Glenmarie Hotel & Golf Resort: A Refreshing Staycation Experience
This week, with a welcome long weekend, I decided to embark on a delightful staycation, exploring three different hotel gems. My first stop was this exquisite resort, complete with its own sprawling golf course, nestled in Shah Alam, Selangor. Previously known as Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie, it now operates under the expert management of Tradewinds Corp Bhd. Following a significant renovation, it reopened its doors in January of last year. I booked my stay directly through the resort's website, taking advantage of a fantastic promotion. I opted for a Deluxe room, priced at RM300, which conveniently included breakfast for two. This rate, however, was before the 18% tax. A sweet bonus was receiving an RM88 food and beverage voucher, adding to the value of my stay.
Arrival and First Impressions
I arrived at the resort around 4:20 PM, heading straight for the lobby. It's an impressive space – open, grand, and beautifully designed. Adjacent to the check-in counters, a restaurant shares the same level. From the moment I stepped inside, the feeling of newness was palpable; the resort truly felt brand new. Check-in was a breeze, taking mere minutes, and I was soon handed my room access card. I felt incredibly fortunate as I received a complimentary upgrade to an Executive Club room, located on the second floor, conveniently on the same level as the lobby.
The Executive Club Room: Space and Comfort
The Executive Club room offered the same generous 344 square feet of space as the Deluxe room. The key difference, and a welcome one, was the addition of a bathtub in the bathroom. Upon entering the room, to the right of the door, I found a spacious, open area for storing luggage and hanging clothes. To its immediate right was a discreet, enclosed section housing an iron and ironing board. Further down on the left, a mini-fridge and a safety deposit box were conveniently located. Above the fridge, the amenities for preparing hot beverages were neatly arranged.
A Golfer's View and Thoughtful Amenities
The sleeping area was furnished with a king-sized bed, and to its left, two comfortable single sofas. A chic, square coffee table sat between them. In the corner, by the foot of the bed, a well-sized work desk with a chair awaited. A bedside lamp provided gentle illumination. Entertainment was well-covered with a large 60-inch TV mounted on the wall opposite the bed. My room boasted a truly beautiful view, directly overlooking the lush golf course – a perfect vista for any golf enthusiast.
Bathroom Bliss and Refreshments
The bathroom was impressively spacious, featuring a sink, a toilet, a shower area, and the coveted bathtub. The sink was centrally positioned, with the toilet bowl to its side, complete with a convenient bidet hose. The shower area, tucked away on the far left, was enclosed by fully transparent glass, offering a modern feel. Inside, I discovered two different showerhead options. On the far right, a generous-sized bathtub beckoned for a relaxing soak. The resort thoughtfully provided a complete set of toiletries.
Resort Facilities: Poolside Relaxation
The resort's swimming pool is a highlight, situated at the rear of the property and open to the elements. The main adult pool is expansive, with a smaller, dedicated children's pool adjacent. The pool area is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM, perfect for a refreshing dip at almost any time of day.
Connectivity and In-Room Comforts
The complimentary Wi-Fi in the room was remarkably fast, achieving impressive speeds of up to 30mbps for both upload and download. However, mobile network coverage within the resort grounds was a bit slower, with CelcomDigi reaching speeds of around 40mbps and Tune Talk at 24mbps. The selection of free TV channels was extensive, with most broadcasting in high definition. Water pressure in the bathroom was excellent, making showers a real pleasure, though the shower space itself felt a tad compact.
Breakfast Experience and Dining Delights
Breakfast was served at the restaurant located in the lobby. While the spread wasn't extensive, the offerings were decent. I sampled a few items, including the nasi lemak, which I found to be quite average. The restaurant itself felt a bit cramped, and during peak times, it became quite crowded, diminishing the overall comfort level. For those seeking convenience, the resort offers 24-hour in-room dining, though the menu selection is not vast. I did enjoy a satisfying lunch at the restaurant, making use of my RM88 food voucher. The food was delicious, and the prices were quite reasonable. My nasi goreng was priced at RM32 and was a hit for me. The pizza, at RM44, was equally enjoyable. For guests arriving by car, the resort provides ample open-air parking, which is complimentary for hotel visitors.
Personal Reflections and Recommendations
I genuinely loved my stay at this resort. Beyond its recent refurbishment, the rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed. The choice of furniture colors lends an air of luxury, complemented by the exquisite and well-balanced lighting throughout the room. This resort is an ideal escape for anyone seeking peace and tranquility, thanks to its serene surroundings and lush green environment. In the mornings, the gentle sound of birdsong truly enhances the relaxing ambiance. The resort's newness is evident in its pristine cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. The towels were exceptionally soft and comfortable. With rates around RM300, it offers excellent value for money. Location-wise, it's situated in Glenmarie, approximately 4.2 km from Subang Parade and 6.3 km from Sunway Pyramid. For those relying on public transport, the LRT Kelana Jaya line is accessible, with the Glenmarie station being the closest. From the LRT station, a short e-hailing ride of about 1.8 km will bring you directly to the resort. I'm already looking forward to a return visit to experience their suites.
As always, I've included some photos from my stay. For those interested in my reviews of other hotels, please visit my section within this group. To learn more about my staycation adventures, feel free to follow me on Facebook. Thank you for reading!
