Escape to Paradise: HAVONA Boutique Hotel, Johor Bahru
Escape to Paradise: HAVONA Boutique Hotel, Johor Bahru
Escape To Paradise: HAVONA Boutique Hotel – My Unfiltered Take (Prepare for Rambling!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just returned from escaping to almost paradise – the HAVONA Boutique Hotel in Johor Bahru. Full disclosure: I'm not usually one for Johor Bahru, feels a bit… industrial. But hey, needs must, and this place intrigued me. Let's break it down, shall we, because let's be honest, hotel reviews are like dating apps – you need the real dirt. And I'm here to deliver.
SEO-Bombing This Review! (Just Kidding… Mostly)
Alright, alright, I know you're here for the facts. So, here's the keyword-packed, SEO-friendly intro – in case Google’s bots are watching. We're talking Johor Bahru hotels, boutique hotel Johor Bahru, accessible hotels Johor Bahru, HAVONA Hotel review, plus all the juicy amenities like pool, spa, free Wi-Fi, and everything in between. Consider this your comprehensive HAVONA guide!
Accessibility: Trying to be inclusive… But it's complicated.
Accessibility: Alright, let's tackle the elephant in the room. They claim accessibility ("Facilities for disabled guests"), but I didn't get a fully accessible room. Elevator is a big plus for getting around, but I didn't see any specific ramps etc. This is a major point of improvement – make sure you check the actual details before booking if accessibility is crucial.
Wheelchair Accessible: I didn't personally experience it, so I can't give a definitive answer, but I strongly recommend contacting the hotel directly for specific room features and ensuring it aligns with your needs.
My Chaotic, Honest Experience
Here is the truth; this won't be some sterile, perfectly polished review. Life isn't like that, and neither is travelling.
First Impressions: The Good, The… Okay.
Stepping into HAVONA felt like… well, an escape. The lobby is clean and modern, the staff were generally lovely (even if a little too eager to please which I did appreciate). My initial reaction? "Alright, this could work."
The Room: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and Annoyances
- Cleanliness: Top marks! My room was spotless. They clearly take cleanliness seriously. Really reassuring. Also, the “Rooms sanitized between stays” tag is a big plus these days.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! Absolutely essential. And it actually worked, which, let's be honest, is a massive win in some hotels. I streamed my terrible reality TV shows like a pro.
- Internet Access [LAN]: It's there if you need it, but who uses LAN anymore? Lol.
- Things to do, ways to relax: This is where HAVONA starts to shine. They've got a decent pool (more on that later), a gym, and a spa.
- The Room Itself: Spacious, well-appointed. I loved the blackout curtains (crucial for a good sleep, especially if you're battling jet lag, which I totally was.) The bed was comfy. The pillows, though? A bit lumpy. You know those pillows you can almost get comfortable on? Ugh.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good, but I did hear some hallway noise at like 3 a.m. from some rowdy kids. It happens. Hotel life.
Food, Glorious, Mostly Okay Food! (And My Coffee Obsession)
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, let's talk grub. The breakfast buffet (Asian and Western options!) was extensive, but the quality was… inconsistent. Some days it was amazing, the next, a bit sad.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: I got hooked on this, however. I was constantly thirsty, this was my weakness.
- A la carte in restaurant: The evening meals were solid, nothing mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable. Good for a quick bite after a long day of… whatever you do in JB (shopping? I dunno).
- Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver! Especially when you just want to hide in your room and binge-watch Netflix.
The Pool: My Personal Oasis (Mostly)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is where HAVONA really scores. The outdoor pool is gorgeous, with a view (though ‘with a view’ is stretching it a bit - it’s a view of other buildings!). The poolside bar is well stocked – perfect for a sundowner.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Especially after a day of… exploring.
- The Perfect Moment: I'll tell you a little story. Picture this: Late afternoon, sun setting, a gentle breeze, and a perfectly chilled glass of whatever-I-was-drinking-that-day in hand. Bliss. Then, a rogue kid cannonballs in, soaking me. Okay moment ruined! But still overall, it was a great pool. Seriously.
The Spa: Body Scrub, Body Wrap… and a Moment of Pure Relaxation (The Only Reason I Didn't Give a 5-Star)
- Spa. The treatment was amazing! My body scrub was a revelation.
