Where to Stay in Penang

On This Page

• Top Luxury Hotels in Penang
• Pullman International
• Top-rated Resorts in Batu Ferringhi
• Top hotels in Georgetown

Penang Hotels – Where To Stay

• Some of the best areas in Penang for visitors include George Town,Batu Ferringhi, and Bayan Lepas.
• Top Accommodations in Penang: Seven Terraces (most lavish heritage boutique) • Shangri-La Rasa Sayang (most lavish spa resort) • Cheong Fatt Tze (most historic boutique)
• Highly recommended family hotels in Penang: Hard Rock Hotel
• The cuisine of Malaysia is known for spicy sambals and a fusion of flavors from Malay, Chinese, and Indian cooking traditions. Penang in particular is famous for its street foods. Some of the finest hawker foods can be found at the Presgrave Street Hawker Centre (located down a back alley and most frequented by locals) and the Lg Baru (New Lane) Hawker Stalls, as well as Nasi Melayu Lidiana (found at the Medan Selera Tanjung Bunga). Some of the top restaurants are Tek Sen (Chinese cuisine), Kebaya Dining Room (fine Peranakan dining), and Mish Mash (the finest bar).
• Many public restrooms lack toilet paper, so carry tissues with you.
• Smoking is still allowed in many hotels in Penang, though it is usually confined to bars and certain floors. Be sure to request a non-smoking room if you are sensitive to cigarette smoke and smells.
• Whilst taxis in Penang are legally mandated to employ meters, the majority of drivers simply opt not to. Traversing George Town by taxi usually costs in the vicinity of RM10-15. Do settle on the fee and specific drop off point in advance to circumvent unwarranted costs. It is consistently less expensive, simpler, and more amiable to leverage an app like GrabTaxi as the charges are based on distance traveled, drivers are vetted and have GPS, and haggling is not necessary.

The 17 Best Hotels in Penang

1. Seven Terraces – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-264 2333
A highly esteemed locally-owned hotel features an outdoor lap pool, an open-air courtyard, and Kebaya, considered to be the finest upscale dining establishment in Penang. Situated in a row of finely restored late 19th century Anglo-Chinese terrace homes, the interiors have been lovingly refurbished in an elegant Peranakan design, with authentic period antiques including ebony furnishings with mother-of-pearl inlays, opium beds, and gold or iron lace screened partitions. Accommodations are spacious, many with two floors, large bathing areas, and terraces overlooking the city. Positioned in the UNESCO world heritage zone, this hotel is near numerous traditional craft shops, street food vendors, and cafes along with historic temples, mosques, and churches and colonial-era mansions.

2. Shangri-La Rasa Sayang – Batu Ferringhi

Hotel phone: +60 4-888 8888
Set along the shoreline in Penang, this upscale resort is renowned for its acclaimed spa facilities and wellness offerings. Amenities include two swimming pools and five highly-rated on-site dining establishments. Spacious, luxuriously-appointed guest rooms feature modern conveniences, with many showcasing private balcony soaking tubs to take in ocean views. Superior rooms and suites within the Rasa wing provide seclusion through exclusive access to an adults-only pool, in addition to complimentary afternoon tea and evening cocktail refreshments and light snacks. The spa features holistic treatments employing Malay and Chinese techniques administered within private villas along the property. Younger guests can enjoy amenities like a turtle hatchery, indoor play area and children’s pool while families relax. Superlative service quality, beautifully landscaped tropical gardens and an atmosphere of pure tranquility define the respite offered here.

3. Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-262 0006
Magnificently restored to its turn-of-the-century grandeur, the eminent Blue Mansion maintains an central recreational pool, water garden, and suites with private plunge pools, together with one of the island`s premier fine dining establishments. Originally the dwelling of Cheong Fatt Tze, termed the “Rockefeller of the East,” this mansion emulates Chinese architectural styling through hand-crafted screens and stained glass imported from China, English floor tiles, and cast iron from Scotland. Informative guided tours are provided daily, imparting insight into the lifestyle of Cheong Fatt Tze and the history of George Town. Situated in the first building to receive UNESCO heritage designation within the protected zone, it lies in close proximity to historic temples, mosques, a hawker center, and cafés.

