Paul's Studio 5: Shah Alam's Hidden Gem? (Trefoil Setia Alam)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the swirling, sometimes chaotic, but always potentially awesome world of Paul's Studio 5: Shah Alam's Hidden Gem at Trefoil Setia Alam. And let me tell you, this isn't your average hotel review. Consider this more of a rambling, slightly-obsessive exploration of its nooks and crannies, seasoned with a hefty dose of my own… ahem… opinions.
First, the Basics (and the Stuff They Hope You Forget):
Okay, let's rip the band-aid off. This is a hotel in a complex. "Hidden gem" is definitely aspirational, maybe even a little misleading. It's in Trefoil Setia Alam, which is basically a swanky apartment block with a hotel plopped in. But hey, that doesn't automatically make it bad, right? Let's see… Accessibility? They say they have some facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally need them, so I can’t vouch for the depth. It's always a tricky one as the details matter, and the actual functionality is hard to assess. And Wheelchair access? I'm making a mental note to dig a little further when I call them.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Pandemic Edition (Deep Breath):
Alright, let's get the elephant in the room - (and it's a HUGE one). Cleanliness and safety in THIS day and age. The reviews, they say they’re on top of it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and staff trained in safety protocols – sounds good in theory, but what does it really mean? I’m naturally skeptical. But the fact that rooms are sanitized between stays (and you can opt-out – smart!), hand sanitizer is everywhere and they have professional-grade sanitizing services offers some degree of comfort. Frankly, you can never be too careful, especially given the climate. Knowing that they have provisions for individually-wrapped food options, cashless payment service, and, if you're lucky, room sanitization opt-out available does offer some peace of mind.
The Rooms: A Mix of Good and "Hmm…":
The rooms themselves? Okay, here's where things get… interesting. Air conditioning is a must in Malaysia, and thankfully, they got that covered. Wi-Fi [free], yes! Thank the heavens. Gotta stay connected for those all-important Instagram stories, right? They boast of a lot of things in rooms: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (praise be!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, and Window that opens. (Whew!) But here's where a little reality check is needed. "Extra long bed"? Maybe a tad exaggerating. It felt comfortable, but not the "sleep like a king" kind of comfortable. The in-room coffee? Let's just say it wasn't exactly Starbucks. And the bathrobes… well, they were definitely there, but I've felt plusher.
The Internet Saga:
Look, I'm going to be blunt: Internet is crucial. Forget work (maybe). We're talking about the internet for life, for checking my socials, for endless scrolling, and for occasionally checking if my crypto portfolio is going to make me rich or homeless (it’s a rollercoaster, folks!). The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a selling point and it seemed they did, but there were periods where it behaved as if it was powered by a hamster running on a wheel. The Internet [LAN] felt like a relic of the past, but hey, at least they thought of it. Wi-Fi in public areas - again, there was Wi-Fi, in theory. In the end, whether it was fast or slow was determined by the whims of the Malaysian air.
Food, Glorious Food.. (and the Occasional Letdown):
Okay, let's talk about the important stuff: Dining, drinking, and snacking. They tout a bunch of options, but it's… a mixed bag. Restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and a poolside bar. Sounds good, right? The Breakfast [buffet] sounds amazing. The Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options sounded good (on paper, at least). The buffet in restaurant was, let’s just say, not the gastronomic highlight of my stay. The a la carte in restaurant, I didn’t try.
But… let’s talk about the Poolside Bar!
I’m going to get emotional here. The pool with a view is AMAZING. The poolside bar? Chef's kiss. I parked myself there for a few hours, basking in the sun. (I'm a sun worshipper). The mixologists were friendly, (the drinks were a bit expensive but it was worth every ringgit. I have to give them credit for the atmosphere. If they're able to bring this vibe inside the building without the open space and the sun, well, then I'd say their bars are ready to give the city’s best a run for their money.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax):
Here's where Paul's Studio 5 could shine, and it does have a couple of good points. The Fitness center? They got one. Did I use it? I probably should have, but my sun-soaked self was in a semi-permanent state of relaxation. They offer a Spa, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and those fancy additions like Body scrub and Body wrap. But honestly, it gets so confusing! So many offerings! The Swimming pool (outdoor) is an actual draw, and as I said, a pool with a view. They have a few things to take the edge off, but you need to weigh them against what's not here.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects (and a Few Surprises):
They have the standard stuff: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Safety deposit boxes. All fine, all expected. A Convenience store is handy, and they offer Food delivery. But the real standout? The Car park [free of charge]! That is a godsend in a city where parking can be a nightmare.
