Shah Alam Homestay: ICTY's BEST Kept Secret (Near Icity!)
Shah Alam Homestay: ICTY's BEST Kept Secret (Near Icity!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of Shah Alam Homestay: ICTY's BEST Kept Secret (Near Icity!). And let me tell you, "best kept secret" is right. After a recent stay, I'm pretty sure I have a complex feeling about the place. It's like… a weirdly beautiful train wreck. Let's break it down, shall we?
Accessibility: (The Good and the "Hmm…")
Okay, so here's the thing about accessibility. It's listed as available, but the devil is in the details. I didn't personally need full wheelchair access, but I'm always on the lookout because… well, it's important. From what I could gather, the main areas like the lobby and some of the rooms might be accessible. But honestly, the layout is a bit… maze-like. Definitely call ahead and specifically clarify if you need full wheelchair access to make sure it's truly suitable for you.
On-site Restaurants & Lounges: (Food, Glorious Food… Maybe?)
The good news is, they do have options. The even better news? The options can be a bit of a roller coaster. They tout several of the restaurant choices, but the availability is something else. There's a restaurant and a coffee shop on-site – and the coffee shop is, well, you'll see. More on that later. They mention:
- Restaurants: Sounds promosing.
- Coffee shop: It also has essentials condiments, so that great.
- Poolside bar: Who doesn't want a cocktail by the pool?
- Snack bar: snack bar and 24-hour room service are always a plus.
Wheelchair Accessible: (See "Accessibility" above. Call. Ask.)
Internet Access: (The Great Wi-Fi Predicament)
Ah, the internet. A modern necessity! "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they shout proudly in the advertisements. And it does. Kinda. It’s not the fastest. I managed to stream Netflix, but it took a while. Sometimes I had to restart my devices. And forget about uploading anything large. The "Internet Access - LAN" is also available but i couldn't find it.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Also present, but you better have patience.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Spa Dreams and Gym Realities)
- Swimming pool: The outdoor pool looked inviting.
- Fitness center: There's a gym/fitness center, but I didn't make it. Next time!
- Spa/Sauna, steamroom: The Spa experience needs to be improved.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Sanitizing Shenanigans)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. They definitely try. They list all the buzzwords.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer are all present
- Room sanitization opt-out available, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: all great.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (A Culinary Adventure)
This is where things get… interesting.
- Asian breakfast and International cuisine in restaurant: They mention a full breakfast.
- Breakfact [buffet]: It has a buffet.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things)
- Air conditioning. Yep, it has that. Phew.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events: These are all great.
For the Kids: (Family-Friendly or…? )
- Family/child friendly : Sounds good!
- Babysitting service: You gotta love that.
Access: (The Basics)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour] all present.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Shower, Wi-Fi [free]: great.
My Anecdote: The Coffee Shop Catastrophe
Okay, so the coffee shop. I walked in, expecting a decent latte and maybe a pastry. Instead, I was greeted by a distinct lack of… everything. The staff seemed a little overwhelmed, the coffee machine looked like it had seen better days, and the "pastries" resembled stale hockey pucks. I honestly think I saw a tumbleweed roll through at one point. I tried to order coffee but it took forever. Here's the thing – it wasn’t terrible. It's just… it's like the hotel is trying really, really hard, and sometimes, the cracks show.
Overall Impression and Recommendation (With a HUGE Caveat)
Look, Shah Alam Homestay: ICTY's BEST Kept Secret (Near Icity!) is… a mixed bag. It has potential. The staff are mostly friendly, and the location is brilliant for exploring Shah Alam and visiting the ICONIC i-City. The rooms are comfy enough, and having a pool is always a win. But, there's a whole bunch of imperfections that make me pause.
Final Verdict:
**I give it a *3 out of 5 stars*.
A Compelling Offer (and a Plea)
Limited-Time Offer: Escape to Shah Alam's Hidden Gem!
Book your stay at Shah Alam Homestay: ICTY's BEST Kept Secret (Near Icity!) and get:
- A guaranteed room with free Wi-Fi (pray for decent speeds!
