KSL D'Esplanade: Your Dream Johor Bahru Studio Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the vibrant, kinda chaotic world of KSL D'Esplanade: Your Dream Johor Bahru Studio Awaits! Prepare yourself, because this isn't your typical hotel review. Think less sterile brochure, more…well, a slightly unhinged travel buddy spilling the tea.
First Impressions: The Good, the Slightly Odd & the "Okay, Wait, What?"
Okay, so Accessibility is a big deal, right? Especially for us weary travelers. KSL D'Esplanade gets a solid… thumbs up for being close to the city center, which makes things a bit easier, which is always a win. Getting around Johor Bahru can be a bit of a sensory overload, to be honest. I'm not gonna lie, the roads are a vibrant symphony of honking horns and questionable lane markings. But hey, at least you can get there without needing to be an Olympic driver!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I saw something that looked vaguely like a ramp. My experience of exploring food and drinks around the hotel was limited due to my work schedule. But, overall, the atmosphere was inviting, and I got a good vibe from the staff.
Wheelchair accessible: I wasn't wheel chair bound so I don't have an authoritative view here, but I would recommend guests with mobility restrictions reach out to ask for specific details as they are planning the trip.
Internet Access - The Lifeline (Don't Mess This Up, KSL!)
Internet, Internet [LAN], and Internet services: I mean, in this day and age, a solid internet connection is non-negotiable. KSL D'Esplanade, thankfully, understands this. They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and, thank goodness, it actually works. I mean, it's not lightning-fast, but it's enough to catch up on your emails, watch some trashy reality TV, and avoid that awkward moment of "oh no, has my boss sent me an email with urgent instructions??" - shivers.
Wi-Fi in public areas: The Wi-Fi was available in the common areas as well, so that's a bonus.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Let's Get Pampered (Or At Least Pretend To Be!)
Alright, let’s be real. A hotel is only as good as its "me time" offerings. Here's where things get interesting, folks.
Spa/sauna and spa: I had a massage. This was important, alright? The world had been stressful, I needed the relaxation. It was a good massage, but I am not an expert, it wasn't the greatest massage, but also not the worst massage, it was very good, it was the best massage of that particular day.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I didn't visit these facilities, but they do have this.
Swimming pool, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool does look like a nice area to hang out.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Breakfast Buffet Mishap)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: The amount of food and restaurant choices is amazing. There are so many restaurants around.
Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant: The restaurants in the area are very well built, which is a big plus for the hotels.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Let's Face It, We're All a Little Germaphobic Now
Okay, so Cleanliness and Safety is paramount. Let's see how KSL D'Esplanade fares in the post-pandemic world.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: These folks are taking it seriously. They are adhering to a great safety standard.
Rooms sanitized between stays: I was very impressed.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Huge Difference
Services and conveniences: These included: cash withdrawal, concierge, convenience store, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, onsite event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, safety deposit boxes, smoking area, terrace, These, are a great plus.
For the Kids – Keeping the Little Rascals Happy
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I do not have children, but I saw families.
Available in All Rooms (The Real Nitty-Gritty)
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Everything that you need.
The Verdict (In All Its Messy Glory)
KSL D'Esplanade is… a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but it gets a lot of the important things right. I was impressed with the hotel amenities. It caters to a large variety of guests. I would recommend this hotel to others.
SEO-Optimized Call to Action: Your Johor Bahru Adventure Starts Here!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotel stays? Craving a vibrant escape in Johor Bahru? KSL D'Esplanade is calling!
- Experience the Comfort: Spacious studio rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and all the amenities you need.
- Dive into Relaxation: Pamper yourself at the spa, unwind by the pool, or explore a world of dining options.
- Unbeatable Location: Explore the city with ease.
- Book your stay at KSL D'Esplanade today and unlock the door to your Johor Bahru adventure! Click here to check availability and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is me, wrestling with a trip to KSL D'Esplanade Studio Apartment in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. And trust me, it's going to be a ride. Warning: May contain excessive complaining about traffic and a disproportionate amount of time spent contemplating the meaning of life while waiting for a laksa.
KSL D'Esplanade Studio Apartment: The Great Johor Bahru Adventure (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Durian)
Day 1: Arrival, Apartment Shenanigans, and the Existential Dread of Air Conditioning
- 1:00 PM (give or take an hour… or two): Arrive at Changi Airport, Singapore. Okay, so far, so good. Except the airport is a labyrinth. Why do they make terminals so massive? Am I the only one who feels a little lost, even with the helpful signs?
