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Penang

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About Penang

A fascinating cultural melting pot, bustling George Town is Penang’s charming hub — and the focus for most travellers visit the island. This magical port community has been UNESCO-listed since 2008, and now brims with restored shophouses, temples and fizzing street food stands. Beyond George Town, you’ll find laid-back villages dotted amidst the paddy fields, and a beautiful coastline for lazy beach days of active water sports adventures. Accommodation options are appealingly wide-ranging; the best places to stay in Penang include everything from intimate heritage B&Bs to beautiful contemporary hotels for couples, families and friends.

George Town has a brilliant culinary reputation, and it’s widely regarded as the foodie capital of Malaysia. Take a guided street food tour to sample local delicacies, hone your skills with trip to the wet market followed by an expert-led cooking class, or savour traditional Nyonya and Peranakan cuisine in atmospheric restaurants. Much of George Town’s appeal lies in its cultural fusion of Straits Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influences, seen not only in its mouth-watering cuisine, but in the community’s well-preserved architecture. Visit the vast Kek Lok Si-Temple complex, tour the blue-painted Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or admire the Pinang Peranakan Museum and the Clan Jetties.

Clamber through the Botanical Gardens to the top of Penang Hill for arresting views, unwind on the beaches of Batu Ferringhi, or try water sports, golf and cycling at spots across the island. Thereafter, return to one of the best places to stay in Penang for refreshing pool dips and craft cocktails.

The Best Places to Stay in Penang

For Old-School Romance

  • Seven Terraces has to be one of George Town's most magical properties, owned by hotelier Chris Ong. Set above an antique shop and exhibition space, this restored residence offers delectable French-Malaysian dining and a refreshing swimming pool. Suites have carved four poster beds and richly embroidered textiles. An intimate gem.
  • Campbell House is a charming boutique bolthole set above a restored shop house on one of George Town's most interesting streets. Couples will love the Venetian restaurant, the individually designed rooms with vintage furnishings and artwork crafted from upcycled saris, as well as the tranquil vibe. A delight.
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion — also known as the Blue Mansion — is a splendid heritage hotel, famous as the opulent residence of a late-nineteenth century Chinese tycoon. Rooms and suites are inspired by Chinese dynasties, and feature antique pieces, intricate latticework and sunken bathtubs. Very romantic.

For a Landmark Hotel

  • The Eastern & Oriental Hotel first opened its doors in 1885. Designed by the Sarkies Brothers, who also created Raffles in Singapore, it's been a Penang icon ever since. A recent refurbishment means that the hotel boasts 232 indulgent suites, many of which face the Andaman Sea, as well as two pools, a gym and extensive events spaces. An opulent choice for a wedding, couples' holiday or business trip.

For Families or Groups

  • Noordin Mews is a hip, 16-room hotel set in a former Peranakan shophouse. Unwind by the pool or daytime eatery before retreating to funky rooms with 1950s prints, wet room-style bathrooms and built-in spare beds for additional guests of all ages. Historic, well-located and friendly for groups or families.
  • Jawi Peranakan Mansion has 14 gorgeous rooms and suites, many of which have space for additional beds for little ones. There's no restaurant on site, but you'll find superb street food just steps away, and there's a refreshing plunge pool for post-exploratory dips. Book Mansion Suite for king beds on two levels and a private seating area. A striking heritage choice for families or groups.
  • Yeng Keng Hotel is an affordable spot with 19 rooms and suites, many of which have space for additional beds. History buffs will appreciate the 200-year-old building's quirky design, whilst the Chulia Street location is great for exploring. The courtyard swimming pool and flexible café meals are ideal for little ones. A family or group favourite.

For Contemporary Cool

  • Macalister Mansion hides eight stunning contemporary suites behind a classic George Town façade. The fabulous restaurant will delight foodies; elegant dishes can be paired with 300+ wines. A grown up spot for the design conscious in the heart of George Town.
  • The Prestige is an unusual George Town offering, with design-led interiors featuring dusky pinks, warm greens, brass accents and lots of glass in a big, whitewashed building. A contemporary reimagining of Victorian style, this swish hotel has a rooftop pool with ocean views, events spaces, a lively arcade and funky Glasshouse Restaurant. Very hip.
  • The Edison fuses the historic charm of its 1906 exterior with a crisp, modern aesthetic in rooms, suites and communal interior spaces. Expect white linens and monochrome furnishings, with bold teal accents. A chic boutique choice with 35 rooms & suites and a plunge pool.