4. Hard Rock Hotel – Batu Ferringhi

Hotel phone: +60 4-881 1711
The Hard Rock Hotel in Penang offers an exceptionally enjoyable family getaway with amenities tailored for all ages. Their enormous outdoor pool amenities feature multiple water slides and a children`s play area. Additionally, the hotel provides youth clubs for both kids and teenagers. Family suites are available with separate children`s spaces that include a mini bar stocked for youngsters along with toys and patio zones for outdoor play. For guests wishing to combine time in the pool with drinks, some rooms have direct pool access from private decks or opportunities to order beverages from a poolside bartender. Reflective of their musical branding, the hotel loans guitars and DJ equipment while their spa features massage areas accentuated by vibrating speaker installations beneath tables. Centrally located on Batu Ferringhi Beach with easy walks to the popular night market, the property also gains easy access to nearby attractions like the Entopia Butterfly Farm and Tropical Spice Garden along with a thirty minute drive into the historic center of George Town.

5. Eastern & Oriental Hotel – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-222 2000
This oceanfront resort boasts two swimming pools, a luxury Thai spa, and world-class eating and drinking establishments. This historically significant building previously hosted colonial elite figures like Rudyard Kipling and Hermann Hesse, and the hotel`s design and furnishings remain largely unchanged, with clawfoot tubs, tiled floors in a checkerboard pattern, original light fixtures, and era-appropriate replica decor. Suites begin quite spacious at 57 square meters. Rooms in the Heritage Wing all include the E&O`s signature butler service. Situated on the coast in downtown George Town, near Little Penang Street Market, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, and many cafes and historic sites.

6. Shangri-La Golden Sands – Batu Ferringhi

Hotel phone: +60 4-886 1911
Oriented towards multi-generational family travel, this beachfront hotel complex contains two large swimming areas, an indoor play space, and recreational activities like guided tours operating small electric vehicles and a sea turtle breeding program. Spacious rooms and suites offer nature-inspired interior design, partitioned sleeping divisions, and various layouts some with convertible beds and expansive balcony spaces. Three casual eateries situated on-site serve local cuisine and international fare. The hotel is found on Batu Ferringhi beach with nearby night market shopping and dining within easy walking distance.

7. Hotel Equatorial – Bayan Lepas

Hotel phone: +60 4-632 7000
This distinguished resort delights guests with expansive amenities. Highlights include an enormous swimming pool complex with areas tailored for children, a nature trail inviting exploration, and a serene spa promoting relaxation. Their signature dining establishment skillfully prepares French cuisine with an emphasis on sensory engagement; the coffee accompanied by flame is certainly not to be missed. Accommodations, ranging from spacious chambers to sumptuously appointed apartments accommodating up to three bedrooms, incorporate immaculate bathing areas and private balconies. Certain lodgings offer butler service. The hotel is strategically situated in Bayan Lepas, providing vista of the Penang Golf Club while in close proximity to cultural treasures such as the Snake Temple and airport.

8. Macalister Mansion – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-228 3888
This trendsetting boutique property in colonial style artfully blends heritage architecture with modern conveniences. The eight individually decorated guest rooms showcase light woods, colorful tile accents, and a neutral palette. Outside, the building retains reminders of its origins, like security gratings, roll-down shutters, and decorative window panels. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool and four fashionable bars or restaurants. Most active at night, they are acclaimed for artisanal cuisine and libations. The unique all-white Dining Room hosts weddings and special events in elegant surroundings. Centrally settled between downtown and uptown areas known for shopping, Macalister Mansion offers a tranquil retreat yet practical location.

