By Song Jingwoo 
The Johor Bahru hospitality sector has witnessed a significant milestone with the closure of Thistle Hotel Johor Bahru, a landmark property that officially ceased operations on September 30, 2025. For over three decades, the 17-storey, 380-room hotel stood as one of the city’s most recognisable establishments, catering to both leisure and business travellers.
Originally launched in 1994 as the Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru, the property was rebranded as Thistle Hotel in 2009 under the UK-based Thistle Hotels group. Strategically located near the Johor–Singapore Causeway, it became a popular destination for cross-border travellers and a venue of choice for corporate events.
In its farewell message, the management expressed appreciation to guests, business partners, and the local community for their support, highlighting the trust and relationships nurtured throughout its 31 years of operation.
The closure follows the announcement that YTL Hotels, the hospitality arm of YTL Corp Bhd, has acquired the hotel and its six-acre land parcel from GuocoLand Ltd for RM150 million. According to disclosures on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), the divestment resulted in a net gain of RM35 million (S$11 million) for GuocoLand.
The acquisition underscores YTL Hotels’ commitment to expanding its footprint in Johor, a state undergoing rapid economic and infrastructure transformation through initiatives such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
YTL Hotels plans to undertake a comprehensive refurbishment of the property, with a relaunch scheduled in 2026. Upon reopening, the hotel is expected to position itself as a flagship five-star destination, featuring:
- Luxuriously designed rooms and suites
- Signature dining experiences with a focus on both international and local flavours
- World-class event and conference facilities
- Modern leisure and wellness amenities tailored for global travellers
This redevelopment aligns with Johor’s ambition to strengthen its status as a leading tourism and investment hub, supported by ongoing urban growth and enhanced cross-border connectivity.
The closure of Thistle Johor Bahru marks the end of an era for a hotel that has long been part of the city’s landscape. At the same time, YTL Hotels’ acquisition signals a new chapter—one that is set to elevate Johor Bahru’s hospitality sector to international standards and reinforce the city’s appeal as a dynamic regional destination.