For a Beach Break

  • Lone Pine Hotel offers a smart beachfront stay near Batu Ferringhi. The historic façade reveals 90 modern rooms and suites, set around a big swimming pool with child-friendly zones. Expect all the mod-cons, direct beach access and heaps of family-friendly activities. Very relaxing.

For Great Value

  • Muntri Mews is a great value choice in old George Town. Many rooms have four poster beds topped with embroidered Indian quilts, and private terraces. Loft Suites sleep six guests & the Terrace Suites sleep four; perfect for fun, affordable group trips. There's a relaxed terrace café, too.
  • Hotel Penaga offers an atmospheric heritage stay in rooms with four-poster beds and an appealing vintage feel. Enjoy relaxing massages and fusion fare. A stylish, reasonably priced hotel for history-minded travellers.
  • Muntri Grove has 16 eclectic, vintage-inspired rooms and suites, many of which overlook its lush gardens. Pick this place for the heritage feel, chic interiors, rooftop pool and affordable rates. Families are welcome, but this is also a great choice for couples or friends.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport, just 30 minutes from George Town, and travel to your destination by taxi. Alternatively, journey to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and take a 6-hour train to Penang, or drive 4.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur.
  • If you're confident driving in Asia, Malaysia is a beautiful destination for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Tropical and humid, Malaysia is a year-round destination. Temperatures hover around 28-33°C for much of the year, with the heaviest rainfall expected in April - May and October - November. Showers are frequent. Expect the city to be particularly busy during festival periods, including Chinese New Year.

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Best Hotels in Penang

  • Muntri Mews Pulau Pinang, Penang 5 rooms from CA$93

    Groups  -  With the Loft Suite sleeping 6 guests & the Terrace Suite sleeping 4, this is a top spot for a stylish & great value group trip
    Great walks  -  George Town is best explored on foot with an expert guide: take a food, art or history tour, organised by the hotel team
    Museums  -  Visit the Pinang Peranakan Museum or the opulent Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion for an insight into the past
    Value chic  -  A great value boutique pad with heaps of character in an excellent Georgetown location
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenNo pets

    An excellent value chic boutique in old Georgetown. Charming rooms have traditional elements with four-poster beds, soft fabrics and teak balconies overlooking the garden. Lovely little cafe and close to Penang's attractions. Perfect for families or those on a budget. See More

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  • Yeng Keng Hotel Penang 19 rooms from CA$118

    Families  -  Family-friendly suites are great for those travelling with little ones, who will also enjoy the pool & flexible café menu
    Great walks  -  Take a guided walking tour of George Town's famous murals, many of which are on Chulia Street & the surrounding lanes
    Close to nightlife  -  Chulia Street is an excellent location for easy access to George Town's hawker stalls, restaurants and lively bars
    Value chic  -  An affordable, intimate & characterful choice on bustling Chulia Street
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A charming 200-year-old residence on popular Chulia St, this quirky little hotel is an affordable George Town base for couples, friends or families. Rooms & suites have vintage pieces, bright yellow or green walls & space for extra beds. Enjoy buffet breakfasts, a pool & events in the courtyard. See More

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  • Campbell House Pulau Pinang, Penang 11 rooms from CA$120

    Great walks  -  Food tours are a wonderful way to see George Town & to taste local specialities - some served at the stalls opposite the hotel
    Sights nearby  -  Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Clan Jetty and Fort Cornwallis are all worth exploring
    Romantic Break  -  A romantic boutique hotel with heaps of traditional charm and a a tranquil vibe for couples
    Museums  -  A 5-minute drive from Penang Museum
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    A wonderfully renovated shop corner house on one of Georgetown's most interesting streets. Smart boutique rooms blend traditional elements with contemporary classic design. Incredibly chic Venetian restaurant. A real gem with lots of character. See More

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  • Muntri Grove Hotel George Town, Penang 16 rooms from CA$132

