A1804 Grand Medini: Your Johor Bahru Netflix Paradise (100mbps!)
A1804 Grand Medini: Survive the Border Blues with Netflix, Bliss, and (Mostly) Blissful Relaxation! (Plus, Seriously Awesome Internet!)
Alright fellow travel-weary souls! So, you're staring down the barrel of a Johor Bahru trip? Crossing the Causeway? Let's be honest, it can be a journey. BUT, fear not! Because I just stumbled upon a place that's actually made me…dare I say it? Look forward to going back. We're talking about A1804 Grand Medini, and this isn't just another cookie-cutter hotel review. This is a raw, honest, and slightly manic account of my recent stay. Strap in, buttercups, because you're in for a ride.
Accessibility: The Good and The…Well, Mostly Good-ish
Okay, first things first. Getting to this place? Relatively easy. Located in Medini, it's thankfully not buried in some labyrinthine jungle of JB backstreets. And once you're inside, lifts and elevators are your friends. Facilities for disabled guests? They've got it, which is fantastic. Though, I didn't personally scrutinize every detail, my impression was a solid thumbs-up for inclusivity.
Internet: The Hero We All Need (100mbps!)
Let me be blunt: I’m a digital nomad in recovery. I need internet. And A1804, bless their digital cotton socks, understands. 100mbps?! Seriously?! I actually whooped when I saw the speed test. Forget grainy YouTube videos buffering forever. We're talking Netflix nirvana, seamless video calls, and the ability to actually, you know, work if you're unfortunate enough to have to. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Oh, yes. Gloriously, beautifully yes. Internet [LAN]? Also available, in case you're a dinosaur like me who still craves a wired connection for maximum speed. Internet access – wireless? Check and check. Basically, if you're addicted to the internet like I am, this place is a lifeline.
Room Rundown: Netflix Paradise? More Like Netflix Palace!
The room itself? Clean, spacious, and surprisingly well-designed. Air conditioning – thankfully, because the Malaysian heat is no joke. Blackout curtains? Essential for those post-Netflix marathon naps. Free bottled water? Always a win. And, the star of the show: the massive TV with access to…you guessed it…Netflix! (And probably others, but let's be honest, who needs anything else?) I spent a solid afternoon sprawled out on the comfy sofa, completely absorbed in a murder mystery, completely forgetting the world existed. It was… glorious. In-room safe box? Check. You're not going to be robbed of your passport while you're binging. Alarm clock, alarm clock! Yes, it has one.
Okay, Let's Dig In…The Spa, The Food, and The…Well, Everything Else!
Now, let's talk relaxation. A1804 claims to have it all. And, well, they're not entirely wrong.
The Spa & Wellness:
- The Spa: I indulged in a massage. It was…good. Not life-changing, but definitely effective at kneading away the tension from border crossings and general life stresses. Body scrub and Body wrap options are available too, if you’re feeling extra fancy.
- Pool with view: The swimming pool [outdoor] and pool with view were beautiful, even if the water temperature was a little too inviting on a hot day. It looked like a great place to laze about with a cocktail.
- (Almost) Everything you need: Sauna, steamroom, gym, it’s all available on-site.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: More Wins Than Losses!
- Restaurants: There's a variety of restaurants, including Asian cuisine and International cuisine. I had a surprisingly good meal at the in-house restaurant – their desserts in restaurant were particularly tempting. I was particularly impressed by the breakfast [buffet] which had a variety of options.
- Coffee/Tea: I am definitely a coffee snob but the Coffee/Tea in restaurant kept me caffeinated.
- Snacks: The Snack Bar was perfect for my cravings.
Safety First, Second, and Third! (And Fourth, and Fifth!)
- Safety/security feature: The team at A1804 clearly takes hygiene and safety seriously. Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and a general sense of cleanliness that was immensely comforting.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays? They're ticking all the boxes, which is vitally important in these times.
The Quirks, The Quibbles, and The (Very Minor) Gripes:
- The Breakfast Buffet: A Few Hiccups
- Breakfast, while extensive, could be improved. The buffet layout was a bit chaotic at times, and the coffee was, well, let's just say it could benefit from a barista with skills.
- The Location: It's Medini, Not the Epicentre of JB Nightlife
- A1804 Grand Medini is located far from the center of Johor Bahru.
- If you want to party until dawn, this might not be the place for you.
- But if you're looking for a peaceful hotel with easy access to the theme parks of Medini, then this is perfect.
