Escape to Luxury: XXL Homestay in Johor Bahru's Austin Height!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the luxurious, the potentially chaotic, and hopefully, the utterly awesome world of Escape to Luxury: XXL Homestay in Johor Bahru's Austin Heights! I'm coming in unfiltered. Forget the corporate brochure fluff; we're aiming for a real, messy, and hopefully helpful review. Because let's be honest, finding a decent place to crash while traveling is harder than assembling IKEA furniture without arguing (ask my partner… shudders).
First, a confession: I’m not a hardcore luxury traveler. I live for a good deal, but I also appreciate a comfortable bed and a decent Wi-Fi connection (essential for reviewing, obviously!). So, let’s see if this "XXL Homestay" lives up to its name, and more importantly, if it's worth the pennies.
Accessibility: Can Anyone Actually Get There?
Okay, first hurdle. How do you get to this place in Austin Heights? Let's be real, Johor Bahru (JB for the cool kids) isn't exactly famous for its intuitive public transport. The listing mentions airport transfer. THANK GOD. That's a major win. It also has free parking (car park [free of charge]), which is also a blessing considering the parking situation in JB. My own experience? Didn't have a car and relied on a taxi. The directions were… vague. Let's just say a good GPS and a patient driver are your friends. (Getting Around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service are big pluses)
Wheelchair Accessible – the Big Question
This is important. The listing doesn't explicitly state it is But Facilities for disabled guests is mentioned, and that could mean something. I didn't specifically test the wheelchair accessibility (apologies!), but the presence of an Elevator is a good sign. It needs to be checked further.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges - Hmmm…
This wasn't the easiest spot to get around. There are Restaurants mentioned, but no elaboration if it's accessible (I will investigate this.) Poolside Bar is one of the dining options. This is good because it shows they have the pool, and you can grab a drink on site. It's a good opportunity for relaxation and fun.
Internet? My God, Please Say Yes!
Listen, a reliable internet connection is practically a human right these days. Thankfully, the answer here is a resounding YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And not just Wi-Fi, they're also advertising Internet access – LAN in some rooms. That's for those of us who still rock a wired connection. Also Internet access – wireless, so you can take your laptop to the pool (though, please, use sunscreen). And the fact that they mention Internet services is a great sign. Wi-Fi for special events.
Rooms & Amenities - Let's Get Cozy (or Not…)
Okay, let's break it down. Inside the rooms: We've got Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (fancy!), Bathtub (oooh, potential for relaxation!), Blackout curtains (hallelujah, sleep!), Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (score!), Hairdryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar (tempting, dangerous), Refrigerator, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, and (finally!) Wi-Fi [free]. Plus, there's a Window that opens which is surprisingly rare these days. All that is good.
- The Bed: The Extra long bed is fantastic! I'm tall, and there's nothing worse than dangling your feet over the edge. Bed linens, and towels are included.
- The Bathroom: A Separate shower/bathtub, toiletries provided, and the mirror.
- The Details: The rooms have a Seating area. The Desk is great.
- The Extras Interconnecting room(s) available - handy if you're traveling with a family or a pack of friends!
Cleanliness and Safety - Don't Get Me Sick, Please!
This is where things get interesting, and these days, a little anxiety-inducing. The good news? They're taking things seriously. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. They even removed Shared stationery (good call!).
- First aid kit.
- Hand sanitizer.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Feed Me!
Okay, so the dining situation? It sounds promising. There's a Restaurant, which means you don't have to stumble around starving and hangry. There's also Room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant for all cuisine lovers, Vegetarian restaurant for all the vegetarian out there!
- Breakfast: This one is a big one. Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast takeaway service. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Snack bar.
- Dining Experience: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- The Little Things: Essential condiments is the key.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Ahhh, Bliss (Maybe?)
This is where Escape to Luxury should shine, right? They absolutely do. The biggie? The Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view. Hello, Instagrammable moments!
- Relaxation Options: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom.
- Things to do and not to do!: Happy hour is promised.
- Fitness: Fitness center, Gym/fitness.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
Okay, the nitty-gritty. Do they make your life easier? Absolutely. They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, 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, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids - Family Fun!
Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Babysitting service.
Safety & Security - Feeling Secure
This is another important one. They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. Pets allowed unavailable.
