Top 12 Hotels in Penang – Most Popular With Travellers

Penang has a special place in the heart of Malaysian travellers who love culture and food. It is the heart of Peranakan culture; colonial architecture are icons of Penang’s interesting flavour East meets West; and street art adds some modern colour. It’s no wonder Penang is one of Malaysians’ favourite destinations for a holiday.

There are so many Penang hotels, catering to different traveller needs. Here are some of the top hotels in Penang this year, popular with Malaysians – in no particular order.

Top Hotels in Penang – Most Popular with Travellers

1) Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang

3.5 Stars   [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star-half”]

Guest rating: Very Good! 88% of Guests Recommend

A family-friendly hotel in the historical district of Georgetown. Sunway Hotel Georgetown has an outdoor pool,  free Wi-Fi and a good breakfast spread. Foodies will enjoy its location right by the night market where you can enjoy lots of delicious Penang street food.

2) Lexis Suites Penang

5 Stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Very Good! 79% of Guests Recommend

Lexis Suites is one of the top Penang hotels with large rooms offering lots of space. It’s a good hotel to get away from the busy streets. You can enjoy the private pool or walk to the beach. Although, worth noting that guests don’t rate the beach highly.

The hotel’s rooms are great, but the hotel is a little far from town if you’re planning to do lots of sightseeing in Penang.

3) Hard Rock Hotel Penang

4.5 Stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star-half”]

Guest rating: Very Good! 90% of Guests Recommend

Hard Rock Hotel Penang is a beach resort on Batu Ferringhi with 4.5 star facilities. Perfect for relaxing on the beach or relaxing in the full-service spa. Guests love the pool, friendly staff and delicious burgers.

All rooms have free Wi-Fi and my favourite, rainfall showers! This a family-friendly Penang hotel with a free children’s club to keep the kids entertained.

4) Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang

5 Stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Fabulous! 90% of Guests Recommend

The Eastern and Oriental Penang has a stunning colonial facade that is a landmark in the city. The hotel is very luxurious, with top-class amenities and service. Popularly known as E&O, this Penang hotel was founded by the Sarkies Brothers in the 80’s. The same brothers established The Raffles Hotel, an equally iconic colonial hotel in Singapore.

With marble bathrooms, a seafront promenade and all suites, there’s hardly anything to complain about here. It’s a very classy hotel offering great sea views, a good location close to Penang attractions and guests also love the infinity pool.

5) Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, Penang

4 Stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Very Good! 87% of Guests Recommend

Golden Sands Resort is a beachfront family resort with lots of recreational activities available on site. It is one of the top hotels in Penang loved by travellers for many reasons. It’s great location on Batu Ferringhi beach, it’s 3 pools, mini waterpark and spacious guest rooms with great facilities.

Guests love the entire ambience, convenient location near the beach and night market and breath-taking views from sea-view rooms. It’s a great Penang hotel for a family holiday.

6) PARKROYAL Penang

4 Stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Very Good! 90% of Guests Recommend

PARKROYAL is known for quality service in its chain hotels. PARKROYAL Penang is no different. The 4-star hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Penang, offering a beachfront location, full-service spa and quality restaurants. Travellers find it very relaxing, enjoy the wonderful outdoor areas like the pool and garden and good value for money. If you want to pick up the speed, there are watersports activities available on the beach.

It’s a little further away from Georgetown, but still a good location due to the proximity to the beach, night market and local food around the area.

7) Bayview Hotel Georgetown

4 stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Good! 85% of Guests Recommend

Bayview Hotel is a hotel in Georgetown that is a short walk from Penang attractions Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and the Camera Museum. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is about 15 minutes away on foot. The 4-star itself offers great views of the city from a 360 revolving restaurant.

Rooms have all the basic comforts you would need, though guests say it is a little worn. But the affordable price balances that out making it a popular choice among Penang hotels. Try the Japanese restaurant and if you fancy a drink, there is a rooftop bar and live music around the area.

8) Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang

5 stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Superb! 93% of Guests Recommend

Rasa sayang, hey! Shangri La’s Rasa Sayang Resort in Penang is one of our favourites, offering traditional elements with 5-star comforts by the beach. With very professional staff, you’ll quickly feel at ease.

The hotel has an excellent location by the beach, a good gym, magnificent sea views and close the night market. You can relax by the kid-free pool, or splash about with your kids in the children’s pool. Guests love the sea view rooms, excellent food and outstanding spa.

9) Flamingo by the Beach, Penang

3.5 Stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: 61% of Guests Recommend

Although not a luxury hotel, this affordable Penang hotel is a popular choice for travellers looking for a comfortable option at affordable rates. This beach resort is on Tanjung Bungah, near the Floating Mosque, Museum of Glass and Penang Water Sports Centre. Relax on the beach or pamper yourself at the spa.

Rooms have free Wi-Fi, 24-hour rom service and free toiletries. Depending on your room, you could get a great view of sunrise or sunet from your balcony. Guests enjoy the view but have occasional issues with cleanliness and service.

10) Hotel Jen Penang by Shangri-La

4 Stars [icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”][icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Very Good! 91% of Guests Recommend

Only steps away from the main public transportation terminal, Hotel Jen Penang is surrounded by the city’s prime commercial and business venues, shopping malls, an array of cosmopolitan restaurants offering authentic Chinese, Indian, Malay and Thai cuisines as well as Penang’s famous hawker street food.

Hotel Jen Penang offers 443 guestrooms including suites. All rooms are elegantly appointed and designed with comfort in mind, and with large bay windows showcasing stunning panoramic views of historical George Town. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the beach – a certain benefit in terms of reliability, time and cost.

Guests find the hotel slightly outdated but still very welcoming and clean. It’s in a great spot for exploring Penang’s attractions like Fort Cornwallis and local temples. Guests rate the service at Hotel Jen Penang by Shangri-La highly.

11) The Royale Bintang, Penang

4 stars [icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star”]

Guest rating: Fabulous! 91% of Guests Recommend

The Royale Bintang Penang is a 4-star hotel in Georgetown, with beautiful interiors and a great spa. Rooms are equipped with coffee making facilities, rainfall showers and LCD TVs in well-designed rooms. The hotel is located in a historic building in the centre of town.

Guests love all the little details in this beautiful hotel, with great service and a delicious variety of food. Sounds like an all-round winner! Beautiful inside and out, this is among the top hotels in Penang with much to love.

12) Armenian Street Heritage Hotel, Penang

3.5 Stars [icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star”] [icon name=”star-half”]

Guest rating: Good! 92% of Guests Recommend

And finally, Armenian Street hotel is the final entry on our list of top hotels in Penang preferred by travellers. This historic hotel is located in Georgetown close the Penang Islamic Museum and Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi. This newly renovated hotel has 92 spacious rooms with free WiFi, toiletries and rainfall showers.

Around the hotel – you can spot some of the famous Penang street art walking down Armenia Street. Foodies should make a beeline for the famous Tiger Char Kway Teow nearby along Carnamon Road. So if you’re planning to do lots of sightseeing in Penang, then the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel is a good place to base yourself.

And those are the top popular hotels Penang hotels this year. Don’t see your favourite? Tell us which in the comments below.