The acquisition of the 380-room Thistle Hotel in Malaysia’s Johor Bahru represents a significant expansion of YTL Hotels global portfolio, according to the hotel firm.

This newly acquired property in Malaysia’s fast-growing southern region, is set to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment before relaunching in 2026 as a “world-class five-star hotel.” According to the group, the redevelopment will “redefine the hospitality landscape in the southern state.”

“Johor Bahru is a state of extraordinary potential, experiencing tremendous growth and transformation, and we are proud to contribute to this momentum by introducing a new international hotel experience to the region,” said Tan Sri (Sir) Francis Yeoh, Executive Chairman of YTL Corporation.

“This investment represents our ongoing commitment to Malaysia’s tourism landscape, delivering memorable stays that combine exceptional service with thoughtfully designed experiences.”

Strategically located in the heart of Johor Bahru, the revitalised hotel will include premium accommodation, dining options, state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, and lifestyle-focused leisure activities designed to meet the expectations of discerning travellers.

YTL Hotels stressed that the project is aligned with its mission to offer “world-class experiences while celebrating the unique character of each destination it invests in.” The company described the move as a step that will boost Johor Bahru’s presence as a destination for both business and leisure travellers.

This acquisition reinforces YTL Hotels’ commitment to expanding its presence within Malaysia, while also strengthening its international hospitality credentials, it confirmed.

Further updates on the project, including design highlights and development milestones, will be shared “in the coming months” as the hotel moves toward its anticipated reopening in 2026.