If you’re in the middle of planning your getaway from Singapore to Desaru, you’ve probably come across these two resorts – Hard Rock Desaru and Westin Desaru.
After all, both these hotels are located next to each other, fall within a similar price range and seemingly offer up comparable facilities – so which one’s better for you?
That’s where we step in!
To help you decide, we’ll be doing a resort face-off so you can compare and decide which of the two would better fit your travel needs.
Ready? Let the battle begin!
Table of contents:
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Overview
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Transport Options From Singapore
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Accommodation Price
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Facilities
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Distance From Desaru Waterpark & Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Food Choices
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Beaches
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Activities
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Entertainment (Night Life)
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Which Accommodation Is Right For You?
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Useful Information
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Overview
Both Westin Desaru and Hard Rock Desaru are globally recognized brands with a rich history in the upscale hospitality world.
The 5-star resort, Westin Desaru opened the doors of its 275-room property in April 2019.
Also read: 6 Best Resort In Desaru
Following closely behind, Hard Rock Desaru, also a 5-star resort, made its debut on the coast of Desaru a few months later in September of the same year.
Also read: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Review
So at the end of round one, it looks like both resorts are still tied!
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Transport Options From Singapore
You can fly, take a ferry, drive or take a private car to both of these resorts from Singapore!
By Ferry: Take a 90-minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal followed by a 10-15 minute Desaru free shuttle transfer to the resorts.
By Car/Private Car: It takes approximately 2 hours by car from Singapore to the resorts via the Causeway.
By Bus: WTS Coach Bus from Singapore Kovan Hub 206 to the resorts, the bus journey is around 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on the traffic conditions in the Johor-Singapore causeway.
Also read: Bus From Singapore To Desaru
| Transport From Singapore | Hard Rock Desaru | Westin Desaru |
| Ferry | 90-minute ferry ride followed by a free shuttle transfer to resort | 90-minute ferry ride followed by a free shuttle transfer to resort |
| Car/Private Car | 2-hour car ride (depending on traffic conditions) | 2-hour car ride (depending on traffic conditions) |
| Bus | 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on traffic conditions) | 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on traffic conditions) |
As both Westin Desaru and Hard Rock Desaru are right next to each other, it looks like it’s still a draw at the end of this round!
Also read: How To Get To Desaru From Singapore
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Accommodation Price
Here’s where we’ll probably see this resort face-off show a discernable winner!
We’ve listed down the prices for both resorts according to room types (bearing in mind the rooms’ facilities and room views) – let’s go!
| Room Type | Hard Rock Desaru | Westin Desaru |
| Garden View Room |
|
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| Garden View Room (with Private Pool) |
|
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| Desaru Waterpark View Room |
|
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| Partial Sea View Room |
|
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| Sea View Room |
|
|
Pricewise, both resorts are comparable, however if you like a view of the sea then Westin would be the obvious winning choice!
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Facilities
As Hard Rock Desaru and Westin Desaru are 5-star resorts, they both offer well-thought-out facilities for discernable travellers.
Also read: 5 Star Beach Hotel Near Desaru Water Park (Walking Distance)
Having said that, let’s compare their offerings head-to-head to see which resort would suit your travel needs better.
| Facility / Amenity | Hard Rock Desaru | Westin Desaru |
| Swimming Pool |
|
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| Kids’ Club |
|
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| Spa |
|
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| Gym |
|
|
| Yoga |
|
|
It’s hard to make a call as both resorts offer similar-type facilities, however, if we were to base it off the online reviews of their amenities, then Hard Rock Desaru would definitely have the edge!
Also read: 7 Best Massage Spa In Desaru
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Distance From Desaru Waterpark & Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal
The distance from both resorts to Desaru Waterpark and Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal would be almost similar as the resorts are located next to one another.
Having said that, Hard Rock Desaru does have direct access from the resort grounds into Desaru Waterpark.
Also read: How To Go To Desaru Water Park From Singapore
| Location | Hard Rock Desaru | Westinn Desaru |
| Desaru Waterpark |
|
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| Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal |
|
|
Easy win for Hard Rock Desaru as they have direct access to the waterpark!
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Food Choices
Resort comparisons would not be complete without battling out food choices – let’s check it out!
Also read: Top 14 Best Desaru Food (Local Suggest)
| Hard Rock Desaru | Westin Desaru |
Sessions
|
Prego
|
The Elephant & The Butterfly
|
Seasonal Tastes
|
Constant Grind
|
MIX Lounge
|
GMT+8
|
Splash
|
Beach Bar
|
If you’re looking for a larger variety of dining experiences, then Westin Desaru is the crowning champ in this battle!
