This post on the DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru features an extensive Executive Lounge review, and a Double Double (twin) room.
For my other review on the One Bedroom Deluxe Suite instead – complete with swimming pool and jacuzzi pictures, and notes on breakfast at Makan Kitchen – check out this post instead.
This trip isn’t my typical trip – usually I travel with my family. This round, the quick getaway was done with a close friend instead – hence the Twin beds instead of a King.
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru
Located in the heart of Johor Bahru town and about 10 minutes walk from the causeway, when it comes to accomodation, the Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru is an excellent choice for visitors to the city.
For many Singapore residents, a short trip or getaway to Johor gives a quick, cheap(er) respite from the hustle and bustle of the Lion City. However, for those who prefer a relaxing staycation in Singapore, check out my posts on Hilton Singapore (read here) or Conrad Centennial Singapore (and here!) instead.
Lobby
At the Entrance of Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru, guests are greeted by their lovely staff – and a giant cookie jar.
For those new to the Doubletree brand of Hilton Hotels – an actual Cookie is the hotel’s signature gift to all their guests. At check-in, staff will actually give you a large, warm chocolate chip cookie – a real pleasure and delight.
Check-in can be done at the main counters. Spacious with plenty of helpful staff, even long queues would move quickly with minimal fuss.
For Hilton Gold and Diamond members, checking in can be done at the Executive Lounge. For myself, thanks to the American Express Platinum Charge Card, I became a Hilton Gold member. Upon informing the staff of my elite status, we were escorted there and given another warm welcome.
Executive Lounge
Located on the top floor of Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru, the Executive Lounge is spacious, and usually quite empty if it isn’t meal times.
What I love about checking in at the Executive Lounge:
(i) If the main lobby is crowded, the process is much faster here.
(ii) You get served drinks of your choice here while checking in – a real welcome for tired guests. And the Lounge does have a great selection of coffees, teas, soft drink and juices served throughout the day.
(iii) Bird’s eye view of Johor Bahru city
And we got to enjoy The Cookie.
This is literally the best part of checking in – a large cookie filled with chocolate chips and nuts, and served warm. Usually, the staff would dish out 1 cookie per person. However if you ask for more (and I have, many times, the cookie is VERY good) the staff are usually happy to oblige.
Refreshed and cookie-happy, we checked the Lounge’s meal times and opening hours, made a mental note to return for food later, and then happily went our way to the room.
A note on children – kids ARE allowed in the lounge, but only until 7.00pm.
Room – complimentary upgrade
As a Hilton Honors gold member, the hotel does give complimentary room upgrades, subject to availability.
In my case, we booked the standard Double Double Guest Room (twin room), and upon arrival the staff upgraded us to the Double Double Executive Room.
Note: there is no size difference in the rooms – for all King or Twin options, the Standard, Deluxe, and Executive rooms are practically identical. The only difference is (i) Executive room guests have access to the Lounge, and (ii) Views – higher tiered rooms have better views and/or are located on higher floors.
Well, not that the view was much to shout about, really. We actually kept the curtains closed throughout the entire stay, lol.
But on the bright side (no pun intended), there was plenty of closet space. Push the sliding doors, and bathrobes come into view.
And plenty of hangers. I do love the closet – with the drawers and safe tucked in one corder, it was a really smart use of space.
Behold, the very-minimalist and clean bathroom.
In this hotel, Standard, Deluxe, and Executive rooms only come with shower facilities – there’s no bathtubs. (Not all Suites have bathtubs either). This could be a deal breaker for some, especially if children are tagging along. (If you really need a tub, go for the One Bedroom Suite).
Alternatively, for those with young kids – you can request for a small portable bathtub for the little one.
Amenities – Crabtree and Evelyn’s Verbena products, in Verbena and Lavendar. Typical of the Hilton Chain.
Executive Lounge: Food Series
While my friend and I did walk around Johor Bahru, we somehow were always around during mealtimes. The rest of this post will pretty much focus on food.
