Johor Bahru has welcomed two international hotel chain additions, as the country ramps up tourism activities ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
The latest agreement between Marriott International and YTL Hotels will see the conversion of the former Thistle Johor Bahru to JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru, slated for a December 2026 opening.
Once open, guests can check into the 410-key hotel, which will feature an additional executive lounge, and plans for a kids’ club.
Apart from an array of dining options ranging from a Chinese restaurant, bakery to a smokehouse, facilities include one tennis court, three pickleball courts, an outdoor resort-style pool, fitness center, and a spa featuring five treatment rooms and hydrothermal amenities.
Located at the junction of Jalan Sungai Chat and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, the hotel will be within minutes of the upcoming Bukit Chagar RTS Station and the CIQ checkpoint. Major attractions such as Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Mid Valley Southkey and LEGOLAND Malaysia are accessible within a 10- to 20-minute drive.
The Johor Bahru property will be the second JW Marriott in Malaysia, joining the existing hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking on the agreement between YTL Hotels and Marriott International, Rajeev Menon, president – Asia-Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, pointed to Johor Bahru’s “strong connectivity and rising profile as a cross-border hub” as a “natural fit” for JW Marriott’s brand.
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre offers 304 rooms and suites, including family units with flexible configurations for multi-generational travellers.
The hotel offers three dining spots: local and international favourites at Food Exchange; light bites at the Gourmet Bar; and the Pool Bar for refreshments while at the open-air infinity pool.
All rooms come with filtered water taps, as part of Novotel’s Positive Impact Plan which aims to reduce plastic, water, and carbon impacts, as well as promote sustainable food choices through plant-forward menus.
Apart from its location in the city’s heart close to shopping malls, Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre is also a 20-minute drive to family-friendly, Legoland Malaysia.
Special opening rates are available at MYR$345++ per night (US$84), for stays until 6 March 2026.