Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie

I chose to try Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie a little over two months after it opened in March. Its setting beside a golf course gives it a rare patch of greenery near Kuala Lumpur, which could suit both travelers and locals wanting a weekend break. The pool and gym are well equipped, and the renovation from lobby to rooms has left the property looking new and clean. The gym is some distance from the main building, but the free buggy service helps. The Executive Lounge is where the experience falls short. Compared with other Hilton properties, it feels like poor value. By day there were just cookies, nuts, and whole fruit, with no soda. The three cold drinks were watery, perhaps because the ice had melted while demand was low. Cocktail hour brought very little food, and what was there wasn't especially good. Drink choices were sparse too: the only wine I saw was red, though other reviews say some days have only white. Food wasn't topped up properly. Apart from nasi goreng and fried vermicelli, the small appetizers were gone within 40 minutes. Staff said they'd need to ask the chef and couldn't say whether more was coming. Nothing else arrived before service ended. I suspect other guests felt the same. I hope the hotel looks to places such as Hilton Kuala Lumpur for a more polished lounge. There are some practical issues around the property as well. The corridors are partly outdoors, and heavy rain leaves the floors slippery. Poor drainage in a few spots meant puddles were still there the next day, apparently not cleaned up. Since the hotel sits inside a golf course, getting there without a car or taxi is difficult. A shuttle from the nearest station could help once the LRT Shah Alam Line opens. The renovation has made the physical property very strong, and I hope service catches up. I left a charger behind and need to collect it, so I look forward to seeing whether these service issues improve on my next visit.

The pool is big, the view is nice, and the food was good. A great spot for a staycation. The team was great too, from Fo farah and sara to ganesh and the f&b crew. I'll be back.

Ravi, remember that name. The executive lounge staff were so friendly and helpful, with excellent service and hospitality.