Where to stay

Where to Stay

George Town

From dusk to dawn and city lights to beach settings, the accommodation that awaits each visitor to Penang is a sure sign of our gracious hospitality. For the unfussy visitor who is here on a budget, yet keen to experience our local hospitality in its simplest form, the suitably located hotels in George Town, along Chulia Street and Penang Road would be ideal.

where to stay in Penang

With towering KOMTAR setting the landmark, visitors can easily find their way around; taking to the heels or by way of the ever-popular trishaw, at an affordable price. For the more selective traveller who wants a bit of the same action, but chooses a more refined and luxurious environment, there is a whole range of choices ranging from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels. These city hotels located conveniently along George Town are just right for the entrepreneur who has to be in the city's vicinity.

where to stay in Penang

Batu Feringghi and Tanjung Bunga

Penang's famous beach hotels and resorts are our pride and joy. Located along one of the finest beach paradises in Southeast Asia, they guarantee relaxation, sun and enjoyment that is so characteristically Penang. These famous beach hotels are strictly for those who come to Penang for a bout of relaxation.

where to stay in Penang

The ever-popular guest houses are another quiet attraction not widely known even among locals. Superbly situated along Batu Ferringhi's beachfront and uniquely camouflaged by greenery, some of these guest houses are old colonial houses that have been left to make a name for themselves. Turned into Guesthouses, they provide an atmosphere of historical significance, with the beaches to complete the setting.

where to stay in Penang

Bayan Lepas and Bukit Jambul

Bayan Lepas is Penang's main industrial hub with the strategically located within is Penang International Airport. Penang's largest shopping mall, Queensbay Mall and many interesting attractions such as the Snake Temple and the War Museum are also located in this area. This location is ideal for business travellers who wish to stay nearby the Free Trade Zone at Bayan Lepas where most of the major multinational engineering firms are located. Below is a list of accommodation in Bayan Leaps and Bukit Jambul area, ranging from luxury suites to budget motels.

Seberang Prai (Mainland)

Butterworth is the principal town of Seberang Perai in Penang. Named after William John Butterworth, Governor of the Straits Settlements (1843–1855), Butterworth was established in the mid-19th century as a landing place across the channel from the capital of Penang, George Town. Butterworth is the site of the Malayan Railway station for Penang and is linked to the island by the Penang Ferry Service and by the Penang Bridge. Seberang Perai is home to the Penang Bird Park.

The Leith Hotel Penang – A New Chapter Unfolds at No. 13 Leith Street

The Leith Hotel Penang © Adrian Cheah

Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, Penang, The Leith Hotel Penang emerges as an exciting new boutique destination, seamlessly blending historical significance with contemporary sensibilities. Formerly known as the Waldorf Hotel, this landmark, recently leased in 2023, has been thoughtfully reimagined, offering a fresh perspective on its storied past while providing guests with an exceptional blend of comfort and cultural immersion.

E&O Hotel, timeless charm of the British colonial era

E&O Hotel © Adrian Cheah

The Eastern & Oriental, popularly known as the E&O, is an all-suite luxury hotel that exudes a timeless charm of the British colonial era.

Located along Jalan Farquhar with a seafront in the heart of George Town, the hotel has an interesting history established by the famed Sarkies brothers – Martin, Tigran, Aviet and Arshak. Although the family name was Ter Woskanian, the brothers adopted their father's first name Sarkies as their surname. Their firm Sarkies Brothers dominated the hospitality trade in the East for nearly half a century.

PARKROYAL Penang Resort – a tropical paradise to luxuriate in

PARKROYAL Penang Resort © Adrian Cheah

For two consecutive years, my daughter has requested the same birthday gift – a weekend at PARKROYAL Penang Resort. The Resort has been one of her favourite places to kick back and lose herself in a tropical paradise.

Living in Penang, we are indeed fortunate that we can just take a 35-minute drive from home to Batu Ferringhi sans the arduous plane and taxi rides (e.g., my cousin from Toronto took some whooping 23 hours to reach Penang).

Golden Sands Resort – a tropical haven for the entire family

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La in Malaysia, Penang is the epitome of premier resort getaway for families, groups and individual travellers. Opened in 1979, the Golden Sands Resort was the fourth hotel in the Shangri-La chain and is one of the first hotels along the famed tourist enclave of Batu Feringgi beach in Penang.

Rocking at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

The distinctive rock and roll themed décor of the hotel is plastered with memorabilia, a white statue of Michael Jackson sitting on a throne, a mosaic wall of the Beatles as well as autographed platinum records. Throughout the hotel, one would also come across display cabinets exhibiting outfits worn by famous music legends including a black leather jacket, jeans and scarf by Bon Jovi and even red robot shoes by Elton John.

Shangri La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa – the jewel in the crown that lies beneath a majestic canopy

Centuries-old rain trees rise up above us. Majestic and lush, the foliage reaches for the ground, like falling rain suspended in the form of vibrant green leaves. The natural beauty accentuates the grandeur that surrounded us at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang.

The charming Clove Hall

Clove Hall is a privately-owned Edwardian Anglo-Malay bungalow set in an oasis of tropical gardens. It is just ten minutes by trishaw from the vibrant living culture of the world heritage enclave of George Town. To venture further, rent a motorcycle or hire a taxi and explore Penang's exotic sights, sounds and tastes.