The question was, which hotel? After scrolling through dozens of options, we settled on the Four Points by Sheraton Desaru.
This is our detailed, first-hand account of a 2D1N trip with our four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. By the end of this review, you'll know exactly what to expect and whether this resort is the right choice for your family's next short escape.
Getting There: Is the Journey from Singapore to Desaru Kid-Friendly?
The first test of any family trip is the journey itself. Thankfully, you have two solid options to get to Desaru, each with its own pros and cons.
Option 1: Driving Down
We chose to drive, giving us the flexibility to travel at our own pace. We crossed the border via the Woodlands Checkpoint on a Friday morning and the entire journey, including a smooth immigration process, took us just under two hours.
My tips for driving:
Time Your Crossing: Avoid peak hours. Aim for mid-morning (9-11 am) on a weekday if you can.
Prepare Your Docs: Have your passports, VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit), and Touch 'n Go card ready to go.
Snack Strategy: A car loaded with snacks and a tablet with downloaded cartoons is your best friend for keeping toddlers happy.
Option 2: The Ferry to Desaru Coast
Many of our friends swear by the ferry. It’s a 90-minute ride from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal directly to the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. From there, it's a short 15-minute taxi or shuttle ride to the hotel. While you lose the flexibility of having your own car, you completely bypass the risk of Causeway jams.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
| Factor | Driving (Own Car) | Ferry Service |
| Time | 1.5 - 3 hours (depending on traffic) | 90-minute ferry + 30 mins transfer/waiting |
| Cost (Family of 4) | ~$30-$40 (Petrol, Tolls, VEP) | ~$280 - $400 (Return ferry tickets) |
| Convenience | High flexibility to explore Desaru | Stress-free, no driving required |
| Best For | Families wanting to explore the area | Families planning a self-contained resort stay |
The Hotel Deep Dive: A First-Hand Look at Four Points Desaru
Nestled slightly away from the main beachfront strip, the Four Points by Sheraton Desaru presents a modern and calm facade.
First Impressions: Check-in and Ambiance
The check-in process was a breeze. We were greeted with smiles and a welcome drink, and the staff were incredibly patient while our kids excitedly ran around the spacious lobby. It immediately set a positive, family-friendly tone for our stay. The ambiance is less of a sprawling, hectic mega-resort and more of a comfortable, contained hotel—which we found perfect for keeping an eye on our little ones.
The Room: Our Premier Seaview Room Breakdown
We booked a Premier Seaview Room, and it was the ideal size for our family of four. The room was spotlessly clean, the king-sized bed was comfortable, and there was just enough floor space for the kids to play without feeling cramped.
Most importantly, it passed the "toddler safety test." The balcony door had a secure lock, and there were no low, sharp-edged tables to worry about. The view of the sea, while distant, was a lovely backdrop to wake up to.
The Price Point: Is It Good Value for Money?
For our stay in late September, the room cost approximately $180 SGD per night, which included the breakfast buffet. Compared to the premium beachfront resorts in Desaru that can easily cost double, Four Points delivers fantastic value. It provides all the essential comforts and kid-friendly amenities without the hefty price tag, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious families.
The Main Event: Rating the Kid-Friendly Facilities
Now for the part that truly matters: will the kids have fun?
The Pools: A Splash-tastic Time
The pool area was a definite highlight. There’s a lovely main pool for adults and, right beside it, a dedicated kids’ pool. It was the perfect depth for our toddlers to splash around in safely and even had a small water feature that kept them entertained for ages. We appreciated the ample lounge chairs and the relaxed atmosphere.
The Indoor Playground: The Little Plumeria Kids Club
When the afternoon sun got too hot, the indoor playground was a lifesaver. The "Little Plumeria Kids Club" is a clean, well-maintained space with padded floors. While it’s not huge, it has enough slides, climbing structures, and toys to keep preschoolers and toddlers happily occupied. It was a fantastic amenity to have on-site.
Dining with Picky Eaters: The Mesh Restaurant
We had all our meals at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, The Mesh. The breakfast buffet had an excellent spread with everything from an egg station and local delights to pastries and cereal that the kids loved.
For lunch and dinner, the kids' menu was a hit. It featured simple, parent-approved options like pasta, chicken nuggets, and fries. The quality was good, and the prices were reasonable for a resort, saving us the hassle of having to drive out for every meal.
The Verdict: Should Your Family Book a Stay?
After a whirlwind 2D1N trip, we left feeling refreshed and thoroughly impressed. Here’s our final summary.
The Highlights (What We Loved)
Exceptional Value: You get a 4-star experience and great facilities at a very reasonable price point.
Fantastic for Toddlers: The combination of the kids' pool and the indoor playground makes it a perfect, self-contained environment for young children.
Friendly Staff: Every single staff member we encountered was warm, welcoming, and wonderful with our children.
The Lowlights (Room for Improvement)
Location: The only minor drawback is that it's not a beachfront property. You need to drive about 5-10 minutes to get to the public beach or the main Desaru Coast attractions. This wasn't an issue for us as we had a car, but it's something to consider.
Final Recommendation
Absolutely! We highly recommend the Four Points by Sheraton Desaru for families with young children (especially those aged 6 and below). If you are looking for a comfortable, clean, and budget-conscious base for your Desaru holiday without sacrificing the essential kid-friendly amenities, this hotel is an outstanding choice. It proves that a memorable family getaway doesn't have to break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is Four Points by Sheraton Desaru from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast?
Four Points by Sheraton Desaru is located a short drive away, approximately 10-15 minutes by car, from the main Desaru Coast hub which includes the Adventure Waterpark, Els Club, and other attractions.
2. Does the hotel provide amenities like baby cots or high chairs?
Yes, like most family-friendly hotels, Four Points by Sheraton Desaru provides complimentary baby cots upon request (subject to availability) and high chairs are readily available at their restaurant, The Mesh. It's always best to request a cot during your booking process.
3. Is there direct beach access from the hotel?
The hotel is not a beachfront property with direct access. However, public beaches are easily accessible within a 5-10 minute drive from the hotel. The hotel's focus is more on its excellent pool and resort facilities.
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