At Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, enjoy a luxurious stay and all-day buffet dining, writes Hanna Hussein
FINDING my way to Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel is a piece of cake. Located just beside JB East Coast Highway, on the outskirts from busy Johor Baru, the upscale hotel is the only high-rise building in Permas Jaya.
Renaissance Johor Bahru, under the Marriott International Group, is the only five-star hotel in the city. So, if you book a stay, expect a luxury deal with maximum comfort and attentive service.
LUXURY STAY
From far, the building looks a bit old but we can’t really judge a book by its cover.
Upon arrival at the lobby, my family and I are greeted by a smiling bellboy, ready to assist us with our bags. Stepping inside, our jaws drop when we see the grand lobby. It is modern and posh.
While my family members chill at the sitting area, I head for the reception to check-in. Since the booking has been made online, check-in is brief and within minutes the room keys are handed to me.
The four of us have booked ourselves two deluxe rooms. While my parents have a room overlooking the pool, my husband and I take a room overlooking a beautiful bay. I can already imagine the night view as we can also see Singapore.
The deluxe room is spacious, complete with a king bed, work desk, reading corner with a one-seater couch, coffee table and stand lamp. It also features a spacious bathroom with a separate shower room.
Well, there’s an extra feature to the bathroom — the shower area has a glass wall with a view of the room. There’s a sliding wall to close the view.
FINE BUFFET AT CAFE BLD
One of the highlights of staying in a five-star hotel is to try out its restaurants, and Renaissance Johor Bahru serves all-day buffet dining — breakfast, lunch and dinner at Cafe BLD on the ground floor.
The restaurant offers both local and international cuisine. It also features a few cooking stations, serving Japanese food, grilled fare, noodles and sweet delicacies and pastries. You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice at the buffet.
This month, on weekends, there’s the Catch From the Straits promotion of seafood at RM99++ per person. Cafe BLD also offers Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner Buffet on Jan 27 at RM92++ for lunch and RM118++ for dinner.
CANTONESE FLAVOUR AT WAN LI
We also try out the lunch menu at Wan Li Chinese Restaurant.
This restaurant is perfect for family dining for those who want privacy and personal service. I love its warm ambience although it has a modern touch to the deco.
The restaurant is also ideal for a small Chinese wedding dinner with less than 200 guests.
I go for the must-try Roasted Peking Duck which the waitress carve and serve in front of us. I can already see the glazed crispy skin of the duck and can’t wait to try it out. The waitress makes a few delicious duck rolls for us to enjoy. The taste is divine, especially the crisp skin. The duck can also be served with fried rice. Yum!
I also try dimsum and like the Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (steamed bun), Superior Siew Mai (a type of dumpling), Steamed Prawn and Scallop Dumpling. If you like fried dish, I recommend Deep Fried Beancurd Skin Rolls with Prawn!
For dessert, the Chilled Mango Puree and Pomelo served with Golden Custard Bun is a must! It is served both as a cold and hot dessert.
Since Chinese New Year is just around the corner, why not book your dinner here? It offers a set menu for six and 10 guests at a starting price of RM888++. You can also order the extra Fortune Treasure Pot (Poon Choy) at RM388++ and Prosperity Salmon Yee Sang at RM78++. The Auspicious Abalone Yee Sang costs RM98++.
RENAISSANCE JOHOR BAHRU HOTEL
No. 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Johor Baru, Johor
TEL 07-3813 333
FAX 07-3813 500
WEBSITE www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jhbbr-renaissance-johor-bahru-hotel
STAY Six room categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Bayview, Club, Pool Terrace,Junior Suite and Presidential Suite. All rooms are tastefully decorated with a modern interior and a luxury feel.
EAT Four F&B outlets. Cafe BLD offersall-day buffet dining, featuring an innovative menu with local and international favourites. Wan Li Chinese Restaurant serves Cantonese fare for lunch and dinner. There’s also a coffee house called the Chocolate Cake Company where you can treat yourself to delicate pastries, delicious cakes, sandwiches, handcrafted bread and more. You can also chill out at the RBar!
DO Enjoy the leisure facilities like the pool, the fitness centre as well as the sauna.
GO Aeon Permas Jaya is just few minutes away and if you like seafood, you can take a short drive to Anjung Senibong Seafood.
HIGHS The only five-star hotel in Johor Baru, offering luxury accommodation and top-notch service. There are also many eateries nearby.
LOWS It is 20 minutes away from the city centre. But, if you like a less hectic environment, this hotel is top of the list.
RATES Regular rates starts from RM360.