KLIA's Hidden Gem: DanZaStay@TheOlive - Unbeatable Luxury Near KLIA!
DanZaStay@TheOlive: My KLIA Airport Oasis - Or Was It? (A Review That's All Over the Place)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. This is my experience at DanZaStay@TheOlive, billed as the "Unbeatable Luxury Near KLIA," and let me tell you, "unbeatable" is a bold statement.
Accessibility and Getting There (The Easy Part… Mostly):
Alright, first things first, getting to DanZaStay from KLIA was a breeze. Airport transfer? Yep, they've got it. The shuttle was punctual, which is a HUGE win after a long flight. And if you're driving, parking's free – a blessing in KL's often-crazy traffic. Accessibility-wise, I didn't personally test it, but they do list "facilities for disabled guests." I spotted an elevator and what looked like wider doorways, but I'd advise a direct call to confirm specifics if that's a major concern.
Arrival & First Impressions (The "Wow" Factor… Faded Quickly):
The lobby? Slick. Modern. You know, the usual Instagram-worthy stuff. Check-in was supposed to be "contactless," but it felt… clunky. Maybe it's just me craving a human, but the electronic interface felt a little cold. Though, the concierge was super helpful trying to make up for it. I'm also a sucker for a good lobby scent (weird, I know!), and this one was pleasant enough, like a sophisticated air freshener or a high-end candle.
My Room: A Mixed Bag of Emotions (And a Few Regrets):
My room? Oh, the room. Let's just say the website photos were generous. It was… okay. The "extra long bed" was a definite plus – finally, a hotel that understands a tall person's needs! The blackout curtains were a godsend after that god-awful red-eye flight. And the free Wi-Fi? Bless you, DanZaStay. Bless you.
Now, the gripes. The "mini-bar" was practically empty. I mean, come on! This is "luxury," right? The "complimentary tea" was a sad little selection, and the "coffee/tea maker" produced something that vaguely resembled coffee…maybe. The "soundproofing" was… well, let's just say I heard the airport, but I heard the hotel staff more.
The Bathroom: Clean, But… (The Real Drama Begins)
The bathroom was, thankfully, pretty spotless. The toiletries were – shudders - okay. The shower, however, decided to play a game of "how many water temperatures can we offer?" One minute it was scalding, the next freezing. I'm not exaggerating when I say I almost needed a doctor (there is one "on call," by the way – good to know). If you see one, use it!.
Internet: (It Actually Worked!)
The "Internet access – wireless" (free Wi-Fi) in my room proved to be both a savior and my worst enemy during that stay. While I was so grateful to be able to communicate, the internet was the culprit that brought the experience of "checking in" to a halt: I spent 15-20 minutes trying to login, only to be met with a "this process will take some time" type of response from the hotel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (The Search for Sustenance)
Okay, so there were "restaurants," plural! That's promising, right? One, the "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was decent, or at least not terrible, and one of the "bar" was decent too. In a desperate moment of hunger at 3 am, I even tried the "room service" (24-hour, praise be!). It was edible, but don't expect Michelin-star quality. The "coffee shop," however, was a lifesaver for a quick caffeine fix.
There were also "snacks", "salads" and "soup" available… I didn't try the "buffet," since it looked like everything had been there since last week.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: (When I Finally Escaped the Room):
This is where things get interesting. They boast a "pool with view" – and it does have a decent view of… something. The "fitness center" was functional, but missing some key equipment and I never did get around to trying the "spa" (maybe next time… or never?)
Cleanliness and Safety: (Feeling Safe-ish?):
Okay, this is where DanZaStay actually shone. The "anti-viral cleaning products," "daily disinfection in common areas," "room sanitization between stays," and "staff trained in safety protocol" made this feel safe. They had all the Covid-19 precautions you could wish for. The "hand sanitizer" stations were plentiful, and I appreciate it.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things):
They offer a "concierge" (helpful!), "daily housekeeping" (thank goodness!), "laundry service", some "business facilities" to host your meeting, "gift shop" and "luggage storage". I didn’t use it, but it’s nice to know it was there.
Things I Didn't Mention (Because I Didn't Use Them):
- "Babysitting service"
- "Car power charging station" (cool!)
