G Hotel Kelawai

The sister hotel of the nearby G Hotel Gurney, the G Hotel Kelawai is hard to miss. Set in a striking 24-floor building with a "g" at the entrance, the hotel’s facade features contrasting black walls and white overhangs that give it a sense of depth. Numerous spaces, including the rooftop bar and infinity pool, take advantage of the setting with panoramic views of the city and sea. The design-centric lobby features vertical wood beams, fuzzy purple armchairs, tufted leather sofas, a lantern chandelier, and vintage suitcases. The minimalist trend continues throughout the hotel’s public areas, as well as the neutral-tone rooms, which have an understated look characterized by clean lines. Due to its location and modern facilities, the hotel is equally popular among families, couples, and business travelers. 

G Hotel Kelawai is located on bustling Kelawai Road between Gurney Paragon and Gurney Plaza, and within a short walk of bars, restaurants, and shops. Popular attractions such as Dhammikarama Burmese Temple (15-minute walk), Wat Chayamangkalaram (15-minute walk) are close by. Meanwhile, the historic heritage center of George Town can be reached in 10 minutes by car. Penang International Airport is around a 30-minute drive to the southern end of the island. The hotel offers free parking, and a free buggy service to the hotel’s sister property, G Hotel Gurney, where guests are welcome to use all its facilities. 

The handsome rooms and suites here are dominated by neutral hues, clean lines, and understated decor. Although a bit underwhelming, the look is sleek and modern. Dark-wood furniture and wall paneling, plush gray carpets, comfy mattresses, ergonomic Herman Miller desk chairs, and occasional small artworks fill the spaces. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, minibars with free snacks and soft drinks, closets with safes, bathrobes, and ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and Smart TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms have showers, slippers, and quality toiletries, and upgraded units add bathtubs. Unfortunately, some past guests have complained that there are no plugs in bathrooms for hairdryers, and some rooms lack bedroom mirrors. On the upside, rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and those on higher floors offer panoramic views of the city, sea, and hills. Suites have separate living rooms and dining tables.

A standout of G Hotel Kelawai is the appealing rooftop infinity-edge pool, which is narrow, but offers stunning views of the city and sea. It's flanked by greenery and loungers. Neighboring the pool, Gravity is a stylish rooftop lounge bar with an aqua-colored circular bar and gray couches and chairs. The all-day Spoon Cafe serves international buffet spreads all day. The breakfast chocolate fountain is particularly popular. Meanwhile, the ground-floor 2PM Lounge (2PM alluding to the fact that the bar opens at that time) serves coffee, light bites, and traditional afternoon tea with three-tiered stands of sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Adjacent to the lobby, the casual cafe has plush seating indoors, and an al fresco terrace. 

Business travelers will be pleased to know that the hotel offers a Grand Ballroom for up to 700 people, as well as a range of function spaces with audiovisual equipment. A business center has leather couches, a TV, and two computers, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The spacious gym offers a range of cardio machines and free weights, as well as spectacular views over the island (water and towels are provided). There is no spa, however. 

Other than the Deluxe Rooms, all units come with Club Floor benefits that include access to the Executive Lounge for free buffet breakfasts, evening cocktails, personalized check-in, and the use of DVD players and iPod docking stations.