Johor Bahru Getaway: Unbelievable R&F Dual-Key Cityview Home!
Johor Bahru Getaway: Unbelievable R&F Dual-Key Cityview Home!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the rollercoaster that is the "Johor Bahru Getaway: Unbelievable R&F Dual-Key Cityview Home!" experience. And let me tell you, it’s… well, it’s something. Let's get real: this isn't just a hotel review; it's a therapeutic confession.
First Impressions: The City View & My Jaw Dropping
Okay, so the "Cityview Home" part? Not a lie. Seriously, when I walked in, my jaw actually dropped. I'm talking cartoon-style, jaw-hitting-the-floor action. The view was insane. Skyscrapers kissed the sky, and the twinkling lights at night? Forget about it. Instagram gold, people. Pure, unadulterated Instagram gold. Now, getting there? Accessible? Well, that, my friends, is where the fun begins.
Accessibility: The Maze Runner (But with Elevators)
So, accessibility. It’s a mixed bag, to be honest. The building does have elevators, thank GOD, because navigating a high-rise with a suitcase and the existential dread of traveling is tough as is. But, like with anything, the devil's in the details. Some areas felt wonderfully planned for wheelchair users (I watched someone navigate the lobby with ease), others… hmmm, less so. The hallways felt a little narrow, and I wasn't sure about the ramps in some of the stores. So yeah, it is there, but it could (and probably needs to) be a little more thought out to be perfect.
The Room: Dual-Key Delight (and a Tiny Hiccup)
The "Dual-Key" thing? Genius. It's like having a little apartment within your apartment. Perfect if you’re traveling with someone you love (or someone you secretly tolerate, because let’s be honest). We made use of the extra toilet to avoid some awkward moments, but that might be the best thing about it. The rooms themselves were pretty darn impressive. Clean, modern, and with all the usual suspects: black-out curtains (essential for this over-tired, sunlight-hating individual), a comfy bed (I slept like a baby, mostly, more on that later), and even a little kitchenette. And, they provided essential condiments and bottled water!
The tiny hiccup? Oh boy. On day one, I did not have access to a window that opened. No biggie, or so I thought. But after being trapped in during a freak rainstorm, the lack of fresh air started to get to me. I called reception and they sorted it out. Crisis averted.
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Questionable Choices)
Okay, let’s talk about food. This is where things get really interesting.
- Breakfast Buffet: Buckle up for an Asian breakfast, folks! I loaded up my plate, and honestly, it was pretty darn good. And yes, they had a Western breakfast alternative. Everything you could ask for.
- Restaurants: There's a solid selection on-site, including Asian and international fare. Some have bars, some are poolside. I spent a lot of time at the poolside bar. It was my happy place.
- Room Service: (24-hour). A lifesaver when you’re battling jet lag and the existential dread of being alone in a hotel room.
I do have to say – and this is a minor gripe, but I’m a nitpicker – the coffee shop was a little lackluster. The coffee wasn't terrible, but it wasn't life-changing either. But hey, at least there were desserts in the restaurant to make up for it.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and General Bliss
This is where the "unbelievable" part actually starts to kick in. The spa? Amazing. The sauna? Steamy and wonderful. The pool with a view? Absolutely divine. I spent a good portion of my time just floating in that pool, staring at the city, and pretending I had no responsibilities (highly recommend). The foot bath was also a pleasant experience.
I'd give the fitness center a solid B+. I was a bit too intimidated to try it out.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Anti-Viral Brigade
I’m a little obsessed with cleanliness post-pandemic, so this aspect was crucial. They really went all out with the protocols: anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and staff trained in safety protocol. The fact they utilized professional-grade sanitizing services put me at ease. They even had individually-wrapped food options. They also had hand sanitizer everywhere. Safety/security feature checks out!
Services & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Plus, Wi-Fi in public areas. I have nothing bad to say about the Internet. All good.
- Conveniences: There's a convenience store, a gift shop. Pretty standard stuff.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service. Family/child friendly.
Getting Around: Car Park & Taxi Service
Free car parking on-site. Taxi service available. They also have a car power charging station! Perfect for green enthusiasts.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (If you Can Be Bothered)
Honestly, I spent most of my time chilling at the hotel. But if you’re the adventurous type, there are things to do! I am not the adventurous type so I'm afraid I have nothing to add here.
