Hotel Review: Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru, King One Bedroom Deluxe Suite

This is a review of the King One Bedroom Deluxe Suite at Doubletree by Hilton, Johor Bahru. A simple trip to Johor Bahru with my husband and child, made over a weekend.

For more information on my stay in the Double Double (Twin) room, please read here instead.

Executive Lounge check-in

Hilton elite (Gold and Diamond) members and Suite guests have the priviledge of checking-in at the Executive Lounge. This is one of the moments that I’m so glad I’ve got the American Express Platinum Charge card – which gives me Hilton Gold status and all the perks that come with it.

The views reveal just how green Johor Bahru town still is, despite large-scale construction of new condominiums and road developments in recent years. 

I have detailed the reasons on why I love checking-in at the Lounge in a separate post. Having stayed in this hotel at every trip I’ve made to Johor Bahru the past year (and there were lots of them), by now the staff actually recognize my face. There’s something pleasantly familiar about how they always break out into the same welcoming speech (“Welcome back, thank you for choosing us, and thank you for being a valued Hilton Honors Gold member,”), and then hand over the key cards to my room.

Room: King One Bedroom Deluxe Suite

The suite came with a living room area that was separate from the bedroom.

From behind the sofa, we were greeted by a pleasant view of the very-green Johor Bahru town.

We spotted the customary bowl of fruits, a welcome gift for Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond members.

Doubletree by Hilton hotel johor bahru has two different one bedroom suites – a one bedroom version, and a deluxe one bedroom version, and our current stay is in the latter. The two key differences are:

(i) The deluxe version has a mini kitchenette.

comes with a microwave, large fridge, sink, washing amenities

Great for those who like to tar pau (pack) food from outside and store/reheat it later, or those with young kids who need a space for washing milk bottles.

Top: cutlery, snacks, cups; and Bottom: Nepresso machine, kettle, kitchen towels, water

(ii) The deluxe room has… a washing machine. 

Bonus: It has both washing AND drying functions. And comes with a little bag of laundry detergent.

This is the first time I have seen a washing machine in a hotel. Most other places, if you need to wash your clothes, would just give you laundry bags and tell you to hand over your stuff for in-house washing or dry-cleaning.

Yet this IS certainly useful; for those travelling with kids or staying a long time, packing light is suddenly possible if there are laundry facilities.

Note on this specific machine: I actually tried to use the Wash and Dry functions. The wash cycle is very long (could last 2-3 hours or more). After washing, I recommend hanging the cltohes out to dry – the Dry function didn’t work for us despite having it run for an hour. Our clothes became warm but were still wet… hmmmm.

Ah well. 

The King-sized bed, comfortable and inviting, is literally the best place to be in the room.

It’s also great for lounging about while watching the 40-inch LED TV.

Yup, that’s my travel tote bag for the weekend

Adjoining the bedroom and separated by sliding doors, is a closet and item storage area.

The amount of closet hanging space is more than enough for one weekend. Though it felt slightly wasted on us – towing about a small child meant that clothes-wise, we usually just pulled whatever needed out of a suitcase.

Still, for those attending weddings or some fancy event, this room would make a perfect spot for it. Think of a mini bachelor/bachelorette party or gathering for a handful of people – everyone can hang their formal wear here (with room to spare), have drinks in the living room, microwave popcorn, and store food leftovers in the fridge.

Not to mention, a generous amount of bathroom space. 

The only gripe I have about this room – there is no bathtub. It has a shower head and rain-shower facilities, but at Doubletree by Hilton hote Johor Bahru, most rooms (Standard, Deluxe, Executive, even some suites) actually do not come with bathtubs. 

Though the large amount of towel storage space and Crabtree and Evelyn bath amenities does more than make up for it.

Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Gym

In the mornings and early evenings, when the sun isn’t too hot, is the best time to visit the swimming pool areas.

There is a larger pool for adults and a shallow, kiddy pool for young children. But it looks like the guest profile of this place is mainly young families – both children and adults can be seen in both pools, all having the time of their lives. 

At night, the swimming pool transforms into the a quiet, romantic public space. 

The changing rooms next to the swimming pool is really something – the locker area boasts excellent views of Johor town.

And, there is a Jacuzzi hot tub!

Fits about four adults comfortably. Though I have seen six people stuffed in there, with some legroom to spare.

Children are actually ALLOWED into the Jacuzzi hot tub (provided accompanied by parents, of course). My two-year-old joined me for a soak; she loved it so much she didn’t want to leave!

If the mission of this place to ‘give as many awesome views of Johor as possible’, it has 100% succeeded. 

For those who don’t fancy swimming or dipping in a hot tub, but still want to maintain wellness of some sort, there is a 24-hour fitness center.

And a full set of weights.

There’s a fair number of machines to go around. Compared to the swimming pool though, this place seemed almost near-empty.

Dining at Tosca Italian Trattoria: an alternative Executive Lounge?

So, at the point of check-in, the Executive Lounge staff invited us to dine at Tosca Italian Trattoria (Level 13), instead of the usual Executive Lounge. But, it was only for the our first night in the hotel, which was a Friday evening.

