PARKROYAL Penang Resort

The PARKROYAL Penang Resort was opened in 1990, and its last full renovation was in 2003. As a result, there are some worn furnishings that could use replacing -- but the airy, indoor-outdoor feel to the vast lobby is timeless. The large trees outside the entrance and potted trees inside enhance the tropical vibe. The Asian contemporary style decor still merges well with the lush environs and the sprawling gardens outside. Guests may catch the smell of lemongrass wafting from the spa and on Fridays, and many of the staff wear traditional Malaysian attire.  

The vibe here is laid-back and unpretentious, but there's plenty of activity -- expect kids whizzing down the waterslides at the children's pool, live music in the casual lobby bar, night market stalls crowding the street right outside the hotel, and an early-morning call to prayer from a nearby mosque (but the hotel has invested in upgraded soundproofing to prevent guest disturbance). 

The hotel is located along the beach in central Batu Ferringhi, with a picturesque view of the Malacca Strait. Shops and vendors crowd the street outside, and most of the way down the road to the nearby Night Market, a bargainers' paradise. Travelers looking to explore away from the beaches can drive five minutes to the aromatic Tropical Spice Garden, or a few minutes farther to the Toy Museum. Penang International Airport is on the opposite end of the island, about a 50-minute drive away.

The 309 rooms and suites have an earth-toned color palette with a mix of white-painted and dark wood furniture. The decor has an contemporary Asian flair, highlighted by shuttered closets, Malaysian artwork, and the rattan-style chairs in larger rooms -- but wear, such as scuff marks and nicks on the furniture, is visible. A renovation is scheduled for 2016. Some rooms have garden or sea views, while others have less desirable city vistas. 

Standard Rooms have desks and a small sitting area, and upgraded rooms add a balcony or terrace. All come with free Wi-Fi, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffee facilities. The marble tiled bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower-tub combos; suites add separate soaking tubs. 

The hotel has its own stretch of Batu Ferringhi beach, with water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and sailing available. There are also daily activities organized by the staff, ranging from simple games of sand volleyball, to guided jungle hikes. A large lawn garden provides numerous nooks and rattan daybeds to lounge on, with more loungers on the sundeck surrounding the two outdoor pools. 

The smaller children's pool has two waterslides, wisely separated from the main pool. Parents can also drop kids at the indoor kids' club for ages 4 to 12, which has supervised activities, games, and a playground and is open morning to night (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during our visit); there's also a room for toddlers with baby cots (babysitting for children under 5 is available for a fee). Note that some kids' activities cost extra. While the kids are playing, adults can luxuriate in one of the spa's seven treatment rooms, including one with a hydrotherapy bath. Cardio-heavy pursuits include an outdoor tennis court and a large fitness center. 

Alfresco dining is the norm here, with Tamarind Brasserie serving Asian and international spreads on a covered terrace (there's also an indoor space), and Uncle Zack By The Beach delivering tapas and seafood platters to a wooden deck overlooking the ocean. Cool Bananas has kid-friendly favorites like fish and chips, and ice cream, with both indoor and outdoor seating. There's also a tropical beach bar, and the casual lobby lounge serves cocktails and hosts regular live entertainment.