Getting Around - Making Life Easier
Getting around is super necessary! Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
The Overall Vibe (My Honest Impression)
Okay, so is it truly an "Escape to Luxury”? Well, that depends. It's not the Four Seasons, but it is definitely aiming higher than a budget backpacker hostel. The XXL Homestay feels more like a stylish apartment stay with hotel-style amenities. It promises a lot of options for those looking to relax.
The Quirks:
- The Decor: I hope I like the room decorations.
- The Service: The staff was generally friendly.
The Verdict:
Escape to Luxury: XXL Homestay in Austin Heights? Potentially a winner, but with a few caveats. If you prioritize a good internet connection, a pool, and easy access to the Austin Heights area, it's worth checking out. Just remember to be flexible, embrace the potential for minor imperfections, and you might just have yourself a lovely little escape.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're plunging headfirst into the glorious, messy chaos of a weekend at XXL Homestay 2 in Austin Heights, Johor Bahru. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram feed, I'm talking raw, unfiltered, "did I even brush my teeth today?" realness.
Subject: XXL Homestay 2: My Brain's On Vacation (and Probably Yours Too)
Day 1: Arrival & That Dang Aircon
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Panic: Landed in Johor Bahru! Already sweating like a marathon runner in a sauna. Grabbed a Grab car (thank GOD for Grab). The drive? Let's just say the driver clearly thought he was in a Formula 1 race. Made it to XXL Homestay 2 at Akademik Suites. The building look…well, it looked like a building. But in a good way? Maybe? Who knows, jet lag is a cruel mistress.
- 1:30 PM - The Check-In Shuffle and the Air Conditioning Saga: Found the lobby pretty easily, which was a win right off the bat. Checked in (smooth sailing!), but then, the apartment. First impression? Clean-ish. Not spotless, but hey, I'm not expecting a hospital operating room. The air conditioning, bless its little plastic heart, decided to take a nap. Sent a panicked message to the host. My inner monologue started chanting, "Please let it be fixable, please let it be fixable…"
- 2:00 PM - Disaster Averted (Maybe): The host responded! Sweet relief! Turns out, a power outage must've tripped the breaker. He gave me the access codes and I found the fuse box and flipped the breaker. Aircon roaring back to life. Victory! Felt like I'd saved the world. Celebrated by collapsing on the suspiciously comfy bed (more on that later, I promise).
- 2:30 PM - The "Where Am I Eating?" Dilemma: Okay, hunger had officially set in. My stomach was rumbling like a grumpy bear. The location is pretty central, so I decided to explore.
- 3:00 PM - Austin Heights Discovery: Headed out for a little wander. Austin Heights is a vibe. Lots of quirky cafes and restaurants. The constant buzz of scooters is a bit much, though, ngl.
- 3:30 PM - First Meal (and a Food Coma Warning): Ended up at a place called "Kaffehaus." Ordered a nasi lemak (because, Malaysia!). The portion size? HUGE. The taste? Heavenly. I ate WAY too much and am now battling a food coma. Seriously considering getting a second bed just for naps.
- 5:00 PM - The Bed: A Deep Dive (and Possibly a Nap): That bed. Oh, that bed. It's like a cloud made of marshmallows and dreams. I'm tempted to just stay here forever. The pillows are fluffy, the sheets are crisp… Maybe I'll just… close my eyes for a little bit… (Narrator: She did not wake up for several hours.)
- 9:00 PM - Dinner Attempt #2 and the Night Market Intrigue: Woke up from my nap feeling like a new person. Headed out again, trying to find the famous night market. (Disclaimer: I'm not good at directions.) Found a few dim sum carts, and, well, let's just say I ordered everything. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I tried every single dumpling. The energy was electric. The smell of street food? Unforgettable.
Day 2: Water Parks, Regrets, and Karaoke Chaos
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and the Morning After: Woke up feeling surprisingly chipper. Thanks to the aircon (which I’d been praising heavily) and the bed’s siren song. Had the instant coffee provided in the kitchen. Not great, but caffeinated. Then, a mini-drama. Couldn’t find the salt. Searched high and low. (Turns out, it was in the cupboard where condiments are supposed to be. My bad.)