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: The Great Immigration Chase. Seriously, the lines! I swear, the immigration officers must have a secret competition for the slowest person. I just needed to grab my bag, get through, and get across the Causeway. (Speaking of which… the car rental place is also a mystery).
- 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Bridge of Doom (and Traffic). The Causeway… Oh, the Causeway. A concrete river of frustration and slow-moving vehicles. I'm pretty sure I aged a year during this drive. But hey, at least I see the Welcome to Malaysia sign. Woohoo!
- 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Check-in at KSL D'Esplanade. Finally! The apartment looks…well, it looks like the photos. A small studio, not bad, but the air conditioning, dear lord the air conditioning is like a blast furnace when it’s not cooling. This is a good time to test all the gadgets you have. Don’t you hate it when the remote doesn't work and you can't figure out why? A quick email to the host sorted it out! I'm convinced, you will hate the aircon.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Grocery run. Okay, need supplies. Water, snacks, maybe some instant noodles to survive. Supermarket feels like a heat sauna. All that stuff is good, but not as good as an ice cream.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Unpack (ish). Let's be honest, I mostly just chucked my stuff on a chair. Real unpacking is a commitment I’m not ready for.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner, at the local mall, because everywhere is a mall, or near a mall. I saw a restaurant, and, after that hell I just experienced, anything is a good choice. I’ll take the Malaysian chicken rice even though I'm not sure what I ordered. Also, the waiter really wasn't listening.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening, scrolling through my phone watching TV and wondering what I did with my life. I feel like I'm missing something. No, wait, that craving for an ice cream is back again.
Day 2: Food Glorious Food (and the Mystery of the Missing Durian)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. The apartment has a tiny kitchen, so I’m making something there. Can’t be bothered with cooking. Coffee, toast, and hope it won’t be raining!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Stroll to KSL City Mall. It's a short walk, hopefully. I was very wrong. More walking in the heat.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Trying the legendary Laksa at some road side stall. The queue is long, but the smells… Oh, the smells! This better be worth it.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: MALL TIME! Retail therapy is a must. But the real prize, the durian. I went to a fruit stall in search for my favourite fruits. The fruits were there, but all eaten. What? I should have eaten the durians. I will seek out the durian again! What a cruel joke by the market!
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the apartment for a nap. Durian-induced coma? Possibly.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Where to go? Maybe the hawker stalls? I'll go and find my durian. Time will tell, just going out to eat makes me so tired.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion, or Maybe Just Tourist Traps and Unexpected Delights
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. The coffee machine is the best thing about this apartment.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The sights. The temples, the mosques, the historical buildings. All very culturally enriching… or at least, I think so. I spent a little too long on the bus.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Did I mention I found a restaurant? The food was fine, the company was the best.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Massage time. Cheap massages in Malaysia are amazing.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Decided to grab some street food – Satay, because, you know, I'm a tourist now.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Back at the apartment, with a full belly and a tired body. I felt a sense of peace as I sat back and watched the light fade.
Day 4: Departure (and the Sweet, Sweet Anticipation of Home)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast, and the last chance to eat something before leaving.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Pack more or less. This is where I shove everything into a bag and cross fingers.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check out of the apartment. Leave the keys and go.
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: That hellscape of traffic on the Causeway that I mentioned. Again. Ugh.
- 3:00 PM - onwards: Back to Singapore. I'm exhausted. But I'm also strangely happy.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was far from perfect. The apartment wasn't a palace, the traffic was a nightmare, and the air conditioning was a betrayal. But it was mine. I found some good food. I saw some things. Would I come back? Probably. Maybe I'll even find that elusive durian. Stay tuned…
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KSL D'Esplanade: You're *Almost* in Paradise...Ask Me Anything!
Okay, spill the tea! Why KSL D'Esplanade? What's the big draw?
Alright, alright, let's dive in. KSL D'Esplanade... it's a *thing*, isn't it? The big draw? Location, location, location, baby! Seriously. You're practically *on top* of KSL City Mall. Need groceries? Down you go on the elevator. Craving a massage (and let's be honest, who isn't after a stressful week)? KSL City has you covered. The food scene? Oh, my lord, the food scene! I've spent way too much money on mee rebus and roti canai there. It's dangerously convenient. I once, and I kid you not, considered buying a pack of toothpaste at 2 AM because I realized mine was empty. The thought of not having to drive anywhere... pure bliss. That's the initial appeal. It's like living in a very, very large and well-stocked vending machine.