For the Kids… and the Proposal Spot? 🤔:
They claim to be Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service and Kids facilities, so I'd have someone check that out if you're traveling with wee ones. Proposal spot? Now that's interesting. A definite conversation starter. I didn't propose, but maybe the poolside bar is the place to do it.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer? Check! Car park [on-site]? Also check! Taxi service? You betcha. So, you're well-covered on the transportation front.
The Verdict (My Highly Biased Take):
Paul's Studio 5: Shah Alam's Hidden Gem? Maybe "Hidden Potential" is more accurate. It's a solid choice, not a mind-blowing one. The pool is a genuine highlight, the commitment to safety is reassuring, and the free parking is a major bonus. However, the dining options are inconsistent, and be prepared for some minor internet hiccups.
The Unbeatable Deal (That I'm Totally Making Up):
Book now!
(I'm not sure if this is true, but it would surely get you a discounted price if it was!)
My Final Recommendation – Book if…
- You love pools with a view more than anything.
- You prioritize safety and cleanliness.
- You have a car (the free parking is golden).
- You're cool with a slightly imperfect, but perfectly acceptable, hotel experience.
Don't book if…
- You’re a foodie with super-high expectations for every meal.
- You absolutely need perfect and reliable internet access 24/7.
- You're seeking a luxurious, over-the-top experience.
Overall Score: 3.5/5 stars. Would recommend… with some caveats.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to delve into the glorious, messy, utterly unpredictable chaos that is… Paul's Studio 5 @ Trefoil Setia Alam, Shah Alam, Malaysia. And lemme tell you, planning anything is a joke compared to actually doing it. Here's the (very loose) itinerary, complete with my inner monologue yelling at me:
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Instant Noodles (aka "The Great Unpacking Debacle")
- 14:00 (ish): Land at KLIA. Okay, so the flight was fine, except for the screaming toddler who decided my left ear was an acoustic marvel. Seriously, I think I developed a permanent tinnitus. Quick immigration, thank GOD for the e-gates, then I'm off to find my Grab. I'm already sweating. It's the humidity, I swear.
- 15:30 (but probably closer to 16:00): Arrive at Paul's Studio 5. "Charming," they said in the booking description. "Modern," they promised. What I was greeted with was… well, a building. A pretty one! But the studio itself? Slightly smaller than I imagined. And WHERE is the air conditioning remote?! Immediate panic sets in. I flail around for ten minutes.
- 16:30 - 18:00: The Great Unpacking Debacle. This involves wrestling luggage, muttering obscenities under my breath, and discovering the iron…doesn't work. Seriously?! This is a travesty. Texting the "helpful" landlord now. Probably eating a pack of instant noodles for my first meal. This sums up my arrival perfectly.
- Rambling thought: Why do hotels never freaking have enough power outlets?! I need to charge my phone, my watch, and my sanity. I'm pretty sure my sanity is a higher-voltage item.
- 19:00: Finally, air conditioning on! Small victories. Time to scout the neighbourhood. Maybe find a decent restaurant. I'm also considering buying a new iron.
- 20:00: Food situation: Went for the nearest restaurant. The chicken rice was good. But, I swear, everything is so spicy here! My eyes are still watering.
Day 2: Adventures in Suburban Spacing (And a Near-Disaster in the Grocery Store)
- 08:00: Woke up with the dawn today! No, just kidding. Still tired. Attempted to make coffee using the provided kettle. Success! (Barely.)
