Its central location and affordable rates make Swiss Inn Johor Baru an ideal stay, writes Hanna Hussein
IT was a last minute decision by my family and I to go on a weekend getaway, and we chose to head south to the capital of Johor, Johor Baru – where we all can get great food, of course.
But we had yet to book our accommodation, and we only had two days left before the weekend. Well, I’m not pushing my panic button just yet, because I know AirAsiaGo Mobile App can offer me a good deal.
I immediately turn on the AirAsiaGo Mobile App on my smartphone and start scrolling my options.
There are still plenty of selections from budget to luxury hotels, and there are Mobile Exclusive promotions up for grabs too! What a bargain!
We are not looking for a luxury stay. A mid-range accommodation will do. But we need a place that is centrally located in the city. And since mum has requested for connecting rooms for the four of us, I find a perfect match – the Swiss Inn Johor Baru!
Not only is it located in the heart of Johor Baru, it also offers three types of accommodation to suit everybody’s need whether you’re on a solo business trip, honeymoon city-escapade, family holiday or even a group party.
The hotel offers guestrooms for up to six persons.
COSY TWO-BEDROOM
Check-in at Swiss Inn Johor Bahru is brief since everything has been paid online. The good thing about AirAsiaGo Mobile App is you also have the option to Book Now, Pay Later if you decide to pay upon check-in.
The hotel is modern and funky. The lobby is big and comes with sofas where guests can chill.
There’s also a bar called Kawan the Place at the lobby to grab a drink and perhaps refresh before heading up to the room.
Since our room is all ready, we decide to skip the drink and go straight up.
I have booked the Cosy Two-Bedroom for my family and it offers apartment-style accommodation. But do not expect a spacious living area.
The living room, I would describe it as the common area, is modest and basic with only one sofabed, a television and a minibar with a small fridge as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.
I love the simplicity because most of the time we will be roaming the city anyway and will not be staying in. And, mum, of course, is happy that the rooms are connected.
The Cozy Two-Bedroom has two rooms, one with a queen bed and the other, a double bed. Although the room is not so spacious, no worries — there is space to put your luggage.
The two rooms share one bathroom which consists of a sink as well as separate toilet and shower, both with glass doors, which I am uncomfortable with since this is a family holiday, not one with my spouse. Thankfully, both washrooms do not face the common room.
RELAX AT RILEK
While we are here, of course we do not miss our chance to try the food at the main hotel restaurant, Rilek the Cafe.
Located at level one of the hotel, it offers both local and international dishes, and can fit up to 170 persons.
I love the interior of the restaurant which is very fresh, hip and brightly coloured. It has an open-kitchen concept with a food court design.
My family and I, however, want to try the signature a la carte set menu – the Menu Muhibbah which serves all the chef’s recommendations (which are also my favourites) including Asam Pedas Ikan Tenggiri, Oxtail soup, Chiang Mai Prawns, Kam Heong Squid, Tom Yum Soup and steamed rice.
The dishes are generously portioned, perfect for a small group. All are delicious too!
For Ramadan, Rilek the Cafe offers the Selera Kampung Buffet Ramadan at RM88 (adult) and RM40 (child age 5-12 years old) if you decide to break your fast here. It also serves sahur (predawn meal) for guests.
FAST FACTS
SWISS INN JOHOR BARU
Lot 512, Jalan Syed Mohd Mufti, Johor Baru, Johor
TEL 07 218 3333
FAX 07 218 3334
EMAIL reservation@sijb.swissgarden.com
WEBSITE www.swissgarden.com/hotels/sijb
STAY Three types of room Cosy Queen/ Twin Room, Cosy Two Bedroom and Tatami 6. Very funky and young. Perfect for business, family and groups of friends.
EAT Two F&B outlets – Rilek The Cafe which offers a wide range of local and international menu, and Kawan The Place, a soulful coffee bar serving an extensive blend of quality coffee. Signature cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, appetisers and nibbles are also available all day.
GO Pasar Karat, City Square, Joho Baru City Centre, Angry Birds Park are within walking distance.
HIGHS The location and the reasonable price!
LOWS Parking is limited but it’s free!
BOOKING YOUR STAY
It’s easy with the AirAsiaGo mobile app. You are just a click away to your next staycation in this chic and stylish hotel.
To enjoy more discounts, look out for the 10 per cent Mid-Month Madness promo code on AirAsiaGo’s Facebook, on top of its daily mobile exclusive deals that can go up to 75 per cent.