Renovated in 2017, the upscale Hotel Jen Penang by Shangri-La is a contemporary property with a central location in George Town. The 443 rooms are modern and hip, all with free Wi-Fi, desks, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Upgrades include kitchenettes, living spaces, and bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Club rooms get access to a lounge with free breakfast, drinks, and snacks. Ample leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, and steam room and sauna, plus massage treatments can be arranged. A restaurant serves buffet and a la carte meals all day, and a full-service bar serves coffee and cocktails in the lobby. Meeting spaces are available on-site. This is a good value in Penang, but it's worth considering the sleek G Hotel Kelawai.
Renovated in 2017, the upscale Hotel Jen Penang by Shangri-La is a contemporary property with a central location in George Town. The 443 rooms are modern and hip, all with free Wi-Fi, desks, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Upgrades include kitchenettes, living spaces, and bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Club rooms get access to a lounge with free breakfast, drinks, and snacks. Ample leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, and steam room and sauna, plus massage treatments can be arranged. A restaurant serves buffet and a la carte meals all day, and a full-service bar serves coffee and cocktails in the lobby. Meeting spaces are available on-site. This is a good value in Penang, but it's worth considering the sleek G Hotel Kelawai.
The 100-room, historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel has been in operation since the height of the British Empire when George Town was an important harbor and trading hub. Known locally as the E&O, its colonial pedigree sets it apart from other five-pearl hotels, but it also has a fully modern all-suite addition with private balconies and rainfall showers. The doormen in white knee socks and pith helmets help sell the period experience, and it is one of Malaysia's top romantic spots, thanks to its rich atmosphere, two elegant pools, and fine dining.
The 100-room, historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel has been in operation since the height of the British Empire when George Town was an important harbor and trading hub. Known locally as the E&O, its colonial pedigree sets it apart from other five-pearl hotels, but it also has a fully modern all-suite addition with private balconies and rainfall showers. The doormen in white knee socks and pith helmets help sell the period experience, and it is one of Malaysia's top romantic spots, thanks to its rich atmosphere, two elegant pools, and fine dining.
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.
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.
The Riviera is a three-pearl hotel located in a remote, residential neighborhood outside George Town. The hotel’s 26 guest rooms are clean and unfussy, with studios offering kitchenettes while apartments have full kitchens. The functional guest rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens. And the pool is nice enough, with a swim-up bar and hot tub. But there’s no beach and little to do and see in the surrounding area. Travelers may want to consider the Holiday Inn Resort, which has beach access, free shuttle service around the island, and similar rates.
The Riviera is a three-pearl hotel located in a remote, residential neighborhood outside George Town. The hotel’s 26 guest rooms are clean and unfussy, with studios offering kitchenettes while apartments have full kitchens. The functional guest rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens. And the pool is nice enough, with a swim-up bar and hot tub. But there’s no beach and little to do and see in the surrounding area. Travelers may want to consider the Holiday Inn Resort, which has beach access, free shuttle service around the island, and similar rates.
The PARKROYAL Penang Resort, Malaysia is a 309-room, four-pearl beachfront hotel along the picturesque coast of Batu Ferringhi. Apart from the beach and the surrounding gardens, the family-friendly draws here include two outdoor pools, waterslides, and a kids' club. The resort has live entertainment and three restaurants, including a cool alfresco tapas spot with ocean views. It's due for a renovation, but still polished enough to please most of its guests. Compare rates at the Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, which has more rooms, and similar amenities along the beach.
The PARKROYAL Penang Resort, Malaysia is a 309-room, four-pearl beachfront hotel along the picturesque coast of Batu Ferringhi. Apart from the beach and the surrounding gardens, the family-friendly draws here include two outdoor pools, waterslides, and a kids' club. The resort has live entertainment and three restaurants, including a cool alfresco tapas spot with ocean views. It's due for a renovation, but still polished enough to please most of its guests. Compare rates at the Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, which has more rooms, and similar amenities along the beach.
Right on the beach, the 387-room Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La is a sprawling, upscale family-friendly property with indoor and outdoor entertainment for children of all ages. It's the casual sister property to the neighboring Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, whose guests can use the services and facilities at the Golden Sands -- Golden Sands guests can use the spa, golf course, and restaurant at the neighboring property but not the pool area or lounge. Rooms are large and have furnished balconies, but views are mixed, and they are showing some wear. In addition to entertainment, kid-friendly amenities include supervised activities and the 10,000- square-foot indoor Adventure Zone, though extra fees apply. Couples without kids might prefer the more romantic (and pricier) sister resort.
Right on the beach, the 387-room Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La is a sprawling, upscale family-friendly property with indoor and outdoor entertainment for children of all ages. It's the casual sister property to the neighboring Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, whose guests can use the services and facilities at the Golden Sands -- Golden Sands guests can use the spa, golf course, and restaurant at the neighboring property but not the pool area or lounge. Rooms are large and have furnished balconies, but views are mixed, and they are showing some wear. In addition to entertainment, kid-friendly amenities include supervised activities and the 10,000- square-foot indoor Adventure Zone, though extra fees apply. Couples without kids might prefer the more romantic (and pricier) sister resort.
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa caters to adults looking for all the trappings of a beachfront resort, but in a more refined environment that makes serious attempts to corral small children and gym shorts in designated areas. The vast 30-acre garden grounds and adult-only Rasa wing make it even more inviting for romantic couples. Rates (and dress codes) are less restrictive in its Garden wing building, but guests there can't use all the facilities. Rooms in both sections are large and contemporary, but the views can be mixed. Families with young children should look into the adjacent sister property, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La.
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa caters to adults looking for all the trappings of a beachfront resort, but in a more refined environment that makes serious attempts to corral small children and gym shorts in designated areas. The vast 30-acre garden grounds and adult-only Rasa wing make it even more inviting for romantic couples. Rates (and dress codes) are less restrictive in its Garden wing building, but guests there can't use all the facilities. Rooms in both sections are large and contemporary, but the views can be mixed. Families with young children should look into the adjacent sister property, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La.
The luxurious Hard Rock Hotel Penang caters to families with all-ages pampering and nonstop entertainment. The chain outpost blends its familiar rock 'n' roll branded theme with kid-friendly amenities, and has a prime location along a sandy stretch of Batu Ferringhi Beach. Waterslides are shouting distance from thatched-roof poolside cabanas, and with six bars and restaurants, refreshments are always within easy reach. The rooms have rainfall showers, while suites add access to a VIP lounge with free breakfast; they are looking a bit dated for this category despite refurbishments in 2016.
The luxurious Hard Rock Hotel Penang caters to families with all-ages pampering and nonstop entertainment. The chain outpost blends its familiar rock 'n' roll branded theme with kid-friendly amenities, and has a prime location along a sandy stretch of Batu Ferringhi Beach. Waterslides are shouting distance from thatched-roof poolside cabanas, and with six bars and restaurants, refreshments are always within easy reach. The rooms have rainfall showers, while suites add access to a VIP lounge with free breakfast; they are looking a bit dated for this category despite refurbishments in 2016.