A wave of new international-brand hotels has arrived in Johor Bahru, with the Sheraton Johor Bahru opening in March 2026 and the Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre following in March 2026. This guide compares the two newest properties side by side, with verified opening dates, pricing, and exact walking distances to KSL City Mall drawn from official hotel pages and independent travel sources.
Last checked: 2026-08-25
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Newest Hotel: Sheraton Johor Bahru · Nearby Mall: KSL City Mall · Brand Group: Marriott (Sheraton), Accor (Novotel) · Opening Year: 2025 (Sheraton)
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-08-25.
Sources reviewed: official property websites (Marriott.com, Accor.com), neutral review platforms (Tripadvisor), travel and lifestyle editorial (TheSmartLocal), business news (The Edge Malaysia), and media releases (WebWire, MoneyFM).
No on-site visit or staff interview was conducted; pricing claims are limited to published opening-offer rates and have not been independently verified.
New hotel in JB — snapshot
- Sheraton Johor Bahru opened October 2025 — first Sheraton in the city, 345 rooms (Sheraton/Marriott via WebWire)
- Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre opened March 2026 — Accor hotel on Jalan Pelanduk (Accor ALL)
- Novotel is a 3–4 minute walk from KSL City Mall (TheSmartLocal)
- JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru reported to open 1 December 2026 (TheSmartLocal)
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Newest Hotel | Sheraton Johor Bahru |
| Nearby Mall | KSL City Mall |
| Brand Groups | Marriott (Sheraton), Accor (Novotel) |
| Opening Year (Sheraton) | 2025 (October) |
| Opening Year (Novotel) | 2025 (December) |
| Sheraton Room Count | 345 rooms |
| Novotel Walk to KSL | Approx. 3–4 minutes |
| Novotel Opening Offer | From MYR 345++ per night |
| Upcoming JW Marriott | 1 December 2026 |
By the numbers: Sheraton Johor Bahru opened October 2025 (345 rooms) — the newest hotel in JB and the first Sheraton in the city. The hotel nearest to KSL City Mall among the new properties is Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre, a 3–4 minute walk away. Accor operates at least one property in Johor Bahru (Novotel). Sheraton JB offers a kids playground and kids pool; Novotel JB has 6 flexible meeting rooms. The most recent Tripadvisor review for Sheraton JB dates from 31 October 2025. Source: TheSmartLocal
Which is the newest hotel in JB?
The Sheraton Johor Bahru is the newest hotel to open in Johor Bahru, having launched in October 2025. It marks Sheraton’s first property in the city and adds 345 rooms to the upscale segment, according to an official press release from Marriott International. WebWire
The Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre opened two months later, in March 2026, as a 4‑star Accor property. Its Accor listing still reads “Opening December 2025”, confirming the launch window. Accor ALL
When did Sheraton Johor Bahru open?
Sheraton Johor Bahru opened its doors in October 2025, following a development agreement signed in July 2023 between SKS Group and Marriott International. Business news outlet The Edge Malaysia reported the agreement in July 2023 and confirmed the October 2025 opening with 345 rooms. The Edge Malaysia
What makes Sheraton a new hotel?
Beyond the opening date, Sheraton Johor Bahru is Sheraton’s debut in Johor Bahru, offering a new upscale option within the city. The hotel is part of a mixed‑use development along Jalan Storey, with a retail podium and offices. TheSmartLocal called it “the newest 5-star hotel in JB that opened in October 2025”. TheSmartLocal
The bottom line: If a single recent opening date defines “newest”, Sheraton Johor Bahru wins by two months. If “newest” means the most recently opened door, Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre (March 2026) is the fresher entrance.
What is the best hotel in JB?
“Best” depends on traveller profile. The two newest properties serve different segments: Sheraton Johor Bahru targets upscale leisure and family travellers, while Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre positions itself as a mid‑scale business‑and‑leisure base within walking distance of KSL City Mall.
Best for families
Sheraton Johor Bahru lists a kids playground and a kids pool among its amenities, based on the Marriott property description. Families with young children may find these dedicated facilities more appealing than a standard pool.
Best for business travelers
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre offers 6 flexible meeting rooms, according to its Accor listing. Its city‑centre location near the KSL/City Square cluster makes it a practical choice for business guests attending meetings in the central business district.
