There are plenty of reasons to love Penang – and no, we’re not just talking about the food. Although you could build an entire trip around the city’s acclaimed foodie haunts and eat your way through local favourites such as char kway teow, assam laksa and chendol, there are plenty of other charms that await you in this coastal destination. From the Unesco World Heritage-listed George Town to the proliferation of wild green spaces just outside the city limits, there’s always something interesting to experience in and around Penang.
When it comes to accommodation options, you are spoiled for choice with big-name hotel chains, unique boutique stays and family-run homestays. Here are a few to consider during your next trip.
Sunway Hotel Georgetown
Located in the heart of the historic Georgetown, Sunway Hotel Georgetown is the perfect base to explore popular attractions such as Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion, Hin Bus Depot and Gurney Drive. The spacious, tastefully decorated rooms are outfitted with all the mod-cons to ensure a comfortable stay and offer a bird’s eye view of the city. After a day of exploring, unwind by the large outdoor swimming pool or sample some delicious teas at Aariya Tea House. Bonus: with the upcoming implementation of self-check-in kiosks, you’ll be afforded peace of mind with a seamless, contactless check-in experience.
Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya
For business travellers visiting Penang’s high-technology industrial park city, Seberang Jaya, Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya is an ideal spot to bed down for the night. The four-star hotel was designed with travellers’ comfort in mind, with plush furniture and modern amenities available in each of the 202 rooms. If you need to keep up with your daily workouts, there’s a full-service fitness centre. For those looking to get some grub or do a spot of shopping, the hotel also offers scheduled shuttle services to the sprawling Sunway Carnival Mall. In line with the hotel’s digital transformation, guests will soon be able to enjoy a seamless, contactless check-in experience with the implementation of self-check-in kiosks.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
With an enviable location along Batu Feringgi Beach overlooking the Andaman Sea, Shangri La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is the perfect all-inclusive resort for a family vacation. Those wanting to keep active can take your choice from the hotel’s three tennis courts and swimming pools of varying sizes, as well as as a nine-hole, par-3 pitch-and-putt golf course. Young ones will enjoy the daily activities at the Cool Zone Kids Club while you and your partner can enjoy some alone time at Chi, The Spa, which offers a plethora of luxurious healing treatments. Plus, with five top-notch eateries (including the beachside Pinang Restaurant & Bar), you’ll never have to stray far for good eats.
Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La
For those looking to escape the hubbub of city living, make your way to Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La. Overlooking the ocean and surrounding hills at Batu Ferringhi, this well-appointed hotel offers a relaxing ambience to reconnect with nature. Each of the 387 rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, with larger rooms that can accommodate groups of up to six people. There’s also complimentary WiFi, an LED TV and a DVD player. The beachfront property also features two restaurants, including the nature-themed Garden Cafe, which serves local and international dishes, while Sigi’s Bar and Grill on the Beach serves a scrumptious array of Italian classics.