Overall Vibe: A Solid 4 out of 5 Stars (with a caveat or two)
Look, this place isn't perfect. But it's pretty damn good. The view is incredible, the rooms are comfortable and the amenities are plentiful. The staff was friendly (that extra toilet was a lifesaver). The accessibility could be improved, and the coffee shop could use a little love. But overall, it’s a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with a stunning city view.
My Honest (and Emotional) Reaction:
Okay, so after spending a few hours relaxing/recovering here, it was amazing. But… let's be real. I came here as a weary traveler, someone who needs a moment to herself, and that is exactly what I got. After some rough years, my heart was heavy until it was lighter after the trip.
The Big Sell: My Ultra-Specific, Hyper-Personalized Offer
ARE YOU WEARY AND WORN? DREAMING OF STUNNING SKYLINE VIEWS? Then book your "Johor Bahru Getaway: Unbelievable R&F Dual-Key Cityview Home!" NOW!
- Exclusive Offer: Book within the next 7 days and get a complimentary foot bath in the hotel spa & a bottle of wine upon arrival.
- Bonus: Mention this review and receive a free upgrade (subject to availability).
- Don't let life's little imperfections hold you back from pure blissful relaxation. Book NOW at [link to booking site]! You deserve it. And honestly, so do I.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average perfectly curated travel brochure. This is me, raw and unfiltered, trying to wrangle a hopefully fun little getaway at CITYVIEW【R&F Dual-Key】 Homely Getaway byⓗⓢ in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Let chaos commence!
Pre-Trip Prep - Dear God, Let Me Survive This
- The Booking Debacle: Right, first things first. Booking. Remember how I thought I was being all savvy and snagged a "great" deal on Agoda? Turns out "great" translates to "slightly more expensive than it should be after all those hidden fees." Lesson learned (again): Read the fine print before you get all excited about the pictures. AND, I almost booked the wrong dates. Nearly ruined a good few days before they even began. Crisis averted (for now).
- Packing Panic: Okay, packing. My nemesis. Trying to pack "light" is an ongoing joke in my life. I always overpack. Always. This time, I'm telling myself, "minimalist chic." Yeah, right. Currently staring at a pile of "essentials" that includes three books, a pair of walking shoes (I probably won't use), a questionable hat I think I need for the sun (I might not), and a bag of emergency chocolate. Priorities, people!
- The Weather Woes (and the Eternal Fight with Aircon): Malaysia? Hot and humid, they say. I'm already starting to sweat just thinking about it. And I need that air conditioning to be perfect (or I'm gonna cry). My inner monologue is basically: "Perfect aircon or the world ends."
Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and the Quest for Deliciousness
The Airport Saga (and the taxi driver who may or may not exist): Landing in Johor Bahru. My flight was only slightly delayed. Getting through customs was a breeze, thankfully. The real adventure? Finding the taxi driver. Remember how I thought I was smart booking ahead to avoid the airport chaos? Well, It turns out that my "pre-booked" taxi could either be a phantom or a real person. I was left wandering the arrivals hall, clutching my phone like a lifeline, surrounded by aggressively efficient airport staff. After a good half hour of pure panic, finally, the taxi driver materialized. He seemed as exhausted as I was.
Checking in… and praying for a functional air conditioner: The check-in at CITYVIEW was… okay. The lobby looked pretty swish, actually. The actual apartment? A good size with some modern touches. The real test was the air conditioning. I'm crossing my fingers, toes, and every other appendage that the aircon gods are on my side. First major disappointment, after all this time I'm still unable to adjust to the aircon.
The Food Hunt (and the inevitable wrong turns): Okay, this is crucial. Food is life. I had planned a specific restaurant for lunch, but after a series of wrong turns (thanks, Google Maps!), I ended up… somewhere. A very local spot. It looked a bit dodgy. But hey, adventure, right? Ordered something that looked like noodles. It was indeed noodles. The broth was a revelation - salty, spicy, and utterly addictive. This is why I travel - for the unexpected culinary triumphs! Feeling stuffed and satisfied, I needed a walk-
The Shopping Spree (and the realization that I'm broke): The next step was actually doing some shopping at a Mall I kept seeing on the way - and it was a disaster. Even though they have some great selection, everything looked a little out of my budget so I left the mall. I might've spent more time window shopping.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and the Aircon Apocalypse.
