M'sia 5-star Thistle Johor Bahru hotel shuts down, to relaunch in 2026

Thistle Johor Bahru, a five-star hotel in Malaysia, shut down on Sep. 30, 2025.

The hotel announced on its Facebook page that it would be ceasing operations effective on that date.

Bought over

According to New Straits Times (NST), GuocoLand's Thistle Johor Bahru was acquired by YTL Hotels in a RM150 million (S$46 million) deal.

The transaction was disclosed by GuocoLand in a Singapore Exchange filing, and GuocoLand will reportedly make RM35 million (S$11 million) after the sale is completed.

YTL Hotels said the acquisition marks a strategic expansion milestone in Malaysia's southern corridor, reported NST.

This is where mega infrastructure projects are taking place in Johor, with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, with increasing cross-border travel with Singapore.

Closed

Thistle Johor Bahru said on its Facebook that the official closure was part of its "business planning efforts".

"We take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests, corporate partners, and the community for your continuous support over the years. It has been our honour to serve you, and we deeply value the trust and relationships built during this time."

The post added that another branch, Thistle Port Dickson Resort, would continue operating. It is located in Negeri Sembilan.

The hotel will be fully refurbished and will relaunch as a five-star destination hotel upon reopening in 2026, reported NST.

Five-star hotel

As of Oct. 1, the hotel's Facebook page states that it is permanently closed.

Google also lists the hotel as permanently closed.

Thistle Johor Bahru was known to be a five-star hotel.

It began operating in 2009, according to hospitalitynet.

Its opening marked Thistle Hotels' first expansion out of the UK.

At 17 storeys tall, Thistle Johor Bahru had 381 rooms — its amenities included 125 luxury rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a large events space with a capacity for 650 people and an outdoor "resort style" swimming pool.

The hotel also reportedly had 19 units of apartment for rent for long-term guests.

Top photos via Thistle Johor Bahru's Facebook page, YTL Hotels' website