    Total relaxation  -  A tranquil boutique pad in historic George Town, surrounded by leafy gardens & close to all the sights
    Value chic  -  Vintage-inspired interiors and a rooftop pool are lovely & surprisingly affordable
    Cycling  -  Hire bikes to follow the 82km Round-Island Route through Penang's lush countryside
    Museums  -  Take an 11am or 2pm tour of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion's opulent interiors
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendly

    This laid-back boutique hotel promises a tranquil oasis in the heart of George Town. A restored row of townhouses, Muntri Grove has 16 vintage-inspired rooms & suites with recycled wood pieces, tropical prints & views over lush gardens. The rooftop pool is ideal for dips. Families & pets welcome. See More

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  • Noordin Mews Penang 16 rooms from CA$135

    Families  -  Suites are best for families, but all rooms have space for an extra bed. Children will love the swimming pool & relaxed feel
    Cooking classes  -  Join Pearly Kee on a morning walk through the wet market, gathering ingredients to cook authentic Peranakan cuisine
    Value chic  -  A hip little hotel offering a warm welcome for a very reasonable price
    Restaurant  -  You can order snacks from the restaurant throughout the day, and complimentary tea & cake are served each afternoon
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A chic 16-room hotel set in a former Peranakan shophouse, this is a top spot for couples, friends or families. Whitewashed rooms feature mid-century artwork & curios, wet room-style bathrooms and space for extra beds. There's a buzzy daytime eatery, a courtyard swimming pool and a friendly vibe. See More

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  • Jawi Peranakan Mansion Penang 14 rooms from CA$135

    Value chic  -  A surprisingly affordable choice, given the striking architecture, small swimming pool & friendly service
    Families  -  The six family suites and refreshing pool are ideal for trips with little ones, or with teenagers
    Great walks  -  Follow self-guided art and architecture trails through the UNESCO-listed town centre, or take a guided foodie tour
    Traditional  -  'Jawi Peranakan' refers to Malay-speaking Muslims of mixed South Asian & Malay ancestry: a key George Town group
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenNo pets

    A charming heritage hotel with 14 rooms & suites — many of which have space for extra beds. Come as a family or as a couple and enjoy the striking architecture, wooden furnishings, Indian textiles & courtyard swimming pool. Mansion Villas have private terraces & inviting seating areas. Well-priced. See More

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  • Hotel Penaga Pulau Pinang, Penang 37 rooms from CA$142

    Local exploring  -  A collection of lovingly restored 1940s shophouses with wood & tile interiors; a great base for exploring authentic George Town
    Wildlife Area  -  Visit the Waterfall Gardens, Penang Botanical Gardens, on Jalan Air Terjun for walks in green spaces
    Local markets  -  Amble through Chowrasta Wet Market to take in the sights and sounds of classic George Town
    Boutique  -  Lots of authentic Malay details with a contemporary twist.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A stunning hotel that combines designer flair with boutique tradition. Gorgeous rooms and suites have four poster beds, sleek lines, geometric spaces, but at the same time lots of authentic decoration. Excellent fusion restaurant. A great way to visit the city in style. See More

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  • The Prestige Hotel Penang 162 rooms from CA$152

    Local markets  -  Beach Street Sunday Market is a weekly highlight for guests of all ages, when the road is pedestrianised and very lively
    City Style  -  An unusually modern offering in George Town, with bold, glamorous interiors well-suited to urban travellers
    Business meetings  -  Striking meeting spaces for business or leisure events, including the airy hall
    Designer  -  The Ministry of Design studio have created glamorous spaces, clad in soothing dusky pinks, velvety dark greens & lots of brass
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Design Hotels

    An award-winning contemporary hotel near George Town's port, fusing Victorian elements with a hip, modern feel. Interiors feature dusky pinks, warm greens, brass & glass. With a rooftop pool, lively arcade and Glasshouse Restaurant, this is a seriously cool choice for couples, friends or families. See More

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  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Penang 18 rooms from CA$169

    Learning  -  Free 45-minute house tours run at 11am and 2pm daily, offering the chance to discover the mansion with an expert guide
    Romantic Break  -  A beautiful heritage gem with spacious, characterful suites & big bathtubs: perfect for unusual couples' holidays
    Weddings  -  A stunning wedding venue, with space for up to 100 guests, the mansion is magical
    Landmark  -  One of George Town's most iconic landmarks, the Blue Mansion has featured in various films — including 'Crazy Rich Asians'
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    This beautiful, blue-painted 130-year-old mansion began life as the opulent home of a legendary Chinese tycoon. It now boasts 18 rooms & suites inspired by Chinese dynasties, set around a striking courtyard. Feast on fusion cuisine at Indigo, unwind in the pool & join daily heritage tours. Iconic. See More