The Verdict:
Look, A1804 Grand Medini isn't perfect. But frankly, who is? What it is is a solid, comfortable, well-equipped hotel that prioritizes guest comfort and those things that really matter, like blazing-fast internet and easy access to Netflix. I mean, come on, where else can you watch a three-season binge-fest without the buffering blues?
Here's the Deal: My Crazy-Good Offer for You!
Tired of subpar hotel experiences? Ready to finally experience Johor Bahru without the headaches?
Book your stay at A1804 Grand Medini through this link [Insert a booking link here] and unlock these exclusive perks:
- Guaranteed 100mbps Fibre Connection: Your entertainment needs are covered!
- Free Breakfast for Two – because who doesn't love a hotel breakfast?
- Early Check-In (Subject to Availability): Start your relaxation sooner!
- Late Check-Out (1 PM): Enjoy that last episode of your favorite show!
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Escape the ordinary. Embrace the Netflix paradise. Book your A1804 Grand Medini getaway today and finally enjoy your Johor Bahru experience!
You might even see me there. I'll be the one by the pool, eyes glued to the screen, blissfully happy. And probably ordering another coffee.
Goa's BEST Hotel Near Vasco Station? FabHotel Maharaja Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-typed travel itinerary. This is the A1804 Grand Medini Studio 100mbps Netflix By STAY Johor Bahru Malaysia - Adventure (or, You Know, Just a Trip). I’m gonna be brutally honest here, because that’s how I roll.
Pre-Trip Nervous Breakdown (aka Planning Phase, God Help Me)
- The Dream: Johor Bahru! Sounds exotic, right? Close proximity to Singapore, supposed to be bustling. I envisioned sleek skyscrapers, delicious street food, and maybe, just maybe, stumbling upon a hidden gem market where I'd bargain like a pro and come back with enough souvenirs to fill a small apartment.
- The Reality: Booked the place on Booking Dot Com. A1804 Grand Medini Studio, 100mbps Netflix, STAY, yadda yadda yadda. Looked decent enough in the photos, but let's be honest – those photos are always a lie. I spent a week meticulously researching the best places to eat. I read trip reviews and my eyes would glaze over with the monotonous "Authentic experience!" "Delicious food!". Then, I started watching street food videos on Tiktok, and suddenly I am thinking, "is this the right place?". I started packing four days before I am planning to arrive, I am really not sure if I have packed the necessities. Did I pack an adapter? Did I pack all the meds? Did i book the plane tickets?? Wait, did I book them for the right date? (I am absolutely sure I did, BUT just to be sure, I'm going to double-check everything before it is too late.)
- Emotional State: Jittery. Excited-slash-terrified. I’m basically a walking, talking, caffeinated anxiety ball of potential disappointment. Especially terrified because this is my first proper solo trip after the pandemic. I have my trust issues, I'm afraid to mingle with strangers, am I in the right place?
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Disorientation
- 7:00 AM: The Airport Gauntlet: Ugh. Airports are a necessary evil. Luggage situation: Currently a disaster. I have this weird habit of overpacking “just in case.” My rolling carry-on is about to spontaneously combust. Flight was delayed. Great start.
- 11:00 AM: Arrival in Johor Bahru - and Immediate Regret? Okay, it's not that bad. The airport is clean(er than I expected, I've set my standards very, very low), but the air is thick with humidity. (I did not pack my deodorant, I am smelling bad already, argh!!!) Getting through customs was surprisingly painless. Hooray for small victories.
- 12:00 PM: Transportation Tango: Grab is my best friend. (Or, at least, it will be, I'm hoping, for the duration of this trip). After a bit of a wait, I managed to wrangle a ride to the "Grand Medini Studio." The driver, a very chatty and friendly man, gave me a mini-tour of some streets I honestly couldn't remember.
- 1:00 PM: Finding the Apartment - or, The Building with a Slight Identity Crisis. The "Grand" part of the name is a bit of a stretch, but the building itself is… well, it exists. (I am relieved, at least.) The lobby is fancier than I expected, which always a welcome sign. And my apartment… it's actually not bad! Nicely decorated, good (though, slightly blurry) view, and the promised 100mbps internet seems to be delivering. The Netflix is great too!! Thank god.
- 2:00 PM: The Great Unpacking/Panic Attack: After unpacking, I decided to check the places I should be heading to. I panicked when I realize how much I need to do for just a day. I had a very bad day, I was too tired to even consider going out. I had a long, hot shower while listening to some calming music.
