Thistle Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru has bid farewell to one of its best-known landmarks. On 30 September, Thistle Johor Bahru officially ceased operations, closing a chapter that spanned more than three decades. But the story doesn’t end there.
The property, once a favourite among business travellers and weekenders from across the Causeway, is now set for a grand transformation. YTL Hotels has confirmed its RM150 million acquisition, with plans to reimagine the address into a five-star urban resort slated to open in 2026.
The End of an Era
Perched along Jalan Sungai Chat, the 17-storey hotel first opened in the mid-1990s as the Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru before being rebranded as Thistle in 2009. Through the years, it became a quiet icon — known for its sea-facing rooms, sprawling pool deck, and sunset views of the Straits.
The closure, while nostalgic for many, signals a natural shift. Johor Bahru’s cityscape is changing fast, and hospitality is evolving with it.
The management released an official statement, announcing its closure. The farewell note added that JB Parade Sdn Bhd, the entity managing the hotel, will maintain operations for now. “After years of memories and meaningful connections, Thistle Johor Bahru will close its doors on 30 September. Thank you for being part of our journey. The Thistle spirit lives on at Thistle Port Dickson Resort,” the statement reads.
YTL’s Big Move
The acquisition, valued at RM150 million, includes both the hotel and its 24,000-square-metre land parcel. The seller, Singapore-listed GuocoLand Ltd, expects to record a net gain of about RM35 million from the sale.
For YTL Hotels — the group behind luxury destinations like The Majestic Malacca and Pangkor Laut Resort — this is more than a property deal. It’s a statement of intent.
The group plans to completely revamp the 381-room property, giving it a new identity anchored in design, lifestyle, and modern luxury. Expect elegant suites, refreshed dining concepts, and contemporary leisure spaces designed for both business and leisure guests.
From Heritage to Modernity
Thistle’s story mirrors Johor Bahru’s own journey — from a quiet border town to a thriving urban hub. Its next chapter under YTL Hotels promises a blend of heritage charm and contemporary style, with spaces designed for connection, culture, and leisure.
As renovations begin, anticipation grows for what’s next. Will YTL unveil a fresh concept tailored to Johor’s rising profile? Or will the property join one of its signature luxury brands? Either way, the transformation is expected to elevate the city’s hotel landscape.
A New Beginning
For longtime guests, the closing of Thistle is bittersweet — a farewell to familiar comforts and familiar views. Yet for Johor Bahru, it marks a new beginning.
When the doors reopen in 2026, the address may carry a new name, but its spirit will remain rooted in hospitality. Only this time, it will be reimagined for a new generation of travellers — design-driven, experience-seeking, and ready to rediscover Johor’s coastal allure.
Source: NST/ Images via Thistle Johor Bahru.