So, the location is sweet. But what about the *actual* studios? Are they any good?
The studios... Ah, the studios. Okay, the truth? It depends. First, let's talk about the size. Most are pretty compact. Efficient, let's say. You're not going to be hosting cocktail parties for 50 people unless you *really* like your friends piled on top of each other. Think "smart living." Think "clever use of space." Think "how do I fit my life into this box?" (Just kidding... kinda.) The quality varies depending on the unit. Some are nicely renovated, with decent finishes. Others… well, let’s just say the previous tenant might've had a… *different* aesthetic than you. Inspect, inspect, inspect! Check the plumbing, the aircon, EVERYTHING. My first viewing? The bathroom looked like it hadn't seen a cleaning product since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Red flag! Massive, flaming red flag. I walked out.
What are the amenities like? Is there a pool? Gym? Do they have a decent karaoke room (asking for a friend...)?
Amenities! Okay, this is where KSL D'Esplanade starts to *shine*. There *is* a pool. A decent one, I'd say. It's usually pretty packed, especially on weekends, so get there early if you want a chance to actually *swim*. There's a gym. It’s not the most state-of-the-art, but it has the basics. Treadmills. Weights. The usual suspects. I go, occasionally. Mostly I go to look at other people working out, then eat a curry puff later. Don’t judge me. And YES, there's a karaoke room! Whether it's *decent* is up for debate. I have a friend who's... well, let's just say her rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a work in progress. But hey, it's there. And sometimes, that's all that matters. There are also other things – a playground for the kids, a BBQ. I almost forgot. There always seems to be a little bit of drama with the clubhouse/management. Just deal with the minor annoyance, and try to enjoy your time there, haha!
Okay, let's talk about the parking. Is it a nightmare? Because, you know, Kuala Lumpur parking has traumatized me.
Parking. Oh, sweet, sweet parking. Alright, I’ll level with you. It can be... challenging. Especially if you're arriving late at night, or during peak hours. The car park is shared with KSL City Mall, so it's a LOT of cars. Sometimes, you'll circle for what feels like an eternity, hunting for that elusive spot. My advice? Be patient. Have a good podcast queued up. And maybe, just maybe, offer a silent prayer to the parking gods. And be prepared to walk a little. A lot. But hey, at least you're not in KL! (Mostly). The upside? It's secure--guarded all the time. And once you find a spot, you're golden... until you have to leave. Then the hunt begins anew.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? I need to be connected!
Wi-Fi. Ah, the modern essential. Okay, this one is a bit of a mixed bag. Your unit usually has it's own. It depends on the provider and sometimes it can be a little… spotty. Sometimes it works perfectly. Other times, you'll be staring at that buffering icon with a growing sense of frustration. I highly recommend getting a good data plan on your phone as a backup, just in case. I've found that the reception within the units is often better than the shared internet connection. That's been my experience, at least. And if you're a streamer like me, you know the pain of slow internet!
Security? Is the place safe?
Security is generally pretty good. There's 24-hour surveillance, security guards, and access control. You need a key card to get into the building and the lift area, which is comforting. I've always felt safe going to my place at any time. But let's be real: no place is 100% safe. Always lock your doors. Be aware of your surroundings. And if something seems off, trust your gut. Better safe than sorry, always.
Are there any downsides? Things I should consider before moving in? Give it to me straight!
Okay, the downsides. Here's the unvarnished truth. The noise. Oh, the noise. Since you're next to a mall and a busy road, you can hear everything. Sirens, traffic, and of course, KTV sessions if you're unlucky enough to be located next to a particularly enthusiastic karaoke enthusiast. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. Also, the management can be… well, sometimes communication is a bit of an adventure. Things don't always get fixed as quickly as you'd like. Be prepared for some minor annoyances. They're part of the deal. Also there’s that smell of nasi lemak every morning, if you don't like the smell you'll have to get used to it. BUT, and this is a big but - because of the location, the benefits often outweigh the downsides. For me, at least.
Alright, one last thing. WouldCheap Hotel Search
