For those heading to Johor Bahru for a weekend getaway, here are some of the best hotels near popular shopping malls to stay at!
We can literally spend an entire day in one of Johor Bahru’s top shopping malls and have a lot of fun (without shelling out a lot of $$$). But the problem with a JB day trip is it can get exhausting when you’re rushing to get back home!
That’s why we rounded up 14 comfy hotels near shopping malls in Johor Bahru: JB City Square, KSL City Mall, and Paradigm Mall JB.
Photo credit: TROVE Johor Bahru
These are great options for those looking to take things at a slower pace — especially if you’re travelling with family or for more than a day.
This list is arranged according to the distance of the accommodation from each mall, followed by price.
Popular shopping malls in Johor Bahru
For those not familiar with JB, here’s a short intro of some popular shopping malls:
JB City Square
Photo credit: JB City Square via Tripadvisor
The massive JB City Square is probably the most popular mall in Johor Bahru. I mean, it’s right next to the customs and immigration checkpoint.
With more than 300 retailers, visitors can spend the entire day shopping, watching movies or playing fun games like laser tag, among many other things!
KSL City Mall
Photo credit: KSL City Mall via Tripadvisor
KSL City is popular among Singaporeans for its wide array of beauty parlours, nail salons, and massage centres.
It’s also a “hotspot” for mobile phones — many shops here specialise in repair and sell accessories. On Monday nights, check out the nearby KSL Pasar Malam (night market) for some street food action.
Paradigm Mall
Photo credit: @pteo66 via Tripadvisor
If you thought JB City Square was big, then meet Paradigm Mall — the biggest mall in Johor Bahru. It has over 500 retailers so it’ll be a miracle if you leave without buying something.
Besides shopping, there are many fun things to do here such as go-kart racing, wall climbing, DIY baking and ice-skating! There’s also a jungle-themed indoor playground for the kids.
The JB accommodation options near Paradigm Mall are 2km to 5km away, but they are only a few minutes away via car, taxi or Grab.
Hotels near JB City Square Mall
1) Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre
Right beside JB Checkpoint, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru pairs its ideal location with spacious and modern rooms. It’s equipped with a TV, high-speed WiFi, a sofa, and a dedicated workspace!
It’s also a great place for a family staycation, especially with a 24-hour fitness centre and rooftop sky pool that comes with a view. And good news for parents — children under 12 years old can stay at no extra charge!
Cost: From ~S$92/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 80000, 8000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get to JB City Square: Walk 2mins (Google Maps)
2) Attrus Bed & Breakfast
Photo credit: Booking.com
Book a cosy budget hostel like Attrus Bed & Breakfast to save money for food and shopping instead! Located near JB City Square and Komtar JBCC, it offers private single rooms, on top of the traditional dormitory-style rooms.
Photo credit: Booking.com
This is an ideal place for solo travellers and people visiting JB for a few days because of its strategic location and backpacker-friendly amenities: it’s near JB Sentral, provides storage lockers for your luggage, and has a washing machine and dryer. There’s even a prayer room for Muslim visitors too!
Cost: From ~S$33/night (1 pax, mixed dormitory)
Address: 82 Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get to JB City Square: Walk 6mins (Google Maps)
3) Belllo Hotel
Photo credit: Booking.com
No, that’s not a typo! Belllo Hotel really has three L’s in its name, each signifying a certain word.
The first L stands for location. If your priority in choosing a JB accommodation is proximity to attractions, then this might be your best choice. Belllo is situated right in the city centre, giving you quick access to JB City Square, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, and food options along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street.
The next L is about providing a fantastic lifestyle. With many reviews pointing out the friendly service on top of modern and elegant rooms (natural wood tones and walk-in rain showers!), Belllo is sure to leave you with a lasting impression — the last L.
Cost: From ~S$71/night (2 pax)
Address: 21 Jalan Meldrum 80000, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get to JB City Square: Walk 6mins (Google Maps)
4) Amari Johor Bahru
Photo credit: Booking.com
The luxurious Amari Johor Bahru is a great option for a weekend staycation in JB — its modern and sleek décor, king-sized beds, and spacious rooms make it an attractive option for leisure and business travellers alike.
Photo credit: Booking.com
Its in-house cafe also serves an Asian-inspired breakfast spread with local favourites such as Nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk), roti, and chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls).
When you’re done, unwind at their huge swimming pool or sweat it out in their gym. For families with kids, take them to the movie room and pool table for some fun!