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  • Seven Terraces Pulau Pinang, Penang 6 rooms from CA$170

    Cooking classes  -  Savour cooking classes or traditional Peranakan food tastings with Baba Chris
    Honeymoons  -  A hugely opulent little boutique hotel: perfect for a romantic honeymoon
    Museums  -  Walk to the blue-painted Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion to join a guided tour
    Foodies  -  The restaurant combines Peranakan heritage with French techniques.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A gorgeous boutique bolthole in Penang's colonial quarter. Chic romantic suites have lots of space, hand carved four-poster beds, soft furnishings, and balconies on to a beautiful courtyard. Fantastic little fusion restaurant, garden and pool. Bags of character. See More

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  • Macalister Mansion Penang from CA$196

    Foodies  -  Savour sophisticated modernist cuisine at Restaurant Blanc, paired with wines from a selection of over 300 vintages
    Wildlife Area  -  The Penang Botanic Gardens are home to exotic plants, flowers and trees, as well as as bird and butterflies
    City Style  -  A chic design hotel with luxurious contemporary interiors housed in a white-painted historic mansion
    Cycling  -  Hop aboard the hotel's bikes to explore historic George Town on two wheels
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled access
    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith

    A modern residence in the heart of old Georgetown. Stunningly contemporary suites, some in the turrets, with all the mod cons, pale furnishings, and lots of space. Excellent innovative cuisine, billiards room, and mosaic tiled swimming pool. A grown up spot for the design conscious. See More

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  • Lone Pine Hotel Feringgi, Penang 90 rooms from CA$207

    Beach Life  -  The only boutique beach hotel in the area, Lone Pine is particularly popular with urbanites looking for a seaside break
    Other Activities  -  Thrill-seekers will love the rollercoasters at Escape, or the zip lines and nature activities at Habitat on Penang Hill
    Families  -  Generous suites, a child-friendly swimming pool and kids' resort activities make this a great family choice
    Watersports  -  Get out on the ocean with East Wind Watersports or PKSA Penang Water Sports Centre.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking
    Recommended by  -  CN Traveller

    A very smart beachside hotel with an enormous pool. Sophisticated rooms and suites with all the mod cons including DVD players, private balconies and enormous bath tubs. Excellent spa, Japanese restaurant, and facilities for children. Great for families. See More

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  • Eastern & Oriental Hotel George Town, Penang 232 rooms from CA$219

    Weddings  -  An opulent choice for a classic wedding, with multiple venues — including the impressive Grand Ballroom — and gourmet fare
    Local exploring  -  A George Town icon, the E&O is a brilliant base for those looking to explore the UNESCO site on foot or by bicycle
    Cycling  -  Hop on the hotel's bicycles two explore George Town's nearby UNESCO-listed zone on two wheels
    Learning  -  Discover the hotel's illustrious past through detailed displays at the E&O Gallery
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    An 1885-built George Town landmark, the E&O has been refurbished to offer two elegant, all-suite wings behind an imposing white façade. Generous suites have free-standing tubs & antique furniture, and there are two sea-facing pools and multiple restaurants. Superb event spaces for weddings & galas. See More

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  • The Edison Penang 35 rooms from CA$228

    Local exploring  -  450 metres from Chinatown & less than 1km from Little India, The Edison is ideal for exploring George Town on foot or bicycle
    Historic  -  A 1906-built mansion, originally the residence of business tycoon Yeo Wee Gark, transformed into a hotel the 1940s
    Cycling  -  Hire bicycles for two-wheeled discoveries of George Town's streets with a knowledgeable guide
    Local markets  -  With bustling hawker stands just across the street, there's no shortage of markets — food and craft — near The Edison
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels

    An imposing 1906-built mansion with contemporary interiors offering blue-green shutters and cosy beds topped with white linens. Kick back in the courtyard or by the swimming pool, and enjoy snacks and fresh juices before heading out to explore George Town's street food scene. A chic boutique stay. See More

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