30 Best Hotels in Penang - A Traveller's List

Best Hotels in Penang - Your Handy Guide

What's the first thing you think of when it comes to holidaying in Penang?

George Town? Or the city's incredibly delicious street food? Maybe it's the Insta-famous street art that tourists flock to. Or perhaps, it's a stay at the beaches to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Whatever your reason for vacationing in Penang, there are so many places to relax your body, mind, and soul, from 5-star resorts and boutique hotels to budget options and heritage hotels.

Whether it's scaling Penang Hill, bumming around by the beach, enjoying the city's nightlife, or hitting up secret locations, here are the best hotels in Penang Island for your next foray to the Pearl of the Orient.

Penang Luxury Hotels

The Prestige Hotel Penang

Marrying modern Victorian architecture with top-notch hospitality, The Prestige Hotel Penang certainly is one of the most scintillating luxury accommodations in Penang. It is strategically located at the heart of Georgetown.

You can simply take a short walk to visit the best sites and food locales of this UNESCO World Heritage City. This hotel provides some of the city's most amazing views and the surrounding sea waters from its premises. Don't forget to watch the infinity pool at the top level.

This homegrown establishment was once a century-old warehouse used in the late 1900s and has its impeccable design inspired by the 2006 movie of the same name, “The Prestige”, a Victorian London thriller that starred Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson and Christian Bale.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang

Oozing class at every inch of its grounds, this iconic hotel is the only luxury establishment with a seafront in Georgetown. Fort Cornwallis is a short walk away, and so are the various lanes of Georgetown.

Established in 1885, this hotel was a part of the 'Grand Tour' of Asia list made in the pre-WWII era and has maintained its reputation as one of the best hotels in Georgetown, Penang, ever since. It is lovingly known as The Grand Dame of Georgetown, or E&O, to the generations of travellers that have walked its fabled halls.

Divided into the Heritage Wing and the Victory Annexe Wing for a classy range of suites, this timeless property combines old-world charm with posh amenities - perfect if you want to pamper yourself silly.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang is one of the best places to stay in Penang, offering a tranquil luxury stay option away from the crowd of Georgetown. The resort can also help you arrange taxi pick-ups to George Town and assist travelers in conveniently enjoying the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Split into two wings, this 5-star Penang Hotel has been designed in the traditional Minangkabau style; the rooms here are spacious and elegantly furnished. Check out Feringgi Grill for exquisite European cuisines, and remember to catch the sunset at Pinang Restaurant & Bar.

Double Tree Resort by Hilton Penang

Hilton Penang in Batu Ferringhi combines luxury with nature. If you're bringing the kids along, there's a cool surprise – Malaysia's first teddy bear museum, TeddyVille, is right inside the hotel!

As one of Penang's top-notch resorts, the hotel's rooms give you awesome views of the green-blue Malacca Strait waters. You can easily hit the beach from the hotel using a wooden path. Plus, most rooms have a balcony with sea views. Imagine watching the sunset from there while sipping on a hot teh tarik – life doesn't get much better!

Lexis Suites Penang

The panoramic sea view from a pool at Lexis Suites Penang.

Another stunning resort with an impeccable sea view, the Lexis Suites Penang sits right on the southern coast of Penang Island, with 222 classy suites to choose from. It’s undeniably one of the best hotels with a private pool in Penang.

The hotel has extensive facilities - 4 restaurants, a massage centre, an outdoor playground and a ballroom. And get this: every suite in this hotel has a private pool and steam room on the private balcony. How’s that for living it up?

JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La

A great stay in the heart of Georgetown, Hotel JEN in Penang is always a great choice as a jump-off point to explore the city. Winding alleyways and quaint shophouses are only a stone’s throw away, with three malls within a five-minute walk.

Plus, there’s no other hotel in Georgetown that pays as much tribute to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site as much as this classy property. For instance, each guest room has Georgetown-inspired art, a nod to the city’s immense cultural heritage.

The star of the show is the cocktail bar located on the top floor. Grab a drink and enjoy the sunset - unwinding never felt so good.

AC Hotel by Marriott Penang

Fancy a spacious hotel room? Then this is the place to go to.

Located in the Bukit Jambul neighbourhood, the AC Hotel by Marriott Penang has everything you’d want in a quality 4-star hotel – nicely designed and spacious rooms and suites, comfy beds, and amenities like a gym and pool.