- Massage: I also got a massage – a little too expensive. However, the whole spa vibe was incredibly relaxing. One of the highlights of my trip.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Modern Traveler's Obsessions
- Cleanliness and safety: Major points here. They are all over it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products Check
- Daily disinfection in common areas Check
- Hand sanitizer Check
- Staff trained in safety protocol Check
- Rooms sanitized between stays Check
- Safe dining setup Check
- The only things I can complain about? Some of the staff looked a bit bored. It's understandable.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Concierge: Super helpful with booking taxis and providing local recommendations.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless and attentive.
- Elevator: Yay!
- Luggage storage: Very useful.
The Annoyances (Because No Hotel is Perfect)
- The Pillows: See above. Seriously, invest in better pillows!
- The Noise: Sometimes walls are thin and noise is a problem.
My Unfiltered Feelings and Final Verdict:
Look, HAVONA isn't perfect. But it's a solid, reliable choice for a stay in Johor Bahru. It's clean, comfortable, has a great pool, and the spa is divine. Would I go back? Probably. Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway and don’t mind a few minor imperfections. This is my honest opinion.
So, Here's My Honest Offer to You (and Why You Should Book Now)
Escape to Paradise (or at least, Johor Bahru) with HAVONA Boutique Hotel!
Are you craving a relaxing escape? Looking for a clean, comfortable hotel with a fantastic pool and spa? Then HAVONA is calling your name!
Here's the deal:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness and Safety: Rest easy knowing HAVONA prioritizes your well-being with rigorous cleaning protocols and safety measures.
- Indulge Yourself: Take a dip in the stunning outdoor pool, then relax in the spa. You deserve it.
- Stay Connected and Comfortable: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and all the amenities you need for a perfect getaway.
- Limited Time Offer! We are offering a special discount for the next two weeks.
- You get: A clean, comfy room, a lovely pool and spa. You might get a great massage.
Don't wait! Book your escape to HAVONA Boutique Hotel today and treat yourself to a well-deserved break.
Click here to book now and start planning your getaway!
(Disclaimer: My experience is my own, and while I've tried to be as comprehensive as possible, your experience may vary.)
Final, rambly thought: The best thing about HAVONA? It provided a welcome break from the hustle.
(End of Review)
Lombok's Hidden Gem: 93524 Bagas Homestay Paradise Near DWH!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-ironed itinerary. This is a real, messy, glorious account of my attempt to tame the chaos that is a weekend at HAVONA Boutique Hotel in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru. Honestly, I'm pretty sure my sanity is already taking a hit.
The HAVONA Havoc: A Weekend of Questionable Choices (and Hopefully, Good Coffee)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (plus, Cake)
1:00 PM - Arrival and the Lobby Swoon: Okay, first impressions: The lobby is chic. Like, Instagram-influencer-living-here chic. Marble, gold accents, that vague smell of "money and good decisions." I immediately started questioning all my life choices, you know, the usual. Also, I spent like, ten minutes just staring at the reception desk. It just felt important I dunno.
1:30 PM - Check-In Catastrophe (and Triumph): Smooth sailing, surprisingly! The receptionist was all smiles and actually understood my terrible attempts at Mandarin (I tried, okay?). Unpacking was a challenge. Why do I pack so many clothes? I swear, half of them are impulse buys from five years ago.
2:00 PM - The Room Reveal (and a Mild Panic Attack): My room is…smaller than I booked. Okay, fine. I'll survive but the bed looks comfy enough to eat, so I decided to just dive in! It's mostly clean, which is a good sign. Quick phone call with the front desk to get an extra blanket (I'm a blanket fiend). After a bit of a struggle with the AC, I got it to work (I hope!). I mean, I'm here to relax right?
3:00 PM - Cake! Because Life is Short and Delicious: Found a little cafe nearby that the hotel staff recommended. This place was an absolute aesthetic. Seriously, I swear I saw three different people taking photos of their own hands holding coffee cups. But the cake? Oh, the cake. Chocolate, with a layer of salted caramel….I took a big bite and immediately felt all the stress of the last few months melt away. Maybe this hotel thing wasn't such a bad idea. Just the cake alone was a win.
