D Esplanade Mall: Johor Bahru's BEST Kept Sweet Home Secret?
D Esplanade Mall: JB's "Sweet Home Secret"? Okay, Let's See About That… (A Very Honest Review)
Alright, folks, let's talk D Esplanade Mall. The "BEST Kept Sweet Home Secret" eh? That’s a pretty bold claim, especially coming from Johor Bahru, a city overflowing with… well, let's just say experiences. I’ve spent a few nights here, and let me tell you, it was an experience. This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth (mostly).
First Impressions (and Rambling Thoughts):
Pulling up, the accessibility feels… decent. It’s not immediately obvious if there are ramps everywhere, and I'm notoriously bad at spotting those things, so I’ll have to revisit that point later. The car park [free of charge] is a definite plus. Finding a free parking spot in JB is practically a religious experience. Score one for the 'Secret'!
The Nitty Gritty: Rooms & Such (Spoiler Alert: It Gets Better):
Okay, the rooms. That's where we start. The air conditioning blasted like a hurricane the first night - a minor (but annoying) detail. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker are always welcome, of course. The mini-bar offered… well, a slightly sad selection of drinks. Not terrible, but not exactly a party in a fridge. The internet access – wireless worked fine, and hey, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a solid win.
I'm a sucker for blackout curtains, and these were decent. I'm a light sleeper, and the soundproofing seemed to hold its own against the late-night ramblings from the hallway (or, you know, the occasional mosquito). The extra long bed - bliss! I’m tall, and anything that accommodates my sprawling limbs gets major points. Satellite/cable channels were available, pretty standard stuff, but I needed some down time after a day on the road.
The Bathroom Revelations:
The bathtub was… there. I didn't use it, mostly because I'm a shower person. The toiletries were the generic hotel kind, but hey, they did the job. The hair dryer worked, and the towels were fluffy enough. Look, I'm not expecting a spa experience in the bathroom. It was clean, functional, and safe. The additional toilet was a bonus not offered, but I can imagine the relief for a family.
So, What About the "Sweet Home" Vibe?
Honestly? It’s there, but it’s subtle. The room decorations are understated, which isn't bad necessarily, but maybe needs a sprinkle of actual personality. No, wait! Don’t mistake me, the daily housekeeping did its job keeping things neat and tidy (very important to me!), but I’m not sure if I am ready to call it "sweet". It’s more like… well-kept. The desk was perfect for a bit of remote work.
Eating, Drinking & Snacking: The Fuel for Adventures!
Dining is a mixed bag. There’s a restaurant, some coffee shops, and a poolside bar. I found the Asian cuisine in the restaurant pretty good. The breakfast [buffet] had a decent selection – certainly enough to fuel a day of exploring. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was surprisingly good. They definitely do have soup in restaurant, I just didn't go for it. Happy hour was… well, it happened!
The Good Stuff: Pools, Spas, and Fitness (Oh My!)
Now here’s where D Esplanade actually starts to shine. The swimming pool [outdoor] is fantastic. A Pool with view is actually there. Seriously, after a hot day out, diving into that refreshing water was pure bliss! I didn't get to the Fitness center, Spa, or Sauna, which is a personal failing. But I did witness happy people going in and out, and I trust their judgement. The Foot bath and Massage sound incredible, though. Next time - I'm putting those on the list. However, I did encounter the Steamroom for an hour. It's a must-do!
The "Secret" Service & Conveniences:
Concierge was helpful. Cash withdrawal isn't far away. Dry cleaning is available. The elevator is a lifesaver. Daily housekeeping is a big plus. The Front desk [24-hour] is very useful. The Luggage storage (essential) was there.
Safety & Security: Peace of Mind (and a Bit of Hope):
The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property definitely makes you feel safer. Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms are good to have—obviously. Security [24-hour] is a huge relief (especially travelling solo). The doctor/nurse on call and first aid kit are much appreciated.
Things to Do (or, What Will Keep You Entertained): Honestly, the hotel has several great features:
- Gym - Keep your routine.
- Spa - If you're feeling spa-like.
- Pool with view - A must-do!
Cleanliness & Safety (Covid Times!)
