Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang

Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang is a relatively underwhelming property, except for its most popular feature, the top-floor Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Sky Bar -- both of which have lovely views over the city and sea. Unfortunately, the rest of the hotel is let down by its dated decor -- think old-fashioned wood furniture and fabrics, carpets with cheesy patterns, and an incohesive style. Additionally, stained carpets, chipped furniture, and dirty-looking surfaces are all common complaints, as are noise issues from neighboring rooms, the bar, and outdoors. Despite this, many leisure and business travelers find the stellar setting, affordable rates, and decent array of amenities enough to trump the downsides. 

Guests of Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang can explore much of what the area has to offer on foot. Historic sights, like the UNESCO World Heritage Site (nine-minute walk), Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower (13-minute walk), and Masjid Kapitan Keling (12-minute walk), are all nearby, and the seafront promenade is a quick 10-minute stroll. Little India and Chinatown areas, which are both packed with restaurants, are between a 10- and 15-minute walk. Numerous museums, like Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Upside Down Museum, and Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, are within easy walking distance as well. Though the popular Batu Ferringhi Beach isn't within a reasonable walking distance, guests can reach this touristy spot in 30 minutes by car. Penang International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

Outfitted in bland, largely dated decor, rooms are underwhelming and in need of an update. The neutral-tone rooms often have stained carpet, chipped furniture, and noise issues, plus occasional maintenance problems, though these are reportedly solved quickly. On the plus side, rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities, including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Desks, closets with safes and ironing facilities, and free bottled water are also provided. Many have big windows with stellar city views. Spacious Family Rooms each have a king-size bed and two single beds, while Suites have separate sitting areas. Lower-category bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and upgraded units have tubs and separate glass showers. Free toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers come standard. 

Note that although there are both smoking and non-smoking rooms available, these aren't segregated by floor and some past guests have complained of lingering cigarette odors in rooms and common spaces. Light-sleepers may want to request a room away from the rooftop bar.

Without question, Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang's most noteworthy feature is its top-floor revolving restaurant, which is popular with guests and non-guests alike. Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant has international buffet spreads and panoramic windows for stellar city and sea views, and it's open from late (from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. during our stay). The rooftop Sky Bar just outside of the restaurant has a lively vibe and lounge seating. The all-day Kopitiam eatery serves local and international fare, and its buffet breakfast spread receives positive reviews. A lobby lounge has live music in the evenings, and room service is available 24/7. Other outdoor amenities include a small swimming pool with a tiny separate kiddy pool and hot tub. The deck is lined with limited loungers. A small fitness center has cardio and strength-training equipment. Meeting and event spaces are on-site. WI-Fi and parking are free.