Cost: From ~S$87/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: No. 82C, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get to JB City Square: Walk 6mins (Google Maps)
5) Z Hotel
Photo credit: Z Hotel via Facebook
Z Hotel is a boutique hotel at the heart of the city centre and only 800m away from customs. It’s also just a walk away from many must-visit places like the Pasar Kasar Night Market and the famous Hiap Joo Bakery.
If cafe-hopping is in the cards for your JB trip, there are also many hipster cafes to explore near the hotel like Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe and Bev C’afe.
Photo credit: Booking.com
The rooms in this JB hotel are spacious, and their soft quilt bedsheets plus carpeted floor make for a comfy stay-in.
*Pro-tip: Try requesting a room with a panoramic view of the Causeway and the city, you just might get a free upgrade!
Cost: From ~S$78/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 18 Jalan Wong Ah Fook Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get to JB City Square: Walk 7mins (Google Maps)
Hotels near KSL City Mall
6) KSL Hotel & Resort
KSL Hotel & Resort is linked to KSL City Mall, making it the most convenient choice to stay in if you plan to spend your entire JB trip shopping there. You’ll have an easy time finding eateries, massage places, nail spas/salons, retail stores, and even a cinema!
The hotel also has a giant swimming pool for adults and another one for kids. Other amenities include a gym, a game room with table tennis and pool table, and a dinosaur-themed water park.
Cost: From ~S$70/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 33 Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get to KSL City Mall: Follow directions from the hotel
7) Holiday Villa JB
Photo credit: Booking.com
Right across KSL City is the famous Holiday Villa JB, one of the most luxurious and highly-reviewed JB accommodations in the area. Their lobby has a piano, so that tells you what the place is like (read: boujee).
Photo credit: Booking.com
As you’d expect from a four-star hotel, there are several free amenities to enjoy, such as an infinity pool, rooftop bar, and breakfast buffet. It also has an in-house sauna and spa, perfect for de-stressing at the end of your trip.
Photo credit: Booking.com
On top of that, it boasts modern-styled spacious rooms overlooking city views!
Cost: From ~S$148/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get to KSL City: Walk 4mins (Google Maps)
8) G3 House Homestay
Photo credit: Booking.com
While not as fancy as the resort in KSL City, G3 House Homestay is a cosy accommodation to stay over with your pals. The rooms are clean and compact, with comfortable beds. It’s a good option for those who want to avoid the noise and bustle of a hostel, but still keep it light on your pocket.
But more than that, its strategic location is a plus point too, with a grocery store, souvenir shops, and various dining options only one crosswalk away.
Cost: From ~S$33/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 3, Jalan Napoh, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get to KSL City: Walk 5mins (Google Maps)
9) Maco Inn Century
Photo credit: Booking.com
From ~S$20 per night, Maco Inn Century is a budget-friendly option for travellers who don’t want to spend on pricier JB accommodations!
The only catch is it’s a self-service hotel — there are no staff members physically present, but they are still contactable through WhatsApp.
It’s near many restaurants and only a 9min walk to KSL City Mall. Amenities-wise, it’s similar to a hostel (shared bathroom, coffee makers, fridge, water), but you get to enjoy your own private room.
Cost: From ~S$20/night (1 pax, single room with shared bathroom)
Address: 48 & 48A Jalan Harimau Tarum Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
How to get to KSL City: Walk 9mins (Google Maps)
10) TROVE Johor Bahru
Photo credit: Booking.com
TROVE Johor Bahru is a stylish JB accommodation option with unique room themes: pop art, trading post (think white with blue zig-zag lines), forest, geometry art, and “Arabic luxury”.
The rooms are spacious and soundproof, for optimal comfort.
Photo credit: Booking.com
And if you get bored watching Netflix shows on the smart TV, visit the fitness centre and swimming pool instead. Else, leave the hotel and drive to nearby attractions like the Glass Temple (3km) and the Angry Birds Activity Park (2.6km).
Cost: From ~S$109/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get to KSL City: Walk 15mins (Google Maps)
Hotels near Paradigm Mall JB
11) DK Hotel
Photo credit: Booking.com
This budget JB accommodation has everything you’ll need for a comfortable overnight stay. It provides toiletries and some nice-to-haves like an ironing board and kettle. And despite being in a tiny building, DK Hotel actually has big rooms with equally spacious bathrooms.
Photo credit: Booking.com
It’s also only a 4-minute drive away from Paradigm Mall and the city centre. For supper, try the next-door nasi padang restaurant, which is open till 1AM.
Cost: From ~S$39/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 3, Jalan Kedondong, Kampung Pasir, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get to Paradigm Mall: 4min taxi or Grab ride (Google Maps)
12) The Leverage Hotel
Photo credit: The Leverage Hotel
The Leverage Hotel is a business hotel, so it’s mainly optimised for travellers visiting JB for work purposes (hello, digital nomads)! It offers an in-house coffee house, fast Wi-Fi, and a dedicated work desk in every room.
