Amari Johor Bahru
by the TopOfHotel team
Amari is the best-value 5-star in the city — with a knockout breakfast buffet.
Amari is the best-value 5-star in the city — with a knockout breakfast buffet.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
If we had to name the best-value 5-star in Johor Bahru, Amari Johor Bahru comes up first every time. It does the rooms, spa and food at clearly better prices than the city's other 5-star hotels, and the overall score holds at 8.8/10. Rooms come in the modern Amari style — roomy, clean, comfortable beds — and a recurring note in reviews is the surprise upgrade to a junior suite without anyone asking. It's a small thing that wins people over. One easy tip: always ask for a high floor, where the city views are better and it's quieter.
Food and amenities
Here's the real draw — the breakfast buffet. Reviewers write about it in a way you rarely see for a hotel in this city: a full spread of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western dishes, with live music on some days. More than a few call it the best hotel breakfast they've had in JB. The advice is simple — book a rate that includes breakfast from the start, because paying separately costs a lot more. Beyond that there's an outdoor pool, a full spa and a fitness centre, all to the standard you'd expect at this level. The spa reviews well, and it's plainly cheaper than crossing into Singapore for the same treatment.
Location and getting there
The hotel sits right next to Komtar JBCC, a 7-minute walk from City Square, so shopping and food are right there. KSL City Mall isn't far either. The CIQ checkpoint and JB Sentral are a short ride away, and LEGOLAND over in Iskandar Puteri is 20 to 25 km out — about 30 minutes by Grab. It works comfortably as a base for getting around the city.
Things to know before booking
Rates climb a fair bit over long holidays and festival periods, so the everyday price isn't always what you'll see. The lobby and front desk get crowded at peak times, and a few reviewers note that check-in can mean a wait — the fix is to arrive in the late afternoon, around 4 to 5pm, when it's thinned out. Traffic around the city also gets heavy when a lot of people are crossing the border checkpoint.
Our take
This one's for couples and families who want to eat well, sleep well and have a good spa without paying full 5-star rates in Bangkok or Singapore — and especially for anyone who cares about breakfast. If your priority is being as close to the CIQ checkpoint as possible, the Holiday Inn sits nearer. But if value-for-money 5-star is what you're after, Amari nails it.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A 5-star hotel that holds its value — rooms, spa and food are all priced better than other hotels in the same tier.
- The breakfast buffet is the highlight, with Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western dishes all covered, plus live music on some days.
- Rooms are roomy and clean with comfortable beds, and reviews often mention surprise upgrades to a junior suite.
- Location sits right next to Komtar JBCC, about a 7-minute walk from City Square — easy for shopping.
- There's an outdoor pool, a full spa and a fitness centre on site.
- Rates climb a fair bit over long holidays and festival periods.
- The lobby and front desk get crowded at peak times, so check-in can mean a wait.
- Traffic around the city gets heavy when lots of people are crossing the border checkpoint.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Johor Bahru
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Insider Tips
- Book a rate that includes breakfast — the buffet works out cheaper than paying for it separately.
- Ask for a high floor for better city views and more quiet.
- Check in late afternoon to dodge the busiest stretch at the front desk.