- Access to the relaxing pool! (Fingers crossed for sunshine!)
- Special Offer: A bottle of water upon arrival and a discount on the restaurants!"
- This limited-time offer expires soon, what are you waiting for?
Click here to BOOK NOW!
Why You Should Book (With Honesty)
- Great Location: Perfect for exploring Icity and Shah Alam.
- Affordable: It's generally good value for your money.
- It's different: It's not a cookie-cutter hotel. It's got… character.
- You'll have a story to tell: Everyone loves a good travel story, right?
Remember: This is not a luxury hotel. Manage your expectations, pack your patience, and be prepared for a slightly quirky but ultimately memorable stay!
Bali's BEST Kept Secret: Sayang Sanur Duplex II Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my itinerary. And it's probably going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. We're talking a Homestay near ICT Shah Alam, Malaysia. Let's see if I survive. (Narrator voice: She won't.)
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL AND THE GREAT MALAYSIAN FOOD QUEST (May Contain Existential Dread)
10:00 AM (ish) - KlIA Arrival & Taxi Tantrums: Landed! Malaysia, here I am! (Or, more accurately, here I was a few hours ago, now I'm a sweaty, slightly bewildered human.) The airport was… an experience. Finding a taxi? A bloody war. Ended up getting fleeced by a guy who clearly saw "Lost Tourist" tattooed on my forehead. Already regretting my life choices. The drive to Shah Alam, though, was pretty. Lush greenery, crazy traffic. You know, the usual.
12:00 PM - Homestay Check-in & Déjà Vu (Almost): Got to the homestay. It's… charming. A bit… beige. Reminds me of my aunt Mildred's house. Is it just me, or does every homestay have that faint smell of potpourri and unspoken secrets? Found the AC. Praise the sun (and the inventor of air conditioning).
1:00 PM - The Food Hunt Begins (and Turns Into a Food Coma): Okay, Operation: Stuff Face with Malaysian Goodness is a GO. I'd read reviews that said "go try this!" and "you HAVE to eat that!" So I did. First stop: a nasi lemak stall the locals raved about, just down the road. It was a religious experience. The creamy coconut rice, the spicy sambal, the crispy peanuts - oh, my GOD. I practically inhaled it. Then, I wandered, a bit of a food-induced daze, and found a laksa place. That broth was… intense. I’m convinced my taste buds are currently singing a Malaysian anthem. Then came the roti canai, the teh tarik… and the inevitable food coma. (Pro tip: pacing is a myth. Always eat more.)
4:00 PM-5.30 PM - Shah Alam Lake Garden - (or, The Mosquito Massacre): I thought I'd be all zen and nature-y in the Lake Gardens, but nope. Turns out, I'm a mosquito buffet. Got bitten so many times, I'm starting to think they mistook me for a giant, walking bloodbag. The lake itself was nice, though. Saw some families picnicking, kids playing… then the mosquitoes found them.
6:30 PM - Dinner Disaster Part 1: The Lost Noodle Adventure: Went to a restaurant I picked out the internet, got very lost in the dark, ended up in a dimly lit alleyway that might or might not have been the right place. The food wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. Maybe my expectations were too high? I’m starting to think I'm a culinary disappointment.
8:00 PM - Lights Out & The Existential Dread Begins: Back at the homestay. Exhausted, full of delicious food, and considering the meaning of life. This is the part where jet lag kicks in. Sleep? Ha! It'll probably be a night of tossing and turning, wondering if I should have packed more bug spray, and if I'll ever master the art of eating with chopsticks.
