Penang is a paradise for foodies, but before drawing up a list of food places you want to visit, it’s important to nail down your accommodation before all the rooms get snapped up – and trust us, this city is incredibly popular among both local and overseas travellers. Most people may be familiar with George Town, but if you want to stay somewhere outside of this neighbourhood for a different experience, here is a quick guide to some of the most popular areas with the best hotels in Penang to stay at:
- George Town: The best area to stay for first-time travellers, foodies, and culture lovers.
- Batu Ferringhi: A beach town 30 minutes west of George Town – perfect for those looking for the best nightlife, great beaches, and top-notch mid-range & luxury accommodations.
- Tanjung Bungah: A sleepy, but quickly growing, beach town that travellers looking for a relaxing urban getaway should definitely head to.
- Bayan Lepas: The closest area to Penang International Airport offers a few quirky attractions and is most suitable for travellers transiting in or out of Penang.
Ready to book a hotel in Penang? Read on to find the perfect accommodation for your Penang holiday!
Best hotels in Penang: George Town
1. Seven Terraces
Built in the late 19th century, Seven Terraces was a contiguous row of Anglo-Chinese terrace houses. Today, the heritage buildings have been redeveloped into a boutique hotel without changing the distinctive Chinese architecture features of open courtyards and air wells, becoming one of the best hotels in Penang.
The spacious suites on the first floor, with two suites in each shophouse, were previously terrace houses; the ground floor is now a public area where the reception, swimming pool, lounge and Kebaya Restaurant are conveniently located.
If you want to spend your days in Penang learning about the local culture, you’ll appreciate that this hotel is just a short walk away from the ‘street of harmony’ heritage trail, where one will find a church, temples, and mosques all within the same street. There is an abundance of street and murals nearby for the art enthusiasts and Instagrammers, and of course, no lack of local hawker fare and cafes – just a stone’s throw away is Chulia Street, a favourite food haunt for locals and tourists.
Address: Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$174.75 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
2. Noordin Mews
Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life by retiring in this intimate 1920s Peranakan-shophouse-turned-hotel.
Despite being located near famous landmarks and local-approved food hawkers, the hotel prides itself on providing a relaxing space for travellers to unwind. Start your day with fresh made-to-order breakfast, and enjoy a personalised service catered to you; after a long day out exploring the streets of Penang and trying out local delicacies, you can head to the library for a quiet read, or opt for a relaxing massage to unwind.
The best part? Noordin Mews is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along on your vacation! If this factor alone doesn’t make it one of the best hotels in Penang, we don’t know what does!
Address: 53, Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$122.04 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
3. Palm Mansion Boutique Suites
Located in the heart of Georgetown’s heritage enclave, Palm Mansion Boutique Suites occupies the upper level of a row of seven heritage shophouses which are as old as 150 years. They’ve kept the vintage vibe intact in the most environmentally-friendly way possible; virtually all the furnishings in Palm Mansion are made from recycled old timber!
Aside from the beautiful interior, you will love that this quaint boutique hotel is actually conveniently located near many historical landmarks such as Goddess of Mercy Temple, St George’s Church, Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque – perfect for those who want to do a fair bit of exploring. This is just one of the many reasons why this is one of the best hotels in Penang.
Address: 76-88, China Street, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$57.25 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
4. Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion
This government gazetted heritage building located on Leith Street is one of the most distinctive buildings in Penang, thanks to the external decorations and indigo-blue outer walls – hence the name ‘The Blue Mansion’.
The Blue Mansion marries the best of both worlds, where you get modern comfort set against a backdrop of genuine old-world charm. Feel free to indulge in an exquisite dining experience at the famed Indigo restaurant, enjoy the breeze in a courtyard dining room, and watch the world go by in an idyllic terrace. You can also join in the daily guided mansion tours to understand the history behind this architectural wonder.
Of course, it also helps that everything in this hotel looks so gorgeous – your Instagram feed will look amazing for days to come!
Address: 14, Lebuh Leith, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$149.84 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
5. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Known fondly to its traveller fans as ‘The E&O’, this colonial-style hotel was a merger between two of the Sarkies Brothers’ popular hotels back in the 1880s – Eastern Hotel and Oriental Hotel. It went through several decades of decline after World War II, before being brought back to its current grandour.
In line with its colonial roots, The E&O features classic wood furnishings and floral prints, and its spacious colonial-style suites come with ample lounge and work areas.
With an outdoor swimming pool, in-house restaurant, bar, and a 24-hour butler service, you might be tempted to spend your days in – but we’re sure you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to explore the nearby shopping malls and art museums!
Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$159.51 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
6. Macalister Mansion
Penang has no lack of boutique hotels, but this may be one of the best hotels in Penang that no millennial could possibly resist.
Modelled after an old English mansion, each space is designed to provide hospitality that reminds you of home – think good food, fine drink, engaging conversation, soothing music, and a good night’s sleep.
There are only eight rooms, so you can be ensured that you can have a quiet and peaceful stay at this hotel. Each of the eight rooms is individually designed with specially commissioned art pieces, influenced by the life story of Sir Norman Macalister (one of the first British Governors of Penang) and Macalister Mansion.
