Chulia Mansion

Bright and inviting interiors make for pleasant spaces to lounge in at the Chulia Mansion. The sunlit lobby sets the tone with colorful modern art on the walls, funky lighting hanging from a high ceiling, and hip wooden paneling covering one of the walls. Other common spaces are equally pleasant; the breakfast room has a similar look with sleek and minimalist wooden furniture brightened by pops of green courtesy of potted plants scattered about. One of the highlights here is the rooftop bar that offers seating under a canopy roof illuminated by strung up lanterns; potted trees and other greenery add a nice touch to the scene. The hotel gets a mix of leisure and business travelers, but the majority tend to be couples seeking to explore the sights.

The hotel is centrally located in George Town's UNESCO World Heritage district. Situated between a mosque and a temple, the property takes its name from the street it's located on, which is lined with cafes, restaurants, and street food stalls. It's a great base for travelers seeking to explore the city on foot, and several top sites are within walking distance, including Sri Mahamariamman Temple (six-minute walk), Kuan Yin Temple (seven-minute walk), the Batik Painting Museum (eight-minute walk), the Penang Museum (nine-minute walk), Khoo Kongsi (10-minute walk), and the Komtar Tower (13-minute walk). Kek Lok Si Temple can be reached in under a half-hour by car. The funicular that goes up Penang Hill is about a 25-minute drive away. Penang International Airport is about a half-hour drive away.

Rooms here feature pleasant contemporary decor that pairs wood grain furniture with gray walls. Some of the spaces add pops of vibrant hues courtesy of green accent walls or colorful bed runners. Laminate wood floors are a nice touch, as are potted orchids or other greenery. All rooms have work desks and amenities like flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi.

Rooms are a bit small in size (travelers seeking more space should opt for higher-category rooms), as are the bathrooms, which also feature gray color washed walls. They have wet-room style showers, but fixtures could use an update. Combination shampoo and shower gel are provided in a wall-mounted dispenser. 

The hotel offers a solid set of features for a value boutique hotel. One of the highlights for past guests is the inviting rooftop bar that offers a pleasant space to lounge and take in views over the city. Guests love the daily happy hour with free wine, soft drinks, and ice cream, plus free coffee is available throughout the day. Another well-rated freebie is the daily buffet breakfast that includes hot Asian and Western dishes served in a pleasant dining space.

The rooftop is also home to a hot tub, which is surrounded by an inviting area dotted with potted plants and features a wooden deck with seating. Other amenities at the hotel include computers that are available for guest use in the lobby, as well as free on-site parking in the hotel's garage. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.