Thistle Johor Bahru

It’s spacious, have got bathtub, near checkpoint. Bed is comfortable

It’s old and seriously need renovation, would be better also if they can put smart tv. Breakfast quite limited variety compare to other hotels.

Staff & Food

Nil

朝食は良かった

キッチン用品が全く準備されてなかった

Breakfast was ok

NA

Nothing at all. Very disappointed - OVERALL!!!

There isnt any wifi connection and my kids are unable to watch anything on the TV.. very dissapointed with regards to that.. as they look forward for a movie night.

Pls fix a wifi connection to all your TV.. i stayed at 0208 and totally to connection at all.

All things! The breakfast so delicious! Room was clean and everthing well maintain

Equipment gym need to maintain changes the old machine into better machine.

I rarely write reviews, but our recent stay at The Thistle Johor Bahru compels me to speak out. We were a large group traveling with children, having booked seven rooms in total. Unfortunately, what awaited us was not hospitality, but a series of distressing and unacceptable experiences. Every room we were assigned was in poor condition—dirty, mould-ridden, and visibly neglected. Even upgraded "renovated" rooms offered no improvement. This wasn’t a one-off issue; it reflected a broader failure in maintenance and standards across the property. More alarmingly, several power outlets overheated to the point of causing minor burns. This is a serious safety hazard that should never be present in any hotel, let alone one claiming to offer quality service. We were not informed in advance that the pool was closed for maintenance—a key amenity that influenced our booking decision. The lack of communication was disappointing and inconvenient. While we inadvertently smoked in a non-smoking area upon arrival, we immediately complied once informed. However, what followed was deeply inappropriate: hotel staff approached two children in our group—separately—and warned them that if we returned “rowdy,” the police would be called. No adult was notified. The children were left frightened and confused, which was completely unjustified and unprofessional. The most disturbing incident involved a senior staff member photographing our children in swimwear without consent as we headed to a nearby water park. One child was just five years old. This act was invasive, culturally disrespectful, and left us deeply unsettled. Despite our request for written confirmation that the photo to be deleted and not used, none was provided, we asked at reception politely and have emailed the hotel twice since - with no response. To compound matters, several members of our group experienced luggage tampering—an egregious breach of privacy and trust. We ultimately chose to leave early, forfeiting paid nights, simply to protect our wellbeing. Having worked in hospitality and traveled extensively, I can confidently say this was the most troubling hotel experience I’ve ever encountered. I sincerely hope management takes these issues seriously and implements the necessary changes—especially regarding staff conduct, cultural sensitivity, and guest safety. Before submitting this review I conducted the hotel multiple times to give them an opportunity to respond but after 3 attempts, no response was provided.

fillow sheet, a bit smelly. the rest was good 😘

I stayed here for one night with my parents, hoping to enjoy a good sea view, but the experience didn’t really meet five-star expectations. The booking site didn’t clearly show which rooms were accessible, so I ended up paying an extra RM80 upon check-in. The accessible room was on a lower floor, which was a letdown. The room didn’t feel like it was newly refurbished as mentioned. The shower wall had yellow stains, which made the room feel less well-maintained. The payment process was also inconvenient. They didn’t have change for cash, Apple Pay wasn’t accepted, and a physical card was required, which caused some delays. Service also fell short. When I asked for luggage assistance, the front desk told me to inform the bell counter myself, which felt a bit unhelpful. Thankfully, the bell counter uncle and the security staff at the second lobby were very kind and polite. They really made a positive impression. In-room dining wasn’t great either. The staff just stood at the door with the food, didn’t offer to bring it inside, and left without even a thank you. I had expected warmer service since is a five star property. On the bright side, the buffet breakfast was good and had plenty of seating available, which made it a comfortable experience. Overall, the stay is not what I would expect from a five-star property.

Staff are good

Nothing

I stayed one night. The room was pathetic, run down and 3 star at best. The corridors and room smelled musty. My colleague’s room had a wet Capet which bunched up. The poolside restaurant had a rat running around. Never again!

The breakfast was decent.