Address: 228, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$278.27 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
7. Campbell House
Many boutique hotels in Penang opt to play on either nostalgia or modern minimalism, and Campbell House has clearly chosen the former. This elegant boutique hotel resides in a restored century-old shophouse, complete with high ceilings, antique furnishings, and four-poster beds that remind you of the olden days.
Amenities here include a chic restaurant offering Italian cuisine, an elegant library, and a rooftop terrace – all of which are fantastic spots to chill and relax at any time you need some respite from the sightseeing.
Address: 106, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$114.49 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
8. G Hotel Kelawai
G Hotel Kelawai is an urban accommodation that houses rooms uniquely inspired by innovative design for guests to play or work by day or mix and mingle by night.
In line with the hipster vibes of George Town, this hotel has three trendy and stylish food and beverage outlets – a coffee house, lobby lounge and a 24th floor chill out bar – for you to grab some bites and catch up with your loved ones or fuel yourselves for a long day of sightseeing ahead.
Address: 2, Persiaran Maktab, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$143.11 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
9. Jawi Peranakan Mansion
When owner Chris Ong first acquired this Anglo Indian mansion, it was in a dilapidated state, and it took three years to restore this to its original elegance without losing its signature architectural elements. An eclectic mix of the 18th/19th century British architecture and Muslim design features from the Mughal times, further accentuated with Indian ethnic motifs, this boutique hotel is a hit among travellers who appreciate this accumulation of culture and history.
Jawi Peranakan Mansion is located a distance away from the main heritage zone, but nothing too strenuous – plus, it also means you get a good break from the noisy bustling of tourists. Many of the guests love chilling in the beautiful and charming pool – and we are sure you will too!
Address: 153, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$89.08 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
10. Muntri Mews
It may be hard to believe that Muntri Mews, one of the best hotels in Penang today, used to be a communal parking for horse carriages, but here’s a more interesting fact: materials such as marble flooring and wood salvaged from other houses, schools, and even a hospital were put together to refurbish this building with a touch of the 20th century feel to it!
The bright suites in Muntri Mews feature local artwork and open onto lush gardens, making this hotel the ultimate urban getaway without having to sacrifice proximity to the sightseeing hotspots. Besides living areas with day beds, some suites also feature verandas, while family rooms have separate entrances added.
If you are feeling peckish, have some coffee at their famous in-house cafe that looks like a hip but traditional kopitiam, or get one of the hotel’s dinner guides to bring you to food outlets that are popular among the locals.
Address: 77, Muntri Street, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$89.08 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
11. Royale Chulan Penang
This four-star heritage property offers a charming fusion of history through its colonial architecture and style, and modern luxuries through unique accommodations and gourmet dining options. In fact, part of this hotel is a beautifully restored heritage building built in 1892!
With top-class facilities such as a luxurious swimming pool, jacuzzi, tea room, cafe, and spa, Royale Chulan Penang offers value-for-money guest rooms so that you don’t have to break the bank in order to get a comfortable stay in Penang. It’s no wonder that tourists regard this as one of the best hotels in Penang!
Address: No 1 & 2, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$51 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
12. The Wembley
If you love an opulent hotel stay but not the price tag that comes with it, the good news is that Penang offers a variety of luxury hotels that cost a lot less than what you would normally expect, and one of the best hotels in Penang that is highly popular with travellers is The Wembley.
From your hotel room, you can easily enjoy views of the city or the expansive views of the sea beyond and catch glimpses of famous colonial architecture, thanks to its proximity to the city’s biggest attractions. Shopaholics will appreciate the two large shopping malls located directly across the hotel, as well as quaint shops, flea markets, local antique shops, and local style coffee shops located in the vicinity.
Don’t forget to take a dip in the infinity swimming pool or simply lounge by the pool with a refreshing beverage and appetising snacks right before you head home!
Address: 183, Jalan Magazine, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$66.78 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
13. Hotel Jen Penang
Hotel Jen Penang’s best selling point is the fact that it is located centrally in the heart of Penang’s vibrant and bustling George Town, close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as prime commercial, business, and shopping areas – a dream location for all tourists!
Aside from the prime location, guests are also very impressed by the quality of the hotel rooms. They offer a view of historical George Town while showcasing one of Penang’s three heritage features on customised wallpaper – the trishaw, colourful Peranakan tiles, and traditional shop-house louvered shutters – so that guests are fully immersed in the historical experience that Penang has to offer.
Address: Magazine Road, George Town, 11900 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$132.06 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
14. Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang
Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang is one of the best hotels in Penang when it comes to convenience. It is situated away from the congestion of the city, yet just a few minutes from the thriving business district and within walking distance from various sights, local shops, and restaurants.
Its impeccable customer service is commonly praised by its satisfied guests, alongside its beautifully furnished rooms that come with a full array of conveniences designed to maximise comfort, as well as a splendid marble-tiled bathroom that you will enjoy coming back to for a hot shower after a tiring day out.
Address: 53, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$63.06 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
15. The Edison George Town
The bright, central courtyard is arguably the best feature of this hotel. It offers the perfect backdrop for those who would love to take photos for the ‘gram. At the same time, it’s also a great place for you to have some much-needed respite or to chitchat with your fellow travellers.