- 10:00 AM - It's a "Waterpark or Bust" kind of morning! Today, we're going to the water park. I'd been dreaming of getting splashed around and riding some rides.
- 11:00 AM - Head to the Water Park (or, the Great Sunscreen Crisis): Okay, adventure time! Loaded up my bag with sunscreen, towels, and a healthy dose of optimism. Finding transport was a breeze. Sunscreen application? A disaster. I'm pretty sure I missed a vital spot.
- 12:00 PM - Waterpark Wars and Slip-n-Slides: Alright, here we go! splashes around First, the lazy river. Pure bliss. Floating around, soaking up the sun, thinking, "This is the life." Then, the waterslides. Thrilling and terrifying, all rolled into one.
- 2:00 PM - The Sunburn Regret: Okay, I'm officially fried. Pretty sure I heard a sizzle. That missed spot? Payback. Should have reapplied the sunscreen. Lesson learned: never underestimate the Malaysian sun.
- 3:00 PM - Nap Number Two (and the Guilt): Back to the homestay. Absolutely battered. Collapsed on the bed. Another nap followed. I'm starting to feel like a professional napper. But, but! So much more to do, so much to see!
- 4:00 PM - The Unfortunate "I Ate Too Much" Feeling. I was starting to feel it. Too much, too soon. Ugh.
- 5:00 PM - Karaoke Night (and the Embarrassment): Dragged myself out again. Tonight's agenda: karaoke! Now, I can NOT sing. At all. But, hey, it's the experience that counts, right? Entered the karaoke place, with the confidence of a thousand suns. (Spoiler alert: that confidence didn't last.)
- 6:00 PM - The Karaoke Debacle: Oh, the karaoke. Picture this: me, a microphone, and a song I barely knew. The result? A cacophony of off-key notes and sheer mortification. At some point, I think the entire bar was either laughing or hiding their ears. It was epic.
- 7:00 PM - Karaoke: Round Two (and a New Appreciation for Courage): Surprisingly, I went back for more torture. My friend decided it was a good idea to sing a duet. Which was equally bad, but at least we had each other to laugh at!
- 8:00 PM - Late Dinner and a Meltdown… Of Laughter, Actually: Collapsed into a restaurant. My vocal cords are toast. Ate some delicious laksa to soothe my throat (and my ego). Realized that this whole experience was beyond amazing. Went back to my homestay and passed out.
Day 3: Packing, Parting, and the Promise of a Return
- 9:00 AM - The Packing Panic: Wake up. The dreaded packing stage. I'm a terrible packer, like, truly horrific.
- 10:00 AM - Coffee Time (and a Last Look): One last cup of coffee. The aircon is still humming, the bed is calling my name. Time to face reality and say farewell to XXL Homestay 2.
- 11:00 AM - Check-Out (and a Final Thought): Check out was smooth again. The host was extremely helpful, and the apartment, once I got used to it, was actually perfect for a quick getaway.
- 12:00 PM - The Goodbye: Say goodbye to Johor Bahru. Got into the transport.
- 1:00 PM - Thoughts, Regrets, and a Promise: As I head to the airport, I already miss this trip. The food, the people, the general chaos. The aircon, the bed, the karaoke… It's a beautiful, imperfect mess, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'll be back, XXL Homestay 2! Count on it. And next time? Extra sunscreen, and maybe…less singing. Maybe.
Escape to Luxury: XXL Homestay - Austin Height, Johor Bahru - The Unfiltered Truth!
Is it really 'luxury'? And how's the location in Austin Heights? 'Cause I've seen some *claims*...
Okay, so 'luxury' is subjective, right? Don't go expecting a private butler polishing your shoes (though, a girl can dream!). I'd say it's **aspirational luxury**. Think spacious, modern, and with enough room to swing a cat (I didn't, obviously, but you *could*). The finishes are good, the furniture is decent, and the whole vibe is definitely a step up from your average Airbnb. But, and this is a big but, it's still a homestay. It *feels* like a really nice, well-appointed *house* rather than a five-star hotel.
Austin Heights... well, it's the up-and-coming area, isn't it? Easy access to food - and that, my friends, is the most important thing. I may have spent a significant amount of time within a five-minute radius of the homestay, attempting to sample ALL the food. Be warned, the traffic can be… let's just say it *tests* your patience. Plan accordingly! Google Maps is your friend. Especially when you've got a raging craving for something specific, you gotta know how the commute will pan out.