DAY TWO: CULTURAL CLASH (AND CLUTCHING MY WALLET)
9:00 AM (ish) - The Wake-Up Call of a Thousand Crows & Breakfast Blues: The crows started at dawn… and continued. Loudest damn birds I've ever heard. After a (very) shaky start to the day, I figured I needed some fuel. Breakfast? Well, the local bakery had a "mystery meat" pastry-thing. I ate it anyway. Fear is a great motivator. (And the fear of starving is even greater.)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Blue Mosque of Shah Alam: The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Mosque. Wow. Just… wow. The architecture is stunning. The scale of the thing is breathtaking, really. I did notice a bit of a cultural disconnect. Me, the awkward Westerner, tripping over my own feet while trying not to offend anyone. It was fascinating though, even if I felt like an alien from another planet. Took approximately one million photos.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Shopping Spree (Or, My Wallet's Funeral): I decided to venture forth into the world of Malaysian shopping at a nearby mall (I think. It's all a blur). My bank account is now weeping softly. So. Many. Things. I spent more time debating the merits of various batik scarves than I did actually buying anything. Then, I bought a scarf. And a questionable "bargain" t-shirt. And some ridiculously oversized sunglasses. Regret? Maybe. But at least I look fabulous.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM- Another attempt at Malaysian food at Restoran Sate Kajang Haji Samuri. Again, went to the restaurant. The line was very long and the food was decent. I did over-order. I can't stop myself!
6:30 PM- Dinner Disaster Part 2: Decided to try some local delicacies again (I swear, I have a problem). Found another restaurant place. It was… chaotic. So many people, so much noise. The food was good - actually, pretty damn good. But I felt like I was swallowing my meal down and getting ready for another long day.
8:00 PM - Homestay & The Power of Procrastination: Exhausted (again. Surprise!), and collapsing back at the homestay. Considering my itinerary for tomorrow. Or maybe I'll just watch Netflix and eat leftover noodles. It's a tough choice.
DAY THREE: THE END (AND THE START OF SOMETHING NEW)
9:00 AM- Breakfast Blues Revisited: The "mystery meat" pastries are starting to feel familiar. Am I getting used to this? Or am I losing my mind?
10:00 AM - I-City Shah Alam: The lights! The colors! The… well, it's definitely a thing. Basically a glowing wonderland of man-made wonder, or maybe just a distraction from the mundanity of life. I wanted to love it. It was… okay. I'm not sure I'm the target audience. But still, it's a fun way to pass the time.
1:00 PM - The Last Hurrah (Food Edition): One last Malaysian food adventure! Tried some murtabak, a Malaysian take on stuffed bread. It was unbelievably good. It was so good, I almost cried. Almost.
3:00 PM - The Great Packing Debacle & Taxi Anxiety: Packing. Ugh. Half my suitcase is still empty, the other half is overflowing with questionable souvenirs and clothes I'll probably never wear again. The taxi to the airport? Pray for me.
6:00 PM - Goodbye, Malaysia? (Or, See You Soon?) The airport. The long queues. The final, frantic attempts to spend the last of my Ringgit on more snacks. As I sit here waiting for my flight, I can honestly say: Malaysia, you've been a rollercoaster. I’ve eaten. I've shopped. I've sweated. I've almost gotten lost. And I've had some moments that took my breath away. I’m leaving with a full stomach, a slightly lighter wallet, and a whole lot of memories (and probably some mosquito bites). Am I going home changed? Probably not. But I'm definitely ready for my own bed. And maybe a long, long nap.
This is it. My chaotic, wonderful, imperfect adventure. May your trip be better planned than mine. And may your taste buds be as happy as mine. Until next time, Malaysia!
Hatfield's Hidden Gem: ANEW Hotel Pretoria - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, spill the beans! Is this place REALLY a "best kept secret"? And if so, why is it that kept? Do locals even *know* about it?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. "Best kept secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration, but honestly, yeah, it kinda is. It's not like it's plastered on billboards next to a Burger King. Part of the charm is that it *feels* undiscovered. You know, less 'cookie-cutter hotel' and more 'someone opening their heart and their home'. I stumbled upon it through a friend of a friend, whispered like a conspiracy theory. Local knowledge? Depends who you ask. Some know it, some don't. I think it's more of a 'word-of-mouth' kind of deal. Which, let's be real, is how the BEST things get discovered, right?
Icity, Icity, Icity! How CLOSE is it, really? 'Cause sometimes "near" is a subjective term, you know? Like, "near" my ex's house is still, you know... *far* enough.
