Tune Hotel George Town Penang

Inside the entrance of this budget chain outpost, a wall-sized banner for the adjacent 7-Eleven extols the cooling benefits of the Slurpee, a true temptation in Penang's considerable heat (especially in a hotel where the air-conditioning is not included for free). Local Malaysians, along with Chinese and Singaporean guests, mingle with the few U.K. budget travelers who take advantage of the cheap rates and simple facilities -- most of which are all contained within the plainly decorated lobby, where gleaming white tile floors and walls are accented by red vinyl seating -- the look is superficially sleek and simple. Like all Tune Hotels, the hotel's own advertising is a main design feature, and the mostly red-and-white slogans are emblazoned on everything from doors to mirrors throughout the property.

The Tune Hotel Downtown Penang is located on a busy main road next door to a 7-Eleven There are plenty of fast food joints, chain coffee shops, and numerous local eateries in every direction. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage district is a 15-minute walk to the east, with its bustling bazaars, hawkers, and vibrant street art. Komtar Tower is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and there's a bus stop on Jalan Burma that's only two minutes away on foot. The Penang Museum is a five-minute drive, and cultural tourist attractions like Khoo Kongsi, Kuan Yin Temple, and the Kapitan Keling Mosque are 10 minutes or less away by car (all can be reached on foot in 20 minutes for guests who don't mind walks in the heat). Penang International Airport is about a 30-minute drive toward the south end of the island. 

All 248 rooms feature simple, but pleasantly modern decor with a neutral color palette and gray accent walls festooned with a white floral and bamboo motif. The designs add a nice decorative touch to otherwise plain, compact rooms. Large mirrors above wooden headboards help give depth to the tiny rooms, with wood bedside tables and simple pull-down shelves that can double as small tables -- we did spot a significant amount of wear on the furniture. Many of the rooms have no windows and were musty, a fact exacerbated by the area's heat and the fee for air-conditioning. Each room also has a ceiling fan. Wi-Fi incurs a fee as well, as do basic amenities like towels and toiletries. There are no TVs, mini-fridges, or tea/coffeemakers. The tiled bathrooms have glass walk-in showers. 

Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby and there is an Internet corner with a few computer stations. The lounge has a pool table and a Foosball table amid red vinyl couches and chairs, with a gift shop selling artwork and branded Tune Hotel items like baseball caps, travel mugs, and luggage scales. There's also a tour and ticketing office on-site. A third party operates the cafe, F.O.C. Coffee, with breakfast available (not included).