9. G Hotel Gurney – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-238 0000
As the most cosmopolitan hotel on the island, the G Hotel Gurney offers luxurious rooms, an indulgent spa, and infinity pool. This upscale accommodation provides a wide variety of spacious rooms and suites, some with two levels and floor-to-ceiling windows, others with full kitchens and in-room laundry services. Six on-site restaurants and bars serve diverse cuisines like Japanese seafood and a 24-hour café with an outdoor grill. The hotel lies outside downtown, adjacent to the Gurney Plaza shopping center, across from the oceanfront, within walking distance of food stalls, several eateries, and coffee shops.

10. Jawi Peranakan Mansion – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-218 9858
Centrally located within an historically and culturally significant property, this boutique hotel is renowned for excellent hospitality. Guests can unwind by the interior courtyard pool or within spacious accommodations decorated with regional Muslim, Indian, and Malay artistic motifs. Suites provide a living space upstairs and luxurious bathtubs, situated near quality cafes, heritage sites, and important religious buildings.

11. Campbell House – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-261 8290
This downtown heritage boutique serving as an excellent city exploration base features authentic Venetian cuisine and eclectic decor. Each unique accommodation incorporates vintage furnishings and adornments reflecting ethnic communities historically present, especially Peranakan and Chinese customs. Operated by three Italian chefs, the reputable restaurant presents new daily menus utilizing local ingredients and selections of Italian wines. In George Town’s historic zone and near the city’s finest street artwork, premier fare and beautiful temples and mosques.

12. G Hotel Kelawai – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-219 0000
This luxury hotel boasts appealing amenities like a rooftop pool overlook and complimentary bicycles for exploring the surroundings. Common indoor spaces are decorated with stylistic furnishings and unique decorative flourishes such as antique trunks and a botanical mural. Accommodations opt for understated elegance through refined design and ergonomic seating. Guests can dine at one of the superb on-site restaurants or take complimentary transportation to a sister property for additional cuisine selections and spa services. The hotel benefits from close proximity to a shopping center, many dining and nightlife venues, cultural sites, and galleries in the area.

13. Muntri Mews – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-263 5125
Ideally sited in the heart of the city, this bohemian boutique establishment originally served as stables for horses. Spacious rooms welcoming both people and pets are complemented by a buzzing café renowned for local cuisine and live music on Saturday nights. Particularly appealing for multi-generational groups, long-stay suites for families as well as rooms furnished with extra-large sleeping arrangements (two adjoining doubles connected) can be booked. Retaining original colonial remnants like a shared verandah and exposed brickwork, interior styling draws on a fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences reflective of the Straits Settlements era. On Muntri Street and within easy walking distance of all that George Town offers tourists – sites like Armenian Street, Thean Hou Temple, hawker centres and street art – this hotel serves as a superb home base for explorations.

14. Royale Chulan – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-259 8888
Centered along the coast, this polished resort presents spacious accommodations, a tranquil courtyard pool, and relaxing spa. Lodgings are organized into two sections – a vintage 1892 wing and entirely new contemporarily designed addition. Chambers and suites showcase expansive, tastefully decorated interiors in cream and teal hues, alongside ocean, cityscape, and pool vistas. Four dining and drink establishments can be found on location, counting an exceptional Malaysian eatery and traditional British afternoon tea room. Strategically situated near the Clan Jets and clock tower, plus multiple museums and street food stalls within walking distance.

15. Muntri Grove – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-264 2626
Situated in the heart of George Town`s historic district, Muntri Grove offers a welcoming environment for relaxation. These mid-19th century terraced homes feature canopy beds, bright botanical accents inspired by local flora, and furnishings recalling the post-World War Two period. As a pet-friendly establishment, it provides a secluded respite just off the busy Muntri Street yet close to the area`s restaurants and lively nightlife. With easy access to attractions like Thean Hou Temple, Pinang Peranankan Museum, and the waterfront esplanade, it is also conveniently located for exploring on foot.

