Hyatt Place Johor Bahru has been under-construction for quite a number of years now, probably delayed due to the pandemic. But the latest chain hotel in the city is finally accepting reservations!
The hotel’s website states that it is accepting reservations from 20 Nov, however, I am able to make reservations from 6 Nov. In any case, I wouldn’t make fixed travel plans until it is actually open.
Great location
The hotel is located near the Skudai area and is directly-connected to the huge Paradigm Mall, allowing guests easy access to plenty of dining and shopping options.
Depending on traffic, it would take about 13 minutes to drive to the hotel from Johor Bahru Checkpoint.
Great award rates
This will be a World of Hyatt Category 1 property, requiring 3,500 to 6,500 points for a night in a Standard Room. Check the points calendar.
As the nett cash rate currently stands at around MYR 350 – 400, members can probably stay here for a little cheaper by purchasing and Hyatt points when there is a sale going on.
Related: Sweet Spots: Best ways to redeem World of Hyatt points in 2023
Suites are not yet bookable with points, but they should cost 6,500 – 9,500 points per night, if/when they become available.
Good for mattress-runs
Singapore-based members looking to (re)qualify for the Globalist loyalty status now have a cheap option close to home.
Related: Head-to-head: The best Hotel Loyalty Programs
Unlike Marriott’s, Hyatt’s points calendar do not change all the time (just once a year). For example, if you see a date requiring 3,500 points, it will only require that amount of points, until the award inventory is sold out. I took advantage of this by booking Andaz Abu Dhabi during the crazy-expensive F1 weekend last year.
I am also seeing as many as 12 consecutive off-peak nights, perfect for Singapore-based travellers looking to work-from-hotel.
Get 500 additional points per night
Although it is still not yet official, members can expect to receive 500 bonus points per night at this new hotel, after it opens.
Cash and award stays count towards this new-hotel offer.
This offer can also lower your effective award rate to 3,000 points per night!
Breakfast benefit?
Unfortunately, Hyatt Place properties outside the United States are not required to offer complimentary breakfast to non-Globalist guests, although there are some that offer this benefit regardless.
However, members can book an “opening offer” cash rate that comes with breakfast.
How does it compare to DoubleTree Johor Bahru?
DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru is a great property that Singapore-based travel hackers have enjoyed for many years. Diamond members often receive good upgrades and have access to the Executive Lounge for evening cocktail. However, it is located in a less-ideal location, in the older part of the city.
I do not expect a Hyatt Place-branded property to offer a similar “luxurious” experience, however, both hotels are priced similarly. And with the Hyatt Place, it looks like the cash rates are priced for the location (and new furnitures?).
I hope that Hyatt Place JB can offer more value by offering complimentary breakfast to all guests, but I’m sure that it all depends on their level of occupancy in the coming months.
Bottom line
Hyatt Place Johor Bahru is finally opening, in a great location, with great award rates, but slightly pricy cash rates.
H/T: Reader Kenryk