4:00 PM - Poolside Pretensions & Realization: The pool is gorgeous. Seriously, like, infinity pool overlooking something. I took a few super unflattering selfies (I'll spare you the details). Then I actually tried to swim. Turns out, my fitness levels have degraded, so the swim ended after a few minutes. The only thing better than a swim? Laying down again!
6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle (and Triumph!): The hotel restaurant’s menu looked promising, but the food was a little … underwhelming. My soup was almost hot, and my steak wasn't cooked as requested. Sigh. I ordered dessert to cheer myself up (I'm sensing a pattern here). The dessert? Actually, the coffee was amazing.
8:00 PM - Early Night? (Probably Not): Okay, I intend to read a book (a real book, not just scrolling endlessly on my phone). But honestly, the bed is calling my name, and the thought of Netflix and snacks is… tempting. We'll see how this goes. Prediction: I’ll probably watch something dumb and eat a bag of chips.
Day 2: Adventures in Retail Therapy, and Maybe, Just Maybe, Some Culture
9:00 AM - Breakfast Bliss (and the Morning Grumbles): Breakfast was…okay. The buffet selection was impressive, but the scrambled eggs were weirdly rubbery. I got a fresh juice and sat on the patio, watching the world (and a whole lot of motorbikes) go by. I’m really not a morning person.
10:00 AM - The Mount Austin Shopping Spree: There are so many cafes and restaurants here, I can't even begin to count them! The area is a real hub. I wandered around, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of shops. Tried a few things on, bought some stuff I maybe needed, and promised myself I wouldn't spend too much. (Famous last words, I'm sure).
1:00 PM - Food Coma Round 2 (and New Discoveries!): Spotted a local restaurant that looked packed with people — always a good sign, right? I ordered some kind of noodle dish that was SO. GOOD. The best meal of the trip so far! The atmosphere here was a bit more "lived-in" less Instagram-y.
3:00 PM - Spa Day? (Spoiler Alert: Yes): The hotel spa was calling. It felt like a requirement after all that shopping and eating. I booked a massage and spent the next hour blissfully melting into the massage bed. Honestly, the best decision I've made all weekend. No regrets.
5:00 PM- Cocktail Hour & Observation: I sat on the hotel balcony, overlooking the city and people-watching. The world is pretty wonderful, if you take the time to sit back and observe it.
7:00 PM - Dinner (Again?!) Okay, back to the hotel restaurant, because I'm lazy. But I’m ordering something new this time. Maybe I'll regret it.
9:00 PM - Stargazing, Maybe? Depends on how tired I am. Seriously considering just ordering room service and calling it a night.
Day 3: Farewell and the Lingering Smell of Coffee
9:00 AM - Breakfast Blues (and Farewell to the Rubber Eggs): Same breakfast, same rubbery eggs. Sigh. But the coffee was still perfection. Maybe I should just open a coffee shop…
10:00 AM - Final Check-Out (and a Bittersweet goodbye): Check-out was seamless. Did a final sweep of the room, grabbed all my shopping bags and said goodbye to the front desk staff. The hotel, despite its minor flaws, was kind of charming.
11:00 AM - Post-Hotel Musings (and The Drive Home): I'm exhausted. But in a good way, I think. So much energy invested in doing almost nothing. I'm already thinking about the next adventure…wherever that might be.
Final Verdict:
Would I recommend HAVONA Boutique Hotel? Yes, probably. It's stylish, the location is great, and the staff were lovely. But pack your own coffee, prepare for some minor food disappointment, and be prepared to spend a lot of time thinking about your life choices. Also, bring stretchy pants. And a book. You might need it. This weekend was a mess. But, a beautiful mess. And, honestly, a big, messy win!
Escape to Paradise: Starlight Homestay Ipoh Awaits!
1. So, what *is* HAVONA, anyway? Is it REALLY Paradise? (Spoiler: Probably not…)
Alright, let's be real. "Escape to Paradise" is a pretty ambitious name. HAVONA is a boutique hotel in JB, and yeah, it's *attempts* to be paradise. Think tropical vibes, bright colours, and a whole lotta Instagram potential. Honestly? It tries really hard. I went in with expectations high (thanks, beautifully filtered photos!) and... well, we'll get to the specifics later. Think more "charming-ish with a few quirks" and less "angelic realms of eternal bliss." But hey, that's life, right? Always a little bit messy.