If you want some alone time or have an afternoon to kill, sink into the comfort of The Edison’s spacious lounge with a good book to while the time away.
Address: 15, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$159.10 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
Best hotels in Penang: Batu Ferringhi
16. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Want to be treated like royalty in Penang? Then you have to book a room at what is arguably the most famous and one of the best hotels in Penang.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa has played host to some of the world’s most recognisable names; from royalty and prime ministers to celebrities and the rich and famous – think former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk and former Chinese Presidents Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, and Hu Jin Tao.
Located 20 minutes away from the crowded George Town area, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa offers fantastic views of the sea or hills of Penang from the comfort of your room. If you just want to spend your day in the hotel grounds, take your pick from a range of amenities, including a nine-hole golf course, an Eco Centre and Adventure Zone, and a spacious play area for children at a sister property.
Address: Batu Ferringhi Main Road, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, 11100, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$167.74 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
17. Holiday Inn Resort Penang (Permanently closed)
There’s no need to head to Bali or Hawaii for an expensive beach vacation when you can get an equally exciting time at a much cheaper price in Penang! As a beach-side resort situated at Batu Ferringhi, Holiday Inn Resort Penang offered an unforgettable vacation with a view overlooking the beach and hills.
Unfortunately, the resort has closed due to the pandemic.
18. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
Set in the northern beach area of Penang, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is a beach getaway well-loved by families.
With a Family Room big enough for everyone in the family, and amenities such as babysitting services and Kids’ Club activities, there is so much for families to enjoy together while also getting their own private time in the hotel.
Plus, this hotel is home to Malaysia’s first teddy bear-themed museum, TeddyVille, and even has a children’s pool with artificial beach – your kids will definitely be spoiled by all the fun they can get here! It’s why this is one of the best hotels in Penang for families to stay in.
For those who still want convenient access to the main tourist attractions, you can simply hop on the complimentary shuttle to George Town, Gurney Drive, and Batu Ferringhi.
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$82 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
19. Hard Rock Hotel Penang
If you’re more of a beach bum than culture geek, fret not because there’s still so much for you to check out in Penang!
Located at the famous Batu Ferringhi Beach in Penang, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is a trendy hotel that will capture all the hearts of those who want a beach escapade with their family or other half. It is famous for blending rich music culture, contemporary design, and family-friendly facilities into one resort. For instance, this hotel features the largest free-form pool in Northern Malaysia, which your kids will definitely love.
For those who love waking up to gorgeous views of the beachfront, you’ll also be glad to know that most of the suites here feature beach frontage, so you can watch the sun rise and set from the comfort of your room.
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$146 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
Best hotels in Penang: Tanjung Bungah
20. Mercure Penang Beach Hotel (Formerly known as Four Points by Sheraton Penang)
For those of us who prefer proximity to the airport or want to be away from the touristy vibes of George Town, Mercure Penang Beach Hotel makes for the ideal hotel to get a restful stay in.
Facing the Andaman Sea, this casual hotel along a beach is a 10 minutes’ walk from colourful light displays at Penang Avatar Secret Garden and 22km from Penang International Airport. You can wake up to breathtaking views of the sea and beachfront, and even opt for breakfast on the balcony.
Of course, this hotel isn’t too far-flung from the main tourist area – if you are itching to get a taste of city life again, just hop on a taxi and it will take you less than 10 minutes to get to Gurney Plaza, where you can dine at restaurants and do all the shopping you want.
Address: 505, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$83.27 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
21. Hompton Beach Hotel Penang
Located along a beach on the Andaman Sea, newly built Hompton Beach Hotel Penang is a paradise for beach-lovers and those looking to just have a relaxing vacation away from the city. This stunning hotel features a beautiful infinity pool where you can look out into the sea; we can already foresee so many of you taking photos for the ‘gram here!
This view is not just limited to the infinity pool though, you can also enjoy the spectacular sights from your room, and from the restaurants on the first and 11th floor of the hotel. Many people who have stayed here gave five stars for their overall stay, calling it one of the best hotels in Penang they’ve ever stayed at!
Address: 533, Jalan C M Hashim, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rate: From S$67 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
Best hotels in Penang: Bayan Lepas
22. Hotel Equatorial Penang (Permanently closed)
Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, this elegant hotel gave some of the best views that one can get of Penang without having to travel far – it is located just 7km away from Penang International Airport!
Unfortunately, the hotel has closed due to the pandemic.
23. Lexis Suites Penang
Lexis Suites Penang is one of the best hotels in Penang for family vacations because the rooms are spacious enough to give everyone in the family their own privacy, but still close enough for you to watch over your little ones.
Perhaps one of the best features of the hotel is its Premium Pool Suite, a gorgeous and large room that comes equipped with a beach-facing private balcony complete with its own private pool and steam room. This is perfect for families with little children who do not wish to share a pool with strangers for privacy reasons. This also enables you to have more intimate gatherings with your family in the evening before heading out for dinner!
Address: 28, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Room rates: From S$132 per night
View more information about this hotel here.
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