#JOM! STAY: Value, added. At Dorsett Grand Subang.

A hospitality group’s global initiatives deliver delightful additions to enhance the guest experience, writes

Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan

MY son Murshid has been collecting plush toys from hotels since he was 6 months old. There’s a green turtle from Shangri-la Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang after his first plane ride. Then there’s a lion from So Sofitel Singapore when we had satay at night and he chipped the bedside lamp because he pulled the cord.

The executive suite is spacious enough for a family.

His latest is a white bear in navy sweater from Dorsett Grand Subang, at a recent staycation, that came in a drawstring bag with other things like a pair of child-sized bedroom slippers, activity book and a painting and drawing kit.

Ask any parent and he or she will tell you that small gestures for little ones mean a lot. After the packing, travelling and all-around commotion, arriving at a hotel that’s thoughtful enough to make children happy is a big, big plus.

And that’s what Dorsett Hospitality International aims to do with its Dorsett TLC programme, a global initiative under its Stay Vibrant tagline to give guests customised experiences.

JAR OF COOKIES

We were gifted a jar of Sugar Friendly chocolate chip cookies upon check-in and it was so good I thought of asking for another jar — but I didn’t. The cookies are crispy and full-bodied without being too sweet.

The suite’s living area for family activities.

The jar of cookies is part of the 3 Wishes programme, where guests can choose three wishes, ranging from complimentary minibar service, breakfast at Terazza Brasserie, complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Room, a round of Dorsett Mocktail at the Piano Lounge, complimentary pressing service or a jar of cookies.

I think a little gesture that goes a long way is customising a guest’s preference. You might need pressing service if you are on a business trip or a complimentary upgrade if you stay for leisure.

The Dorsett EcoValue+ is another global initiative for the environment, but instead of just an information card to indicate that the bedlinen doesn’t need changing, the hotel gives out a small snack box as a token of appreciation.

Daily essentials such as towels, bathroom amenities and mineral water will still be replenished daily.

EMPEROR’S NEW MEAL

The hotel’s The Emperor Chinese restaurant is a popular spot for dim sum, judging from the crowd during its Sunday brunch, and for good reason too. The dishes served are excellent; we overate both times when we dined at the restaurant.

For dim sum, the selection isn’t large but what is lacking in option is made up in taste. The carrot cake (our personal favourite) is excellent, so are the chee cheong fun and deep fried prawns.

Terraza Brasserie has a weekend barbeque and steamboat dinner.

But if you have more time, come over for dinner and savour the real strength of this seasoned establishment. We had braised cod fish, stir-fried beef, Szechuan soup and chicken prepared Cantonese style and each dish was excellently prepared.

The Musang King durian was in season when we stayed there so the chef prepared Musang King fritters. If you are a durian fan, you’d be floored. Even a non-durian fan like me finds the dessert to be delightful, although a tad heavy.

Overall, as far as staycation goes, Dorsett Grand Subang is a great place to go if you want to be within the Klang Valley.

The location is central, its F&B outlets serve good food, a small park is nearby, service is prompt and little details like the Dorsett TLC and 3 Wishes give add-on values to your stay.

FAST FACTS

DORSETT GRAND SUBANG

Jalan SS12/1, Subang Jaya 47500 Selangor

TEL 03-50316060

EMAIL info.subang@dorsetthotels.com

WEBSITE www.dorsetthotels.com

STAY There are 478 rooms and suites with contemporary decoration and lush greenery or panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Rooms range from Dorsett room to executive suite, with room sizes between 25sqm and 67sqm.

EAT The Emperor is a must-go if you are into Chinese cuisine. This Subang Jaya establishment is popular for its dim sum brunch but I feel a sit-down dinner is a better way to savour the flavours.

DO There’s a small pool on

the lower ground floor and a fitness centre for fitness buffs. Walking distance from the hotel is a small park and lake that’s popular among those living nearby.

GO Sunway Pyramid, Empire Shopping Gallery and Subang Parade are some of the nearby malls that are a short Grab ride away in case you need some retail therapy.

HIGHS The area is quiet, great for a weekend getaway.

LOWS The hotel and room

furnishing look dated.