Full benefits for Executive or Suite guests
~ Breakfast at the Executive Lounge
There was actually an option to have breakfast either at Makan Kitchen at Level 1 (huge variety, but crowded), or the Lounge (less variety, but quiet and generally more comfortable).
At the Lounge, we felt that less variety didn’t matter – the basic breakfast essentials were there (and more).
Be it the many pastries, cheese, and cold cuts to choose from…
Or the various breads…
With even more variation in spread options…
It definitely didn’t disappoint.
(Honestly, while the staff did say that the Lounge has less options than Makan Place at level 1 – without actually going downstairs to compare, one does not feel the lack at all in this place).
Hot dishes were present as well. At the Executive Lounge – they do rotate the food options. On some days there are fried noodles, and other days it’s Nasi Lemak (Malaysian coconut rice). Usually there are either sausages or ham, and grilled potato or other grilled vegetable options.
Oh, and did I mention the made-to-order Egg Menu?
Behold breakfast – poached egg on toast, coffee, more toasted European bread, a plate of warm food (Nasi Lemak, Beef rendang, potatoes) and more pastries.
Were we stuffed? You bet, yes.
~ Teatime at the Executive Lounge
Teatime, on the other hand, was a rather humble affair. Everything available for afternoon tea was displayed along one long table.
There would be two desserts (it could be anything from chocolate or banana or other cake, to fruit or nut-based tart), some fruits, and little munchies (chips, peanuts, cookies).
… with a lone jar of cookie, for the lack of space, sits on the other display.
Yes, that’s me getting the snapsnot of the cookies
Here’s our humble snack of the day – pecan tart, cold chocolate drink, and coffee.
Not a big meal, but we were saving space for dinner.
~ Dinner at the Executive Lounge
With the resemblance of a mini international buffet, it’s not hard to understand why it’s crowded here between 6pm to 8pm in the evening.
Cute little vegetable dip pots, anyone?
A large spread of mini desserts. Cakes, tarts, mousse, and cheesecake varieties were on display. Again, for all food items, they do go on rotation so you don’t get the same thing for a few days in a row.
The Lounge serves at least one sandwich option for dinner. The evening started off with Turkey rolls on soft buns…
But towards the end, it got replaced with Tuna Croissants.
More pastries graced another table – sausage rolls, and soft buns.
Warm dishes of the evening – Kampung fried rice (kind of spicy, as if the dish is geared towards the local Malaysians or Singaporeans), and saucy beef or lamb balls, and deep fried prawn fritters.
An international buffet isn’t complete without a cold cuts platter.
And here’s my dinner.
Overall, variety was great. Rice and warm dishes were flavourful, salads and cold cuts were fresh, and the desserts sweet but not overly sugary. That evening, the hot and sour soup was okay – in the past I’ve had Kambing soup (goat bone soup) or other cream soup varieties, and those tended to be better, in my opinion.
Granted, one may argue that better food does exist outside the hotel in Johor’s city center (and that’s definitely true – it is Malaysia after all). However, the convenience of an in-hotel meal – with free flow drinks (including alcohol) can be hard to resist.
Conclusion and Hilton Honors points earned
By now it should be pretty obvious: one can never go hungry in this place (at least for Executive and Suite guests, and Hilton Diamond members).
I have visited this hotel multiple times, and I can honestly say, the staff at the Executive lounge are consistently professional and helpful. It wasn’t just that at mealtimes, plates were cleared really quickly, or that they were attentive when we checked-in. No matter what time of the day we visited even for a simple coffee – it was always a smile with a greeting, lovely service, and how they really try to make guests feel welcomed.
As a Hilton Honors Gold Member, I also earned the following points from this stay:
– Base points: 639 points
– 2019 Go More Get More -2X points beginning on second stay promotion: 639 points
– MyWay Preference Bonus Option – 1000 points
– Gold Elite 80% Bonus: 511
Total points: 2, 789
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Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for credit card applications may be subject to change by American Express. Readers are recommended to check with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.
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