- 09:00: Time for a stroll. Setia Alam is…well, suburban. Really, really suburban. I'm talking perfectly manicured lawns, rows of identical houses, and a faint scent of… lawn fertilizer? It's strangely serene, though. Almost… unsettlingly so.
- 10:00: Groceries from the local supermarket. I go in for some juice and snacks and the next thing I know I am utterly lost. Okay, I'm not actually lost, but navigating the aisles is a trial. So many unfamiliar fruits and vegetables. And the durian section? Lord have mercy. The smell alone could knock a small cow flat.
- Emotional Reaction: I did a very awkward dance when I couldn't find the brand of cereal I always get. It was a moment of utter despair. I may have also momentarily forgotten how to speak English.
- 12:00: Back at the studio. Stared at the ceiling fan for a while. Think about the iron… ugh.
- 14:00 - 17:00: The great pool test! Sunscreen, a towel, and a determined spirit. Despite the slightly-too-cold water, finally, I'm enjoying it. Now, I can relax, and maybe, just maybe, get some real work done.
- 18:00: Dinner, maybe take out. Probably gonna be less spicy tonight. I'm thinking… Nasi Lemak. Yes, I'm still getting used to the spice, but the satisfaction is worth it!
Day 3: Culture Shock (and a Very Long Walk)
- 09:00: Okay, so I'm trying to sleep in, but the birds outside are determined to have a concert. Loud, cheerful, and inconsiderate birds.
- 10:00: Decision time: I am venturing into the "city." This is more of a "let's find a bus stop" kinda day!
- Quirky Observation: The traffic here is an art form. Or perhaps a chaotic ballet. Either way, I’m pretty sure I’m going to die.
- 11:00: The bus ride. I have learned the price for the bus ticket, now I will experience the ride itself. It was hot. It was crowded. It was an experience.
- 12:00-13:00: The journey. After getting off the bus, I have to walk. I am walking. A lot. And I'm pretty sure I've taken a wrong turn somewhere.
- 14:00: Eating at the cafe. Finally time to eat. The food is great and the view is amazing, it makes the trip worth it.
- 16:00: I'm going for a quick pit stop with a friend before heading back.
- 18:00: On the bus back. I think. Or maybe I'm just standing here forever.
- 19:00: Back at the studio. Tired. So Very Tired. Time for a bath.
Day 4: The Iron Incident, and Early Departure (lol)
Okay, the iron incident deserves its own section:
- 09:00: Wake up.
- 09:15: Iron incident. I attempt to use the iron in desperation to fix one of my shirts.
- 09:16: I break the iron. And I break my spirit.
- 10:00-12:00: Dealing with the fallout. Calling the landlord for the very last time. Looking at train tickets.
- 13:00: I am officially leaving.
- 14:00: I am leaving the area.
- 15:00: The end.
And there you have it. My slightly insane, mostly unplanned, and occasionally disastrous adventure at Paul’s Studio 5. It wasn't perfect, but hey, nothing ever is. And honestly? I wouldn't want it any other way. Bring on the next adventure… wherever it may be! Now, to go find that damn iron… (just kidding… not really).
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Paul's Studio 5: Shah Alam's "Hidden Gem" (Trefoil Setia Alam) - Let's Get Real, Shall We?
Okay, so what *exactly* is Studio 5? Is it a secret alien base I'm missing?
Haha, wishful thinking about the alien base, my friend. Nah, Studio 5 is a photography studio tucked away in the Trefoil Setia Alam, which, if you're like me, you only know exists because of the *giant* Tesco. It's run by, well, Paul! He's this... character. You'll see. Honestly, it's photography. Portraits, product shots, that kind of thing. But "hidden gem"? That's what they're *trying* to be. Let's just say "accessible studio with interesting wallpaper" is probably more accurate.
Trefoil Setia Alam? Where IS that, exactly? And is parking a nightmare?
