33 New Lane (Off Macalister, (Off Macalister Road), George Town, Malaysia
Right by New Lane Hawker Centre and Penang Times Square
Contemporary rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free bottled water
Suites have separate living rooms and bathrooms with rainfall showers and separate whirlpool tubs
Cafe serves three meals a day, including buffet breakfast
Outdoor pool and hot tub
On-site fitness center with cardio machines and weights
Club Lounge offers free breakfast, evening drinks, and snacks throughout the day
Meeting rooms and business center
Free Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking
Small bathrooms and some awkward layouts
Pool is smallish
Breakfast incurs an additional fee (except for Club-level rooms and suites)
Bland decor throughout
The Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang is a three-and-a-half-pearl contemporary hotel aimed at business travelers, though it's a great choice for leisure travelers too, especially those keen on checking out the city's street food scene. The popular New Lane Hawker Centre and Penang Times Square are right by the property. Features include meeting rooms, a business center, all-day cafe, a small outdoor pool and hot tub, and a fitness center. The 250 sleek, contemporary guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi, while suites add living rooms and both whirlpool tubs and separate showers. There's an exclusive lounge for Club-level rooms and suites with free breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and evening drinks. For beach views and multiple dining options, check out the G Hotel Gurney, but it can get crowded.
Scene
Contemporary business hotel
This hotel is a sleek and contemporary property that caters mainly to business travelers. The vibe is corporate, and though decor lacks character, interiors are clean and pleasant. White tile floors pave the way to white marble reception desks in the lobby. Sun Cafe, the hotel's dining space, pairs soft neutral hues with orange walls, some of which feature large photo murals of autumn leaves. Though the majority of the clientele here are business travelers, the hotel's location and features are a suitable choice for leisure visitors as well, and both couples and families with kids stay here.
Location
Close to dining, shopping, and walking distance to some attractions
This is a prime location for foodies as the property is situated right by the New Lane Hawker Centre, one of the top street food destinations in the city. Penang Times Square, a large mall full of shops and dining, is a three-minute walk away. It's about a 15-minute walk to George Town's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage district. Other top attractions, like Khoo Kongsi and Kapitan Keling Mosque, are about a 20-minute walk away. Kek Lok Si Temple is about a 20-minute drive, while the Penang Hill funicular station can be reached in 15 minutes by car. The Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is about an eight-minute drive from the hotel. Penang International Airport can be reached in around 20 minutes.
Rooms
Sleek and contemporary rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles
Rooms here feature contemporary decor that though bland, is pleasant overall -- plus the units are clean and fairly spacious. The spaces are clad in soft neutral hues, some subtly accented by pops of purple graphic floral art pieces on the walls. Light wood furniture is contemporary, and includes desks with ergonomic chairs, wardrobes, and nightstands. All rooms also have armchairs or some form of seating, as well as being equipped with a solid set of amenities like flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, mini-fridges (minibars in suites), electronic safes, irons/ironing boards, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Suites feature large separate living rooms, plus perks like welcome fruit platters. Bathrooms, though modern and outfitted with walk-in rainfall showers, are small and can feel cramped -- which is made worse by awkward layouts in some. They have wall-mounted hairdryers, plus toiletries are provided. Suite bathrooms are larger and have both showers and separate whirlpool tubs.
Features
Business amenities, restaurant open all day, rooftop pool, and fitness center
Most of the features and services at this hotel are aimed at business travelers, so there are several meeting rooms as well as a bright business center with two computers and a printer, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The Club Lounge, which can be accessed only by guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites, also offers another business center and meeting room (Club room/suite guests get one free hour of meeting room use per stay). Additional Club Lounge perks include free breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and snacks throughout the day. All guests can make use of the Sun Cafe, which is open all day and serves both local and international fare. A breakfast buffet is served here in the mornings for an additional fee. Room service is also available.
The hotel has a small outdoor pool and a hot tub situated on a rooftop terrace. The surrounding pool deck doesn't offer much seating, but there are some loungers and dining tables. There's also a fitness center that's equipped with a variety of cardio and strength-training machines. On-site parking is free.