Photo credit: Booking.com
Aside from that, the rooms have a contemporary design, like dark wooden floors contrasted with white walls and beds. When the day is done, head to the nearby bars only a short walk away from the hotel, or have a meal at the neighbouring 24-hour Indonesian restaurant.
Cost: From ~S$37/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: Pusat Perdagaan Danga Utama, Persiaran Pertama, Taman Tampoi Indah 2, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get to Paradigm Mall: 4min taxi or Grab ride (Google Maps)
13) Hako Hotel
Photo credit: Booking.com
A self-proclaimed “affordable luxury” boutique hotel, Hako Hotel is decked with modern and Japanese-inspired interiors.
For instance, its public spaces are painted white and are well-lit (from both artificial and natural sunlight). Plus, there are even cute plants scattered around. All this, from only ~S$31/night.
Photo credit: Booking.com
More than that, it’s a remote worker’s dream! You’ll have an easy time sticking to your nine-to-five hours with its communal work-friendly place and a work desk in every room.
Once done exploring Paradigm Mall, go to one of the many shopping and dining options in this neighbourhood.
Cost: From ~S$61/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: No.17-02,17-03,17, 04, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
How to get to Paradigm Mall: 9min taxi or Grab ride (Google Maps)
14) CEL Hotel
Photo credit: Booking.com
A 5-minute drive away from Paradigm Mall, CEL Hotel is a beautiful JB hotel with minimalist designs plastered on the room walls. It adds to the relaxing, calming ambience provided by the simplistic white-and-wooden interior.
Photo credit: Booking.com
Those who are looking for group bonding activities will love staying in this JB hotel because it’s surrounded by a variety of restaurants, cafes, and even KTVs.
Bonus: It’s also just a 3-minute walk away from Sutera Mall, a less-crowded mall with a giant Aeon supermarket — good for take-home snacks!
Cost: From ~S$37/night (up to 2 pax)
Address: 87 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3 Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Malaysia
How to get to Paradigm Mall: 5min taxi or Grab ride (Google Maps)
Choosing the best mall and hotel for your JB trip
With so many shopping malls and hotels, planning a weekend trip in JB can get overwhelming. So here are some tips to help you out:
1) Choosing the right mall — Here’s a quick overview of what we feel is the best mall to visit in Johor, based on the type of traveller you are:
| Mall | Best for… | Highlights |
| JB City Square Mall | First-timers and day-trippers | Very close to customs and JB Sentral |
| KSL City Mall | Budget travellers | Affordable day spas, bargain shopping, and local products |
| Paradigm Mall | Families and staycationers | Mall with indoor ice-skating rink, cinema, and fun activities |
Read also: 12 Best JB Hotels Near Sentral, Mt Austin and Other Popular Areas
2) Consider your transportation — If you’re driving, book a hotel with ample parking space/free parking. If you’re coming in via public transportation, research places near a bus stop or train station before your trip.
3) Your luggage is king — For those planning to shop in JB — especially if you don’t have a car — consider an accommodation with early check-in/late check-out, or a 24/7 reception to keep your luggage safe before you explore the area!
Psst, all hotels listed in this article except Attrus Bed & Breakfast, Z Hotel, and Maco Inn Century have 24/7 reception.
Also, never underestimate the importance of having a spacious room to pack your bags and shopping goods conveniently.
Tips for your JB weekend getaway
Johor Bahru is a gateway to retail therapy and cafe heaven, but no one wants to go home broke and tired. Here are some tips to ensure a hassle-free trip to JB:
1) Use Klook to book JB activities — This helps save time since you just have to present a QR Code upon entry instead of lining up. (Bonus: Use code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> or visit bit.ly/TTIxKlook5OFF to get 5% off activities!)
2) Carry cash — In JB, cash remains king! The bigger malls accept cards, but some traditional stores and night market stalls only accept cash.
3) Pre-book your JB transportation — There are many options to get to JB from Singapore — via public bus, train, car, or Grab. For those going by train, make sure to book your tickets at least two weeks in advance as seats get filled up fast.
Read also: Most Commonly Asked Questions About Travelling to Johor from Singapore
If you’re looking for things to do in JB, you might want to take a look at these articles:
– JB Day Trip Itinerary — Where to Eat, Play and Shop Under S$65
– JB Cafe-hopping — 13 New Cafes to Check Out in Johor Bahru
Which of these hotels near shopping malls in Johor Bahru has caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below! 😊
