A Refreshing Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam
My recent journey took me from the bustling heart of Bukit Bintang to the serene locale of Setia Alam, all for a stay at a hotel under the renowned Marriott umbrella. This property officially opened its doors in December 2022, and I booked my stay through the Trip.com app. I opted for a King room, priced at RM279, which included taxes. Breakfast was not part of my package.
Arriving at the hotel around 12:40 PM, I headed straight to the lobby, conveniently situated on the ground floor. The lobby is spacious and offers a clean, minimalist ambiance, 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. My check-in process was remarkably swift, and I was handed my access card immediately as my room was already prepared.
Interestingly, I was upgraded from my booked King room to a Deluxe room. I'm not entirely certain about the distinctions between the two room types, especially since the Deluxe room was listed at a higher price than the King room on Trip.com. The hotel does not require any security deposit. I took one of the five elevators up to my room on the 21st floor.
Exploring the Deluxe Room
The Deluxe room boasts a generous 312 square feet of space, mirroring the size of the King room, and it feels quite expansive. Upon entering, a substantial wardrobe greets you on the right, while the bathroom is located to the left. The sliding doors of the wardrobe reveal ample hanging space, a safety deposit box, an iron, and an ironing board. Two bathrobes are neatly hung inside.
Adjacent to the wardrobe is a compact cabinet housing a mini-fridge and amenities for preparing hot beverages. Next to this cabinet, a handy shelf is provided for placing luggage and personal items. The sleeping area features a plush king-sized bed and a comfortable sofa situated to the left, near the window. A small side table complements the sofa.
In the corner at the foot of the bed, you'll find a medium-sized round desk paired with a chair, perfect for catching up on some work. A reading lamp is positioned on the desk. As expected in modern hotels, a large television, likely a 55 or 60-inch screen, is mounted on the wall opposite the bed.
A Closer Look at the Bathroom
The bathroom, though compact, is well-appointed with a sink, toilet, and a dedicated shower area. Instead of a bidet spray, the toilet features a built-in bidet function. The shower space is quite generous and offers two types of showerheads. Intriguingly, the wall of the shower facing the room includes a fully transparent mirror, which can be discreetly covered or uncovered from the inside using a magnetic blind, adding a unique touch.
The hotel provides a comprehensive range of toiletries, including toothbrushes, hand towels, and face towels, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Hotel Amenities and Services
The hotel's swimming pool, located on the 12th floor, is of a moderate size. While the landscaping wasn't particularly striking to me, it's an open-air space. On the same level, you'll also discover a well-equipped gymnasium and a sauna. The swimming pool and sauna are accessible from 8 AM to 7 PM, whereas the gymnasium is available 24 hours a day.
A cafe is situated by the poolside, operating until midnight. For connectivity, the complimentary in-room Wi-Fi is impressively fast, offering speeds of up to 62mbps for both upload and download. However, local mobile network coverage can be spotty, with CelcomDigi showing speeds around 12mbps and Tune Talk at 5mbps. The TV channels offer a basic selection, including news and sports, with most channels broadcast in HD. I found the water pressure in the bathroom to be strong, making for a very pleasant shower experience.
In-room dining is also available, and the prices are quite reasonable. For instance, Nasi Goreng is priced at RM32, Laksa Kari at RM32, and fruit juices at RM18. For guests traveling by car, complimentary parking is provided.
Location and Value
Nestled in Setia Alam, the hotel is approximately 40km from the city of Kuala Lumpur. Its prime location offers easy access to the Setia City Convention Centre and the Setia City Mall. A skybridge on the 1st floor directly connects the hotel to the mall, adding a layer of convenience.
While the hotel might experience higher occupancy during weekends or when events are held at the convention centre, my visit was during a quieter period, with very few guests. Considering the price I paid, which was under RM300, the stay offered excellent value. The hotel is clean, comfortable, and still feels brand new. I'm already looking forward to a return visit, perhaps to experience one of their suites.