The AC Hotel in Penang is one of those hotels where you get what you pay for. Think solid comfort with just enough frills to keep you and the family happy for your vacation.

Best Beach Hotels In Penang

Hard Rock Hotel Penang

If you want to chuck the hustle and bustle of Georgetown aside and enjoy the beach life instead, you should head to Batu Ferringhi. And when it comes to finding the best hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Hard Rock Hotel undoubtedly tops the list.

Penang’s Hard Rock Hotel continues the hotel chain’s tradition of sexy and relaxed, with a selection of sensually designed suites and rooms, from the Seaview Deluxe, which overlooks the sea, or the Lagoon Deluxe.

Dive straight into northern Malaysia’s largest free-form swimming pool while you are here. Couples can also treat their significant others to a four-course candlelit dinner in a cabana by the beach for the ultimate night of romance. And of course, don't miss the performances at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Angsana Teluk Bahang

Head over to Teluk Bahang Beach for a quieter beach vibe and crash at Angsana Teluk Bahang for the ultimate chill-out session. With its cool Peranakan-inspired decor, stylish rooms, and killer views of the Andaman Sea, staying at this hip Penang beach hotel is a must if you want to have a blast on your vacation.

The star of the show at this place is the Sky Garden suite, a super slick penthouse with its own outdoor hot tub and enough space for a crew of six. And to top it off, they've got five restaurants dishing out mouthwatering grub. It's the cherry on the cake!

Hompton by the Beach Penang

If you’re looking for a Penang hotel with a beachfront, make a beeline for Hompton by the Beach. This 4-star Penang beach hotel overlooks the scenic Tanjong Tokong seafront, with floor-to-ceiling windows and unblemished views of the entire sea.

Have a good time splashing at the Instagrammable infinity pool or sweat it out at the fitness centre and then relax in the steam room. As for dining, head to the Elementos, a tapas bar and lounge that serves up dishes revolving around five elements – water, fire, wood, metal, and earth.

The hotel staff are super friendly, don't hesitate to ask them about things to see in Penang.

PARKROYAL Penang

One of the best hotels in Penang for families, PARKROYAL Penang Resort is where you’ll get all the luxury amenities you need, especially when travelling with a big group.

There's something for everyone here. Parents can also de-stress and unwind with a date night at the Gustoso By The Beach, with its delicious cocktails and incredible sunset view or have a soothing massage at St. Gregory. The kids will love the Amazonia Water Theme Park and the nearby children's Koko Nut Club.

The Pasar Malam Batu Feringghi is a must-go for checking out to get the feel of an authentic Malaysian pasar malam (night market). Other nearby locations include Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, ESCAPE Penang, and the Tropical Spice Garden

Lost Paradise Resort

This affordable hotel surely tops the list of best resorts in Penang with mind-blowing views of the Malacca Straits. Conveniently located close to Batu Feringgi Beach and Tanjung Bungah and yet far enough to escape the crowd, this is an ideal place to unwind and relax.

The hotel architecture features Thai-inspired art pieces, Balinese wood-crafted doors and fascinating marble work from India. However, the star of the show is the infinity pool made with volcanic rock imported from Bali.

Best Boutique Hotels in Penang

23 LoveLane

Penang is steeped in history and can't get better than this boutique hotel built in the 1800s. This swanky hotel's charming gardens and beautiful terraces will surely awe you.

Besides swish rooms that’ll have you stepping back in time while retaining the creature comforts of modern life, this gorgeous 10-room hotel also has a Chinese-Indian terrace that is great for lounging and a library with coffee and board games.

One of the most unique hotels in Penang, a stay at 23 LoveLane will help you explore the mural-studded streets of the heritage Georgetown city by foot or a typical Penang rickshaw. Lovelane is the most bustling street in Georgetown at night, with pubs with distinct identities. Oh, and don't miss the night food market too!

Campbell House Penang

Once a rundown, dilapidated building, the Campbell House is now one of the best boutique hotels in Penang. Run by Roberto & Nardya, a husband and wife duo who met in London at the Ritz Casino and Hotel, bought the property at its worst and revamped and revitalised it with their finances.

The building used to be a budget hotel for Mecca pilgrims, Hainanese sailors, and prostitutes in the 1920s but is now a stunning colonial-inspired property, housing 11 luxurious rooms and Il Bácaro, a posh Italian restaurant.