We did not receive the invitation for the other two remaining nights of our stay – those nights we dined at the Executive Lounge instead – for an in-depth showcase of the food at the Executive Lounge at Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru, check out this separate post instead.

I tried to ask the staff what’s so special about the Friday evening, but he only replied that the hotel was running near full-occupancy so they will use the space at Tosca to accomodate more of the Executive Lounge guests.

It turned out to be a very lovely place.

Surprise: the food here is much better than their usual Executive Lounge fare! 

There was cooked fresh Octopus with a cheesy-like biscuit base.

Egg and veggie omelette with a twist – Vegetable frittata with a salsa topping.

Potato salad – served in little glass servings. 

Honestly, the presentation of food at this place just makes it all the more inviting. 

Salad and cold cuts bar. High quality sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and fresh olives could be added to a DIY salad.

Hot food section – tea eggs, tandoori chicken, tempura oyster mushrooms, and fried noodles. 

And of course, dessert.

We were blown away by the quality and variety of food here at Tosca. Like the usual Executive Lounge, this place also serves the same complimentary drinks – juices, soft drinks, alcohol (red and white wine, beer). It was such a lovely alternative from the usual Lounge fare. I even wish that Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru would allow their Executive or Suite guests to have this meal experience more regularly (e.g. it’ll be great if it could be available like ONE day of the week). Though it does make logistic sense – having it offered only when the hotel is at full occupancy makes it hard to predict if it’s available when you’re staying.

Breakfast at Makan Kitchen

The first thing on everyone’s mind in the morning: buffet breakfast.

Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru describes Makan Kitchen Like this:

“An all-day dining restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Featuring regionally inspired interior design and serving famous local specialties prepared right before your eyes, Makan Kitchen is a must for visitors wishing to experience some of Malaysia’s finest cuisine. Start your day with a vast array of western and Asian items for breakfast and enjoy tempting Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan dishes at lunch and dinner. Exciting live cooking stations and a juice bar showcase the delicious food and beverages on offer and private dining options are also available.”

When we first entered Makan Kitchen, we were greeted by a very vibrant display of doughnuts in every flavour and even more pastries.

But don’t remain stuck at doughtnut-land; walk around and take a good look at everything else first, for there is A LOT of food.

It’s not just about the conventional salad bars that you see in high end hotel buffets – although that too, exists.

There’s also a noodle stand that’s lots of fun – select your noodle (there’s at least five different varieties) and vegetable / ingredients of choice, and someone will make you a piping hot bowl of customized noodles.

Even more fun: there’s TWO noodle stands – the second one is right next to the Malaysian snack section (see picture below, right side)…

… With about 20 kinds of condiments/toppings. The place was smartly designed such that the condiments were also shared with the porridge station. Malaysians are crazy about their food and the international buffet truly caters to all palates.

Everyone’s favourite spot is the juicing station – there’s some ready made juice mixes and lassi varieties AND a staff taking orders for fresh fruit or vegetable juice (yes, it’s included in the buffet). Simply let the staff know your plant or plants of choice (i picked carrot and beetroot) and let them juice away. 

For those who just want convential boxed cereal (honestly, though, why would you want cereal at a place like this?), those options are available, too.

Because it’s Malaysia, there has to be at least 3 kinds of Indian curries, with either Roti or Thosai served on the side.

Of course, no high-end hotel breakfast buffet is complete with a made-to-order egg stand. They even have Eggs Benedict here, so poached egg lovers have something to look forward to.

And of course, who says you can’t have ice cream for breakfast? 

Breakfast was nothing but awesome – the husband loved everything, and our child was fascinated with the noodle stay.

For this stay –  we could have breakfast either in the Executive Lounge (quieter, better service, but less food variety) or in Makan Kitchen at level 1 (crowded, busier staff, but huge food variety).

My personal recommendation: go for the Executive Lounge breakfast if dispassionate about food, not hungry, and want some peace and quiet. Conversely, if you are very hungry, a foodie and/or have picky eaters among the guests, go for Makan Kitchen.

Final words, Hilton Honors points earned

Compared to prices in Singapore, USA, and Europe – lodging in Malaysia is definitely much cheaper. For travellers who have the option of choosing to stay either in Johor Bahru or Singapore (since the two are so close to each other) – I would highly recommend staying on the Johor side if possible. Given the currency exchange rates (and that Singapore has crazy land prices) –  hotels in Johor are literally half to one-third the price of Singapore. And this applies even to Internationally well-known hotel chains such as Hilton.

For a similar hotel-staying experience with Executive Lounge benefits – check out my review of Hilton Singapore here!

Overall, the stay was lovely, the room clean and spacious, and food was of course, wonderful and satisfying. 100% will return to this hotel. 

Note: My Hilton Honors Gold status comes with ownership of the American Express Platinum Charge card. If you are Inspired by this post and want to apply for an American Express credit card, apply through one of my referral links to receive either bonus Membership Rewards points or Krisflyer miles:

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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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