A Gem in Setia Alam: My Stay at Courtyard by Marriott
First Impressions and Check-In
My journey took me from the bustling heart of Bukit Bintang all the way to Setia Alam for a stay at a hotel under the renowned Marriott banner. This property, a relatively new addition, opened its doors in December 2022. I secured my booking through the Trip.com app, opting for a King room priced at RM279. This rate conveniently included taxes, though I chose to skip the breakfast option. Arriving at the hotel around 12:40 PM, I headed straight to the lobby on the ground floor. It's a spacious, yet elegantly understated space, furnished with a few comfortable sofas for guests. Adjacent to the reception desk, 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 right away as my room was ready.
Interestingly, I was upgraded from my booked King room to a Deluxe room. While I'm not entirely sure about the exact differences, the Deluxe room was listed at a higher price on Trip.com, so it felt like a pleasant surprise. The hotel also has a no-deposit policy, which is always a welcome perk. Ascending to the 21st floor via one of the five elevators available, I made my way to my room.
Exploring the Deluxe Room
The Deluxe room at Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam boasts a generous 312 square feet, mirroring the size of the King room, offering ample space. Upon entering, a substantial sliding-door wardrobe is immediately to your right, while the bathroom is conveniently located to the left. Inside the wardrobe, I found not only ample hanging space but also a safe, an iron, and an ironing board. Two plush bathrobes were neatly hung, ready for use. Next to the wardrobe, a compact cabinet houses a mini-fridge and amenities for brewing hot beverages. A luggage rack is positioned nearby, providing a dedicated spot for your bags and belongings.
The sleeping area is dominated by a comfortable king-sized bed. To the left, near the window, sits a large sofa complemented by a small side table. Tucked away in the corner at the foot of the bed is a moderately sized round table paired with a chair, perfect for any work you might need to catch up on. A reading lamp sits atop the table, ready to illuminate your tasks. As is standard in modern hotels, a large TV, likely a 55 or 60-inch screen, is mounted on the wall opposite the bed.
A Closer Look at the Bathroom
The bathroom, while compact, is efficiently designed and includes a sink, toilet, and a dedicated shower area. Instead of a bidet hose, the toilet features a built-in spray function. The shower space itself is quite roomy, offering two distinct shower options. A unique feature is the one-way mirror wall that separates the shower from the bedroom. This transparent mirror, offering a clear view into the room, can be discreetly covered by blinds that are magnetically operated from inside the shower, providing privacy when desired.
The hotel thoughtfully provides a complete set of toiletries, including toothbrushes, hand towels, and face towels, ensuring you have all the essentials for your stay.
Leisure and Amenities
The hotel's swimming pool is located on the 12th floor and is of a respectable size. While the landscaping was not particularly striking to me, it's an open-air space. On the same level, you'll also find a well-equipped gymnasium and a sauna. The swimming pool and sauna are accessible from 8 AM to 7 PM, whereas the gymnasium is a 24-hour facility, catering to all schedules.
Adjacent to the pool area is a cafe that remains open until midnight, offering a convenient spot for refreshments. For those concerned about connectivity, the in-room Wi-Fi is impressively fast, boasting speeds of up to 62 Mbps for both upload and download. However, mobile network reception in the area can be a bit spotty, with CelcomDigi offering around 12 Mbps and Tune Talk at about 5 Mbps. The in-room TV provides a selection of basic channels, including news and sports, with most broadcast in HD. I was particularly pleased with the strong water pressure in the bathroom shower, making for a refreshing experience.
Room service is also available and surprisingly affordable. For instance, Nasi Goreng and Kari Laksa are priced at RM32 each, while fruit juices cost RM18. For guests arriving by car, complimentary parking is provided.
Location and Overall Value
Situated in Setia Alam, the hotel is about 40 km from Kuala Lumpur city center. Its prime location means you're just a stone's throw away from the Setia City Convention Centre and the Setia City Mall. A convenient skybridge on the first floor directly connects the hotel to the mall, making shopping and dining incredibly accessible. While the hotel might experience higher occupancy during weekends or when events are held at the convention center, my visit was during a quieter period, with few other guests around.
Considering the price I paid, which was well under RM300, the Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam offers exceptional value. The hotel is immaculately clean, comfortable, and still feels brand new. I'm already planning a return visit, perhaps to experience their suites next time.
I've included photographs taken during my stay. Should you wish to read my reviews of other hotels, please visit my website at https://hanuds.wixsite.com/hanudds or my contributions within this group. Thank you for reading!