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Beaches
What’s a beach resort face-off without a comparison of their beaches?
Also read: Tanjung Balau Beach
| Comparison | Hard Rock Desaru | Westin Desaru |
| Access | Walk through Westin Lobby or a 10-minute stroll across the road | Direct beach access |
| Amenities | Has own recliners, towels, food & drinks menu | Has own recliners, towels, food & drink and beach bar |
| Cleanliness | Well maintained | Well maintained |
| Watersports | Yes | Yes |
Winner? If you like the ease of access to the beach, then Westin would be the obvious choice!
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Activities
So, what do these two resorts have to offer in terms of activities in and around the area?
Let’s find out!
Also read: What To Do In Desaru
| Activity / Attraction | Hard Rock Desaru | Westin Desaru |
| Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast | Yes | Yes |
| Desaru Beach | Yes | Yes |
| Bujang Fireflies | Yes | Yes |
| Tanjung Balau Fisherman Museum | Yes | Yes |
| The Els Club Desaru Coast | Yes | Yes |
| Dash Outdoors | Yes | Yes |
| Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm | Yes | Yes |
| Desaru Ostrich Farm | Yes | Yes |
| Desaru Fruit Farm | Yes | Yes |
| Johor Premium Outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Kota Tinggi Waterfalls | Yes | Yes |
| City Soundtracks | Yes | – |
| Fender Guitar Delivery | Yes | – |
| Rock Royalty Lounge (Rock Royalty Room) | Yes | – |
| In-room Rock Om Yoga | Yes | – |
| Sound of Your Stay | Yes | – |
| Memorabilia Tour | Yes | – |
| Prego Cooking Class | – | Yes |
| Weekend Outdoor Yoga | – | Yes |
You will not run out of places to visit or activities to do at both Hard Rock Desaru and Westin Desaru.
Having said that, Hard Rock Desaru has a slight edge over Westin Desaru as it offers more in-room entertainment for rainy days and days when you just want time to yourself.
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Entertainment (Night Life)
If you’re looking to spend your evenings sipping cocktails or enjoying a few drinks by the beach, then you won’t be disappointed by Westin Desaru.
Happy hour at Westin Desaru’s Beach Bar is from 5 pm to 7 pm, and you can then stay on for dinner and drinks while enjoying the sound of the waves till 11 pm.
However, if you prefer a more exciting vibe, the Hard Rock Desaru would be your jam!
GMT+8 at Hard Rock Desaru has nightly live band performances to accompany you as you eat, drink and dance the night away!
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Which Accommodation Is Right For You?
So this is it, this is where we call out the winner and crown the victor of this resort face-off!
While we’d love to name an ultimate winner, unfortunately (or fortunately!) both resorts have put up an excellent fight in trying to convince us of their worth.
Also read: 11 Best Hotel In Desaru
If you’re looking for a resort to help you unwind, relax and catch some rays by the beach, then Westin Desaru would be our suggestion.
However, if you’re looking for fun, excitement and good vibes, then Hard Rock Desaru would be your unparalleled choice.
Rest assured, whichever resort you decide on, you will still pick a winner!
Hard Rock Desaru vs Westin Desaru: Useful Information
Regardless of your choice, we thought we’d throw in a few useful pieces of information to help you along (you’re welcome!)
| Feature / Convenience | Hard Rock Desaru | Westin Desaru |
| Parking | Complimentary parking for one car per room | RM5 per day |
| Concierge services | Not mentioned | Yes, they offer personalized and instinctive services to help guests explore Desaru |
| TV/Movies | Blockbuster movies on demand | Premium movie channels |
| Check-in & Check Out | Check-in: from 4:00 pm
Check out by 11:00 am |
Check-in from 3:00 pm
Check out by 12:00 pm |
| Accessibility | Not mentioned | Wheelchair-friendly rooms and disabled-friendly access to the beach and dining |
Conclusion
With two great resorts to choose from, you’ll definitely enjoy your getaway to Desaru!
While there are a few ways to get to Desaru from Singapore, our winning choice would be to travel with JohorTrip!
They provide private car transfer service that specializes in transfers between Singapore and Desaru.
Here are a few reasons why book with us direct transfer from Singapore to Desaru:
- Experienced and professionally trained drivers who know Desaru like the back of their hands
- Travel your way – be picked up at the time and place of your choice in Singapore and get dropped off at your preferred location in Desaru
- Clean and comfortable vehicles
- Non-sharing rides so you don’t have to wait for others or have awkward conversations with strangers
- Transparent and competitive pricing
Ready to get your holiday on the road? Contact us today!
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