Johor Bahru is known for its gorgeous temples, Grand Palace (also known as Istana Besar), and the causeway that connects it to Singapore, making it an accessible destination for short getaways and romantic holidays. While you’re here, we would also like you to visit Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque to admire its gorgeous combination of Victorian, Moorish, and Malaysian style of architecture and take in the breathtaking view of the straits of Johor.
The city also has one-of-a-kind hotels with themed rooms and unique concepts. Intrigued yet? Keep reading to learn more about the most unique hotels in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Unique attractions in Johor Bahru:
- The photogenic Umbrella Alley Muar features walls with amazing street art and colorful umbrellas suspended above, making for an unmissable spot for photographers.
- Certified as the world's first glass temple, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Temple is another must-visit site with walls, ceiling, and pillars covered in stained glass mirrors.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on June 26, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Accommodation | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Legoland Malaysia Resort | LEGO-themed rooms and interiors | from USD 227 |
| Midori Concept Hotel | Eco-friendly hotel with botanical design | from USD 53 |
| TROVE Johor Bahru | Rooms with themes highlighting Johor's culture and heritage | from USD 66 |
| I am Jazz Hotel | Jazz-inspired design and decor featuring famous musicians | from USD 38 |
| Eco Bed and Breakfast | Unique bed frames, plants in every room, sustainable concept | - |
Why you should stay in a unique accommodation
Cultural immersion: Some accommodations are designed to provide a deep dive into local culture, offering authentic experiences like traditional meals, cultural performances, and local tours.
Connection to nature: Many unique accommodations provide a more secluded and peaceful environment than large hotels, perfect for relaxation. Options such as treehouses, cabins, and glamping sites bring you closer to nature, letting you fully appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Thematic experiences: From pirate-themed ships to medieval castles, unique accommodations can transport you to a different time or place, providing a fun and memorable experience.
Instagram-worthy moments: Many unique accommodations offer picturesque backdrops, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, staying somewhere distinctive enhances your travel story and makes your trip stand out.
How we choose the best unique accommodations
When selecting the best unique accommodations, we consider various factors to ensure that each recommendation aligns with the preferences and expectations of discerning travelers. Our criteria include:
Regional uniqueness: We prioritize accommodations that are rare or uncommon, offering something distinct that sets them apart from the typical hotel experience.
Architecture and design: We look for properties with unique structures, themed rooms, custom-made decor, artistic elements, or integration of local cultural influences that differentiate the property from typical buildings in the region.
Special experiences: We evaluate the unique experiences offered by the property, including bespoke services, exclusive dining options, as well as extraordinary amenities like underwater spas or private art galleries.
Exclusive location: We seek accommodations situated in unusual or extraordinary settings, such as remote, scenic, or culturally significant areas, providing guests with immersive cultural experiences and extraordinary views.
Overall value: We also evaluate each property’s accessibility, guest experiences, service quality, comfort, and overall quality relative to its price.
By considering these factors, we aim to recommend accommodations that offer an unforgettable stay.
1. The Legoland Malaysia Resort (from USD 292)
What makes it unique?
- Themed rooms: Guests can choose from rooms with themes such as pirate treasures, kingdom, Ninjago, LEGO Friends, and more
- LEGO-themed interiors: Hotel features a lobby with a LEGO Pirate Ship and LEGO castle playground and an entrance with sculptures, and even organizes fun meet and greets with LEGO characters
- Exclusive amenities: We find it really cool how each room comes with a secret treasure chest containing exclusive LEGO merchandise that guests can use clues around the room to open
Potential trade-offs
- Past guests have noted that the hotel's interiors are a bit dated
- Not suited for guests who prefer a quieter atmosphere
Insta-worthy corners
- Take candid photos of yourself and your loved ones in the vibrant themed rooms
- Attend meet and greets with your favorite LEGO characters for photos you'll cherish forever
- Visit the theme park for family fun and pictures together
2. Midori Concept Hotel (from USD 53)
What makes it unique?
- Botanical garden-inspired interiors: Hotel features a unique botanical design that incorporates greenery into the interiors
- Eco-friendly initiatives: Hotel is committed to sustainability, using energy-saving appliances and having an indoor nano garden to purify the air
- Elegant suites: Suites are designed with a luxurious Victorian aesthetic, including elegant headboards and classic furnishings
Potential trade-offs
- No fitness center, pool, or spa
- No restaurant on site
Insta-worthy corners
- The lush plant-filled spaces make for perfect Instagram shots
- Capture the classic beauty of the intricately designed interiors with stylish vintage furnishings
3. TROVE Johor Bahru (from USD 48)
What makes it unique?
- Themed rooms: Hotel offers 283 rooms designed around five unique themes inspired by Johor's rich history and local heritage—geometrical designs, colorful art, symbols of the city's past, greenery, and local luxury
- Gastronomic delights: Dining options include signature dishes such as TROVE Signature Pizza and Pasta Lemak River Prawn & Mussel, and weekend buffet lunches and dinners
- Event-friendly spaces: Hotel has event spaces to suit both large and small meetings, along with the pillar-less Grand Columbus Ballroom equipped with the latest technology
Potential trade-offs
- No soundproofing
- Only one restaurant on site
Insta-worthy corners
- The unique themed rooms provide an excellent backdrop for capturing Johor's heritage through modern design
- The eighth-floor swimming pool is a great spot to take pictures of the the city from up above
4. I am Jazz Hotel (from USD 38)
What makes it unique?
- Jazz-themed apartment: Interiors have photos of famous jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong, while rooms feature photos of musical instruments
- Personalized service: Hotel only has 46 rooms, ensuring personalized attention from staff
- Relaxation amenities: Hotel provides a garden oasis and entertainment options such as a gift and souvenir shop and lounge areas for relaxation
Potential trade-offs
- Soundproofing is not that great
- No mini fridge in the room
Insta-worthy corners
- Hunt for photos of your favorite jazz musicians to pose next to, then share it with us on the Gram
- The hotel's comfortable lounge area with plush, vintage chairs is a great spot for relaxed photos
Posted by I am Jazz Boutique Hotel on Thursday, October 10, 2013
5. Eco Bed and Breakfast
What makes it unique?
- Unique design: Hotel has five kinds of rooms with unique bed frames, some of which have rocking mechanisms to help you sleep
- Sustainable concept: In order to reduce its carbon footprint, the hotel uses locally sourced raw materials and products and serves fully vegetarian breakfasts
- Heritage elements: Every room has a traditional labu sayong (water pitcher made from clay) that offers cool water to guests
Potential trade-offs
- No fitness center or pool on site
- We think nonvegetarians might not like the vegetarian food
Insta-worthy corners
- The property has a lush garden for nature photography
- Capture the aesthetic rooms with stark white walls and interesting bedframes
A fruitful n smooth day of shooting for our clients from hemitokids.com
Posted by Eco Bnb Wellness on Thursday, April 8, 2021
Eco Bed and Breakfast
Address: No. 42 Jalan Setia Tropika 9/6, Taman Setia Tropika, Kempas, Kempas, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 81200
Escape to Johor Bahru
Enjoy a fun mix of Malaysian hospitality and unique amenities at Johor Bahru’s best hotels. From indoor gardens to secret treasure chests, the possibilities are endless. All you have to do is book one of the above properties, pack your bags, and set off on a memorable vacation in the city!
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