- 3:00 PM: Grocery run - a test of my sanity: The most local supermarket is 10 minutes away by foot, but I am not sure if I have all the courage to go even a minute out to buy something. The thought of being in an unfamiliar place makes me very vulnerable and nervous. But, I had to do it. I bought a carton of eggs, some bread, and some instant noodles, I am set for a couple of days.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and Netflix Nirvana: Settled in with a huge bowl of instant noodles. I have had noodles and eggs for dinner every day for the past 3 days. Netflix is working! I am exhausted but happy. I have watched 3 episodes of a show, I am gonna fall asleep, goodnight.
Day 2: Food, Food, and More Food (and a Dash of Culture)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Attempt: Those eggs from yesterday? Turns out I have no cooking skills whatsoever. End up with a slightly burnt omelet and a profound sense of inadequacy. Back to the instant noodles.
- 10:00 AM: The City Centre - A Little Bit of Culture, A Lot of Sweat: Finally, ventured out. Walked around City Centre. I'd envisioned myself wandering through bustling markets, haggling like a pro. The reality? Hot, humid, and me, sweating profusely in a poorly-chosen cotton shirt. Found a hawker stall and had some local breakfast. I am gonna be honest, the food is great, but I have no idea what I'm eating.
- 12:00 PM: The Grand Bazaar - Another Round of Sweating: So much stuff. So many smells. I am overwhelmed. The vendors are persistent but nice. I attempted to buy some snacks for the apartment, but lost my bargaining ability in the intense heat. Ended up paying more than I probably should have for a bag of… who knows what. But it's delicious! It has a very unique taste.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch Time: Sat down somewhere to eat. I tried a local restaurant, and ordered something that, again, I could not quite identify. But it was fantastic! I feel so much better, the food here is amazing.
- 2:00 PM: The Unexpected Joy of Air Conditioning: Back to the apartment for a well-deserved, air-conditioned sanctuary. Collapsed on the couch.
- 3:00 PM: A nap, A dream: I had a dream, this place is where I belong.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Dinner, Noodles again.
- 8:00 PM: Netflix: I watched some reality show, I am going to skip the episode on the previous day, I couldn't remember it.
Day 3: Into Singapore (and Questioning All My Life Choices)
*(Side note: I'm deliberately leaving out details like "visited a museum" or "saw a temple," even though I did those things. You can Google those, it's the *feeling* that counts here.)*
- 8:00 AM: Crossing the Border - The Border is a Reality Check: The bus to Singapore. This meant another customs line, another round of passport checks, and the general existential dread that comes with any kind of bureaucratic process. Not fun, I am nervous.
- 9:00 AM: Singapore, Suddenly Expensive: Singapore. The food is great, the streets are spotlessly clean. But every single thing cost an arm and a leg. I mean, expensive. I swear, I felt my wallet physically shriveling with every purchase. Everything requires some sort of research before you actually going to it.
- 12:00 PM: Gardens by the Bay - A Monument to Overwheleming Grandeur. Spectacular. Overwhelming. I felt both incredibly small and a part of something vast and beautiful.
- 2:00 PM: Hawker Centre, Once Again. Ate some delicious food, I miss Johor Bahru.
- 4:00 PM: Back To Johor Bahru: I have a bus to catch. The bus is late. Traffic is bad. I am really exhausted.
- 7:00 PM: Back in the apartment, the sweet sweet comfort of a familiar place: Ate the last of my instant noodles. Seriously considering ordering a pizza.
- 8:00 PM: Netflix. Ah, the great equalizer. It's alright, I'll be fine.
Day 4: Departure and Post-Trip Reflections
- 9:00 AM: Packing Panic Round Two: Somehow, my luggage is even more overstuffed. I'm pretty sure I now own more stuff than when I arrived. I had to leave a pair of shoes there.
- 10:00 AM: A Last Stroll Down the Street: Walked, thought about all the things I did, and all the memories I made. I will never forget these.
- 11:00 AM: Check-Out and Farewell: The apartment was better than I expected.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the Airport: Head to the airport, I
So, is this A1804 place *really* a Netflix paradise? Or is that just marketing hype? (Because, let's be honest, marketing lies.)
Okay, okay, let's get real. 100mbps? That's the headline, right? And honestly? For the most part, YES. It *is* pretty damn glorious. I mean, I'm talking crystal-clear 4K streams, no buffering (almost ever), and the ability to watch *all* of Bridgerton in a single day. That's the dream, people! There were nights, though, let me tell you, where the internet gods weren't smiling. The dreaded "spinning wheel of doom" would rear its ugly head. Once, during the *climax* of a particularly important episode of... well, let's just say it involved dragons... and the connection died. I may have punched a pillow. That was probably more my fault than the internet's, though. I get a little...invested.
