I recently stayed at the Sheraton Johor Bahru and I want to share my experience in a simple and honest way. This hotel is one of the newest 5 star hotels in the city of Johor Bahru, and you can really feel that everything is still fresh and modern. From the moment I arrived, the building looked clean, stylish, and welcoming. The lobby had a bright and open feeling, and the staff greeted me with warm smiles. Check in was smooth and did not take long, which is always a good start after traveling.
I booked a standard room but because of my Bonvoy Platinum status, I was upgraded to an Executive Suite. This was a very nice surprise and it made my stay feel much more special. When I entered the suite, I was honestly impressed by how large it was. The space felt more like a small apartment than a hotel room. There was a separate living area with a sofa, a large TV, and a work desk, and then a bedroom area that was also very spacious. Everything looked new and well designed, with modern furniture and soft lighting that made the room feel comfortable.
The bathroom was also big and clean, with a separate shower and bathtub. The amenities were neatly arranged and of good quality. I liked that there was enough space to move around easily without feeling cramped. The bed was very comfortable, and I slept well every night during my stay. The room was also quiet, which is important for rest.
One of the most memorable parts of my stay was the birthday surprise. The birthday decor was already set up in the room upon arrival, which made a very strong first impression. As soon as I opened the door to the suite for the first time, I saw a birthday cake prepared on the table and balloons placed neatly on the bed. The setup was simple but very thoughtful, and it created a warm and celebratory feeling right away. I really liked that the balloons were arranged only on the bed, which made the decoration look clean and not too crowded. What made it even more meaningful was that my birthday was still a few days away, yet the hotel still took the effort to prepare this in advance. It showed real attention to detail and care for guests. This kind of gesture may seem small, but it added a personal touch to the stay and made me feel genuinely valued.
As a Bonvoy Platinum member, I have lounge access as a standard benefit, so I was able to visit the Club Lounge during my stay. The lounge was quite large compared to many other hotels I have visited. It had plenty of seating areas, so it never felt too crowded. The design was modern and comfortable, making it a nice place to relax or do some work. One thing I really liked was the outdoor terrace. This is not something you see in every hotel lounge, and it was nice to step outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy the view. It added a different feeling compared to staying indoors all the time.
The food and drinks in the lounge were decent. There was a good variety during evening service, and the staff there were attentive and polite. They made sure tables were cleared quickly and always greeted guests nicely. I would not say the food was the best I have ever had, but it was definitely good enough and enjoyable.
Breakfast at the restaurant was a very good spread and it was one of the highlights of my stay. There were many options to choose from, including both local and international dishes. I enjoyed the variety because it suited different tastes and preferences. The food was fresh and regularly refilled, and the dining area was clean and comfortable. The staff at the restaurant were also friendly and efficient, which made the breakfast experience even better.
I also checked out the hotel facilities during my stay. The gym was well equipped with new machines, and it was clean and easy to use. However, the swimming pool was a bit of a disappointment for me. For a 5 star hotel, I expected a larger pool area. The pool itself was quite small, and there was not a lot of space around it. It felt a bit limited, especially if there are many guests using it at the same time. It is still fine for a quick swim or to relax for a short time, but it is not a highlight of the hotel.
Location wise, the hotel is in Johor Bahru city, and it is convenient for getting around. There are shops and restaurants nearby, and it is not too far from the main areas. I found it easy to move around using ride services, and the hotel staff were helpful if I needed directions or suggestions.
What stood out the most during my stay was the service. The staff were friendly, polite, and always willing to help. From the front desk to the lounge team and restaurant staff, everyone seemed well trained and professional. They made an effort to greet guests and make sure everything was comfortable. The birthday surprise is a good example of how they go a bit further to create a positive experience.
Overall, I had a very enjoyable stay at the Sheraton Johor Bahru. The hotel being new really makes a difference, as everything feels clean and modern. The upgrade to the Executive Suite made the stay even better, with a very large and comfortable room that was perfect for relaxing. The Club Lounge was spacious and had the added bonus of an outdoor terrace, which I really liked. The breakfast spread at the restaurant was another strong point of the stay. The only downside for me was the small pool, which did not quite match the level of the rest of the hotel.