16. The Wembley – George Town

Hotel phone: +60 4-259 8000
This contemporary hotel features three notable restaurants and an infinity pool overlooking the cityscape and straits, ideal for families or extended stays. Suites employ batik-inspired decoration, soaking tubs and dining areas. Top-tier rooms and all suites permit access to the lounge offering complimentary breakfast, evening refreshments and apps, as well as continual snacks. Situated southwest of downtown, the hotel fronts KOMTAR tower (Penang`s tallest building containing a mall, planetarium and other attractions) and lies roughly a quarter-hour walk to the historic district.

17. AC Hotel by Marriott – Bayan Lepas

Hotel phone: +60 4-646 8000
This elegantly designed property along a landscaped courtyard includes an expansive pool and two dining establishments. Sleek suite accomodations range from studios to multi-bedroom configurations comfortably accommodating families or groups. Larger suites incorporate dining nooks or private balcony views of the city skyline, hillsides, or adjacent golf course. The location proves convenient to the Queensbay Mall, Snake Temple, War Museum, and durian farm, as well as nearby George Town and the airport within a half hour`s drive approximately

Staying in George Town

This diverse city is Malaysia`s capital renowned for its culture, with a well-known street art scene, acclaimed cuisine, and an interesting blend of colonial and local historic architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. Though initially inhabited by Arabs, Malays, and Minangs, George Town`s contemporary history began as the first British city in the Straits Settlements and the prominent commercial hub. The colonial period witnessed an influx of distinct ethnic groups, giving rise to the area`s unique cultures like the Peranakan Chinese and Malay as well as the Jawi Peranakan (Muslim Indian and Malay). The metropolitan region remains multicultural, with vestiges of its legacy visible in the many mosques, temples, and churches situated alongside British colonial and Peranakan-style mansions. Having long been an arts center, the city currently sees a boom in street artistry, and several cultural institutions have invited international artists to create giant murals in its historic district.

The heritage of George Town is experienced through delicacies that were formed there: nasi kandar, asam laksa, and curry mee are merely a few examples. Local coffee shops, referred to as kopitiams, provide both Kopi-O (black coffee – roasted with margarine, wheat, and sugar) and Ipoh (white coffee – roasted margarine alone). Food is most inexpensive and diverse at the street food stalls lining New Lane, Penang Road, and Chulia Street. Gurney Drive hosts the best known hawker center, but its popularity has brought about an increase in pricing. Several upscale dining establishments likewise offer elevated styles of Penang’s famous foods.

The Best Hotels in George Town

• Seven Terraces – Hotel contact number: +60 4-264 2333
• Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – Hotel phone: +60 4-262 0006
• Eastern & Oriental Hotel – Hotel phone: +60 4-222 2000
• Macalister Mansion • Hotel phone: +60 4-228 3888
• A hotel located in the city of Penang, Malaysia • Hotel phone: +60 4-238 0000
• Jawi Peranakan Mansion – Hotel phone: +60 4-218 9858
• Campbell House – Hotel contact number: +60 4-261 8290
• G Hotel Kelawai • Hotel phone: +60 4-219 0000
• The Muntri Mews hotel can be reached at +60 4-263 5125
• Royale Chulan – Telephone number for the hotel: +60 4-259 8888
• Muntri Grove • Hotel phone: +60 4-264 2626
• The Wembley – Hotel phone: +60 4-259 8000

