A Fresh Staycation Experience at Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam
Embarking on a short journey from the bustling heart of Bukit Bintang, my destination was Setia Alam, for a stay at a hotel under the esteemed Marriott umbrella. This property first opened its doors in December 2022, and I booked my stay through the Trip.com app, opting for a King room priced at RM279. This rate conveniently included taxes, though I decided to skip breakfast.
Arriving at the hotel around 12:40 PM, I proceeded directly to the lobby situated on the ground floor. The lobby is expansive yet maintains a minimalist charm, furnished with a few comfortable sofas for guests. Alongside the reception counter, you'll find a Starbucks and a 24-hour self-service convenience store. The check-in process was remarkably swift, and I was handed my access card as my room was already prepared.
Though I had booked a King room, I was upgraded to a Deluxe room. I wasn't entirely sure about the distinctions between the two room types, especially since the Deluxe room was listed at a higher price on Trip.com. A welcome relief was that the hotel does not require any security deposit. I took one of the five elevators up to my room on the 21st floor.
Deluxe Room Comfort and Amenities
The Deluxe room boasts a generous 312 square feet of space, mirroring the size of the King room, offering ample room to relax. Upon entering, a large sliding-door wardrobe is to your right, with the bathroom conveniently located to your left. Inside the wardrobe, you'll find ample hanging space, a safety deposit box, an iron, and an ironing board. Two plush bathrobes were also neatly hung, ready for use.
Adjacent to the wardrobe is a compact cabinet housing a mini-refrigerator and amenities for making hot beverages. Next to this, a small shelf is provided for guests to place their luggage and belongings. The sleeping area is dominated by a king-sized bed, complemented by a sizable sofa positioned near the window to the left. A small side table sits at the end of the sofa. In the corner by the foot of the bed, a moderately sized round table paired with a comfortable chair offers a perfect spot for work or catching up on emails. A reading lamp is thoughtfully placed on the table.
As expected in modern hotels, a large television, likely 55 or 60 inches, is mounted on the wall opposite the bed, providing excellent viewing entertainment.
Bathroom Features and Guest Provisions
The en-suite bathroom, while compact, is well-appointed, featuring a sink, toilet, and a spacious shower area. Instead of a bidet, the toilet is equipped with a built-in nozzle. The shower area itself offers a dual-head experience, and one wall facing the bedroom is fitted with a fully transparent mirror. This mirror has a retractable blind, controlled magnetically from inside the shower, offering privacy when desired. The hotel thoughtfully provides a comprehensive range of toiletries, including toothbrushes, hand towels, and face towels.
Leisure and Wellness Facilities
The hotel's swimming pool, located on the 12th floor, is of a moderate size. While the landscaping was not particularly striking to me, it is an open-air space. On the same level, you'll also discover a well-equipped gymnasium and a sauna. The pool and sauna are accessible from 8 AM to 7 PM, while the gymnasium is open 24 hours. A pleasant cafe is situated by the pool, serving guests until midnight.
Connectivity, Dining, and Location Perks
In-room Wi-Fi speeds were impressive, reaching up to 62mbps for both upload and download. However, mobile network coverage in the area can be a bit spotty, with CelcomDigi averaging around 12mbps and Tune Talk at 5mbps. The hotel offers a selection of basic TV channels, including news and sports, with most broadcasting in HD. The water pressure in the bathroom was strong, making for a refreshing shower experience. For those preferring to dine in, the in-room dining service offers reasonably priced options, with dishes like Nasi Goreng and Kari Laksa priced at RM32, and fruit juices at RM18.
For guests traveling by car, the hotel provides complimentary parking. Situated in Setia Alam, the hotel is approximately 40km from Kuala Lumpur city center. Its prime location places it in close proximity to the Setia City Convention Centre and the Setia City Mall. A convenient sky bridge on the first floor directly connects the hotel to the mall, making shopping and dining easily accessible.
While weekends or convention events might see the hotel bustling, my stay was surprisingly quiet, with few guests around. Considering the price point, which was well under RM300, the clean, comfortable, and new-feeling ambiance of the hotel offered excellent value. I am certainly considering a return visit, perhaps to experience one of their suites.