What's the actual *apartment* like? Is it all Insta-worthy or a crumbling disaster?
Okay, the apartment itself... it's not a *total* disaster. Think... modern, but not overly fancy. Cleanish. There's a certain "lived-in" charm, if you're feeling generous. Or, you know, slightly used, if you're not. The furniture... well, let's just say it's functional. And the lighting? Sometimes it's like living in a cave. Bring a lamp! Seriously. But hey, the view from the balcony? Pretty decent, especially at sunset. And sometimes, you find the most *random* things left behind by previous tenants. Like… I found a rubber ducky in the bathroom. Seriously. Who leaves a rubber ducky?!
The bed. The *single* most important piece of furniture. Good? Bad? Nightmare fuel?
Ah, the bed. This is where things get... nuanced. I'm a creature of habit, and the bed plays a critical role in my life, especially after a long day of... well, doing not much in particular. Let's just say the mattress *isn't* the stuff of dreams. It's a bit…worn. And I swear, sometimes it feels like I’m sleeping on a slight incline. A *very* slight incline. Which, ironically, can be surprisingly comfortable if you're, like, reading a book. Just don't expect to be able to, you know, *sleep* perfectly flat. But hey, at least there's a pillow and a blanket. And the sheets… well, I'd invest in my own. Just saying.
Okay, fine, the internet’s good. But what about, you know, the *rest* of the apartment? What's the kitchen like? The bathroom?
The kitchen? Tiny. Seriously, you wouldn't want to host a culinary competition in there. It’s manageable for basic cooking, and it has a fridge! (A working fridge! Praise the gods!) The bathroom? Okay, the bathroom is...adequate. The water pressure is surprisingly good. The shower? Well, it does the job. Don't expect spa-level luxury, but it's cleanish. And hey, the water *is* hot. That's a win in my book. Just don't look *too* closely at the grout. You’ll thank me later.
Is the location any good? Anything fun to *do* nearby besides binge-watching TV?
Location, location, location! Alright, Grand Medini itself is convenient. You're a quick drive to some malls, which is great for groceries or a quick escape. There's a decent selection of restaurants, but let's be honest, the main appeal of this place is the *potential* to stay inside, glued to your screen. (And hey, the internet allows access to a global world, you're never bored!) I personally love just wondering where the nearest coffee shop is and enjoying small doses of local life. If you're looking for nightlife, though, you might be a bit disappointed. This isn't exactly a party central. More like…a chill zone. And the traffic getting in and out in the peak hours? Oh, boy. Pack a book. And your patience.
What's the deal with the security? Is it safe?
Grand Medini has security. There's a gate, guards, and generally a feeling of safety. I never felt *unsafe* there. You have a key card to get into the building, and another to get to the floor, so that's reassuring. BUT… I once saw a security guard *sleeping* on the job. Right there, out cold. So, you know… perspective. It’s probably fine, but don't leave your gold bars lying around.
The pool! Does it exist? Is it clean? Should I even bother?
The pool *does* exist! It’s… a pool. Usually, it's pretty clean, and it's large enough to actually swim laps if you're into that sort of thing. I’m more of a "float around aimlessly while contemplating the meaning of life" type of person, and it serves that purpose perfectly. There's also a kiddie pool. And sometimes there’s a hot tub. Although that’s rarely hot. But hey, at least you can get some sun! The best part is you’re usually alone! (Score!) The worst part? Sometimes, you get a bit too comfortable and you burn to a crisp. Sunscreen, people! Never skip sunscreen!
So, overall… would you recommend A1804? The good, the bad, the slightly moldy showerhead… is it worth it?
Okay, here's the brutal honesty: Yes. But with caveats. The internet is mostly amazing, making it worth it for the digital nomad or the binge-watching enthusiast. The apartment itself? It's not luxurious, but it's functional. The location is convenient, as long as you prepared for the traffic. The pool? A definite win. The bed? Bring your own pillow. The minor inconveniences? Manageable. The overall experience? I found myself surprisingly happy there. It's a place where you can unwind, disconnect from the world (or connect to the world on Netflix), and just… be. It's not perfect, far from it. But it's *mine*. And for that, I'll take it. Just don't expect perfection. Expect…reality. And the potential for a really, *really* good Netflix session. Then, you'll be fine.
