When
my cousins told me about their plan to take advantage of the Sale happening at
the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO), I promptly suggested that we stay with the
Impiana Hotel in Senai.
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| The deluxe guest room with a king-size bed |
That’s
because its location is close to the city’s latest shopping and leisure
attraction, Paradigm Mall.
Being
brand-conscious shoppers, my cousins’ shopping strategy is to seek out the best
bargains for a range of branded items at JPO before heading over to explore the
new mall.
Our
rendezvous at this hotel is simply ideal because we, the serious shoppers, don’t
want to waste any precious shopping time commuting from one mall to another.
I’m
sitting on the comfortable sofa in the hotel lobby and can see through the
wall-to-ceiling glass panels for a view of the porch where the fountain is merrily
splashing. Then an airport taxi drives into the porch and I jump up to greet my
three cousins who are safely here!
In-room
Comfort
 |
| Facade of Impiana Senai Hotel |
We
check into our adjacent rooms, a Deluxe Twin and Deluxe King – conveniently
connected by opening both the side doors in our rooms – and are thrilled to be
together again.
This
new hotel is the first business-class hotel in Senai and it’s always fun to
check out the room amenities. So we explore the tastefully furnished rooms to
find a room safe as well as a handy ironing board with an iron, in each room.
While
I make it a priority to test the pillows, my cousins discover how firm the beds
feel and how soft and luxurious the comforters are.
All
this is vital for serious shoppers (like us!) who know how important it is to
have a good night’s rest before we head out for our shopping adventure.
I
only see the jug on the counter so I put water to boil while I look around for
the tea and coffee making items. Then I discover a pair of tall ceramic mugs
and a pair of glass tumblers with the makings for coffee and tea, all neatly
arranged within a drawer.
 |
| A view of the Pulai Range from the hotel swimming pools |
I
like this sense of space-saving in a hotel room. Likewise in the bathroom, I
look around for similar storage spaces and happily discover a smaller drawer where
the extra toilet roll and set of toiletries are tidily stored.
All
of us made quite a crowd in the bathroom but we agreed to give full marks to
the hotel for the good lighting above the bathroom sink. That’s because we know
how the good light helps us see better when we are (Ahem!) ‘putting on our
faces!’
Johor Trends
 |
| Freshly brewed Johor brand coffee at The Living Room |
A visit to Johor is not complete without a taste of Johor so
we head to the café on the lobby level to check out the menu.
We
are ushered into The Living Room, a lounge next to The Tiffin, for afternoon
tea. The staff introduces their menu of warm beverages and highly recommends a
choice of Johor coffees – either Kluang coffee or Muar coffee.
I’m
familiar with the taste of both these popular local coffee brands and am
pleased that the hotel is promoting local fare to their guests.
 |
| Buffet spreads served at The Tiffin |
I also like how the coffee is served in
old-fashioned ceramic cups and saucers – just as in traditional kopitiam (coffee-shops) – and how the
coffee is topped by a layer of froth, probably because the barista cannot
resist pulling (tarik!) the coffee in
the local way to create a better presentation!
When
we learnt that dinner can also be served at The Pool, the dining area by the swimming
pools, we opted to dine there later so we pre-ordered items in a Tiffin Set
Meal to share.
We cannot help but notice how the hotel is
preserving Johor heritage in their own way – from the Johor specialties served
in their café menu as well as from the names they have given to their event
halls – Maharani (Muar!), Mersing, Endau and Senai – after Johor towns.
 |
| Local Malay favourites served in charming, traditional tiffin carriers! |
The highlight of our stay must be the delightful dinner
of local Malay favourites from The Tiffin that is aptly served from charming,
traditional tiffin carriers!
The set meal comprises popular Johor specialties with steamed
white rice presented in a cone of banana leaf with a shot glass of sambal belacan on the side. A generous
portion of fried fish crackers and ulam
or local green salad with slices of tempe,
tofu and wedge of salted egg.
As the serving staff unlocks the tiffin carrier, the aroma
escapes and our mouths water just anticipating the taste of the spicy (Fish) Ikan Assam
Pedas made with slices of Red Snapper, Prawns in Sambal Petai and (Chicken) Ayam Lemak Chili Padi in a rich and spicy coconut gravy.
Our meal together is like a balm for diners homesick for Johor
food and as casual as dining at home on mother’s cooking. But here, we have a
refreshing mocktail dubbed Senai Sours
to help put out the ‘fire’ from the spicy but delicious gravies!
Impiana Hotel
Senai
Jalan Impian Senai
Utama 2, Taman Impian Senai, 81400 Senai, Johor
Tel: +607 595 8899
Fax: +607 595 8989
Email: info.ihs@impiana.com
Website:
www.impiana.com
STAY
A total of 172
guest and club rooms, and six executive suites equipped with dedicated
workspace, high-speed internet access and modern amenities with ensuite
bathrooms.
EAT
Food &
Beverage outlets: The Tiffin, The Living Room, The Terrace and The Pool
DO
Infinity Swimming
Pool, Gym and Chill Reflexology & Spa
GO
Just nine minutes
driving distance to Johor Premium Outlets, an international shopping
destination and Johor Baru’s latest shopping and leisure attraction, Paradigm
Mall.
HIGHS
Hotel
provides complimentary transport in a daily schedule to Johor Premium Outlets
on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
LOWS
The hotel is
situated by a dual carriageway on the Johor Baru - Senai Highway and drivers
have to negotiate a U-turn to reach the hotel.
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