Shobi Hotel Johor Bahru Near CIQ JB

This hotel is a popular choice for budget travelers and those frequently commuting between Malaysia and Singapore, primarily due to its exceptional proximity to the customs checkpoint. Its signature feature is its strategic location, offering significant cost savings compared to staying in Singapore, making it ideal for drivers and short-stay guests who prioritize convenience for cross-border travel. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness and the comfort of its beds, despite some minor inconveniences. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm your room type, especially if a window is important to you, and be prepared for potential noise from the main road or adjacent rooms.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the presence of an elevator, which is particularly helpful for those with heavy luggage. Rooms are equipped with a kettle and complimentary water bottles, allowing guests to prepare hot beverages. While free Wi-Fi is advertised, many guests report significant issues with connectivity, noting it is often unstable or limited to the ground floor, which can be highly inconvenient for tourists. A hot and cold water dispenser is available in the lobby, along with snacks and drinks for purchase. Rooms generally include a TV, though channel selection can be limited and some units experience sound issues. Air conditioning is present and generally effective, though some guests noted it could be noisy or not cool enough. Basic toiletries are provided, and a hairdryer can be borrowed from the reception. However, some rooms lack a refrigerator, slippers, or bedside tables, and power sockets are sometimes inconveniently placed.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, describing rooms as generally clean and tidy with comfortable beds and fresh linens, ensuring a restful sleep for most. However, room comfort can be impacted by several factors. A recurring concern is noise, with guests reporting sounds from the main road, adjacent rooms due to thin walls, and even the lift. Some bathrooms present challenges, such as toilet doors that jam or come off their frames, and a design where the entire bathroom floor becomes wet after showering, with no provided slippers. While many rooms are clean, isolated incidents of uncleaned rooms, ants, or a cigarette smell have been reported. Some rooms lack a window, which can affect the perception of space and airiness, and a few guests noted a musty smell or water damage on walls.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer its own dining facilities, but its location provides convenient access to various local eateries. Guests frequently mention the abundance of food stalls and restaurants nearby, including options for Chinese and Indian food, as well as a popular Nasi Lemak stall. This makes it easy for guests to find daily meals, especially for breakfast before heading out. While many appreciate the variety of local options within walking distance, some guests found the immediate vicinity to have limited food choices, particularly for specific dietary needs like vegan or vegetarian options. Overall, the surrounding area is generally well-regarded for its accessibility to diverse local cuisine, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, particularly its exceptional proximity to the customs checkpoint for Singapore, making it highly convenient for cross-border travelers. It is also within walking distance of key attractions like JB Sentral, City Square Mall, and various shopping and dining areas, although some guests found the walk challenging due to ongoing construction or preferred taking a taxi. The availability of parking at the hotel is a plus for those traveling by car. While the area is generally considered safe, being near a police station, some guests noted the immediate surroundings could appear "sketchy" or less attractive, especially at night. Road noise is a common observation due to the hotel's proximity to a main road, which can affect the tranquility of rooms with windows.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise from guests for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many reviews highlight the smooth check-in and check-out process, with staff often described as accommodating and willing to assist with various requests, from providing extra towels to addressing room issues. Guests appreciate the staff's polite demeanor and their commitment to ensuring a positive experience. However, a few isolated incidents mention negative interactions, such as a front desk staff member with a poor attitude, unhelpful responses regarding taxi services, or issues with providing a deposit receipt. Despite these rare occurrences, the overwhelming majority of feedback points to a dedicated and welcoming team that significantly contributes to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that a deposit is required upon check-in, which is typically refunded at check-out. The hotel is widely regarded as a budget-friendly option, offering significant savings for those who frequently travel to Singapore. It is particularly well-suited for short stays and provides essential amenities for a comfortable overnight or brief visit. Some guests have experienced issues with the digital key card not functioning, necessitating the use of a physical key for room access. A notable recurring concern is the poor soundproofing between rooms and from the corridor, which can lead to disturbances from other guests or the lift. Additionally, some reviews mention the presence of cats in the lobby or corridors, which can be a unique aspect of the hotel environment.