The Best Restaurants in George Town

• A dining hall serving Nyonya cuisine — $$$$ — Modern fine dining with Nyonya influences.
• Tek Sen Restaurant • $$-$$$ • Casual Chinese and Peranakan foods.
• Indonesian restaurant serving nasi padang and nasi kandar dishes • $ • Highly recommended for its nasi padang and nasi kandar meals.
• This fine dining restaurant • $$$$ • East-West fusion fine dining in the historic Blue Mansion.
• The Mish Mash serves trendy cocktails at reasonable prices, with two drinks for the price of one on Thursdays.
• Lily’s Vegetarian Kitchen • $ • Filling, flavorful, and low-cost veggie variants of local dishes. There are two Lily’s eateries side by side, both owned by the same person. One is busy, lively, casual dining – this is the one you want. The other is more for catering, special occasions, and large group bookings.
• Tofu Village Restaurant • $$-$$$ • Excellent veggie foods in a fun environment. Don’t forget to get a polaroid taken with your favorite cartoon vegetable.
• This local eatery is excellent for breakfast classics. • $ • Go for breakfast! Fantastic local coffee and rice condiment.

Staying in Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi, which directly translates to “foreigners` rock,” lies on the northern shore of the island, approximately 30 minutes from George Town by car. This area was the original landing site for early European explorers, who subsequently pillaged passing vessels for several months after initially arriving. Aside from that, the suburb remained relatively tranquil until the resort industry began rapidly expanding. The luxurious Shangri-La hotel established the first major development, followed by numerous other resorts that brought accompanying restaurants, bars, and a night market to the area.

The region continues to keep a low profile and casual atmosphere, situated along a winding jungle road with an extended, white sandy beach. However, some areas have been overtaken by jellyfish; consult your hotel regarding current water situations. This is a popular spot for parasailing, jet skiing, boat tours, or for taking a day at the spa. From here, it`s merely a brief drive to the Entopia butterfly farm, the Tropical Spice Garden, or neighboring Tanjung Bungah to visit the Floating Mosque.

Best Hotels in Batu Ferringhi

• Luxury Resort and Spa • Hotel phone: +60 4-888 8888
• Hard Rock Hotel • Hotel phone: +60 4-881 1711
• Shangri-La Golden Sands – Hotel contact number: +60 4-886 1911

Best Restaurants in Batu Ferringhi

• Ferringhi Garden – $$-$$$ – East-West fusion seafood served amid lush gardens.
• Enca Café • $ • Their menu has international options, but Indian cuisine is most popular.
• Andrew’s Kampung • $ • Informal Chinese and Malay cuisine. You might be able to grab a meal for lunch, but reservations are advised for dinner.
• Poker Café (OK Café) • $ • Offers cold beer and simple meals like stir fries, sandwiches and burgers.

Staying in Bayan Lepas

Bayan Lepas was at first an agricultural area and later the original home for the first British colonial airport in the Straits Settlements. It is now a booming, industrial region known as the “Silicon Valley of the East” due to its high focus of multinational tech factories. The increase in manufacturing has brought about increased local and international visitors, with thriving neighborhoods developing all across the area. This region is home to Queensbay Mall, Penang`s largest, as well as a golf course,butterfly farm, durian plantation, and the War Museum. This place is also home to the Snake Temple, a historic Chinese temple renowned for its pit vipers and for guiding the island’s Chinese New Year festivities.

Bayan Lepas centers around business, and while it hustles in the daytime, it quiets down at night. Around thirty minutes’ drive from George Town, this area is ideal for sightseeing in the day and indulging in a relaxing night of sleep.

Best Hotels in Bayan Lepas

• Hotel Equatorial – Contact number: +60 4-632 7000
• AC Hotel by Marriott – Hotel phone: +60 4-646 8000

Best Restaurants in Bayan Lepas

• The Vista • $$$$ • French gourmet dining. Do order the coffee flambe.
• Seven Colored Rice Combo Meal @ Koo Boo Café • $ • Renowned for their set meal composed of various hued rices.
• The Bark & Bean Pet Wellness Café offers coffee, cakes, and wellness for both people and pets. A drink minimum applies per guest.
• Azuma Japanese Restaurant – $$-$$$ – Fresh Japanese cuisine can be found in Queensbay Mall. It is recommended to try the teppanyaki set meal.