Resort Review | Somerset Residences, Johor

Iskandar Puteri, in the southwestern reaches of Malaysia, is Johor’s newly planned city encompassing state administrative capital Kota Iskandar, education hub Educity and international marina Puteri Harbor. While some of these developments are not fully completed yet, tourists still flock to this region for one thing – its world-class theme parks.

Iskandar Puteri is home to Legoland Malaysia, the first Legoland theme park in Asia, and complemented by Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town.

Currently, the main gripe of travelers visiting these parks is the lack of accommodation in the area. Legoland Hotel is everyone’s first choice, making it hard to find a room especially during the holidays while nearby hotels is about a solid 15 minute drive away in neighboring Gelang Patah and Bukit Indah.

The solution to this conundrum – a stay at the Somerset serviced residences.

I had the chance to experience two of Somerset’s properties on my recent trip down south and I feel both residences are a perfect fit for family travelers. Here’s a rundown of Somerset Medini and Somerset Puteri Harbor, premier collections of The Ascott Limited.

Somerset Medini

Imagine waking-up in the morning to a view of the magical castle-like Legoland, overlooking a lush garden and an infinity pool.

That’s the panorama you’ll be getting from one of Somerset Medini’s serviced apartment.

Recently opened in early 2016, Somerset Medini boasts 310 units of wonderfully crafted residences. It ranges from the comfortably-sized Studio Premier for couples to the ultra-spacious 3-Bedroom Premier for a family of six.

The design of each apartment is comparable to a four-star hotel. Wooden finishing is generously applied including floor panels and wardrobe to give that homey feel while the bathroom is well furnished with a mirror cabinet and bathtub.

The availability of a dining table and kitchenette complete with full size refrigerator, induction stove and microwave oven appeals to me. It provides flexibility for families, especially large ones, to cook their own meals and have a hearty dinner together before turning in early for the night.

Although Somerset Medini is a serviced apartment, it also provides other amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium and a children’s playroom if you ever feel like staying in for the day. Guests are also treated to complimentary daily breakfast buffet, a much needed kick-starter for a long day of fun under the sun.

And if you still need any more convincing to stay at Somerset Medini – it really is only a 5 minute walk to the gates of Legoland Malaysia.

Somerset Medini
Lot 5, Jalan Medini Utara 4
79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +6075148888
Website: Somerset Medini

Somerset Puteri Harbor

A mere 10 minute drive from Medini is Puteri Harbor, a well-developed waterfront with lifestyle stores, fine dining restaurants, alfresco cafes and a popular theme park.

Somerset Puteri Harbor is located right in the hub of all the action, offering nine different types of residences from the simple Studio Executive to the spacious Three-Bedroom Premier. One reason I liked staying here is the apartments have generous floor space – each category is bigger than their corresponding Medini counterpart.

The interior of every unit is given the same classy treatment except for the floor – instead of wooden panels, it is covered with glossy tiles. All the in-house amenities are similar to the ones in Somerset Medini only that they are located at the top floor of the building.

The infinity pool is a must-go even for a quick dip. You will be served with a vista of the cove parked with glitzy boats and yachts while neighboring Singapore is not too far from the horizon. Meanwhile, the breakfast lounge opens up to gorgeous view of Kota Iskandar’s administrative buildings which is a marriage of traditional Malay and modern architecture.

Puteri Harbor has a wide choice of food and drinking establishments so you can still grab a bite at any time of the day. It is home to Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town, a four story indoor theme park catered for children to play and interact with their favorite characters. If these parks are your port-of-call, then Somerset Puteri Harbor is the most sensible choice of accommodation.

For those travelers with Legoland Malaysia as their ultimate goal, Somerset offers a Legoland Combo Package for guests planning to stay at either one of their residences. The package consists of up to 4 combo tickets to the park, complimentery continental breakfast and scheduled return shuttle services.

In time, more hotels and accommodations will definitely pop-up in Iskandar Puteri. However, if you are seeking comfort and convenience for the whole family after a solid outing at Legoland or Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, then Somerset residences would be the place to stay.

Somerset Puteri Harbor
Persiaran Puteri Selatan
Puteri Harbor,
79000 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +6072871088
Website: Somerset Puteri Harbor

Many thanks to Tourism Malaysia for inviting me on this media familiarization trip and to Somerset Iskandar Puteri for the stay. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

If you’d like to know more about Legoland Malaysia’s newest attractions and activities this holiday season, check out my review here!

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