2. The Rooms: Are they as dreamy as the photos make them seem? Spill the tea!
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Those photos? Beautiful. They've got the lighting *down*. My room? (Let's call it the "Sunset Suite" because... why not?) It *was* nice! The decor leaned into the tropical theme *hard*. Think bamboo, those mosquito nets that always feel slightly pretentious, and… a slightly questionable stain on the headboard (don't judge, I might have brought sticky snacks). But honestly? I loved it. It wasn't *perfect*, but it felt… alive. Like someone actually *lived* there once, even if they spilled something on the furniture. Plus, the air con blasted like a hurricane, which is a HUGE win in Malaysian heat. One small issue: it's a little bit hard to figure out all the light switches at first... I spent a solid five minutes just trying to turn off the bedroom lights.
3. Food, glorious food! What's the grub situation like? (I'm a big eater, so crucial info!)
Right! Food. This is important. They have a little cafe, and I'm gonna be honest: it was hit or miss. The breakfast? Included! And it was... adequate. Think toast, eggs, and the *ever-present* nasi lemak. The coffee was… well, let's just say I made a run for a Starbucks pretty quickly. But the *atmosphere*! You're eating breakfast surrounded by lush greenery is stunning. They had these adorable bird feeders just outside the window, and watching the birds flitting around while I ate my (eventually caffeinated) breakfast was absolutely zen. But, if you're a serious foodie? Explore the surrounding area. JB has *amazing* food. Don't be shy - get out there! Don't make the same mistake I did and be solely dependent on the hotel's (somewhat limited) menu.
4. The Pool… Is it Instagram-worthy? Or just… wet?
Ohhh, the pool. This is the money shot! The photos? Stunning. The pool itself? Pretty darn good, actually. It was clean, refreshing, and surrounded by enough tropical greenery to make you feel like you're living in a postcard. I spent a solid afternoon just lounging there, reading a book and pretending I was a glamorous film star. The only downside? *Everyone* wants to take photos of the pool, which can get a bit… crowded. But hey, you can't win them all. Bring your floatie, your best bikini, and mentally prepare yourself for some photobombing. You've been warned!
5. Location, Location, Location! Is HAVONA conveniently located?
It's… complicated. HAVONA is a little bit away from the immediate downtown, so you’ll likely need a Grab (or a taxi, if you're feeling adventurous). That's a big plus for if you want some peace and quiet! Which I did! But, if you want to go out to eat or explore the city, it's a bit of a trek. Think about that when you're packing.
6. The Staff: Angels or... well, you know? What was the service like?
The staff! Bless their hearts. They were genuinely lovely people. Friendly, helpful, and always smiling. There's this one particular member of staff - a cheerful woman named Anita - who kept my room tidy, even when, let's just say, I wasn't. Once, I locked myself out of my room (don't ask), and she got me back in with a speed that defied logic. Truly impressive! And they really, *really* try to make you feel welcome. Did I mention that the people are so friendly?
7. My *favorite* part: The little details! Any quirky observations you can share?
Okay, this is where it gets GOOD. There were so many tiny, almost-imperceptible details that I found endearing (once I wasn't annoyed by them!). First, the lobby. It smells *amazing*. Seriously, some kind of tropical incense that makes you feel instantly chilled out. And the music. The kind of chill lounge music. I could listen all day.
8. Value for Money: Worth the price tag?
Look, is it the *cheapest* option in JB? Nope. Is it the *most* luxurious? Maybe not. But the value? Pretty solid. You get the tropical vibes, a nice pool, friendly staff, and a genuinely charming experience. Honestly? I'd go back. It wasn't perfect, but it was memorable, and sometimes, that's worth more than flawlessness.
9. The *One Thing* You'll Never Forget? (Good or Bad!)
Okay, here's the story. One night, while I was trying to find the perfect angle for an Insta-worthy sunset shot, I accidentally locked myself out on the balcony. In my bathrobe. With no phone. And the door couldn't be opened from the outside. So there I was, half-dressed, yelling desperately for assistance from the general direction of the pool. Eventually, blessedly, a very perplexed, but amused, member of staff rescued me. After that? The staff knew me. Now I feel kind of famous.
10. Final Verdict: Should I Escape to HAVONA?
Comments
Post a Comment