- "Couple's room"
- "Family/child friendly"
- "Kids meal"
- "Meeting/banquet facilities"
- "Pets allowed unavailable" (bummer for pet lovers)
- "Proposal spot"
- "Room decorations"
- "Shrine"
- "Taxis service"
- "Valet parking"
Overall Verdict: (The Conclusion You've Been Waiting For - Or Maybe Not):
So, is DanZaStay@TheOlive "unbeatable luxury"? Nah. But is it a decent option near KLIA? Absolutely. It has its flaws (the uneven water temperature, the "luxury-lite" in the mini-bar), but the cleanliness and accessibility features are definitely a plus. If you need a convenient, (mostly) comfortable place to crash near the airport, go for it. Just manage your expectations. And maybe pack your own coffee and tea.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Clopy Rocamar's Benidorm Bliss!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's sterile travel itinerary. We're going full-blown messy, hilarious, and emotionally raw at DanZaStay@TheOlive, near KLIA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prepare for a ride. (And maybe grab some Dramamine – you've been warned.)
DanZaStay & Beyond: A Kuala Lumpur Kerfuffle (and Possible Triumph)
Day 1: Arrival Chaos & The Olive's Embrace (or the Lack Thereof)
- 1:00 PM: Land at KLIA. Ugh. The humidity hits you like a wet slap in the face as soon as you step out of the AC-blasted plane. Insta-sweat, check. Mentally preparing for the passport control scrum. Pray for a slow queue, this is a holiday start, it is not the perfect start, no perfect start here.
- 1:45 PM: Passport control: surprisingly fast! Maybe the travel gods are on my side… for now.
- 2:30 PM: Pick up your rental car (if you opted for one like me, because Uber is expensive and it's for the experience of driving on the roads). The guy at the rental counter looked like he’d swallowed a lemon. "You drive okay?" he asked, with a look that implied I probably resembled a particularly inept chimpanzee behind the wheel. Reassured him (and myself, internally) that I did, with a slightly forced chuckle.
- 3:30 PM: Arrive at DanZaStay@TheOlive. Finally! This is where the "blissful" part of the holiday starts, right? The place looks decent enough from the outside, a little less "olive" than the pictures suggested, but hey, maybe the inside is better. Fingers crossed because I'm already grumpy and the caffeine withdrawal is setting in.
- 3:45 PM: Check-in drama. Okay, so the room wasn't exactly what was advertised. A slight discrepancy in the "garden view" department – more like "view of a small, slightly unkempt patch of grass." I try to be zen about it, but a tiny voice inside is screaming, "FALSE ADVERTISING!" The room's a bit… compact. Cramped, even. And the air conditioning sounds like a dying walrus.
- 4:30 PM: Dropped my bags, took a cold shower and felt alive. Went to get a drink and just, breathe. Felt good for a while
- 5:30 PM: Rambling Thoughts: The bed… it's okay. Not the kind that makes you melt into a fluffy cloud of sleep, more like a sturdy, utilitarian kind of bed. The bathroom… well, let's just say it's seen better days. The paint's a little chipped, the grout isn't exactly spotless. But hey, it's a roof over my head, and the water runs (for now, I think). Should I complain? Probably not. Am I already looking for a better place? Maybe.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Found a small local Warung (stall) serving Nasi Lemak. This is the food of champions, people. Seriously, if you don't like Nasi Lemak, you haven't lived. The sambal (chili paste) set my tastebuds on fire (in a good way!), and suddenly, the slightly less-than-perfect room didn't seem so bad. Maybe.
- 8:00 PM: Early night. Exhausted from the flight and the initial sensory overload. Trying to banish the jet lag gremlins. Wish me luck. This is where the real fun begins.
Day 2: KL Hustle & The Quest for Culture (and Good Coffee)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Surprisingly well-rested! The walrus AC might actually be doing its job. Jumped up after a quick shower.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Ate a quick breakfast. Bread was kinda dry, the coffee… let's just say it could have been better. The view could have been better too.
- 10:00 AM: Drive to Kuala Lumpur city center. This is when I really got to see how chaotic the city is, it's mind-boggling to witness how the traffic is and how all the drivers maneuver everywhere.
