“Why would you want to stay at Sheraton Four Points Puchong?”
This is the million-ringgit question that would cross anyone’s mind, especially given that the tourism sector has just opened up and people have been starved of travel.
Puchong is certainly not a tourist trap, nor does it offer any unique Malaysiana attractions – making it the perfect fodder for a 24-hour getaway just for the sake of trying something new.
Those who have stayed at other Sheraton properties such as those in Petaling Jaya and Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, might have somewhat high expectations of this particular joint. After all, it carries the same name and the assumptions that would come with the brand.
The eighth-floor corner room issued to this writer had the standard pandemic setup: a notice that the room had been sanitised for added peace of mind, and an empty minibar – although there was no hand sanitiser or face masks provided, unlike at other establishments.
The room itself was pleasant if unremarkable: a comfortable enough bed, basic workstation, and clean bathroom. The plush bathrobes were missing despite being listed on the hotel website, which was a disappointment – who doesn’t love being wrapped in one after a rejuvenating bath?
Influencers and TikTok stars might find the bathroom lighting to be too romantic with just two lights, while those who prefer to line up their own toiletries in the shower cubicle would be surprised to find there are no shelves available.
Instead, the hotel-issued shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner are all stored in their respective pump containers. While unexpected, it is admittedly a good initiative to reduce plastic waste.
If you were hoping for a good view from your hotel room, don’t hold your breath – it’s a concrete jungle all round, with highways that hug either side of the building.
The first-floor pool is functional, but do note there are no lifeguards on duty. It is large enough to clock up a few laps without any fuss, which is a good thing given that hotel pools these days seem to be geared more towards being Instagrammable as opposed to allowing you to actually swim.
Situated next to it is the gym, which is fairly well equipped. Seeing how you do not need a keycard to be at the pool area, it is easily accessible.
Om nom nom
Numerous “local craft beer” posters plastered around the property point guests to the hotel’s sole restaurant, The Eatery. These beer choices – which, despite the tagline, hail from the United States – make for ideal pre-dinner drinks.
When it comes to food, The Eatery carries the usual ala carte fare. There is a standard-issue coffee machine to deliver that jolt of caffeine; while those who prefer tea can treat themselves to pre-packed teabags.
The breakfast formula does not differ much at The Eatery. Who can resist piping-hot nasi lemak slathered with a generous amount of sambal ikan bilis and curry chicken, accompanied by fried peanuts and cucumber slices?
If you prefer a hot western breakfast, the egg station serves freshly cooked omelettes. Other staples include a noodle station, a variety of cereals, a salad and fresh-fruit bar, and a bakery area.
Of course, if nothing suits your palate, you can always explore the many eateries within the vicinity of the hotel.
Parking is free with unlimited entries for hotel guests, so use this opportunity to explore the different establishments in the area, which range from Korean BBQ and Tangkak beef noodles to watering holes, pubs, bistros, and your old-school kopitiams.
The bottom line
Truly, this is a business hotel that offers free Wi-Fi to help you get your work done in the comfort and privacy of your room after office hours.
Most people who stay here probably have a convention to attend at the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre located right next door. Or perhaps the hotels in Sunway and Putrajaya are full, resulting in Sheraton Four Points Puchong being the next best place to spend the night.
This is a testament to the first rule of real-estate investment: location, location, location!
Sheraton Four Points Puchong
1201, Tower 3
Puchong Financial Corporate Centre
Jalan Puteri 1/2, Bandar Puteri
47100 Puchong, Selangor
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Edwin Kee dreamt of being a pro-gamer only to have circumstances mould him into a programmer in a past life. He has since moved on to write about consumer electronics and other topics. Check out his blog at manatau.com.