Marriott International, Inc. today announced the signing of an agreement with YTL Hotels to bring JW Marriott to Johor Bahru.
Following a strategic conversion of the former Thistle Johor Bahru, the JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru is expected to open by December 2026. This landmark signing signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the city, underscoring both companies’ shared commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across Malaysia.
“Marriott is pleased to deepen our relationship with YTL Hotels through the signing of JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru,” said Rajeev Menon, President – Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “This signing represents a strategic expansion of the brand in Malaysia, reinforcing our commitment to bringing transformative luxury experiences to destinations of growing business and leisure demand. Johor Bahru’s strong connectivity and rising profile as a cross-border hub makes it a natural fit for JW Marriott’s thoughtful and inspired brand positioning”.
Dato’ Mark Yeoh Seok Kah, Executive Director, YTL Hotels – “YTL Hotels is delighted to continue our long-standing collaboration with Marriott International with the signing of JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru. This project reflects our shared vision of creating enduring value through world-class hospitality experiences and underscores Johor Bahru’s emergence as a dynamic destination for discerning travelers. We look
forward to transforming this hotel into a sanctuary of modern luxury that embodies the essence of JW Marriott”.
Currently undergoing a transformative renovation, JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru is set to usher in a new era of sophisticated luxury in the heart of the city. Spanning 1.9 hectares and expected to feature 410 keys, the hotel is slated to embody the brand’s signature focus on holistic well-being, intuitive service, and timeless design to deliver a comprehensive urban resort experience catering to both leisure and business travelers. Each guest room anticipates to feature contemporary interiors, elevated
amenities, and panoramic views.
As part of the enhancements, plans also include for the hotel to feature an Executive Lounge, offering a refined retreat for travelers seeking exclusivity, personalized service, and curated culinary offerings. Guests can also look forward to an impressive array of facilities, including one tennis court, three pickleball courts, an outdoor resort-style swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a signature Spa featuring five treatment rooms and hydrothermal amenities. Crafted to host a wide spectrum of
distinguished gatherings, social and event space at the hotel is slated to boast 2,517 square meters, including a 900-square-meter grand ballroom, a 600-square-meter junior ballroom, and 16 versatile meeting rooms.
Plans for other facilities enhancing guest experience includes a dedicated Kids’ Club, and a curated selection of dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, bakery and retail coffee kiosk, Chinese Restaurant, a Smokehouse and a Lobby Lounge.
Offering guests a moment of calm amidst the city’s vibrant energy, the hotel also anticipates to introduce the brand’s signature JW Garden, a tranquil green space that reflects the brand’s commitment to mindful living and sustainability.
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Jalan Sungai Chat and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru is set to offer seamless access to the city’s key commercial, leisure, and transport hubs. Just minutes from the upcoming Bukit Chagar Singapore – Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS) Station, the CIQ checkpoint, and Senai International Airport, its prime location places guests within easy reach of
Johor Bahru’s vibrant attractions. From the bustling café culture of Jalan Wong Ah Fook to the retail haven of Mid Valley Southkey and the family-favorite LEGOLAND® Malaysia, all within a 10 to 20-minute drive. As Johor Bahru continues to evolve into a dynamic gateway between Malaysia and Singapore, the hotel is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s hospitality future.
The upcoming JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru will mark the second JW Marriott property in Malaysia, joining the iconic JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This addition will further enrich Marriott’s distinguished luxury portfolio in the country, which already includes The St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and W Hotels. The project reflects the company’s ongoing confidence in Malaysia’s tourism growth trajectory and aligns with its strategy to expand its luxury footprint across the Asia Pacific region. As anticipation
builds, the new hotel is set to elevate Johor Bahru’s standing as a premier destination for discerning global travelers.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of over 9,700 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 143 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 125 JW Marriott hotels in 40 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul.
Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition.
To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
About YTL Hotels
YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences, and Spa Villages, with a hospitality footprint across Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. With over 35 properties and more than 7,000 rooms, YTL Hotels continues to redefine luxury and authentic experiences across the globe. Notable properties include Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the World’s Best Resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK and ranked among the Top 20 Best Resorts in Asia in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards US. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s prestigious collection, was ranked the 6th Best Hotel in the UK in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Awards. It has also been consistently listed as one of the Top Des3na3on Spa Resorts in the World in both the 2022 and 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards US.
Additionally, both The Gainsborough Bath Spa in the UK and Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton
Reserve in Japan, have earned the prestigious Michelin Key. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui was recognised in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards US as one of the Top 15 Best Resorts in Thailand.
Furthermore, Monkey Island Estate, Gaya Island Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui have been named in the 2025 edi3on of Fodor’s Finest as some of the Most Incredible Hotels in the World.
YTL Hotels’ portfolio embodies the brand’s promise of “Treasured Places, Treasured Moments” and includes the ownership and management of several Marriott International properties in Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, and Australia. This also encompasses distinctive hotels under the Autograph Collection and AC Hotels banners.
Notable properties within the Marriott International partnership include The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, and Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur. The collaboration further features prominent hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, and Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which was named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2021. As Japan’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, it plays a key role in YTL Hotels’ master plan for Niseko Village.
With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character, and tradi3on of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.
Visit ytlhotels.com for more information .