Big thumbs up here. They’re taking this seriously. Hand sanitizer readily available, Staff trained in safety protocol, and the rooms rooms sanitized between stays. They say that Individually-wrapped food options are on the menu, and I can see them, but that isn't my style. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is being adhered to. Safe dining setup; sterilizing equipment. This is good to see!
Accessibility: The Unspoken Truth
This is where I need to be honest – I don't have a lot of details. I missed the facilities for disabled guests and will have to revisit that and update my review.
The "Secret" Verdict?
Is D Esplanade Mall a "BEST Kept Sweet Home Secret"? Hmm… It's comfortable, clean, and the pool is a real winner. The staff are friendly, and the location is reasonably convenient. I’ve seen better, I’ve seen worse. It’s a solid choice – especially if you’re looking for a relaxing pool experience, and some decent grub. It needs a little more personality, but the bones are good.
My Anecdote of Truth
I was stuck in the hotel for about three hours during a storm and some power issues. I had to make do with not much, but I was glad the room was spacious. It was kind of an adventure, really. I ordered some snacks, watched some movies, and enjoyed a bit of peace.
FINAL VERDICT:
Is it a hidden gem? Not exactly. Is it a decent hotel with some great amenities and a killer pool? Absolutely. Bonus points for cleanliness and safety in these Covid times.
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Escape to Paradise: Haus Cacilie's Modern Oberhof Retreat Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups! You're in for a wild, messy, and probably utterly useless (but hopefully entertaining) itinerary for D Esplanade Mall, Sweet Home Johor Bahru. Consider this less a "schedule," and more a descent into glorious, air-conditioned chaos.
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Realization I'm Already Hungry)
10:00 AM (ish): Arrive in Johor Bahru. Blast of humidity hits you like a wet, tropical hug. Instantly regretting wearing that "smart casual" outfit I thought would be appropriate.
11:00 AM: Check into the Sweet Home… Wait, where even IS this place? Google Maps, you LIAR! Turns out "Sweet Home" is less a cozy cottage and more a… well, a somewhat generic apartment block. But hey, the aircon works, and that's a victory in this heat. Mentally adding "Learn to navigate Johor Bahru WITHOUT relying entirely on Google Maps" to the To-Do list.
11:30 AM: The Stomach Grumbles. Immediate panic. Survival instinct kicks in. Must find food. Now. Luckily, D Esplanade Mall is supposedly nearby. "Nearby" in JB time, however, could mean anything from a pleasant five-minute stroll to a sweaty, forty-minute trek that involves almost being flattened by a scooter. (Spoiler alert: it was a sweaty trek.)
12:00 PM: D Esplanade MALL! Okay, here goes nothing. First impressions: slightly underwhelming. But hey, at least it smells of food! Relief washes over me – the kind usually reserved for finding a decent toilet after a four-hour bus ride.
- Food Reconnaissance: Scan the options. So many choices! So much… thinking. The pressure is REAL.
- Failed Attempt 1: (Quick, Simple, Disappointing) Tried the "quick and easy" noodle place. The noodles were… noodles. The broth tasted like sadness. Gave up after three bites. Note to self: never trust a place with multiple smiling faces in the pictures, they are all a lie!
- Failed Attempt 2: (Overly Ambitious) Saw an inviting cafe with fancy pastries and a bustling atmosphere. I thought, "Yes! This is the one!" Queue was long, the ordering process was baffling (the guy in front of me ordered a coffee with the skill of a professional barista, I just stood there looking bewildered.)
- Success! (Finally!!!): Ended up in a hawker centre. Always the best bet. Got the best nasi lemak ever. The sambal was fire. Like, literally, I think my mouth was on fire. But in the best possible way. The coconut rice was fluffy, the fried chicken was crispy, and for a glorious 5 ringgit, I was in foodie heaven. Proof that even the most basic options can be amazing in a heartbeat..
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the Mall - a chaotic odyssey. I'm not sure how to keep track of this properly in the future
- Entertainment Section: Wandered through the shops, trying to find anything of interest. Found the game shop interesting, but the "latest" games were older than my grandma's dentures. Decided to skip this entirely.
- Retail Therapy (Attempted): Browsing through the clothes was like a treasure hunt. Finding something in my size was a challenge in itself. I found a shirt that looked "kinda cool," but then realized I'd already spent my monthly budget on Nasi Lemak. Sigh.
