The Best Hotels Closest to Istana Besar in Johor Bahru for 2026

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Our top choices for Istana Besar hotels

A modern living room with a large window, a sofa, a coffee table, and a flat-screen TV.

A modern living room with a sofa set, a coffee table, and a flat-screen TV.

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees, surrounded by a building with large windows and a view of the sea.

A high-rise building with multiple floors, a swimming pool, and a marina with boats.

1. R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

Central District, 1.7 km from Istana Besar

Darren

￥6,714

￥7,639 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A modern lobby with a sectional sofa, a blue armchair, and a glass-top coffee table.

A hotel room with a large bed, a chair, a nightstand, and a view of the city.

A modern hotel room with a large window, a sofa with colorful pillows, a yellow armchair, a small round table, and a bed with a striped rug.

A modern bar area with a marble countertop, red bar stools, and a beverage display.

2. Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.1 km from Istana Besar

"Fantastic location and comfortable stay! The location of this hotel is unbeatable—it’s right next to Komtar JBCC and City Square, making shopping and dining incredibly convenient, especially after crossing CIQ. The room was spotless, modern, and quiet with a very comfortable bed. Check-in and check-out were smooth, and the front desk staff were friendly and efficient throughout our stay. The breakfast buffet had a great spread with plenty of variety. Would definitely stay here again on my next...

Albee

￥12,002

￥14,646 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 9 - Nov 10

A rooftop bar with outdoor seating, a city view, and a bar area with bottles and glasses.

A modern reception area with marble countertops, decorative wall panels, and a skylight.

A rooftop terrace with wicker furniture, a table with a candle, and a cityscape view at night.

A bar area with a bartender, shelves of bottles, and a menu board.

3. Amari Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.1 km from Istana Besar

ShengJia

￥12,246

￥14,839 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 10 - Nov 11

A Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign and a well-lit entrance.

A modern cafe with a curved wooden bench, a buffet counter with various food items, and multiple pendant lights.

A water park with multiple water slides and a pool area.

A spacious lobby with a curved reception desk, multiple seating areas, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

Johor Bahru Old Town, 0.7 km from Istana Besar

Abdul Ghani

￥7,807

￥10,355 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A modern hotel room with a curved window, a sofa, a small table, and a kitchenette.

A modern indoor lounge area with wicker furniture, a wall-mounted plant shelf, and a large potted tree.

A gym with various exercise equipment, large windows, and a wooden floor.

A modern dining area with a wooden table, wicker chairs, and a potted plant.

5. Z Hotel Johor

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.1 km from Istana Besar

Mona

￥5,804

￥7,407 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

A hotel room with a bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a chair, and a window with curtains.

A modern bathroom with grey tiles, a white toilet, a sink, and a shower.

A modern dining area with a black table and white chairs, a wooden bookshelf, and large potted plants.

A hotel room with two beds, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a large window with curtains.

6. Havona Hotel @ CIQ Johor Bahru - Self Check-In

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.8 km from Istana Besar

Kevin

￥2,767

￥3,401 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

A modern restaurant with a central bar, multiple dining tables, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.

An aerial view of a rooftop pool with a tiled floor, a white border, and lounge chairs.

A modern lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a green wall feature.

7. Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.6 km from Istana Besar

Nicole Jia Hui

￥13,489

￥15,063 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A modern kitchen with grey cabinets, a built-in oven, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

A modern living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a TV on a wall.

A modern dining area with tables set for meals, a large window offering a city view, and a potted plant adding greenery.

A rooftop infinity pool with a wooden deck, surrounded by glass walls offering city views.

8. Shama Suasana Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1 km from Istana Besar

Andrew

￥8,805

￥9,897 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

A rooftop pool area with lounge chairs, a small pool, and surrounding greenery.

A modern hotel room with a large sofa, a coffee table, a TV, and a city view through large windows.

A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, wooden countertops, and a buffet setup.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a decorative plant display.

9. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.2 km from Istana Besar

Alfred

￥11,083

￥13,466 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 21 - Oct 22

A modern hotel lobby with a central bar area, seating arrangements, and a city view.

A spacious lobby with a modern chandelier, comfortable seating, and a city view.

A modern living room with a dining area, large windows, and a city view.

10. Sheraton Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.9 km from Istana Besar

Cristal Su Yin

￥21,314

￥23,407 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

A rooftop swimming pool with a wooden deck, lounge chairs, and a glass-enclosed area with seating.

A spacious dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows, and a modern ceiling design.

A gym with treadmills, a weight machine, and large windows offering a city view.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

11. TROVE Johor Bahru

Taman Abad, 2.6 km from Istana Besar

Seng-Hoe

￥10,051

￥11,862 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A multi-story hotel with a prominent sign reading "Bella Hotel".

A multi-level interior with a wooden staircase, white walls, and a tiled floor.