- Morning of exploration: I had planned to go to the historical Old Town, you know, get a taste of the local culture but It was a complete failure - I did not manage to find anything particularly interesting and I'm not entirely convinced that that was the right place to be. I might have gotten a bit lost, spent too long staring at street signs, and taken a wrong turn. But hey, at least I got some exercise.
- Coffee Break (and the realization that I'm a caffeine addict): Coffee. My fuel. Needed a serious caffeine fix after the "cultural" immersion. Found a little café that was recommended, ordered a flat white. It was heavenly. Sat there, people-watching, feeling vaguely smug about my delicious beverage. Needed that reset button.
- The Aircon Battle Continues (and the slow descent into madness): So, the air conditioning. Still not entirely convinced it's working properly. It gets cold, then it gets stuffy. I've been repeatedly adjusting the thermostat, checking the vents, and generally feeling like I'm in some kind of dystopian air-conditioned purgatory. Currently considering moving to the fridge. Or maybe writing a strongly worded email to the apartment management.
- Dinner – The Food Fight: I found a famous restaurant. This place was a sensory overload in the best way possible. The aroma of grilled seafood, the buzz of conversations, the sheer vibrancy of the place. Ate everything (and probably too much).
Day 3: The Goodbye Blues (and the looming shadow of reality)
- The Final Breakfast (and the bittersweet taste of departure): Had to grab some breakfast. It was a simple meal. A little sad, actually. Knowing this trip was about to end - and fast.
- Packing (the second time): The dreaded moment. Packing up all my crap. Trying to fit everything back into my suitcase, I'm reminded of how hopelessly disorganized I am. Found some random stuff I'd completely forgotten about.
- The Airport Hustle (and the emotional rollercoaster): Saying goodbye to Johor Bahru. The airport experience was less stressful this time (thank god!). A quick flight delayed, but the flight eventually landed.
Post-Trip Reflections (and the inevitable unpacking hell)
- The Verdict: Johor Bahru, you were an adventure. Not always perfect, but that's what makes it real, right? Yes, I'm still trying to get the aircon situation sorted out (it's a journey, not a destination). Yes, I ate WAY too much food. Yes, I probably spent too much time getting lost. But I saw some cool things (that mall, the coffee shops), ate some amazing food.
- The Unpacking Apocalypse: Unpacking. The true test of a traveler. The pile of dirty laundry. The souvenir overload. The slightly less-than-fresh smell of my suitcase. The never-ending parade of bills that await me.
And that, my friends, is the messy, honest, and hopefully entertaining tale of my imperfect escape to Johor Bahru. Would I do it again? Probably! (After a long nap and a strong cup of coffee, of course). Now, excuse me while I go eat my emergency chocolate. Until next time…
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Johor Bahru Getaway: Real Talk About That R&F Cityview Home (and My Sanity)
Okay, Spilled the Beans: What *IS* This R&F Thing Anyway? Sounds Kinda Sketchy.
Alright, alright, I get it. R&F Princess Cove. It sounds like a romance novel title, doesn't it? But it's basically a massive, *massive* development in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, right on the water. And yes, I was super skeptical at first. Like, "Is this a pyramid scheme disguised as luxury living?" level of skeptical. We're talking prime real estate, allegedly. And the "dual-key" thing? Sounds fancy. Basically, it's two separate living spaces within one apartment – think a main unit and a smaller 'studio' setup, all under one door. The supposed benefit: rental income! (More on my personal rental income disaster later…)
Pro Tip: Do your *research*. Seriously. Look at reviews, talk to actual residents (if you can find any!), and don’t just rely on those glossy brochures. I learned that the hard way. My initial gut feeling was spot on, initially.
The "Unbelievable Cityview Home" – Is the View Actually, You Know, Believable?
Alright, the view. THIS is where they get you. The brochures show these breathtaking panoramic shots of the Singapore skyline. And, yeah, the view *is* pretty amazing. On a clear day. Which, let's be honest, isn't *every* day in Johor Bahru. I'm talking hazy days, days where you *swear* the Singapore skyline is just... a vague suggestion. During heavy rain, you can't see the outside. No exaggeration. Then there's the ongoing construction. I mean, it's a *city*, there's always going to be construction, but when a crane is singing the song of its people outside your window at 7 am every day, let me tell you, the "unbelievable" part of the view is how I manage to stay asleep.