The impolite attitude of the front desk staff was noticeable. My room was located on the 5th floor where the corridor reeked of an unpleasant chemical odor from renovations. In general, the stay fell short of expectations.​

Location, service

Hotel room need renovation

Beautiful scenery and the building itself e.i. the interior.

The toilet is not muslim friendly. The water flow to the floor trape is not convenient. The F n B department could be improved.

The best hotel in my list

Maybe the parking basement but that just a small matter

Clean, spacious, plus point is the bathtub.. my children super like it. Swimming pool is not that attractive, not may people were using it, so it kinda weird. But don't bother to ask becoz we have bathtub.

Everything is fine I would say

Comfortable

Satisfied

1. Stayed at room new renovated. But very2 disappointed with the room. It's much better compared to old room. Renovated but nothing special. Just new smell on paint!! Paid extra rm200 for nothing 2. Room was not equipped with day curtain!!! Only night curtain? There is no privacy. Can't enjoy the seaview when us night curtain. And if you look from the dataran, it very clear to see in side the room. Who the hell give the idea to remove the curtain?

Location

Parking

Room is big.

Out of town, cabinet looks run down n need replacement

Excellent facilities, Clean and well-maintained rooms, and professional service staff at breakfast. Fast and efficient check-in by cheerful and organised front desk team. Value for 💰 money. Highly recommended and will stay there again.

Got to know the hotel has been refurbished/renovated.

Breakfast spread ok ok. TV channel picture grainy hardly to watch and local channel not many available.

view

airconditioning not working

The renovated rooms surpassed my expectations. Beautiful unblocked view. The staff were polite and respectful. There was a shop in the hotel where you could get bottled water, snacks and other items.

The breakfast could have been more varied. Also noticed that it was packed during breakfast and a queue was there after 8am. Swimming pool could be cleaner. Be careful near the slide area as my seven year old who is quite tall struggled there. Parents must watch their kids throughout.

Hotel location

Still old furniture and look out of date.

We’ve been loyal guests of Thistle for years, drawn by the comfort and safety of their connecting rooms—perfect for families like ours. But this visit changed everything. My child was seriously injured due to the hotel’s poorly maintained pool—an accident that required surgery and left us all traumatized. There were too many signs of negligence to mention, and the way the hotel handled the situation only deepened our hurt. After all these years, Thistle has not just disappointed us—it broke our trust.

The staff very helpful & nice

The room more spacious and has both shower and bathtub. I like it carpeted through out. Near to eatineries nearby.

Staff at the counter was struggling to tell me view of my room. So I said, its okay. When approaching my room, there was bad smell from the carpet outside. But inside the room is okay. The lift to the restoren for breakfast was not functioning. I have foot problem to go down and climb up the stair. There was only 1 person to prepare omelet and therefore the q was long.

Very nice and helpful staff. The lobby, pool and restaurant area was very nice.

However, unfortunately our room was very dated and looking a bit worse for wear and not overly clean

The room & parking beside the breakft.

The room was nice but: 1) noisy due to the air cond; 2) not sure whether the bidet pipe or the toilet bowl is leakg; 3) when they clean the room it was not done properly. Cause no new towels was been replaced & cups was not clean and should be kept at it original position; 4) tap water from the sink was too low & too close to the sink; 5) comments from the guest was without the date. This will help us to known when was the last date commented by all the guests.

overall all ok, just for table for buffet steamboat, i think management should gave more space of table, to small n no space if take few food and put at table.

Room size. Excellent size.

Quite old. Run down facilities.

Excellent breakfast with lots of varieties. Very impressed with the staff and cleanliness of the hotel. The staff are very polite, helpful and honest. My wife left some valuables in the room and the housekeeping and management kept it for safekeeping until it was collected by my brother in law. We arrived early morning on 1st day tired and exhausted after 13 hours flight but the staff was kind enough to let us check in early at 12.

Nothing.

