The upper-middle-range Cititel Penang is a well-regarded hotel that sits in a 16-story white building in downtown George Town. An airy lobby gleams with sleek marble floors and a glass chandelier -- it’s polished and pleasant, with seating lining the walls, potted plants dotted about, and refreshing lemon water dispensers for guests. Decor here is a bit bland and dated, but spaces are clean and pleasant. Neutral hues dominate, with colorful touches here and there, like in the buffet-style Main Street Café, which has a cafeteria vibe. Kirishima Restaurant is a bit more inviting, its walls lined with wooden shelves stocked with bottles of sake.

Clientele here is a mix of leisure tourists and business travelers. It’s a convenient choice for both, with its prime downtown location and array of features. Extensive event facilities also means it’s a popular pick for meetings, conferences, and the like.

Cititel Penang is located right on busy Upper Penang Road in downtown George Town. It’s a convenient location close to plenty of restaurants, shops, and some attractions. The Chocolate and Coffee Museum is just down the road, while several other top attractions can be reached on foot, such as the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery (eight-minute walk), the Goddess of Mercy Temple (eight-minute walk), and Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi temple (14-minute walk). Chowrasta Market is a five-minute walk away. Others can be reached by taxi within 15 to 20 minutes, including Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill. Expect a 20-minute drive to the Penang International Airport.

Rooms here are a bit dated, with decor that’s drab and dull, but the spaces are pleasant enough. Wooden furnishings are paired with olive or mauve color schemes by way of patterned carpets. Plum-colored, flower-patterned armchairs offer seating, plus there are desks and chairs. Large windows fill the spaces with natural light and are shaded by floor-length curtains. Rooms have nice views over the city, especially those on higher floors; some have sea views.

Rooms are not too large – some can feel a tad tight – but they’re fairly standard for the area. Suites offer more space, with separate living rooms, dining areas, and wet bars. A solid set of amenities makes for a convenient stay -- all rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, irons and ironing boards, telephones, air-conditioning, hairdryers, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi (for two devices). Bottled water is free and is replenished daily. Higher-category rooms add extras like electronic safes, while suites have perks like snacks and minibars.

Bathrooms are small and in need of some updates, but they’re efficient. Tiled in brown and cream, they’re equipped with shower/tub combos, small sinks, and toilets. Toiletries are provided. Higher-category rooms have sleeker, more contemporary bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers; suites have separate showers and tubs.

The hotel has three different dining options as well as a bar and lounge. Cititel Penang’s buffet restaurant, Main Street Café, is open 24 hours a day and serves a varied spread of local and international fare. It’s popular with both locals and tourists alike. Kirishima is the hotel’s Japanese restaurant and it’s open for lunch and dinner, serving a la carte and set menus. There’s a sushi counter here, as well as a sake cellar. Zhonghua Gourmet Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, serving dim sum and Cantonese fare. Room service is available 24/7.

The Cititel Penang has a solid lineup of features, the highlight being its wellness center with an indoor pool and gym. The pool is small, but pleasant, with large windows and a skylight letting in plenty of natural light, as well as a few loungers, tables, and chairs offering seating. It has a jetted whirlpool too. There are also a sauna, steam room, and changing rooms. The fitness room is also compact, though set in a pleasant glass-walled space that overlooks the pool. It offers a handful of machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, and strength-training equipment. A spa offers massages.

A variety of event spaces are available for rent, with 10 different function rooms to choose from, including a ballroom. The hotel is also home to a handful of shops, including a florist, tailor, and a convenient store selling souvenirs and sundries. Wi-Fi is free throughout, plus there’s a 24-hour internet kiosk in the Main Street Café that’s available for guest use.