Honest Moment: Sometimes, when the sun sets and the lights of Singapore twinkle, I think, "Okay, maybe this *is* worth it." Then, the next morning, the construction starts again. And I'm back to regretting my life choices.
Dual-Key Madness: Is It Actually Practical? Or Just More Cleaning?
The dual-key. The selling point! "Rent out one unit, live in the other!" Sounds brilliant, doesn't it? The reality? Well… let’s just say my experience involved a LOT of paperwork and not nearly enough renters. The logistics are… fun. You're managing two separate spaces, two sets of utilities, two sets of everything really. And let's not forget the "oh-so-fun" task of dealing with tenants. It *can* work, sure. But unless you *thrive* on endless admin and the potential for your rental income to evaporate *overnight*... maybe rethink that dual-key dream. And don't even get me started on the cleaning. It’s DOUBLE the work! I thought I was escaping chores by getting this place but I wasn't. My inner cleaning demon is a little, but not overly, appeased.
The Location: Is Johor Bahru Just a Gateway to… Singapore?
Let's be real. Most people buying here are thinking, "Cheaper than Singapore!" And yes, it's *significantly* cheaper. But the commute to Singapore? Oh, the commute. The Causeway. The queues. The sheer, soul-crushing *wait*. I've spent hours of my life stuck in traffic, contemplating my existence (and regretting my choice of breakfast). Johor Bahru itself has its charms, of course. The food is fantastic, the shopping is decent and it is improving, and it's developing a lot. But if you're expecting a bustling metropolis… temper your expectations. Though I've seen a LOT of change in the last few years. The malls are massive though! Though, to get anywhere, you'll probably need Grab. Public transportation is... an adventure. And walking isn't fun when you're sweating like a pig.
Rant Alert: And don't even get me STARTED on the lack of reliable Wi-Fi. UGH. (It is in both units, though). Because of the location, it's just really, really *hot*.
The Amenities: Pool, Gym, And… What Else? Do They Even Exist?
Oh, the amenities. The *promise* of luxury. The pools usually look amazing in the photos. The gym? Usually available. The reality can vary wildly. Sometimes the pool is closed for "maintenance." Sometimes the gym equipment is older than I am. It is much better than it was when I bought the place, though. There's usually a game room, and a playground for kids, and a small supermarket, but the selection can be a little limited, and the prices a bit higher than you'd find in a local supermarket. Is it a paradise? No. Is it a fun place to get a tan? Yes! Just bring your own towels. The staff is usually accommodating, but you might have to repeat yourself a few times. It can be quite bureaucratic.
The Price: Worth the "Investment"? (Deep Breath…)
Okay, the big question. The price. Honestly? It depends. Depends on your risk tolerance. Depends on your lifestyle. Depends on your ability to tolerate the occasional… *ahem*… "challenges" of living in Johor Bahru. The initial price, well, it was (relatively) affordable. But factor in all the extra costs: the furniture, the renovations, the strata fees… And then, if you’re getting a mortgage, the interest rates. Suddenly, that "bargain" starts looking less appealing. You might think you're getting a deal but really...you're not. Unless you can secure a REALLY good rental yield to pay your mortgage, it might be less than ideal.
My Verdict (With a Sigh): If you're looking for a quick buck, run away. If you’re okay with a slow burn, with the potential for headaches and the need for a lot of patience, then maybe. But do your homework. Thoroughly. And don't say I didn't warn you!
Alright, Spill The Tea: What’s the *Worst* Part About Living There?
Okay, deep breaths... the ABSOLUTE WORST part? For me? It's been this... this *constant* feeling of unfinished business! Not just the never-ending construction, but the seemingly endless *potential*. The potential for the rental income that never materialized. The potential for the easy access to Singapore that's always a frustrating hour-long (or more!) wait away in traffic. The potential for the dream of a luxury lifestyle that feels a little… tarnished. It's the waiting. Waiting for things to improve, waiting for the rent check to arrive, waiting for the next "maintenance" notice that shuts down the pool for a week. It's a constant state of delayed gratification, which, for a person like me (impatient!), is a special kind of tortureStay By City
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