- Bathroom Break (Important): Needed to find a bathroom, the search was longer than it should have been. Found one eventually (thank god), but the hand-dryer sounded as if it belonged in a hospital
3:30 PM Post-Lunch Crash. This humid, food-coma is kicking in. Seriously contemplating a nap right here. The mall security guard seems to be giving me the side-eye. Maybe a little too much sambal?
4:00 PM: Coffee time! Attempted to find a decent coffee shop. Tried the chain coffee shop, the coffee was watery and overpriced. But the aircon was fantastic, and I sat there watching the world go by for a while, before dragging myself to a different location.
5:00 PM Decided to find a place with a view, walked outside. Nothing special, just another busy street.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Headed back to the hotel room, collapsed on the bed, and swore I'm not leaving for the rest of the day.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Ordered a takeaway, and spent most of the evening watching some random Malay drama.
Day 2: More Mall, More Madness (and Maybe, Just Maybe, a Glimmer of Understanding)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up to a beautiful view, feeling slightly better after that horrible sleep!
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast! Found a fantastic little bakery with croissants that were like little buttery clouds of heaven. Ate two. No regrets.
- 11:00 AM: Decided to revisit D Esplanade, armed with a renewed sense of purpose.
- 11:30 AM: Trying a different route to the mall - got lost. Took a taxi.
- 12:00 PM: The Lost-In-Translation Food Court Adventure. Decided to be adventurous. Ordered something I couldn't even identify. It was… interesting. (Read: I have no idea what I ate.) Learned a valuable lesson: pointing at pictures on the menu only works half the time. The other half, you end up with something resembling alien goo.
- 1:00 PM: Found a quiet corner of the mall to people-watch. Fascinating. The way everyone just moves. The endless parade of humanity. Found myself making up backstories for the people passing by. The lady with the ridiculously oversized handbag? Secret agent. The kid with the ice cream dribbling down his face? Probably has a brilliant future.
- 2:00 PM: The Unexpected Bookstore Oasis: Found a little bookstore tucked away in the corner. The quiet! The smell of old paper! Spent a solid hour browsing. Discovered a hidden gem of a Malaysian author. Bought the book (even though I already have a stack waiting to be read).
- 3:00 PM: Afternoon Coffee Stop. Again! But this time, I found a genuinely excellent coffee shop with a strong, dark brew. The owner even recognized me from yesterday. Maybe I'm officially a regular?
- 4:00 PM: Retail Therapy Round Deux. This time I purchased something useful, a small bag to carry my essentials.
- 5:00 PM: The Food Court beckoned again. This time I knew what I wanted (or, at least, thought I did). Went for the Chicken Rice. Superb!
- 6:00 PM: Leaving the mall with a slightly melancholic feeling. This place wasn't so bad after all!
- 7:00 PM: Final dinner in Johor Bahru. Said my goodbyes to this amazing city.
Final Thoughts (Because Why Not?)
D Esplanade Mall, you were a chaotic, slightly confusing, but ultimately strangely charming place. A microcosm of Johor Bahru itself. Would I recommend it? Maybe. Depends on your sense of adventure (and your tolerance for humidity). Was it a perfect trip? Absolutely not. But it was authentic, flawed, and utterly memorable. And isn't that what travel is all about? Now back to the real world.
**Ayodhya's Hidden Gem: RAGHUPATI RAGHAV RAJA RAM INN - Unforgettable Stay!**
D Esplanade Mall: Johor Bahru's "Best Kept Sweet Home Secret"? Let's Dive In (Warning: May Contain Rants & Rave!)
Okay, so, what *is* D Esplanade Mall, anyway? Is it even a real place?
Yes, it's real! It's just... tucked away. Think of it like, you know, when you find a *really* good, slightly hidden restaurant? That's the vibe. D Esplanade is a mall in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, specifically in the Bukit Chagar/Tanjung Puteri area. Look, it's got a few floors, some shops... the usual mall suspects. But with a… *certain* charm. And honestly, I suspect it's a secret because the parking situation sometimes feels like a scavenger hunt. You'll see what I mean.
