It’s
a homecoming of sorts at DoubleTree by Hilton in the capital city of Johor Baru…
Jalan
Ngee Heng, on which the DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru is located, is more
than familiar to me because I used to live on the opposite side of this road.
 |
| A warm giant chocolate chip cookie, the signature welcome of DoubleTree by Hilton JB |
More
than two years ago, when hotel general manager, Simon McGrath, took me on a
sneak peek of the hotel in its pre-opening stages, I told him that I used to
live in this area with my grandparents.
My
grandfather’s house, a bungalow with an adjacent badminton court, was
demolished in 1977 for the construction of the present highway.
Recently
I accepted McGrath’s invitation for a hotel staycation and am delighted to read
his handwritten welcome note: “Welcome back to DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru,
the hotel across the road from your childhood home.”
Warm
Welcome
 |
| Hotel GM Simon McGrath, at the hotel entrance on Jalan Ngee Heng, Johor Baru |
At
the reception counter, I check-in smoothly and the receptionist takes time to
advise me about my breakfast options, either the breakfast buffet in the Makan
Kitchen or an exclusive spread at the Executive Lounge on Level 29.
Aware
of how guests may be attached to their handphones, the receptionist also guides
me with the simple steps to log into the hotel’s complimentary wireless
internet service.
Besides
handing me the keycard, I also receive a signature giant chocolate chip cookie
in its greaseproof packet; it still feels warm in my hand.
The
concierge staff approaches me to offer help with my luggage bag but I politely
decline because it’s really lightweight and I also want the experience of finding
my own way to the room.
 |
| A choice of pillows for me! |
Walking
to the room, my thoughts drift to pillows because I know a good night’s sleep will
let me wake up refreshed. Everyone may have a preferred type of pillow for their
best comfort and I often advise hotels to stock a range of pillows to offer
guests like me, a choice to pick from a Pillow Menu.
I
step into the room and my eyes are riveted to the welcome note from McGrath on
the table. Feeling warmly welcomed by
his written note, I turn to find a stack of extra pillows on the bed. I can’t
help smiling because the hotel was certainly listening when I told them about
providing a choice of pillows!
Dining
Pleasure
 |
| Gwen and I shared an elegant High Tea |
A
staycation doesn’t mean I must laze around so I arrange a meeting for 4pm at
the Axis Lounge. My friend, Gwen, joins
me at the lounge and we are thrilled at the prospect of having our meeting over
an elegant afternoon tea set for two [RM58 nett].
We
pick our choice of freshly brewed Lively Lime and Orange Fusion tea from the
range of Dilmah Premium Tea [RM18] and let it infuse while we talked. It’s all very civilized as we nibble on our
tarts, sandwiches, canapes, cream puffs, bruschetta and two types of scones
served with cream and jam.
Then
I am invited by Executive Chef Jaffery Othman to dine at Tosca. I know that chefs are like artists and need
to express their creativity and it’s an opportunity for him to create some
extraordinary dishes that are off the regular menu.
So
tonight I’m seated at the poolside terrace, cooled by balmy breezes and ready
to be wowed. A visiting photographer, Jeremy Lee, who’s also staying with the
hotel, joins me for dinner.
 |
| The poolside section of Tosca |
Chef
Jaffery certainly outdoes himself as dish after dish is served. An appetizer of Goat Cheese Panna-cotta
drizzled in tomato essence is followed by Beef Short-rib on sweet potato mash,
Ocean Trout with tomato relish, Turkey Ham-Cheese-Pineapple calizone and then a
deliciously light pasta tossed in olive oil and butter, garnished with salmon
chips and deep-fried basil leaves.
I’m
sitting back and smacking my lips when Chef Jaffery comes to the table,
wreathed in smiles and perspiring quite profusely from his efforts. He graciously
accepts my compliments before returning to the kitchen to whip up a delightful
macchiato dessert to end the meal sweetly.
I’m impressed at how the chef wasted no effort to give me such an
amazing dining experience!
 |
| View of JB from the Executive Lounge on Level 29 |
After
a comfortable night, I’m ready for a light breakfast. At the Executive Lounge on
Level 29, I’m shown to a table by the window and as I sip my fresh brew of
coffee, I’m enjoying the panoramic view of old and new developments in Johor
Baru. When I look down, the view
directly below is the site of our grandfather’s house!
Heritage
Walk
When
I share the story behind the name of the road where the hotel is located, I see
that it evokes Lee’s interest. I know there’s no better way to share a slice of
JB’s heritage with him than to go for a walk through our Street of Harmony and the
city’s heritage quarter.
 |
| In-room dining for a leisurely breakfast |
Armed
with his camera, Lee joins me on a walk down Jalan Ngee Heng that links to
Jalan Trus and onwards to Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. He stops every now and then to
snap photographs. We pop into the JB
Chinese Heritage Museum where the exhibits are the answers to his questions.
We
slip into Jalan Dhoby and hike up Jalan Duke for a closer view of the majestic
Sultan Ibrahim Building and the adjacent Johor Military Forces barracks before
heading down the flight of stairs that border Galleria Kotaraya to reach Jalan
Trus again.
I
tell Lee about my visit to JB’s poor man’s pub and his interest prompts me to
show him the toddy shop at Jalan Sulaiman. But we arrive at the shop to find it
closed. It’s disappointing but this also
gives us reason to return again.
We
make our way back to the hotel and the comfort of the Executive Lounge where we
continue talking about the city’s heritage over tall refreshing drinks.
Fast Facts:
DoubleTree by
Hilton Johor Baru
No. 12 Jalan Ngee
Heng
80000 Johor Baru,
Johor
Tel: 607 – 268
6868
Fax: 607 – 268
6888
Email:
JohorBahru.Info@hilton.com
Website: www.JohorBahru.DoubleTree.com
STAY
A
range of 333 well- appointed guest rooms and suites including 20 apartment
suites.
EAT
Makan Kitchen
[Local cuisine in a live, interactive kitchen], Tosca Italian Trattoria, The
Food Store [Grab & Go casual café] and Axis Lounge [Afternoon Tea and
Drinks]
DO
Swimming,
24-hour gym, steam rooms and whirlpools.
GO
Johor
Baru’s Street of Harmony and heritage quarter, KOMTAR Johor Baru City Centre,
Angry Birds Activity Park and Johor Baru City Square Mall.
HIGHS
Non-Smoking
Floors, Executive Lounge, 24-hour in-room dining, wireless internet access,
in-room safe, walking distance to nearby attractions in the city.
LOWS
Building
construction and upgrading road works nearby at no discomfort to hotel guests.
RATES
Start
from RM 320++
A version of this was published in The New Straits Times, Life & Times on 27 April 2017
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