A Delightful Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam: A Detailed Review
Embarking on a journey from the bustling heart of Bukit Bintang, my recent adventure led me to Setia Alam for an experience at a hotel under the renowned Marriott umbrella. This property, which opened its doors in December 2022, promises a fresh perspective on hospitality.
Booking and Arrival: A Seamless Start
My booking was made through the Trip.com app, where I selected a King room for RM279. This rate conveniently included taxes, though I opted out of the breakfast package. Arriving around 12:40 PM, I proceeded directly to the hotel's ground-floor lobby. The space is expansive yet boasts a tastefully minimalist design, furnished with a few comfortable sofas for guests.
Beyond the reception desk, the lobby houses a Starbucks and a 24-hour self-service convenience store. The check-in process was remarkably swift. I was promptly handed my access card, as my room was ready and waiting. Although I had booked a King room, I was upgraded to a Deluxe room. I'm not entirely sure about the specific differences between the two, especially since the Deluxe room was listed at a higher price on Trip.com. Importantly, the hotel does not require a deposit, which is always a welcome touch.
Exploring the Deluxe Room: Space and Comfort
Ascending to the 21st floor via one of the hotel's five elevators, I entered my Deluxe room. Spanning 312 square feet, the room offers ample space, mirroring the size of the King room. Upon entering, a spacious wardrobe with sliding doors is conveniently located to the right, while the bathroom is situated to the left. Inside the wardrobe, I found a safe, an iron and ironing board, and two plush bathrobes.
Adjacent to the wardrobe is a compact cabinet housing a mini-fridge and amenities for preparing hot beverages. Further along, a small shelf provides a dedicated spot for luggage. The sleeping area is dominated by a king-sized bed. To the left of the bed, near the window, sits a generous sofa complemented by a small side table. In the corner at the foot of the bed, a moderately sized round table with a chair creates a functional workspace, complete with a reading lamp.
As expected in modern hotels, a large TV, likely 55 or 60 inches, is mounted on the wall opposite the bed. This setup offers a comfortable viewing experience.
The Bathroom: Thoughtful Touches and a Unique Shower
The bathroom, while compact, is efficiently designed, featuring a sink, toilet, and a shower area. Instead of a separate bidet, the toilet incorporates a small integrated pipe. The shower space is quite generous and offers two distinct shower options. A notable feature is the fully transparent glass wall facing the bedroom, allowing natural light to permeate. However, this glass is equipped with a magnetic-controlled blind that can be easily raised or lowered from inside the shower, ensuring privacy when desired.
The hotel thoughtfully provides a comprehensive set of toiletries, including a toothbrush, hand towels, and face towels.
Leisure Facilities: Pool, Gym, and Sauna
Located on the 12th floor, the hotel's swimming pool is of a decent size. While the landscaping isn't particularly striking to me, the open-air setting is pleasant. The same level also hosts a well-equipped gymnasium, available 24 hours a day, and a sauna. The pool and sauna operate from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Adjacent to the pool area, a charming café serves refreshments until midnight.
Connectivity and Dining: A Blend of Convenience
The complimentary in-room Wi-Fi is impressively fast, achieving speeds of up to 62 Mbps for both upload and download. However, mobile network reception in the area can be spotty, with CelcomDigi offering around 12 Mbps and Tune Talk at about 5 Mbps.
The hotel offers a basic selection of TV channels, including some news and sports channels, mostly in HD. I particularly enjoyed the strong water pressure in the bathroom, making showers a refreshing experience. For those preferring to dine in their room, the in-room dining service is available and reasonably priced. For instance, Nasi Goreng and Curry Laksa are priced at RM32 each, with fruit juices costing RM18. Parking is complimentary for hotel guests, a convenient amenity for those traveling by car.
Location and Value: A Strategic Choice
Situated in Setia Alam, the hotel is approximately 40 km from Kuala Lumpur city center. Its proximity to the Setia City Convention Centre and Setia City Mall is a significant advantage. A pedestrian bridge on Level 1 directly connects the hotel to the mall, offering effortless access to shopping and dining.
While the hotel might experience higher occupancy during weekends or when events are held at the convention center, my stay was remarkably peaceful, with few other guests around. Considering the rate paid, which was under RM300, the stay offered excellent value. The hotel is clean, comfortable, and still feels brand new. I am already planning a return visit, perhaps to experience their suites.
I've included photographs from my stay. For more of my hotel reviews, please visit my website at https://hanuds.wixsite.com/hanudds or check out my contributions within this group. Thank you for reading.
