SIDE STORY (You may jump into the main story if you are pressed with time.)
Our last two family trips to Johor Bahru (JB) were very short albeit tiring round trips. The first one in early 2013 was the worst because we took a tour bus. Imagine lugging all your things up and down the bus every time you pass by the Immigration Checkpoint. That scenario plus a whiny toddler in tow who always wanted to be carried.
Our second trip on the same year wasn't as bad because Travel Delight sponsored our transportation which was a private vehicle. It was a great relief to just stay inside the car whilst our passports are being checked. Our only gripe was the mad rush exploring Puteri Habour Family Theme Park. It's really tough when you are pressed with time because of the scheduled pick up going back to Singapore.
Having learned our lesson the hard way, hubby and I made a pact that the next time we go back to JB or Legoland Malaysia in particular, we'll stay at least overnight so that we'll maximize our visit and we don't have to rush back to Singapore after a tiring day at the theme park.
Best. Decision. Ever! You'll figure out why after reading the entire post.
MAIN STORY
Without further ado, here are 10 reasons why you should stay at Hotel Jen PH on your next family trip to Johor, Malaysia.
1) Warm Hospitality
Just minutes after checking in, our welcome fruits and chocolates arrived. It came with a personal note from the hotel manager welcoming us to #thatJENfeeling of being at home whilst staying at Hotel Jen. For the record, the warm and welcoming hospitality actually started the moment we unloaded our things from the private vehicle that we rented to transport us from Singapore to Malaysia.
The hotel butlers approached us with a smile and cheerful morning greetings and proceeded to carry our things for us. We ended up not lifting a single finger as we made our way straight to the hotel lobby for check in. Spotted the complimentary drink station on our way to the reception and helped ourselves for a cooling infused water and tea. Check in was easy and breezy with the sweet-faced Sumitha, who apart from upgrading our room also made sure that our room came with a bathtub. Gotta love thoughtful hotel staff!
2) Room with Harbour Views
3) Kid-friendly Swimming Pool with a Relaxing View
The Jacuzzi itself is also very shallow which made it also suitable for kids to have bubble fun. K and G had a blast targeting each other and their dad with the water gun there.
Even the infinity pool came with a small area for kids to dip in the water and play. It is also a relief to see a lifeguard on duty to ensure everyone's safety while having water fun.
The unobstructed views of the Puteri Harbour from the infinity pool is a great bonus. In all our vacations and staycations, my constant dilemma is getting the kids out from the pool.
This time around, we parents had a hard time declaring pool time is over because we tremendously enjoy the relaxing and beautiful scenery from the pool.
The view at the infinity pool at night is equally breathtaking, we obviously couldn't get enough of it!
4) It is 10-minute free shuttle bus ride to Legoland Malaysia
The main agenda of our trip to JB is to re-explore Legoland Malaysia. The last time we visited, G was only 2y/o and the water park haven't opened yet (that, plus the mad rush and waiting game being on a group day tour) so we didn't get to enjoy much. I planned to arrange a private transportation to bring us to Legoland. Good thing the hubby stopped me because Hotel Jen PH actually have a shuttle bus that brings hotel guests to Legoland for FREE and it only takes 10 minutes to reach the resort.
Do remember that you have to book the shuttle bus in advance. I highly recommend booking 9am (first trip in the morning) and 7:30pm (last trip in the evening) to maximized your time at Legoland. Hotel Jen PH guests have the privileged to enter Legoland premises 30 minutes earlier (9:30am) from the resort's official opening time. All you have to do is flash your Hotel Jen key card as pictured with the welcome note above.
5) It is on the same compound where Hello Kitty Town and The Little Big Club are located
To be exact, Hotel Jen is only 300m away from the two theme parks that caters for young kids and Hello Kitty fans.
We skipped both parks because we've already visited before (the two photos above were taken on our last visit to Puteri Harbour Theme Park) but for families who wish to strike off all theme parks at once (Legoland + Hello Kitty Town + The Little Big Club), Hotel Jen PH is the ideal hotel to stay.
6) Food Galore Around the Harbour
From Hello Kitty themed cafe, to Western food and cafe, Chinese food, Japanese Food, Malaysian food, local restaurant and bars, you'll never ran out of option where to dine if hotel food is not your cup of tea. All the cafes and restaurants mentioned are all within the compound of Puteri Harbour, hence all you need is to go down from Hotel Jen and walk around to check which restaurant suits your family's palate and budget.
Both al fresco and air-conditioned dining option are available on almost all food establishments. Specific places we dined at during our stay were Old Town Coffee, Kenny Rogers and Ying Ker Lou. It is also quite convenient that there is a pharmacy just right outside the hotel. It was a relief to find one when G had a small cut and I had a terrible headache.
7) Breakfast Buffet at Harbour Cafe
8) The Harbourfront
9) Gym with a View
Nothing is more motivating to shed off extra calories and burn fats than this spacious gym with harbour views. Yes, I am talking about the same spectacular views you see from the room and the infinity pool! For health buffs on holiday, this gym is gonna be one awesome bonus! We could have tested all the gym facilities if we had more time.
10) In-house Spa
I started with 5, then 8 and ended up with 10 reasons to stay at Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour! Now, tell me which one are you most excited about?
ADDRESS:Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour
79000 Nusajaya, Johor Tarul Takzim
MALAYSIA
TELEPHONE NO.: +607 560 8888
EMAIL: hjph@hoteljen.com
WEBSITE:www.hoteljen.com/johor
Disclaimer: We were sponsored for a 2D1N stay with buffet breakfast by Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour management for the purpose of this review. We paid for our own private transportation, other food we consumed, extended stay and Legoland tickets. All opinion expressed and oodles of photos shared here are our own.
Wow, the view!! That's really nice!
ReplyDeletePssstttt awesome review- written impeccably! The hotel is extremely lucky to have had you as a guest. Love all the pictures, love all the activities and most of all love your family smiles :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing photos <3 I would love too one day visit Malayalas.
ReplyDeletewww.annanuttall.com
Have read so much good review about Hotel Jen.. Definitely would love to add this into our list of JB Hotels blogpost. :)
ReplyDeletePhoebe (BPDGtravels)
Gorgeous!! We have never been to Malaysia but wow, I might need to talk my husband into a trip. I'd go just for the pool area at the Hotel Jen - I could lounge there for hours. Alone. Kid free.
ReplyDeleteAfter staying in a couple of other 4-5 star hotels in Johor, I still rate Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour very highly. It is really a rare Jem (pun intended) in Johor.
ReplyDeleteEverything is so beautiful. The rooms were nicer than some I've seen in America!
ReplyDeletewow!!! what a great experience, I will definitely keep this place in mind.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a hotel to stay in when you're there, the reasons just keep getting better and better. I love the room, it's very spacious and clean looking!
ReplyDeleteI love the view of the harbor! The pool looks so inviting. I have not yet been to any country in Asia, but I will surely include it in our travel plans this year.
ReplyDeleteWow! Lovely hotel! I'm sure we'll enjoy being here, too. Hopefully, we'll get the chance to visit it soon.
ReplyDelete