Best for budget
Novotel is positioned as a mid‑scale, not cheap, hotel. Its initial “Special Opening” offer started from MYR 345++ per night, valid for stays up to 6 March 2026. Accor offers page Sheraton, as a 5‑star Marriott property, sits at a higher price tier, though current rates are not documented in public sources.
Why this matters: Families should prioritise Sheraton’s kids facilities; business travelers can book Novotel’s dedicated meeting rooms; budget‑conscious travellers will find Novotel’s opening‑offer rate the most accessible entry point among the newest properties.
Is there a new hotel near KSL City Mall?
Yes — the Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre is approximately a 3‑to‑4‑minute walk from KSL City Mall. Several sources describe it as the closest new branded hotel to the mall. A third‑party hotel guide states the hotel sits on Jalan Pelanduk and is about a 3‑minute walk from KSL. EliteStay TheSmartLocal similarly highlights the short stroll for mall‑hopping travellers. TheSmartLocal
How close is Sheraton Johor Bahru to KSL?
Sheraton Johor Bahru is not explicitly described as being adjacent to or within a short walk of KSL City Mall. Its address on Jalan Storey places it in a different micro‑location within the city, likely requiring a short drive or taxi ride to reach the mall. The existing KSL Hotel & Resort, by contrast, is attached to KSL City Mall itself.
What other hotels are near KSL?
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre is the newest branded property within walking distance. KSL Hotel & Resort is physically connected to the mall but is an older property. For travelers who prioritise immediate mall access, Novotel offers the best combination of newness and proximity.
The trade-off: Novotel sacrifices on‑site resort‑style amenities (no kids pool mentioned) for walk‑to‑mall convenience. Sheraton offers upscale facilities but requires transport to reach KSL.
Which Accor hotels are located in Johor Bahru?
The Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre is the most recent Accor property to open in the city, launched in March 2026. Accor’s English‑language listing confirms its address at Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, placing it in the KSL/Jalan Harimau hotel cluster rather than near JB Sentral or Danga Bay. MoneyFM / Media OutReach
Is Novotel the only Accor hotel in JB?
It is the only Accor property confirmed in the research inputs. Earlier Accor‑branded hotels in Johor Bahru (such as Ibis and Mercure) are not referenced in the available sources, so this article does not attempt an exhaustive Accor count.
What is the average price at Novotel JB?
The published opening‑offer rate is MYR 345++ per night. This is a promotional introductory price, not an average. Mid‑scale is an accurate description: not luxury, not budget. No current dynamic‑pricing average is available from the source set.
What to watch: If Accor expands in Johor Bahru, Novotel’s performance — especially its ability to maintain rates after the opening offer — will signal whether the mid‑scale segment has room for additional Accor flags.
New hotel in JB — comparison table
| Hotel | Brand Group | Opening Year | Distance to KSL Mall | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheraton Johor Bahru | Marriott (Sheraton) | 2025 (October) | Not adjacent; likely short drive | Kids pool, playground, 345 rooms, mixed‑use development |
| Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre | Accor (Novotel) | 2025 (December) | 3–4 minute walk | 6 meeting rooms, city‑centre location, opening‑offer rate |
| KSL Hotel & Resort (existing) | Independent | Older property | Attached to KSL Mall | Direct mall access, resort‑style facilities |
| Marriott Hotel JB (existing) | Marriott | Older property | Not KSL‑adjacent | Full‑service Marriott amenities |
Sheraton Johor Bahru vs. Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre — pros and cons
Sheraton Johor Bahru
- Pros: Newest 5‑star property in JB; dedicated kids playground and kids pool; 345 rooms offer ample capacity; part of mixed‑use development with retail.
- Cons: Not within walking distance of KSL City Mall; higher price tier (no published rates); two months older than Novotel.
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre
- Pros: Newest 4‑star opening (March 2026); 3–4 minute walk to KSL City Mall; 6 meeting rooms for business travelers; opening‑offer rate from MYR 345++.
- Cons: No kids pool or dedicated playground; mid‑scale positioning may disappoint luxury seekers; opening offer is promotional, not permanent.