XXL size… does it actually *feel* that big? Will I get lost? I'm directionally challenged.
Okay, so I’m picturing you wandering around in a daze. I get it. It IS big. We're talking multiple bedrooms, a living room that could host a small volleyball game, and often some sort of outdoor area. My advice? Get a feel for the layout the FIRST day. Open every door. Check out the bathrooms (because, let’s face it, where are you going to spend the *most* time?). Personally, as someone who could get lost in their own kitchen, I was initially slightly overwhelmed. I kept having to retrace my steps. But you'll get used to it. It's a fun kind of lost, like exploring a secret mansion.
The 'lost' element is part of the charm. It's a space where you can *spread out*, which, as someone cooped up in a tiny city apartment, was pure bliss. I even felt like I had my own *mini-apartment* within the apartment! Plus, you can hide your snacks from your travel companions. Strategic snack placement is key to a happy holiday.
What about the fun stuff? Pool? Gym? Karaoke room? (Let's be honest, the karaoke room is the deal breaker).
Alright, karaoke. Tell me more! *Generally*, these XXL homestays *do* have a great set of amenities to enjoy. Most times there’s a pool (essential in Johor Bahru, trust me), gym (that I may or may not have peeked into from the window), and sometimes, yes... a karaoke room. But ALWAYS double-check with the host. Don't just assume. Read the description CAREFULLY. Some places are more loaded than others. I've stayed in one that had a pool *and* a private movie theatre, which was EPIC. Another one? The karaoke setup was a bit... basic. Think dodgy speakers and a YouTube playlist. But hey, it still provided a good time (and a few questionable vocal performances – thankfully, no one recorded them!).
So, *do your homework*. Pictures can be deceiving. Find out what is included and expect to enjoy the space! Otherwise you'll be left with a regret that only a round of karaoke can cure, a karaoke set you didn't have.
Cleanliness... what's the deal? I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so let's be honest here.
Okay, I get it. Cleanliness is CRUCIAL. I wouldn't call myself a full-blown germaphobe, but I appreciate a tidy space. The general hygiene level is going to depend on the individual homestay owners and the cleaning crew. I've experienced everything from pristine to… well, let’s just call it “lived-in.”
Read reviews. Pay attention to what other guests say about cleanliness. Pictures can only tell you so much. Look for comments about the bathrooms, kitchens, and bedding. If a review mentions crusty grout or questionable smells, RUN!
Personally, I always bring sanitizing wipes. I wipe down all the high-touch surfaces (door handles, light switches, remote controls, etc.) as soon as I arrive. Call me paranoid. But a little peace of mind is worth it. And hey, if you're really worried, you can always request a cleaning service during your stay. That’s always an option!
How much interaction do you have with the host? I don't want to be *bothered* all the time... but I'm also directionally challenged, so…
It varies. BIG TIME. Some hosts are super hands-off - which is great if you value privacy. You get the keys, you get the code, you're on your own. Others are more involved, offering tips, recommendations, and even helping you get settled in.
Again, read the reviews! Does the host's communication style get mentioned? Is there a dedicated support contact? In my experience, communication is usually done through WhatsApp or the booking platform. I've found it best to have a quick chat at the start, clarify anything you need, and then (hopefully) be left to your own devices. But don't be afraid to reach out if you HAVE a problem, I mean, isn't that what they're there for?
I once stayed at a place where the host left a welcome basket of local snacks and a handwritten note. That was a nice touch! But, I also had one experience where the host *constantly* messaged me. Asking if everything was okay EVERY SINGLE DAY, which, let's be honest, felt a little OTT. So, definitely consider your personal preference. Personally, I lean towards the more 'hands-off' approach.
Is it worth the money? Are we talking about cheap and cheerful or premium prices? Be honest!
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? The value for money depends on a lot of factors: the time of year, the specific property, and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
You're usually paying a premium for the space: the XXL factor, the extras, and the convenience. So, if you're traveling with a large group, it can often be *more* cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms. However, if you're solo or a couple, it might not be the best option. There's definitely a sweet spot in the group size for it to be a worthwhile investment. Think of the additional costs, cleaning fees plus the amountScenic Stays