It is centrally located, helping one to explore all the sites easily. Do visit China House, only a 10-minute walk away. They serve the best pastries, not only in Penang but in entire Malaysia. The tiramisù is a must-have.

Yeng Keng Hotel (燕京）

Yeng Keng Hotel is another of Penang’s hip and trendy heritage hotels, exemplifying the city’s charm. In the 1800s, Yeng Keng was an Anglo-Indian bungalow residence bought by trustees of the Cantonese Club “Ying Han Pit Shu.” Today, the hotel is one of the swankiest in the city, with retro furniture, wooden panel floors, and patios that offer fab views of Chulia Street.

Chulia Street comes alive post-sunset, with pubs and night food markets at every nook and corner. In this regard, Yeng Keng Hotel combines the best of Penang, offering you a unique stay and quick access to the most happening parts of Georgetown.

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

If you’re looking for a true blue (quite literally) iconic boutique hotel of Penang, look no further than Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion, a gorgeous property exuding bona fide old-school charm.

The hotel has a mind-blowing 3,000 years of history and it is a UNESCO award-winning hotel known for its exquisite architecture. Oh! And a fun fact: the hotel was a filming location of the movie Crazy Rich Asians if you were wondering why it looked so familiar.

Fun fact: the mansion was supposedly constructed based on advice from prominent feng shui masters. It's adorned with materials that symbolise key feng shui elements like metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

Macalister Mansion

The Macalister Hotel in Penang is a throwback to yesteryear with its colonial facade. The mansion, a gorgeously restored colonial mansion turned hotel found along Gurney Drive, is where you can find eight stunning bespoke designed rooms filled with commissioned art pieces.

Choose between the MMesmeric, MMarvel, and MMonarch Collections for elegant rooms that might hinder your sightseeing missions as you’ll hesitate to leave. Oh, and The Cellar, the hotel's swish night bar, is well-stocked and ideal for a night out.

Best Budget Hotels In Penang Island

M Qube Hotel

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Inspired by space pods in Tokyo? Well, treat yourself to a similar experience in Georgetown by staying at the M Qube Hotel. One of the most unique Penang boutique hotels, M Qube offers futuristic sleep capsules for a unique stay in Penang. And the good news is it caters to all kinds of travellers - singles, couples, families and even groups.Each capsule unit is fully equipped with air conditioning, Android TV, power sockets and a personal safe. You can choose from single and double beds. They also have separate toilets and washrooms for men and women.

Reunion Carnarvon

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Less than a kilometre away from the Komtar, Reunion Carnarvon, a cute hotel with retro decor is one of the cheapest hotels in Penang. There's a mini garden in the courtyard, accessible from the rooms' balconies.

Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV and mini-fridge bar. Most of the tourist sites of Georgetown are located a short walk away. And the famous Tiger Char Koay Teow is only a three-minute walk from this hotel, so don't forget to enjoy this iconic street food dish when you're here.

Brown Hotel

Located close to the Komtar, this stylish hotel offers a range of rooms - from single to family. Each room has a large flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, a safe, a hair dryer and a minibar.

With its convenient location, Brown Hotel is the perfect jump-off point to enjoy a walk and explore Georgetown's famous murals and wall paintings.

LANG HOOSE

LANG HOOSE is an old heritage house in George Town, Penang. It's close to the Ferry Terminal in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you're right near all the cool stuff to see and do. The hotel has nine rooms, each with its own style, for solo travelers or groups. And if you're into drinks with a view, they've got a rooftop terrace where you can chill, while downstairs, there's a cafe to hang out at as well.

Amazing Home Inn

This cute little guest house is in Gurney, close to the seafront. One of the cheapest hotels near Georgetown Penang, it is clean and well-furnished and surely gives value for your money.

Each unit comes with a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and more. One of Penang's largest malls, Gurney Plaza is just a short walk away.

Rasa Motel Penang

Rasa Motel is your fuss-free and spotless getaway in Batu Ferringhi, perfect for all sorts of adventurers. They've got a super comfy quadruple room, perfect for families to spread out and relax. And guess what? You get free Wi-Fi and a parking spot for your ride. Plus, there are tons of places to eat nearby. But wait, there's more! You can even pamper yourself with a massage and sauna right at the hotel too, for a sweet budget-friendly stay.

Chariton Hotel Bagan

Planning to stay in the mainland and looking for cheap hotels in Butterworth? Well, Chariton Hotel, Bagan should be on the top of your list.

