The 53-room Chulia Mansion is a value boutique hotel that occupies a prime location in the UNESCO World Heritage district, close to several top tourist sites and plenty of dining options. A number of freebies perk up a stay here, including daily happy hours in the hotel's inviting rooftop bar that include free wine and ice cream. Buffet breakfasts with hot dishes are also free here, as are Wi-Fi and on-site parking. A rooftop hot tub rounds out the features. Guest rooms are clean and bright, with pleasant contemporary decor, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and mini-fridges -- but some of the units can be small and wet room-style showers could use an update. Nevertheless, it's a fine choice in a great location. For an alternative with a swimming pool, check out the Hotel Continental.

Located on a quiet street on the outskirts of central George Town, the mid-range Museum Hotel offers a blend of colonial architecture, antiques, and modern amenities. The lovingly restored early 20th-century building exudes elegant charm of days gone, and even includes a private museum run by the hotel's owner. Antiques are also peppered throughout the 29 individually decorated rooms, which have attractive decor, marble bathrooms, mini-fridges, and kettles. Rooms and bathrooms are on the small side, however. An on-site restaurant serves well-reviewed fare, and breakfast is available for a fee and can be served in a lovely courtyard. A tiny gym and free Wi-Fi are provided, but there's no pool or spa. Travelers looking for a similarly priced hotel in the hear of the city should consider the Nam Keng Hotel. 

The Armenian Street Heritage Hotel is a short walk from its namesake street within George Town's central Unesco World Heritage district. This budget hotel comes with a rooftop bar and lounge with great views overlooking the historic city center. The simple rooms could use minor furnishing updates, but the decor is charming enough at these rates. Several third-party businesses such as convenience shops and a car rental place add value, but the real perks are the nearby local vendors.

The 248-room Tune Hotel Downtown Penang, like others in the budget chain, offers a bare-bones bed-and-shower concept, with almost everything else costing an extra fee. The hotel's base rates are some of the lowest in Penang, and though the rooms in this budget hotel are tiny, the beds are comfortable and the showers are hot. Many don't have windows, a flaw that can be made worse by the extra fee for air-conditioning. Travelers looking to visit the historic heart of the city may consider the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel, which is more expensive, but Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and other amenities are included.