- 11:30 AM: Petronas Towers visit. The majesty of those towers! Absolutely jaw-dropping. Got that iconic photo (of course). Felt pretty insignificant standing next to them. Amazing.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a food court near the towers. Okay, food court food is a mixed bag, right? Found an amazing noodle stall. A flavour explosion. The experience was made even better by the sheer buzz of the city.
- 2:30 PM: Exploring the Batu Caves. The stairs. So many stairs. My calves are screaming. The cave itself is incredible, ancient, and teeming with monkeys. Be warned: they WILL steal your snacks. One nearly made off with my entire water bottle!
- 4:00 PM: Emotional Rollercoaster: The Batu Caves are truly stunning, and made me reflect on how small I am and the grand scheme of life.
- 5:30 PM: Back to The Olive. Took in a book and sipped a drink. Just letting all the thoughts and memories flow in my head.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local eatery near DanZaStay. Trying to find a hidden gem. Trying a new dish. Enjoying the different tastes and scents.
- 9:00 PM: A nightcap at the local pub. The people were cool, the ambience felt like home.
- 10:00 PM: Bed. Again. Hopefully, I sleep tight.
Day 3: Chasing Waterfalls & The Olive's Redemption? (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Slept in! Whoop, whoop. This is the vacation life. Coffee is a little better this morning. Maybe the magic in the air is starting to work.
- 10:00 AM: Head out to the waterfall. The drive was winding and beautiful, the scenery was like nothing else.
- 11:00 AM: Hike to the waterfall. Soaking up the natural beauty and the sounds and the smells.
- 12:00 PM: Reaching the waterfall, its mesmerizing. The sheer power. The cool spray on my face and my tiredness washing away.
- 1:00 PM: Emotional Breakdown (the good kind): Sitting by the waterfall made me feel incredibly grateful. The silence, the peace, the sheer magnificence of nature. It was something special.
- 2:30 PM: Lunch at a traditional Malay restaurant near the waterfall. The flavors, the aromas… I could have stayed there forever.
- 4:00 PM: Back at DanZaStay. Took a nap. A good one. Woke up feeling human again.
- 6:00 PM: Ate and drank with some people. Felt a connection with them, felt like they were friends.
- 7:00 PM: Packing my bags for tomorrow. Leaving early. It was a hard decision. But the time has come.
Day 4: Departure & The Olive's Farewell (or Good Riddance?)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. Still a bit sad to be leaving.
- 8:00 AM: Started to get ready, went to have breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 10:00 AM: Final check-in and goodbyes.
- 1:00 PM: Safe flight back home.
Reflections:
DanZaStay@TheOlive wasn't perfect. Far from it. It had its quirks, its flaws, and moments where I seriously considered moving to a mosquito net in the jungle. But it was real. It was an imperfect, messy, and utterly human experience. It was a reminder that travel isn't about flawless hotels and perfectly curated Instagram feeds. It's about the unexpected, the delightful, the annoying, the breathtaking, and the unforgettable. And for that, I'm eternally grateful. (Even to the dying walrus AC.)
Escape to Paradise: Relax Inn McRae, GA - Your Getaway Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea. What *is* DanZaStay@TheOlive anyway? Is it some secret, swanky hideout?
Alright, alright, calm down, mystery lover. DanZaStay@TheOlive is basically a fancy-pants apartment, super close to KLIA. Think…luxury living, but without the crazy hotel price tag. They've got these sleek, modern apartments. I'm talking polished concrete floors, giant windows, and beds that'll swallow you whole. Which, after a 14-hour flight, is EXACTLY what you want. They call it a "hidden gem," and honestly? I can see why. Finding it is like unearthing a buried treasure (though, the maps aren't always…perfect. More on *that* later...)
Proximity to KLIA: Is it REALLY as close as they say? Because I've been burned before…
Okay, this is important. YES. It's practically spitting distance. Like, you could *almost* wave to your flight attendants from your balcony (please don't, though, they probably have a strict "no balcony waving" policy). I took a Grab there in, like, five minutes. FIVE! I was half-expecting to be still packing, but nope, we were already there! It’s a godsend after a grueling flight. You know, that feeling when you're basically a zombie? Yeah, this place gets you to a comfy bed, FAST.