A reception area with a marble floor, a reception desk, framed portraits on the wall, and a potted plant.

A hallway with a wooden floor, white walls, and a metal railing. There are potted plants along the railing.

12. Belllo Hotel JB Central

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.1 km from Istana Besar

Kyanta

￥6,481

￥6,481 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

A modern building with large glass windows and a car dealership in front.

A modern dining area with a green wall, wooden tables, and chairs.

A hotel with a modern glass facade and a traditional brick building adjacent to it.

13. Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru

Taman Abad, 2.9 km from Istana Besar

￥8,015

￥9,044 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 28 - Oct 29

A hotel lobby with a check-in counter, seating area, and a 'WELCOME' mat.

A modern cafe with a central counter, multiple seating areas, and a checkered floor pattern.

A hotel room with a bed, a bedside table with a phone, a TV mounted on the wall, and a window with curtains.

A reception area with a green sofa, a red chair, a patterned floor, a ceiling fan, and a view of the outside through large windows.

14. Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.1 km from Istana Besar

Tan

￥4,684

￥6,078 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

A view of a rooftop pool with a cityscape in the background.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a potted plant, and a patterned wall.

A high-rise building with a grid-like facade, featuring a pattern of green and white panels.

A restaurant with a white exterior, arched windows, and a signboard.

15. Twin Galaxy Residences

Taman Abad, 2.6 km from Istana Besar

choo wee

￥4,400

￥8,155 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A waterfront patio with outdoor seating, palm trees, and a view of the city skyline.

A swimming pool with a tiled floor and lounge chairs, surrounded by tall buildings and palm trees.

A hotel room with a large window, a bed with a towel, and a framed picture on the wall.

A modern living room with glass walls, a red chair, two sofas, and a flat-screen TV.

16. R&F Princess Cove JB By SaffronCasa JB

Central District, 1.3 km from Istana Besar

Irene

￥6,714

￥10,420 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 14 - Oct 15

A hotel room with a large bed, a wooden headboard, a window with curtains, and a wooden table.

A staircase with red railings and shutters, leading to an interior space.

A hotel reception area with a check-in counter, a wooden chair, a suitcase, and a motorcycle.

17. CIQ HOTEL at Jalan Trus

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1 km from Istana Besar

Michael

￥4,795

￥5,567 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 20 - Oct 21

A high-rise hotel with a modern glass facade, multiple floors, and a prominent signage at the top.

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a television, and a window with curtains.

An indoor swimming pool with clear glass walls, a tiled floor, and a view of high-rise buildings.

A modern lobby with a central staircase, a reception desk, and a large floral arrangement.

18. New York Hotel

Taman Abad, 2.6 km from Istana Besar

Nur Farra Saadah

￥6,746

￥7,961 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A modern building with a glass facade, a waterfront promenade with outdoor seating, and a view of the city skyline at dusk.

A modern kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, and dining area with a table and chairs.

A modern living room with a sofa, chairs, a coffee table, and a TV on a wooden stand.

A swimming pool with blue mosaic tiles, surrounded by modern buildings and palm trees.

19. R&F TrexHomestay

Central District, 1.5 km from Istana Besar

KAI JIN

￥7,114

￥11,001 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

A modern indoor pool area with a clear view of the city skyline in the background.

A spacious lounge area with multiple seating options, large windows, and a tiled floor.

A hotel room with a large window, a bed, a sofa, a TV, and a desk with a plant.

A modern living room with a sofa, a coffee table, a TV, and a balcony with a city view.

20. Twin Tower Residence by Stayrene

Johor Bahru Old Town, 1.8 km from Istana Besar

Mohamad Dali

￥7,131

￥9,616 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 15 - Oct 16

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Compare popular hotels close to Istana Besar

Property	Star rating	Guest rating
R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ	9.4 Exceptional 187 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG	8.8 Excellent 778 reviews	View
Amari Johor Bahru	8.8 Excellent 1,006 reviews	View
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG	8.6 Excellent 338 reviews	View
Z Hotel Johor	8.8 Excellent 155 reviews	View

Top Istana Besar Hotel Reviews

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

8/10 Good

"Staff helpful and friendly. 29th floor lounge evening tea session will be nice if can make available fried rice/noddle and choice of hot soup."

Belllo Hotel JB Central

10/10 Excellent

"Very spacious suite room, clean toilet and ammenities, even the kettle have been thoroughly washed without stains, and the bathroom walls too. The location is convenient to CIQ as well as cafe hopping at Jalan Wong Ah Fook or a visit to the Chinese Museum."

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Very helpful staff! Makes my stay enjoyable"

R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

10/10 Excellent

"I enjoyed my stay, but the one thing I didn’t particularly like was the restriction on visitors. I understand the need for rules and security, but having limitations on visitors can be inconvenient, especially when staying at a Homestay. I hope the management will consider a more flexible visitor policy to make the experience more comfortable and welcoming for guests."