What kind of stores are actually *in* this mall? Is it all just...empty storefronts?
Alright, let's be brutally honest: it's not the *massive* retail extravaganza of, say, Mid Valley Southkey. But that's part of the charm, right? You'll find a mix. Some familiar chain stores, the obligatory Starbucks (thank goodness), a cinema (which I’ve always meant to check out but never actually *do*), and then… the real gems. Local boutiques with stuff I actually *want* to browse, some seriously good food stalls (more on that later, TRUST ME), and a surprisingly decent supermarket. It's a grab bag, sometimes a slightly quirky grab bag, but that's what makes it interesting. It's not always a blockbuster, but it's almost always got something.
The food! Is the food at D Esplanade any good? Because malls are notorious for overpriced, mediocre food court fare.
Okay, hold up. The food is *where* D Esplanade shines, people! Forget the depressing food court scenarios. I mean, yeah, they have a few of those, but LOOK. FOR. THE. SMALLER. PLACES. There's this little Nasi Kandar stall, and seriously, it's legendary. I’ve gone back *specifically* for the ayam merah. (The red chicken. Trust me.) And then there’s this… okay, I need to describe this properly. It’s a little place that does these amazing, fluffy roti canai, and I swear, the sauce is like liquid gold. I’m drooling just *thinking* about it. The prices? Surprisingly reasonable, considering the quality. My only real complaint? Sometimes, the lines are LONG, especially around lunchtime. Total first-world problem, I know, but still...
Is this mall *actually* a "secret"? Or are you just being dramatic?
Okay, fine, "secret" is a *slight* exaggeration. It's not, like, a hidden temple guarded by ninja warriors. But I honestly don’t meet tons of people who regularly go there. People always tell me about the bigger malls. It’s definitely more of a local haunt. And honestly? I *like* it that way. I get to avoid the massive crowds, the endless walking, the sensory overload. It’s calmer. More manageable. Plus, finding a parking spot there (when you *can* find one, parking god help you) feels like a small victory, and who doesn't love to feel like a winner before they’ve even started shopping?
What's the ONE thing that's a MUST-DO at D Esplanade? Beside that Nasi Kandar you keep bringing up...
Okay, besides that Nasi Kandar (which, seriously, go!), I'd say... just wander. Don't go with a specific plan. Let yourself get a little lost. That’s how you find the real treasures. I once stumbled upon a vintage bookstore tucked away in a corner, and I spent, like, two hours browsing. Found a first edition of some obscure novel I’d been hunting for forever! Just…explore. It's the *unexpected* that makes D Esplanade worthwhile. That and the ayam merah...always the ayam merah.
The parking situation… it's really *that* bad? Is there a good time to go?
Ugh, the parking. Okay, okay, let’s be real. It's not ideal. It can be a *nightmare*, especially on weekends or when there's an event. I've circled for what felt like an eternity, cursing under my breath. My advice? Go on a weekday, if you possibly can. Or, go early. Like, before lunchtime early. And be patient. And maybe bring a good audiobook. Because you *will* need something to occupy yourself while you're hunting for that elusive empty space. Honestly, the struggle is real. But…worth it for the roti canai. (See, I'm doing it again!) The parking is truly the only real downside. But I think I've gotten better at finding spots now. Maybe I'm just a parking ninja now?
Is it family-friendly? Anything for kids?
Yeah, it actually *is*. There’s a small play area for the kids, and the mall isn’t overwhelmingly huge, so it's manageable. The food court has options for picky eaters (you know, the usual suspects). The open space is usually clean. It's perfectly fine for a family outing, and you can always grab some ice cream after.
Okay, final verdict: Should I go to D Esplanade Mall?
Yes! Absolutely, YES! If you're looking for a polished, perfect, mega-mall experience, maybe not. If you’re tired of the same old scene and want a chill place with good food and a hint of the unexpected, then YES. Go. Just…beware the parking. And, seriously, try the Nasi Kandar. And the roti canai. And maybe bring me back some. (Just kidding… mostly.) It’s a little bit of a gamble, sure, but a delicious gamble. And hey, even if you don't find *anything* you like, you can always eat your feelings. And at D Esplanade? That's probably going to be a *very* good experience.
Scenic Stays
