A Refreshing Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam
My recent journey from the vibrant heart of Bukit Bintang led me to Setia Alam, specifically for a stay at a hotel under the esteemed Marriott umbrella. This particular establishment opened its doors in December 2022, making it a relatively new gem in the hospitality scene. I opted to book through the Trip.com app, securing a King room for RM279. This rate conveniently included taxes, though I chose to forgo the breakfast option.
Arrival and First Impressions
I arrived at the hotel around 12:40 PM and made my way directly to the lobby, situated on the ground floor. The lobby itself is expansive yet thoughtfully minimalist, furnished with a few comfortable sofas for guests. Adjacent to the reception desk, I noticed a Starbucks cafe and a 24-hour self-service convenience store, adding to the hotel's accessible amenities. The check-in process was remarkably swift, and I was promptly handed my access card as my room was already prepared and ready for me. Interestingly, I was upgraded from my King room booking to a Deluxe room. While I wasn't entirely sure of the distinction, as the Deluxe room was listed at a higher price on Trip.com, the upgrade was certainly welcome. The hotel also impressed by not requiring any deposit. A short ride in one of the five elevators whisked me up to my room on the 21st floor.
A Closer Look at the Deluxe Room
The Deluxe room boasts a generous 312 square feet of space, mirroring the size of the King room, and felt quite spacious. Upon entering, a substantial sliding-door wardrobe greeted me on the right, while the bathroom was located to the left. Inside the wardrobe, I found ample hanging space, a safety deposit box, an iron, and an ironing board. Two plush bathrobes were also neatly hung, ready for use. Beside the wardrobe, a compact cabinet housed a mini-fridge and facilities for making hot beverages. Further along, a convenient shelf was provided for guests to place their luggage and belongings.
The sleeping area featured a comfortable king-sized bed. To the left of the bed, near the window, a large sofa offered a cozy spot to relax, complete with a small side table at its end. In the corner at the foot of the bed, a moderately sized round table paired with a chair provided a dedicated workspace, complete with an adjustable reading lamp. As expected in modern hotels, a sizable TV, likely a 55 or 60-inch screen, was mounted on the wall opposite the bed.
Bathroom Delights and Features
The bathroom, while compact, was efficiently designed, encompassing a sink, toilet, and a shower area. Instead of a bidet, the toilet featured an integrated bidet function. The shower space was quite generous, offering two distinct showerhead options. A unique feature was the fully transparent glass wall separating the shower from the bedroom area, which faced the bed. This wall, however, came with a magnetic blind that could be easily raised or lowered from inside the bathroom, offering privacy when desired. The hotel thoughtfully provided a comprehensive set of toiletries, including toothbrushes, hand towels, and face towels.
Amenities and Leisure Facilities
The hotel's swimming pool, located on the 12th floor, is of a moderate size. While the landscaping wasn't particularly striking to me, the open-air setting was pleasant. Also on this level, guests can find a well-equipped gymnasium and a sauna. The pool and sauna are accessible from 8 AM to 7 PM, while the gymnasium is available 24 hours a day, catering to all schedules. A cafe situated by the poolside serves refreshments until midnight.
Connectivity, Services, and Value
The complimentary in-room Wi-Fi was impressively fast, achieving speeds of 62mbps for both upload and download. However, mobile network coverage in the area presented some challenges, with CelcomDigi offering only 12mbps and Tune Talk a mere 5mbps. The in-room TV provided a selection of basic channels, including news and sports, mostly in HD. I particularly enjoyed the strong water pressure in the bathroom shower. For those who prefer dining in, the hotel offers in-room dining services with reasonably priced options; for instance, Nasi Goreng was RM32, Laksa Kari was RM32, and fruit juices were RM18. For guests traveling by car, complimentary parking is available.
Location and Overall Experience
Situated in Setia Alam, the hotel is approximately 40km from Kuala Lumpur city center. Its prime location offers convenient access to the Setia City Convention Centre and the Setia City Mall, with a direct skybridge connecting the hotel to the mall on the first floor. While weekends or convention events might see a surge in occupancy, my visit coincided with a quieter period, allowing for a more serene experience. Considering the price point of under RM300, the stay offered exceptional value. The hotel is clean, comfortable, and still radiates a newness that enhances the overall experience. I'm already planning a return visit, perhaps to explore their suite accommodations.
I've included photographs from my stay. For those interested in reading my reviews of other hotels, please visit my website at https://hanuds.wixsite.com/hanudds or my contributions within this group. Thank you for taking the time to read!
