Johor Bahru bids farewell to one of its most recognisable hospitality landmarks. Thistle Hotel Johor Bahru, a 17-storey, 380-room property located in the city centre, officially ceased operations on September 30, 2025, marking the end of a chapter in Johor’s hospitality scene.
End of an Era for a Landmark Hotel
Established in 1994, the hotel first opened under the name Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru before rebranding as Thistle in 2009. For over three decades, it welcomed both business and leisure travellers, becoming a familiar name for visitors crossing through the Johor–Singapore Causeway.
In a farewell note, the management thanked guests, corporate partners, and the community for their continuous support:
“After years of memories and meaningful connections, Thistle Johor Bahru will close its doors on Sept 30. Thank you for being part of our journey. The Thistle spirit lives on at Thistle Port Dickson Resort.”
While the hotel has now closed, JB Parade Sdn. Bhd., the entity managing the property, will continue operating for the near term.
YTL Hotels Steps In With a Vision
The closure paves the way for a new beginning. Just days before, YTL Hotels, the hospitality arm of YTL Corp Bhd, confirmed its RM150 million acquisition of the property and its six-acre land parcel from Singapore’s GuocoLand Ltd. The divestment, disclosed in a Singapore Exchange (SGX) filing, allowed GuocoLand to book a net gain of RM35 million (S$11 million).
For YTL Hotels, this move marks a strategic expansion milestone in Johor, a state that is rapidly transforming with mega infrastructure projects such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is set to strengthen cross-border tourism and business travel.
What’s Next: A Five-Star Transformation
Located along Jalan Sungai Chat, the property will undergo a major refurbishment before reopening in 2026 as a flagship five-star hotel under YTL Hotels.
The revamped hotel will feature:
- Premium guest rooms designed for modern travellers
- Curated dining experiences showcasing international and local cuisine
- State-of-the-art event and meeting facilities
- Lifestyle-driven leisure amenities to attract both domestic and international guests
This transformation aligns with Johor’s growing profile as a rising tourism and investment hub, and the new property is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the city’s hospitality landscape.
Closing Thoughts
For many, Thistle Hotel Johor Bahru was more than just a place to stay — it was part of Johor’s city identity. Its closure signals the end of an era, but also ushers in a new chapter led by YTL Hotels. With the relaunch set for 2026, Johor Bahru is on track to welcome a revitalised luxury destination that reflects both the city’s heritage and its ambitious future.