, the hotel offers stylish rooms, amenities and dining options.
Reminiscent of French vintage aristocracy, the interior styling of this luxury boutique hotel exudes warmth and tranquillity.
Best of all, the hotel is close to many attractions that are a short drive away. These include LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Thomas Town, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Sea Life Malaysia.
Just as exciting to explore is Puteri Harbour with marina and sea-front dining options and pubs to check out. Not to be missed is the shopping escapades at Mall of Medini and Sunway Citrine Hub.
When kids need an open place to play, head for Green Medini Parks or EduCity swimming pool for a great day out.
Upside: Affordably priced for Iskandar Puteri accommodation
Downside: Irregular public transport in the area. (We recommend you rent a car to get around the area!)
Price: From RM127 (S$42.21) on Agoda
Address: Jalan Persiaran Afiat, Nusajaya, 79250 Johor Bahru
6. I AM JAZZ BOUTIQUE HOTEL JB
Think Louis Armstrong, and you'll think of staying at I am Jazz Boutique Hotel. Located in the bustling suburb of Permas Jaya, this award-winning boutique hotel promises a satisfying stay. Recipient of the 'Boutique Hotel of the Year 2018' in Johor by the Travel and Hospitality Awards UK, this hotel is all jazzed up.
There are 46 jazz-themed rooms that are exclusively designed for business and leisure travellers. And all rooms come equipped with WIFI and state-of-the-art amenities. What's impressive?
The lobby with jazzy elements and outdoor patio with water feature for guests to rest and relax. Furthermore, there are convenient amenities all around from a wide choice of restaurants, fast food joints and mini-marts so you won't go hungry.
In fact, there's even a local post office nearby. For active travellers, it's only a short drive to Permas Jaya Sports Complex and Permas Jaya Golf Club with greens open to the public, and the Senibong Cove with a marina for yachting.
Upside: Uniquely themed boutique hotel
Downside: Traffic on weekends
Price: From RM108 (S$36) on Booking.com
Address: No. 122 & 124, Jalan Permas 10, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru
7. YANGTZE HOTEL JB
Yangtze Hotel is popular thanks to its 24-hour dim sum restaurant within the premises. Comfortable rooms, friendly staff, clean environment and private parking provide guests with an enjoyable experience. However, it is the hearty morsels of delicious dim sum that keep the crowds coming back for more.
Located next to the lobby, the restaurant has a wide menu. From glutinous rice with chicken, a variety of dumplings, porridge, fried delicacies and dim sum, everything is delicious. They are best enjoyed with Chinese tea, home-brewed local coffee or tea. Furthermore, the meals are affordably priced and even the locals flock to the restaurant for all-day dim sum dining.
Upside: Dim Sum restaurant
Downside: Street-side parking for non-guests
Price: From RM118 (S$39.21)
Address: No.70,72,78,80, Jalan Permas 10, Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru
8. THY EXECUTIVE HOTEL
Strategically located in the Plentong suburbs, this hotel is a boon for business and leisure travellers. It is also close to Taman Johor Jaya, Taman Molek, Mount Austin, Tebrau district, and a huge Giant Hypermarket for your grocery shopping.
Furthermore, popular stationery and household goods warehouses are within walking distance and are filled with products at wholesale prices. Both locals and tourists love these warehouses.
The hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a spacious lobby with vending machines for snacks and drinks. There's also a convenience store and cafe with a menu of local favourites for day-time dining, and a pub that opens at night.
Best of all, the hotel has an open rooftop that overlooks the cityscape which is ideal for celebrations of a casual corporate event.
Upside: Close to amenities
Downside: Street-side parking
Price: From RM105 (S$46) on Booking.com
Address: 2, Jalan Mutiara 1, Taman Perindustrian Plentong, 81750 Masai, Johor
This article was first published in Shopback.