Before I review this hotel I should point out that I have travelled extensively over the last thirty years both for business and pleasure, and with a background in quality assurance and customer care it takes an exceptional experience to cause me to sing the praises of any establishment.

Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor is one of those exceptional experiences.

The hotel is located about 30-40minutes north of JB city, very well situated adjacent to Senai airport with connections to KL, and with a bus link to Singapore.  A good train service to all parts of Malaysia can be found in Kulaijaya which is about 15 minutes by taxi.

For those arriving into Malaysia via Changi Airport in Singapore the whole transit is 60-90 minutes depending on how busy the checkpoints are leaving the island.

Back to the hotel, the complex stands within acres of gardens which also hides three championship courses, enough for the most avid golf fan.  The undercover entrance introduces you to both the opulence and level of service you are about to enjoy, with staff eagerly taking your luggage and leading you into the vast reception area with amazing vaulted roof, gleaming marble and polished wood as far as the eye can see.

With no shortage of efficient staff, check in is both fast and painless and you are on your way to your room in minutes.  And what rooms.  Even the smallest standard room puts most hotels to shame.  Meticulously clean, polished wooden floors, giant sized beds with crisp linen, solid furniture in spacious surrounds,  patio doors leading to a small but adequate balcony with either pool, garden or course views, and a large spacious bathroom with bath and large walk in shower, well equipped and stocked confirm this hotel is worthy of five star status.

Normally it is not difficult to find something that needs attention - a bit of peeling wallpaper, mould in the shower, scuffed paintwork.  I can honestly say I have never seen a hotel in such a high standard of repair where it was impossible to find these little niggles.  and if you are unlucky enough to have a problem, the staff will have it rectified before you can return to your room.

Deluxe rooms and suites are available which just increase the space from merely large to vast, but believe me the standard room is more than sufficient for couples.

F & B at the hotel are second to none. Starting at the reception you have the choice of the grill, who incidentally cook some of the best steaks I've ever eaten,  and which overlooks the vast pool, with it's swim up bar which also serves snacks.  Next to the grill you will find "The Bar" where you are ably served by Farah, Ewan and the rest of the staff who provide a selection of snacks while you relax to the live music in a genuinely friendly atmosphere.

Beside the bar there is both a Chinese and Japanese restaurant, both of which provide an extensive choice of fine dining.  And next to that is the hotel restaurant which also provides a commanding buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner for those having trouble deciding where to eat.

Yet further down the complex lies the sports hall, with an Olympic size pool, gym, tennis, squash, ten pin bowling, snooker, pool and darts, table tennis and probably a host more activities I never found.

And finally next to this is the golf club with yet another bar and restaurant providing yet another good value menu.

I should just add that the bar staff are extremely accommodating and unless they are extremely over stretched they will arrange food in the bar from any of the other restaurants, or indeed from the extensive room service menu which again is good value for money.

Also situated in the hotel reception is a useful little shop and a very nice spa, and I can vouch for the "Le Touch" massage.  Very relaxing and good value.

So, all the features of a good 5* hotel I hear you say?  Yes indeed, but what makes Le Grandeur stand out is the staff.  Never have I met such friendly people who have but one solitary focus. To ensure your stay is perfect.  I have stayed in many five star hotels where it took a crowbar to prise a smile out of the staff. Not so here. In fact it was a pleasure to walk from my room to breakfast every morning, because EVERY single member of staff, including housekeeping, maintenance, security, and of course reception, bar and restaurant staff would meet me with a genuine beaming smile and a welcome that would set me in a good mood for the rest of the day.  

It seems unfair to name staff when I know that each and everyone of them work hard to provide the high level of service I experienced, but some people stood out from the crowd during my one month stay.  Farah and Ewan in the Bar I have already mentioned, both of whom I am indebted for their friendship in the evenings.  Dora, Aisyah, ,Nuradilah, Darma, and many other guys on reception ably managed by Miss Sky, and I hope I haven't offended any of them by not naming them.  And of course thanks to the team in the restaurants for their efficient service.

Good staff are often overlooked and I hope the management of Le Grandeur never underestimate the value of their staff.  At the end of the day it is not the fixtures and fittings that make an exceptional hotel, it is its staff;  I have witnessed grand hotels all around the world with receptionists with the fixed false smile and the rehearsed "have a nice day" attitude. Not so at Le Grandeur. Stay here, and prepare to be surprised.