Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Alor Setar

This hotel is widely praised for its spacious rooms and exceptional cleanliness, making it a comfortable choice for guests. Its signature feature is its strategic proximity to the airport, offering a free shuttle service that is highly valued by travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers due to its convenient location for meetings and events, and for families who appreciate the ample room space and dedicated children's facilities. Short-stay vacationers also find it a tranquil and convenient base. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a significant positive. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main road if you are sensitive to noise, and be aware that pillows may be firm, with softer options available upon request.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. Guests appreciate the ample and free parking available on-site, though some note it lacks a roof. The swimming pool area is a standout feature, with separate pools for men and women, both well-maintained and large enough for swimming, and even includes rubber ducks for children. While a fitness center is available, some guests inquire about its presence. Wi-Fi connectivity is a notable area for improvement, with many guests reporting weak signals, frequent disconnections, and slow speeds. Rooms are equipped with smart TVs, though some guests experienced issues with channels changing or the TV turning off unexpectedly. The air conditioning is generally effective and very cold, but some guests found it difficult to control. Other amenities include a kids' playroom near the lobby and large conference halls suitable for events. However, some rooms lack basic stationery and reading lights, and there are occasional reports of non-functional hair dryers and safes.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel for its high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as impeccable, hygienic, and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are consistently highlighted as a major positive, contributing to a comfortable stay. While the beds are largely found to be comfortable, a recurring point of feedback concerns the pillows, which many guests describe as too high or hard, impacting sleep quality. The bathrooms are typically clean and spacious, but a common issue reported is the shower door not closing properly, leading to water seeping onto the floor. Noise levels can be a concern, particularly for rooms facing the main road, with some guests noting insufficient soundproofing and disturbances from cars or late-night events. Despite these points, the overall impression of room comfort and cleanliness remains largely positive, with strong water pressure in the showers being a frequently appreciated detail.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the breakfast buffet, receives widespread acclaim. Many guests describe it as amazing, superb, and delicious, offering a wide variety of options including local dishes and international selections. Specific highlights include a well-balanced Nasi Lemak with flavorful sambal, and perfectly cooked omelettes. The coffee is also frequently praised. While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, some guests found the breakfast spread to be average or noted that certain items, like the Nasi Lemak, could be a bit salty. The hotel's restaurant and cafe also receive positive comments for their tasty and reasonably priced food. Room service is noted for its efficiency, helpful staff, and delicious, well-presented meals, though some guests experienced delays or found that service was unavailable late at night. The hotel is recognized for offering Halal food and has specific dining promotions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's strategic location is a significant advantage, primarily due to its close proximity to the airport, often described as being just a few minutes' drive away, with the added convenience of a free airport shuttle. This makes it an ideal choice for travelers flying in or out. While it offers a quiet and tranquil environment away from heavy traffic, some guests note that it is a bit off from the city center, requiring a 15-20 minute drive if one does not have a car. However, it is conveniently located near Jitra and offers easy access to the highway, making it suitable for those with business at nearby institutions. There are also food stores and restaurants located opposite the hotel, providing convenient dining options. The ample parking space further enhances accessibility for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the polite and welcoming demeanor of the team, from the front office to housekeeping. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as fast and smooth, contributing to a positive first and last impression. Staff are noted for being accommodating, such as promptly changing bed sheets upon request. While the majority of feedback is positive, some guests reported minor issues, such as staff in the coffeehouse appearing to lack training, leading to forgotten items like cutlery. There was also an isolated instance of a rigid early check-in policy requiring an additional fee. Despite these few points, the overall consensus is that the staff are diligent and committed to providing excellent service, making guests feel valued and well-cared for.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel frequently hosts events which, on occasion, can generate loud noise extending late into the night, potentially impacting the sleep of guests in nearby rooms. While the hotel generally maintains high cleanliness standards, some guests have suggested that the cleanliness of shower rooms in superior rooms could be improved. A minor but recurring point of feedback is that toiletries provided may not always be sufficient for longer stays, such as a 3-day, 2-night visit. The hotel is recognized as a Muslim-friendly hotel, offering Halal food options. It is also noted that the front door glass could benefit from an upgrade to prevent wind and water from entering the lobby area during inclement weather.