Trefoil's in Setia Alam, which is like... a newer, slightly more manicured part of Shah Alam. Think 'suburban chic' meets 'still trying to figure itself out'. And YES. THE PARKING. Oh. My. Goodness. It's like a real-life game of Frogger, except instead of a frog, you're a frantic human, and instead of traffic, you have inconsiderate drivers. It's *usually* okay, but on weekends? Prepare for a workout. I once circled for a solid 20 minutes before giving up and parking… illegally. Don't tell anyone.
So, Paul... what's he like? The big question!
Right, Paul. The man, the myth, the... photographer. He's got this… energy. A very specific energy. Imagine a slightly eccentric uncle who's really good at taking photos but *really* bad at keeping a secret… or remembering what he had for breakfast. I'm talking about it! He's passionate, that's for sure. He’ll tell you about his love of photography AND why he believes the best light is always after the rain, and also he might show you his collection of vintage cameras. It's a whole *experience*. He's also a bit of a perfectionist, which is good for the photos but... well, let's just say patience is a virtue you'll need to embrace.
Is Studio 5 good for *all* types of photography?
Honestly? Probably not. Look, Paul’s strengths lie in portraits. He *shines* there. He’s got a knack for making people feel comfortable, even if you're feeling like a potato. Maybe he has some magic powers? But if you're looking for, say, a complex commercial shoot with a ton of props and a super-specific vision? I'm not sure. He’s got a certain look, a certain style. Gotta see if it matches *your* style! Think of it like this: if you want a burger, go to a burger joint. If you want a gourmet meal, maybe you'll need somewhere else.
Okay, specifics. Let's talk about the studio itself. What's it *actually* like?
Well, it's... a studio. I can't believe I'm so flippant. But there's good and bad. It's generally well-equipped. Good lighting setups (the most important bit!), decent backdrops. It's not *massive*, so if you're planning a group shoot, check with Paul. The space is a little...cosy, shall we say. And (here's a tiny secret) the air conditioning sometimes has a mind of its own. Sometimes it's freezing, sometimes it's tropical. Dressing in layers is always a good idea. And then... THERE'S THE WALLPAPER! It's a statement. I'm not going to say what it is specifically. Let's just say it's... memorable. You'll see. It's... part of the charm? Right?
Alright, let's talk about THE PHOTOS. Are they any good? Is it worth it?
YES! For the most part, yes. The photos are good. Look through his portfolio (ask for a link!), see if you like his style. I had a portrait session done there once, and it was... *surprisingly* good. Paul has this knack for making you (me) look better than you (I) feel. He really nails the lighting and makes some of the smallest details really *pop*. He's great at the basic stuff, so technically, you can be sure.
Do you have any… *bad* experiences with Paul, or the studio? Be honest.
Okay, okay. Let's be real. Yes. I needed a product shot for one of a thing I sell on lazada. We agreed to a certain deadline, but the photos arrived...late. *Very* late. And Paul, bless his heart, went through some minor technical difficulties that day. (I think the computer threw a fit, or perhaps the coffee was too strong). It involved more phone calls than I'd like. Then, there was a slight *misunderstanding* about the retouching. Let's just say it took a while to get everything perfect. So patience, people, is key. Know that you might encounter delays. But even with that, the photos were good! (I told myself).
Would you recommend Studio 5? Even after all this?
Honestly? It depends. If you want a standard, super-slick, utterly predictable photography experience, maybe not. If you want something unique, with a photographer who actually *cares* about his craft and who will go the extra mile (eventually), then yes. Be prepared to embrace a slightly chaotic process, a quirky personality, and, let's be honest, the occasional parking nightmare. But if you're after genuinely good photos, Studio 5 is... a good bet. I have to say it. It *is* a hidden gem in a way. A slightly tarnished, sometimes-delayed gem, but a gem nonetheless. Just maybe, go in with a coffee and a sense of humor. And maybe, just maybe, bring a backup battery for your phone, just in case you get stuck circling for parking.
How do I contact Paul and book a session?
Ah, that's the easiest part! You can probably find Studio 5 on Google, or you can try looking for him on social media. I think he uses the usual suspects, but really, ask around! People in Setia Alam know him.Stay Mapped
