Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor by Shangri-La

Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour is one gorgeously decorated property that's anything but cookie-cutter -- and that's a feat in this region of budget and mid-range properties. The level of style is apparent right away, as the lobby is tricked out with cool undulating details, huge accent rugs covered in playful patterns, and chic sofas and plush seats scattered all over to create a fun, hip vibe. Soft tropical tones like teal and turquoise are found throughout and paired with natural elements like stone and wood. Of course, the decor pays tribute to the property's location right next to the water, and reminds guests to kick back and chill out while staying here. While Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour draws a number of business travelers, it's a place that really attracts families as theme parks are nearby. Plus, the hotel has vibrant themed rooms featuring popular characters like Hello Kitty, and a handful of facilities just for kids on-site, such as a kids' pool and a kids' corner in the lobby that has a TV, beanbags, and soft toys. 

Being next to Puteri Harbor and close to numerous theme parks (Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is a minute away and Legoland is a six-minute-drive), this Hotel Jen is fairly well situated. There's a row of waterfront restaurants and bars a minute away along the harbor on foot, though you'll want a car or taxi to get anywhere else. The nearest major shopping mall, Aeon Bukit Indah, is 15 to 20 minutes away by car. Horizon Hills, a well-known golf club, is only a 10-minute drive from Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour. For those heading to Singapore via car, getting to Tuas Checkpoint (via the Second Link Bridge that connects Malaysia to Singapore) takes 20 minutes, and Changi Airport is about an hour away. For public trains and buses, JB Sentral in downtown Johor is a 30-minuted drive from the hotel. Johor's Senai International Airport is 25 minutes from Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour.

Guest rooms at Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour are spacious and contemporary, a fact that alone sets them apart from so many of the options in the area. Expect a mix of earthy and soft tropical tones paired with neutral shades like cream, taupe, and gray. Other details, like hardwood flooring, give the rooms a polished, high-end finish. Decorative pieces, like the metallic schools of fish (or bubbles) on the walls above the beds, again pay homage to the hotel's location -- a nice touch that adds life to the rooms. Bathrooms, however, are on the plain side, with beige walls, floors, and surfaces, plus warm lighting that illuminate corners and sides of the vanity mirrors.

Categories vary according to room size, harbor or city views, and perks for guests staying in Club-level rooms and above (more on this late). Standard amenities for all units include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, safes, irons and ironing boards, bathrobes, slippers, mini-fridges, hairdryers, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and sofa beds. Higher-tier rooms also add coffee machines, minibars, in-bathroom sound systems, and automated toilets. All bathrooms have rainfall showers and hand-held showers, magnifying mirrors, while some units come with bathtubs.

For families, the themed rooms are a fun option. Available in Deluxe and Premier categories, these units are playfully decorated and feature characters like Hello Kitty. Standard in-room amenities remain the same, but there are some additions, like gift bags and themed toiletries.

The Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour has a number of excellent features that set it above the pack, starting with multiple restaurants. There's the Lobby Lounge for burgers and milkshakes; takeaway spot On-the-Go; and the rooftop restaurant and lounge, SkyBar, which specializes in cocktails, grilled fare, and seafood. Harbour Cafe offers both local and international dishes all day long, and is home to the hotel's daily buffet breakfast. Keep in mind that breakfast can be a busy affair.

Club-level guests (and those staying in suites) can head to the Club Lounge for breakfast away from the crowds at Harbour Cafe. The Club Lounge also offers express check-in and check-out, plus a free library, lounge area, and a few workstations. Club-level guests also receive other perks, like free evening cocktails and snacks and free iPad rentals to stream Netflix (if staying for more than seven days). Non-Club-level guests can pay for per-day use of the Club Lounge is they want to access it.

One great highlight of the hotel is the rooftop pools, all of which look out to the harbor. There are three pools in total, all located adjacent to each other, including an infinity pool, whirlpool, and kids' pool. There are plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas here, and there's also a lifeguard on duty. Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour has a spa as well, plus a spacious and well-equipped fitness center with towels, machines, weights, mats, and exercise balls. The fitness center also features a charging station -- similar ones can be found in other common spaces of the hotel as well, including the Club Lounge and the lobby.

On-site there are a number of meeting rooms and event spaces for corporate functions and small weddings (like the hotel's rooftop garden). Free shuttle services are provided from the hotel to Legoland. There is 24/7 room service, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.