Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside

Set on four acres of pond- and pavilion-covered grounds, the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside is set up like its own little town, with a central hub of shops and restaurants -- some decorated in bright reds and with glass floors, and others with outdoor wooden decks and thatched umbrellas. Around this, four different wings of the resort represent architecture from Borneo and Malaysia, as well as from China and India. The main lobby showcases copious amounts of marble with huge decorative lattice screens, creating a breezy atmosphere that flows into the open courtyards and the private stretch of beach. The pool is a nice spot for gathering and relaxing, with simple dark-brown and gray loungers and white umbrellas lining the stone deck. The property sees a good mix of travelers -- everyone from business types to families to couples, from Malaysia and abroad.

Tucked onto four acres along the southern shore of Putrajaya Lake, the hotel is surrounded by its own garden grounds with direct beach access. It's about 10 minutes' drive to the Seri Wawasan Bridge and just a few minutes farther to Putra Mosque square. The nearby Putrajaya Convention Centre is under five minutes by car, and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is about a 25-minute drive to the south.

Divided into four different sections, the 281 rooms and suites here are decorated in the theme of their corresponding wing. Ethnic Malay, Chinese, Indian and the enormous island of Borneo are all represented with appropriate architectural details and rich fabrics, and ornate tile work (though minor updates are needed in some rooms due to wear and tear). Within the four types, standard rooms have wood furnishings, minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and some have beautiful mosaic tile and arched cut-outs in the stone walls. Some rooms add balconies with garden views, while executive options add free breakfast in the club lounge. There are also larger one- and two-bedroom apartment-style units with contemporary decor and kitchenettes.

The hotel has many scenic outdoor spaces and fountain-filled courtyards, with the most notable being its stretch of private sandy beach on the lake. Water sports such as kayaking and boating are available, along with accompanying activities like water skiing and parasailing (for a fee). For more contained water-bound activities, there are a large outdoor pool and a separate kiddy pool with water features. Indoor kids' amenities include a game room with console games, foosball, and a pool table. Fit Spa and Lounge provides an outlet for adults, with 10 treatment rooms, a sauna, and an attached fitness center with treadmills and cardio machines.

Making the most of its self-contained atmosphere, The Village Alfresco Dining Restaurant serves international cuisine and barbecue with outdoor lakeside seating, while B's All Day Dining is a more casual buffet option. A deli and a pool bar round out the light snacks, and the lobby's airy China Bar & Lounge serves tapas with its cocktails. Bike hire is available, as well.