Atelier Hotel Johor Bahru

The hotel presents itself with a modern, minimalist, and aesthetic design, offering a cozy ambiance that many guests appreciate. Its signature feature is its strategic location, placing visitors amidst a vibrant array of eateries, cafes, and shops, making it an ideal choice for food enthusiasts and short-trip travelers looking to explore the local culinary scene. While generally praised for its cleanliness, a significant recurring concern is the poor soundproofing, with noise from a nearby karaoke center and corridors frequently disrupting sleep. Service quality is mixed, with many highlighting friendly staff, though some report unprofessional interactions and slow check-in/out processes. Rooms are often described as small but comfortable. For a more restful stay, guests are advised to request a room away from the karaoke center or on higher floors, and to confirm the return of their identification documents upon check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel well-equipped with essential amenities that enhance their stay. Free Wi-Fi is consistently reliable, allowing guests to stay connected. The provision of toiletries is appreciated, with many noting their good quality. A convenient feature is the water cooler/dispenser available on each floor, offering both hot and cold water, complemented by refillable water bottles provided in rooms, aligning with the hotel's eco-friendly approach. A snack area in the lobby offers complimentary biscuits, coffee, and tea. For relaxation, a pleasant rooftop garden provides a quiet escape. Rooms are generally fitted with multiple power sockets and USB ports, though not always conveniently located beside the bed. Other amenities include slippers upon request, a kettle, cups, and a TV, though entertainment options may be limited to local channels. Some guests noted the absence of a fridge in their rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive remarks for its clean rooms, often described as cozy, tidy, and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. Guests frequently commend the comfortable beds, often featuring a firm mattress and soft pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Some rooms boast spacious bathrooms and even a bathtub, adding a touch of luxury. The provided good quality shower gel, shampoo, and lotion are also a highlight. However, a common point of contention is the small room size, with some feeling cramp or claustrophobic, and a few basic rooms lacking a window. Noise is a significant issue, stemming from a nearby karaoke center, corridors, street traffic, and even the lift, severely impacting sleep quality. Other reported issues include occasional dirty pillows, curly hair found in sheets, mould on walls or in showers, inconsistent air conditioning (either not cold or too strong/drying), and minor maintenance problems like loose shower taps or water splashing from the shower area due to poor design.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's strategic location is a major draw, consistently praised for its proximity to a vast array of eateries, cafes, and restaurants, offering diverse food options from morning till late night. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of popular food spots and a 7-11 convenience store. It is situated near the Pelangi area and is generally considered accessible to the CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) checkpoint, though some guests noted it's not directly adjacent. The availability of Grab service makes navigating to other parts of the city, including shopping malls, convenient. For those interested in local markets, a morning market operates nearby on specific days. However, guests should be aware that while the location is vibrant, it can also be subject to noisy traffic due to its central position. Parking is available, but it is typically paid street parking rather than free on-site options.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the friendly, helpful, and welcoming staff, highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to assist, such as providing a charger or quickly changing bed sheets. Some experienced smooth check-in and check-out processes. However, a significant number of reviews detail instances of terrible customer service, including rude receptionists who were sometimes not able to converse English well. Common complaints include slow check-in and check-out procedures, with guests often made to wait until the exact check-in time or for rooms to be inspected before check-out. Instances of unprofessional behavior, such as staff taking personal calls during check-in or not promptly returning identification documents, were reported. Guests also expressed frustration over staff handling of noise complaints, being asked for an additional deposit for an extra key, or being charged for a room upgrade to escape noise. Some also noted issues with privacy policy breaches and receiving wrong directions.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details for their stay. A deposit policy typically requires a cash payment of RM50 upon check-in, which may also be requested for amenities like an extra room key or a USB charger. There have been isolated reports of a strict toilet paper policy, limiting guests to one roll per day. A discrepancy exists regarding check-out time, with booking platforms sometimes stating 1 PM while hotel staff enforce 12 PM or "before 1 PM." The hotel embraces an eco-friendly water policy, providing refillable water bottles in rooms and water dispensers on each floor, meaning no bottled water is supplied. The hotel's distinctive industrial chic design is a recurring positive comment, extending from the lobby design with plants and a waiting area to the overall aesthetic. Guests should also note that some rooms, particularly basic ones, may lack a fridge.