Sheraton Johor Bahru

10/10 Excellent

"The gym was extraordinary"

Shama Suasana Johor Bahru

10/10 Excellent

"NA"

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"The 2-room suite (for 4 of us) was smaller than I expected but is comfortable and clean. The staff at the counter were most supportive, helping us with Touch n go related requests, among others. Location was easy to find, and is accessible without being in a crowded area. Breakfast is moderately good, there were better options on the 2nd day for vegetarians."

Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru

10/10 Excellent

"We love staying at Grand Paragon Hotel and visit almost every month. It is a very child-friendly hotel, which makes it perfect for our family. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the staff are warm and welcoming, and the breakfast has a good variety. The air conditioning is great, and our children always enjoy their stay. It feels like a home away from home for us, and we always look forward to coming back. Highly recommended for families with children! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Suasana JB Central by TPL

10/10 Excellent

"Breakfast at level 34 was nice. highest cafe in all of JB"

Other attractions near Istana Besar

A pelican standing on a railing by a green body of water with trees and buildings in the background.

Johor Zoo

7.0/10 (15 reviews)

Hang out with the animal kingdom to encounter a rich variety of wildlife at one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia.

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A white building with a blue roof and a tower.

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

6.4/10 (8 reviews)

Visit the state mosque of Johor, a beautiful old building that was commissioned by a sultan and boasts a mix of architectural styles.

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A red colonial-style building with white trim, ornate balconies, and traditional lanterns.

Tan Hiok Nee

Learn about the local history of Bandar Johor Bahru with a stop at Tan Hiok Nee. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its shops.

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Royal Abu Bakar Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Royal Abu Bakar Museum in Johor Bahru. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

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Sultan Ibrahim Building

7.4/10 (3 reviews)

After visiting Sultan Ibrahim Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bandar Johor Bahru. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

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Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum during your travels in Bandar Johor Bahru. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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Sri Raja Mariamman Temple

After visiting Sri Raja Mariamman Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bandar Johor Bahru. Visit the area's shops or amble around its picturesque gardens.

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Bazaar Karat

You can enjoy retail therapy at Bazaar Karat (Rusty Market) during your trip to Bandar Johor Bahru. While in this family-friendly area, find time to visit its shops.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Istana Besar?

Istana Besar is located in a welcoming area of Johor Bahru known for its array of dining options and bird watching. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 128 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay close to Istana Besar?

Amari Johor Bahru is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and a restaurant. It's located just a short 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Istana Besar. Other good options close by include Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru.

How many hotels will I find close to Istana Besar?

Expedia has 128 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Istana Besar.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Istana Besar, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your arrival date. If your reservation is non-refundable, it may still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to review the top deals on offer near Istana Besar.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Istana Besar?

For more information about picking new dates or cancelling your stay near Istana Besar, head over to our customer service page.

What can I see and do near Istana Besar?

You'll want to browse the exhibits at Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum and Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum. Sights like Tan Hiok Nee and Sri Raja Mariamman Temple highlight some of the local culture. Spend some time wandering around Danga Bay Park, Woodlands Waterfront Park, and Marsiling Park.

How can I get to Istana Besar?

If you want to venture outside of the area, hop aboard a train at JB Sentral. There might not be many public transit options to choose from near Istana Besar so consider renting a car to see more of the area.

Find hotels near Istana Besar, Johor Bahru

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Our top choices for Istana Besar hotels

1. R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

2. Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

3. Amari Johor Bahru

4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

5. Z Hotel Johor

6. Havona Hotel @ CIQ Johor Bahru - Self Check-In

7. Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru

8. Shama Suasana Johor Bahru

9. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

10. Sheraton Johor Bahru

11. TROVE Johor Bahru

12. Belllo Hotel JB Central

13. Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru

14. Citrus Hotel Johor Bahru by Compass Hospitality

15. Twin Galaxy Residences

16. R&F Princess Cove JB By SaffronCasa JB

17. CIQ HOTEL at Jalan Trus

18. New York Hotel

19. R&F TrexHomestay

20. Twin Tower Residence by Stayrene

Compare popular hotels close to Istana Besar

Top Istana Besar Hotel Reviews

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

Belllo Hotel JB Central

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre by IHG

R&F Princess Cove by FUJU & 5mins to ClQ

Sheraton Johor Bahru

Shama Suasana Johor Bahru

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johor Bahru by IHG

Grand Paragon Hotel Johor Bahru

Suasana JB Central by TPL

Other attractions near Istana Besar

Johor Zoo

Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

Tan Hiok Nee

Royal Abu Bakar Museum

Sultan Ibrahim Building

Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum

Sri Raja Mariamman Temple

Bazaar Karat

Frequently asked questions