Located close to Penang Sentral and KTM Butterworth, this hotel combines comfort and convenience. There's a cafe located inside the hotel and you can find many restaurants nearby.

Best Homestays In Penang

Tony’s Guest House

If you want to get an authentic Malaysian home feel then Tony's Guesthouse in Teluk Bahang is a great choice. Located at Batu Ferringhi and quite close to the Penang National Park, this guesthouse with a pretty garden will surely touch your heart.

There's a desk in each room and free wifi, providing an ideal setting for working from home. You can hire a bicycle and roam around the lush green surroundings when you take your well-deserved breaks from work.

Smell Rose Beach Garden

This cute little house is located in Batu Ferringhi with access to Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong beaches. It is a cosy homestay offering free private parking and free WiFi.

The rooms are basic but well-equipped. The cherry on the cake is the balcony and the terrace with both mountain and sea views.

G&T's Beach Front Villa

Another highly favoured homestay among travellers, this homestay lives up to its name with a garden overlooking the beach. A walk in the garden is enough to take away all the stress and tension that's been bothering you.

Located in the Tanjung Bungah region, both Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong Beaches are located nearby, and Straits Quay is only 2 kilometres away. The lovely hosts will surely ensure you have an amazing time when you stay with them.

24 Kimberley

This homestay is situated within bustling Georgetown. It occupies a beautifully preserved heritage house, maintaining its original charm while transforming it into a welcoming homestay.

The homestay provides a variety of rooms, including private rooms and mixed dorms. Opting for the mixed dorm is a fantastic way to make new friends. Additionally, you'll find Tuai Pui Curry Mee nearby, offering a delightful selection of Malaysian, Chinese, and Asian specialties.

Cocoa Mews Cafe and Homestay

The exterior of Cocoa Mews Cafe and Homestay

If you love cats, Cocoa Mews is a great homestay option in Georgetown. The two lovely in-house cats will surely make your stay memorable.

It offers clean and tidy non-smoking rooms and a shared lounge. The owner, Howie, is a very friendly gentleman who will assist you with everything you need.

The homestay is near most things you will need - food options, the jetty (10 minutes walk), wall art and others.

My Guesthouse 109

Located inside the vibrant Georgetown, My Guesthouse is a no-hassle accommodation offering clean and cosy rooms and a shared lounge. All the tourist sites within Georgetown are within a few minutes' walking distance.

Explore Penang like a pro:

Penang is a one-of-a-kind travel destination packing in itself a unique combination of history, culture and modernisation. With its unique Peranakan culture, Penang gives you a peek into the rich history of Malaysia.

And thus it offers something for every kind of traveller. From having a leisurely vacation enjoying the beach to walking around the lanes and bilanes of Georgetown exploring the historical buildings - there's so much to do in Penang.

Visit Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Entopia at Penang Butterfly Farm is like a nature-lover's paradise, where butterflies and plants come together in a fantastic way. It's split into two cool sections: Natureland, home to around 15,000 butterflies fluttering freely (one of Malaysia's biggest butterfly gardens), and the Cocoon, an indoor spot where you can learn and have fun with exhibitions and indoor activities.

Go on a street food tour of Penang

Dig into the secrets of why Penang street food is so darn delicious and how that famous "Penang taste" has evolved. Explore Penang's culinary scene with a tour that's designed to help you eat like a local. Whether you're up for a hearty meal, a quick snack, or something exotic to sip on, each bite and sip adds up to a six-meal adventure that'll practically make you an honorary Penang-lang.

Head to ESCAPE Penang

At ESCAPE Penang, you can experience an exhilarating jungle playground where you'll have the opportunity to jump, flip, slide, climb, and swing through the trees. Whether you're looking to learn climbing skills like a pro or simply float down the lazy river, there's something for families of all ages to enjoy. With over 40 adventure activities, including water slides, zip lining, go-karts, mazes, an aquatic playhouse, and rope climbing, the options are endless.

Enjoy a cocktail masterclass at a speakeasy

Embark on a journey into one of George Town's most hidden speakeasies, where you can dive into a cocktail mixology masterclass. Discover the fundamentals of crafting highball, sour, and old-fashioned drinks, all within the charming setting of Backdoor Bodega - a concealed bar tucked away inside a seemingly overpriced pin shop. With an impressive menu featuring over 40 signature cocktails, this secret gem promises a delightful experience for cocktail enthusiasts.