Hi loves, the school holidays are here again, what are your plans with your family? Hotel staycation is one of my favorite things to do with the kids and yes there's a big difference between a staycation and a weekend.

This weekend I played tourist in my own city, we checked into Best Western i-City Shah Alam to take a break from my real life and embrace a carefree lifestyle. One thing I like about staycation is being able to see my city through the eyes of a tourist, it really makes me appreciate the place a little bit more.

Best Western i-City Shah Alam is located in a really great spot in the city and it's the perfect staycation for families, it's just a short 30 minutes drive from home and around the hotel there's shopping, dining, and entertainment center, all within walking distance and I'm thrilled to find out that hotel guests are entitled to free unlimited water park access at Water World i-City throughout their stay! Hooray for the girls 

A handy feature of this hotel is that you can walk or take their free hotel shuttle to Central i-City for shopping, dining, and entertainment with over 350 retailers and eateries for you to choose from. 

Rooms

We took two connecting Deluxe Room because it is almost impossible for them to sleep in one, so it'll be the best choice to separate them. I requested a baby cot beforehand and it was so sweet of the hotel to decorate the rooms with two towel bears which my girls love.

The rooms were modern and exceptionally clean, even the kettle was clean, I'm quite particular about this which is why I always travel with one, yea call me crazy, but I'm glad I left mine in the car and used the one at the hotel. There's also a mini-fridge which was handy if you're a breastfeeding mum, the beds were really comfy too so far I've got no complaints.

Dining

You won’t go hungry through your stay at Best Western i-City Shah Alam. The View Café is located on Level 5 with loads to offer and you'll be able to dine indoors or outdoors with good food.

For breakfast, the kids and I enjoyed the buffet at the alfresco area, it was really breezy outdoors, we could enjoy some sunshine and it's not too hot, The View Café serves a generous spread of breakfast buffet items, from the local favorites such as Nasi Lemak to continental breakfast. 

#1 Seafood BBQ eat-all-you-can

Since we check-in on a Friday, we manage to try out the all you can eat Seafood BBQ Buffet, it's hosted on the alfresco deck at the View Café with crabs, prawns, oysters, scallops, clams, and assorted fish, what else could you wish for? At RM75 per pax for adults or RM52.50 for kids for dinner, this buffet is available every Friday night from 7pm to 10pm. 

The seafood is fresh, I think I had nearly everything that was served except the crabs, just pick out the seafood you want and request for the chef to grill it on the spot for you. This buffet is one place you’ll want to bring a date to. 

#2 New Go Beyond Signature Menu

 The View Café recently roll out their new menu and I got a chance to try it out. The portions were really generous if you're not a big eater these are perfect for sharing, what I love most is the Coffee Lamb and Satay Burger to balance the meal we added refreshing drinks Lime ginger Nojito and Pineapple Cooler. Words alone aren't enough you've got to pop by and try it out yourself 

#3 Room Service with QR code ordering system

This is such a brilliant idea, I just adore the idea of ordering room service without the need to call the reception, all I need to do is scan the QR code in my room and I'm directed to the webpage for me to order.

#4 Sunday Hi-Tea

What's better than spending time with family and friends over good food? Unwind and have a relaxing Sunday with the buffet spread here and kids will be treated with activities such as clown performance, balloon sculpture and exciting games. Prices are very reasonable at RM45 per adult and 50% per child and senior citizen.

Entertainment

We took the girls to Waterworld i-City right after breakfast, being November it was cloudy and rain falls in the evening. Waterworld is quite small but it has enough entertainment for the girls. There is a large Aladdin play area equipped with tons of water slides, a big jacuzzi, a large wave pool that Miya enjoyed very much, a lazy river and a few more exciting slides for adults.

We're supposed to visit the Itsy Bitsy & City of Lights, both are just walking distance from our hotel. Unfortunately, both nights it was raining and drizzling so we had to plan it on another day but if you happen to be here, don't forget to visit these places with your kids, there are quite a number of rides suitable for kids and a park with over a million LED lights.

Now to sum up our stay, I spend most of the time in the hotel room without venturing out much and it was the perfect retreat for me. ICity Shah Alam is an incredible city, with so much to offer. For those that live local or nearby, there is no need to drive far for a fun family vacation. A staycation at the Best Western i-City Shah Alam can be a great option.

This Ramadan, Sunway Putra Hotel celebrates with the theme "Dari Dapur Ummi' from 6th ay to 4th June 2019, featuring a buffet spread at Coffee House on level 9, Sunway Putra Hotel.

Find authentic and delicious Malay cuisine prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Rossham Rosli and his team. Diners will be spoilt for choice with the stalls and live cooking stations spread in the cozy environment the coffee house brings you.

Famous for its Fish Head Curry, this is a dish you must not miss, Chef Rossham Rosli makes the best curry base for this using
onions, shallots and garlic sautéed with curry powder and fresh tomatoes; adding other spices and herbs such as tamarind, yogurt, green cardamom, black cumin, green chilies, coriander seeds, and mace.


At the gulung-gulung station, you will find various sushi but to all nasi lemak lovers out there, do try out the fusion Nasi Lemak sushi roll.

One of my favorites is the Gearbox Soup at the Rebus-rebus ststion, the hearty beef bone marrow broth was so flavorful. 

Meat lovers, don’t worry as you have your fair share of delectable items too! Find delicious tender Oriental Lamb and Chicken and Beef Satay at Bakar-bakar station, don't forget to drop by Celup-Celup for some Battered Squids and Prawns.

Finish off your dinner at the kukus-kukus stall where you'll find 10 different choices of traditional talam kueh and that's not it, if you fancy some local desserts and cakes, there will be Ubi Kayu Rebus, Bubur Kacang Merah and, various Chocolate Cakes. 

The Dari Dapur Ummi Buffet is priced at RM138 nett per adult, children aged 7 to 12 years old and senior citizens is entitled for 50% discount.

For reservations or to more information, call 03-40409888 or email spell.done@sunwayhotels.com