Clean and spacious, breakfast is nice,

Toilet seat worn out, Door repainting not professionally done, noises from water pressure

All okay

Change the tv 📺

I recently stayed at this hotel, and while the room we were assigned had clearly been refurbished and was reasonably comfortable, the overall experience was disappointing and did not live up to the image the hotel tries to project. The hotel itself still feels old and dusty despite the newer room interiors. Service throughout our stay was noticeably slow and inconsistent. At The Terrace restaurant, our dishes were left piling on the table for close to an hour before they were finally cleared — a basic service lapse that should not happen at any reputable establishment. A particularly troubling incident occurred at The Terrace when I took a stack of tissues for my child, who has sinus issues. A Chinese lady who claimed to be the line manager approached and questioned me condescendingly about whether I "needed that much tissue" — a surprising and inappropriate comment for someone in hospitality. I attempted to raise this issue with Manager Nazri, but he brushed me off, saying he was busy, and directed me back to the same staff member, showing a clear lack of professionalism and care in handling guest concerns. It’s also worth noting that there seems to be a deliberate effort to only maintain high service standards from Friday to Sunday — likely to cater to the influx of weekend visitors from Singapore. Unfortunately, for guests staying during the weekdays, the quality of service and attentiveness significantly drops. While this hotel may appear presentable on the surface during peak periods, the underlying issues in staff attitude and inconsistent service make it difficult to recommend for those seeking a truly comfortable and respectful hospitality experience. I hope the management will take this feedback seriously and focus on improving service across all days of the week — not just when it's convenient.

The breakfast was good, the bed is very comfortable. There were many buffets available but needs advance booking so didn't get to enjoy it.

The swimming pool were very dirty

Did a 3D2N stay in their newly renovated Deluxe Seaview room, spacious and comfortable with all the standard amenities. The bed is clean and comfortable. The shower is powerful, and they do have a bathtub that I did not use. Breakfast spread is alright, and the food is delicious. I also had a buffet lunch and a buffet steamboat at the hotel, prices are very affordable, and food taste is good. The swimming pool is very nice, there is a fitness center and two tennis courts too. Parking is ample and the staff are friendly. The location of the hotel is very good too, close by to the city and the causeway.

All service so good

Nil

Newly-renovated rooms. Breakfast.

Cockroaches. Pool was full of algae 😰

Ironing board and hair dyrer in room , massive Room , luggage was brought to our room ,Bed was comfy , breakfast had good selection ,proper gym ,

Dated interior needs a refurb

near check point

run down

Room is very spacious.

Breakfast spread was just okay, taste can be improved. The pool area can be improved too.

Ok

Only poolside area is not my expectations need to be improve to look better pool and toilet need to renovation

Nice. To. Relax. With family. 🫡🙌

We recently stayed at Thistle JB and while the hotel itself has undeniable charm, that nostalgic feel of an old grand hotel there’s definitely room for improvement. We booked one of the refurbished rooms on Level 5, (527) and the sea view was absolutely lovely. You could tell the potential is there for this hotel to be something truly special. However, the first impression fell flat. The hotel operator; the same lady who also answered the main telephone line was disappointingly rude. Both my husband and I had called on separate occasions even before we checked in and were met with the same cold tone, no warmth or basic courtesy in her voice. It got to a point where I had to firmly call her out before she adjusted her attitude. Not something you’d expect from a hospitality line, especially from a hotel of this category. We were initially given a room on a lower floor and much further from the lift. Since I knew the hotel wasn’t running on full occupancy (I had checked my system), I asked if we could be moved closer to the lift and to a better floor and thankfully, Ummi came through. She was responsive, professional, and quick to make things right. Honestly, she’s the reason this 4-star hotel experience leaned closer to a 5-star one. Credit where it’s due, thank you Ummi! Checkout was another hiccup. We needed help with our bags and tried calling for a bellman, but no one picked up. In the end, I had to use my mobile phone to call the hotel itself not ideal when you’re trying to leave on time with luggage and a baby. But just as we were about to wrap up our stay, we were warmly greeted by Dean, the concierge and what a breath of fresh air he was. His warm, cheerful personality truly lifted our spirits and left us with such a positive final impression. Sometimes it’s the people who make all the difference, and Dean certainly did that. All in all, the stay had its highlights; the refurbished room, the view, and the wonderful service from both Ummi and Dean but the experience could be vastly improved with better staff training and communication, especially from the front line. There’s a lot of heart in this hotel… it just needs better hands to bring it to life