What's the vibe? Is it all hushed tones and doilies, or can I actually, you know…relax?
Thank God, no doilies! The vibe is…relaxed luxury. It's not stuffy. It's modern, comfortable, and the staff? Actually, they're humans! Not robots programmed to smile. (Okay, maybe a little programmed to smile, but you get the point). You can definitely relax. I spent a whole afternoon sprawled on their massive couch, watching the rain (yes, it rains in Malaysia, who knew?!). It's more like a stylish home than a hotel, you know? Less sterile, more "ahhhh, finally some peace."
About those apartments…are they actually NICE? I'm picky. Very picky.
Dude, the apartments are NICE. And I’m *hugely* picky, okay? I'm the person who judges a hotel based on the thread count of the sheets! Seriously, they’re spotless, they have that minimalist-chic thing going on (which I secretly love), and the amenities? Top-notch. Seriously, they have a washing machine and a dryer. Game changer. When you've been on the road for weeks and your suitcase smells like a gym sock, a washing machine is a *miracle*. Trust me on this.
Okay, but what about food? Can I get a decent meal without having to trek to the ends of the earth?
This is where things get…interesting. DanZaStay doesn't have its own restaurant, which is a teeny tiny flaw for me. But, there is a small kitchen, which comes in very handy if you want to make food! (and a grocery store not too far away). Otherwise, you have a few options. There's a *ton* of food in KLIA, but I wouldn't recommend eating there. Also, GrabFood is your friend. Seriously. I spent an embarrassingly long amount of time ordering deliciousness to my door. The local food is amazing and incredibly cheap. I was in heaven. And, if you somehow managed to order something you really didn't like, you're only wasting a few dollars. It's a win-win!
The dreaded "parking" question. Is it a nightmare? Does it cost a fortune?
Parking? Okay… so this is where you need to pay attention. Their website says "parking available." Technically, yes. Plenty. But finding the *entrance* can be…an adventure. Think of it as a mini-scavenger hunt. I arrived at like, midnight, after a flight from… well, a long flight. I was DEAD. My navigation app kept rerouting me, and I drove around the block at least three times! I finally managed to find a shady-looking side entrance. I almost lost my mind. So, my advice: If you're driving, BE PREPARED. Have the address set up, and maybe print out a map (yes, a paper map!). Otherwise, just use a ride-sharing app. Trust me, it's worth it for the sanity.
What about the pool and gym and all that jazz? Are they just for show, or are they actually usable?
Okay, the pool is…pretty darn nice. Clean, inviting, and honestly, a lifesaver after a long flight. I’m not a huge gym person, but it looked decent. The equipment seemed modern and well-maintained. I saw a few people working out–they seemed happy. The pool is the real star here, though. I'd absolutely recommend taking a dip. It's the perfect way to unwind and transition into vacation mode (or, you know, recover from a serious case of jet lag).
Any hidden fees or sneaky surprises I should be aware of? Because those always get me!
Honestly? Not really. Unlike some hotels that nickel-and-dime you for EVERYTHING, DanZaStay was pretty straightforward. The price you see is the price you pay. No hidden resort fees, no surprise charges for the "luxury" toilet paper (yes, that's happened to me!). Just be aware of the parking situation (again, I learned this the hard way, don't be me!). And, of course, you'll have to pay for your GrabFood, but that's not their fault. *sigh* I think I'll order some now...
Would you recommend DanZaStay@TheOlive? Be honest!
Okay, here's the truth bomb. YES. Absolutely, emphatically YES. Despite the minor parking drama and the lack of an on-site restaurant, DanZaStay@TheOlive is fantastic. It's stylish, comfortable, close to the airport, and has a great vibe. It's perfect for a layover, a quick getaway, or even a longer stay. Honestly, I had a GREAT experience. It's a breath of fresh air in a world of generic hotel chains. Just… pack your patience if you're driving. You’ll be glad you did. And then, enjoy your stay! (AndUnique Hotel Finds