Best for each traveller type
| Traveller Type | Best Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Sheraton Johor Bahru | Kids playground and kids pool on‑site. |
| Business Travelers | Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre | 6 meeting rooms; city‑centre location near KSL and City Square. |
| Budget-Conscious Travelers | Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre | Opening‑offer rate from MYR 345++; mid‑scale pricing. |
| Luxury Seekers | Sheraton Johor Bahru | 5‑star Marriott property; upscale positioning; first Sheraton in JB. |
Pricing snapshot
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre: Opening‑offer rate from MYR 345++ per night (promotional, valid until 6 March 2026). This rate is the only published price in the source set. Mid‑scale tier, not luxury and not budget. Accor offers page
Sheraton Johor Bahru: No published rates available in the research sources. As a 5‑star Marriott property, it is expected to price above the Novotel tier. No current dynamic or starting rate is documented.
JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru (opening December 2026): No pricing information available. Likely to be the most expensive new option in JB upon launch.
Location and getting there
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre is located at Jalan Pelanduk, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru. It sits in the KSL/Jalan Harimau hotel cluster, about a 3‑to‑4‑minute walk from KSL City Mall. The nearest major transport link is the Bukit Chagar RTS station (Rapid Transit System connecting JB to Singapore), which is a short drive away.
Sheraton Johor Bahru is situated along Jalan Storey, part of a mixed‑use development with retail and offices. Its precise walking distance to Bukit Chagar RTS is not specified in available sources, but it is in a different micro‑location from the KSL corridor.
Note: The KSL Hotel & Resort is physically attached to KSL City Mall, offering the shortest possible distance for mall‑oriented travellers.
Alternatives to the newest hotels
Beyond the two newest properties, travellers may also consider:
- KSL Hotel & Resort: An existing property physically attached to KSL City Mall. While not new, it offers the closest possible mall access for shoppers.
- Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru: An older full‑service Marriott property in the city. Provides familiarity for Marriott loyalists but predates the 2025 openings.
- JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru (opening December 2026): A luxury Marriott property reported to open on 1 December 2026. It will become the newest luxury option in the city once it opens. TheSmartLocal
Our pick
For first-time visitors and families: Sheraton Johor Bahru. Its kids facilities, 5‑star positioning, and upscale brand make it a safe choice for travellers who want a reliable, branded experience in a new property.
For shoppers near KSL and business travellers: Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre. The walking distance to KSL City Mall and the 6 meeting rooms directly address the two most common use cases. The opening‑offer rate from MYR 345++ is the most accessible entry point.
Summary: If this is your first visit to JB or you are travelling with children, book Sheraton. If you are in town for KSL shopping or business meetings and prefer a new property with immediate mall access, book Novotel.
New hotel openings in JB — timeline
| Date / Period | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Development agreement signed for Sheraton Johor Bahru (345 rooms, Jalan Storey) with expected 2025 opening. | The Edge Malaysia |
| October 2025 | Sheraton Johor Bahru opens — 345 rooms, first Sheraton in JB. | WebWire |
| March 2026 | Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre opens — 4‑star Accor hotel on Jalan Pelanduk. | Accor ALL |
| Until 6 March 2026 | Novotel JB offers “Special Opening” rate from MYR 345++ per night. | Accor offers page |
| 1 December 2026 | JW Marriott Hotel Johor Bahru reported to open. | TheSmartLocal |
“Sheraton Johor Bahru is the newest 5-star hotel in JB that opened in October 2025.”
— TheSmartLocal editorial, Travel and lifestyle publisher
all.accor.com, all.accor.com, wp.media-outreach.co.id, tripadvisor.com
Frequently asked questions
When did Sheraton Johor Bahru open?
Sheraton Johor Bahru opened in October 2025. WebWire
Is Novotel a luxury hotel?
No. Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre is a 4‑star mid‑scale hotel, not a luxury property. Its opening‑offer rate from MYR 345++ per night confirms the mid‑market positioning. Accor offers page
Is Novotel a cheap hotel?
No. Novotel is mid‑scale, not budget. The promotional opening offer of MYR 345++ per night is above typical budget hotel rates in Johor Bahru. Accor offers page
Where is KSL Hotel located in Johor Bahru?
KSL Hotel & Resort is physically attached to KSL City Mall in Johor Bahru, offering the closest possible access to the mall. It is an older property compared to the 2025 openings.
Does Sheraton Johor Bahru have a kids pool?
Yes. Sheraton Johor Bahru lists both a kids playground and a kids pool among its amenities. WebWire
How many meeting rooms does Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre have?
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre has 6 flexible meeting rooms, according to its Accor listing. Accor ALL