Haha! I feel you on the "near" thing. Look, Icity is… well, it’s close enough to *walk* if you're feeling masochistic and the weather's cooperating AND you have a serious aversion to taxis. I'd recommend a Grab or even a quick taxi ride. Think… less than a ten-minute drive, tops. Really, you can practically *smell* the Ferris wheel from some rooms. Actually, scratch that. Depending on the wind direction, you might be able to. The point is, you're *there*. No endless traffic jams, no losing an hour just to get to the dang LEDs.
What's the *vibe*? Is it like, super modern and minimalist, or more... grandma's house meets a slightly quirky museum?
Okay, so here's the deal. It's not the sleekest, most Instagram-perfect place you'll ever stay. Think… comfortable. Like, seriously comfortable. The kind of comfortable where you don't feel guilty about plopping onto the sofa in your pajamas at 3pm and binge-watching Netflix. There are maybe... *slightly* more decorative cushions than you'd expect in a hotel. And maybe a few more personal touches – family photos, little knick-knacks. It's got character. It's not sterile. It's got… *warmth*! Honestly, it feels immediately like you're chilling at a friend's place (a friend with a pretty cool house, I might add!).
The ROOMS! Are they clean? And how's the aircon? I'm a sweaty person, okay? JUDGE ME NOT.
Oh, honey, I get it. I'm practically a human puddle in this climate. The rooms? Generally, yes, clean. Think of it like this: it's a *lived-in* clean. They're not going to be spotless like a hospital operating theatre and there may, *may* be a stray hair here or there, but it *felt* genuinely clean. The aircon... ah, the aircon! It's a lifesaver! Honestly, I slept like a baby. I’m talking, like, the kind of baby who sleeps through the night and doesn't need to be rocked or have a bottle at 3 am. It was AMAZING. Absolutely crucial, because Shah Alam gets HOT and muggy! Honestly, if you're a sweaty person, this is a huge win. Trust me on this one.
Breakfast? Because I *need* my breakfast. Is it included? And is it good? And what, exactly, will I be eating?
This is where things get *interesting*. Breakfast is included, yes, and it's... well, it's homemade. And let me tell you, the owner, whatever his name is, he's a GEM. The best I remember was Nasi Lemak - the real deal, not some sad hotel buffet version! I'm obsessed with Nasi Lemak though, so take it with a grain of salt. The thing to remember, I think, is that it's not this fancy, pre-prepared brunch. It's authentic and cooked with love. And let’s be honest, the most charming places rarely serve a perfectly calibrated breakfast, and you know what? That's part of the charm! You might get to have some fruit, some coffee... you're going to get fed. In my experience, a good filling breakfast sets up the day perfectly.
Okay, is there a downside? Because nothing's perfect. Spill the tea!
Alright, let's be real. There are a few... quirks. First, be prepared for the potential for slightly… *variable* Wi-Fi. I'm talking, it'll work, but it might take a minute to load that meme you *need* to see. Second, the parking situation is... not always ideal. It's like, on-street parking, so plan ahead. Some rooms might be a little noisy from the road, depending on where they're situated. And here's a BIG one: the check-in procedure *might* be a bit…relaxed. I remember once having to wait a while for someone to be home to let me in. I didn't mind it, but for the stressed traveller? It might be a bit…much. But honestly? These are minor things. The atmosphere makes up for it.
What's the *best* part about staying there? Because I need to be convinced!
Hands down? The *people*. The owners. They were so friendly and welcoming. They were genuinely happy to have me. Yeah, they probably get that question a lot, but they seemed like they *enjoyed* running the place, not just as a business but as a way to get to know folks. I ended up chatting with them for ages one evening about everything and anything. It made a difference. It’s the sort of place where you feel like you're a guest in their home, not just a tourist.
So, should I book it? Seriously, GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT.
Look, if you're after a soulless, corporate hotel experience, then…probably not. But if you want something authentic, something with character, something that feels like a home away from home? Then, YES! Absolutely book it! It's not perfect, but it's got something special. Explore Hotels
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