Visiting Penang is exciting, but figuring out the where and in which hotel to stay at can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we made this hotel guide! So we can show you our favorite and best hotels to stay at in Penang, especially if you’re visiting for the first time! Here’s our personal list including: the highlights of each property, the breakfast options and their locations. Because here at Yes and Explore, we help you travel smarter. Not harder!
To get a better look at Penang’s top hotels and attractions, check out our Penang Must-Stay Hotels Video on Youtube
1. JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
Location: Georgetown City Centre
Price Range: $$$ – Around RM 400 – 600 per night.
If you want to be right in downtown Penang, then the JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La is your perfect base. It’s located just steps away from the famous Komtar building and First Avenue Mall. You can also easily reach Georgetown’s famous street art and Hawkwer Stalls over at Chulia Street within a 10 minute walk.
The hotel building itself has been around for a while, which shows in the form of the giant lobby as soon as you enter the hotel. No worries though, because this hotel has been renovated multiple times and offers modern and spacious rooms, and outdoor pool, a large fitness center provide and even a ping-pong table!
As for the breakfast the hotel offers an extensive breakfast buffet at their Café JEN restaurant on the ground floor. There are so many items to choose from that it’s impossible to be still hungry when you’re done.
Stay here if you’re looking for a large hotel with plenty of amenities and a convenient location to get to everything that Penang has to offer easily.
2. The Leith – Georgetown
Location: Heritage Zone – Georgetown
Price Range: $$ – Around RM 250 – 400 per night.
If you’re looking to stay to stay in the Heritage Zone of Georgetown then the Leith Hotel is a great choice. It’s right across from the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and close to Chulia Street and Love Lane, where you’ll find many restaurants and cafes. It’s also a great starting point to admire a variety of Georgetown’s street art simply by walking around in the vibrant neighborhood.
As for the hotel itself, just like the JEN, the Leith hotel’s building has been around for a while, but the whole place has been renovated in 2024. The hotel offers spacious king and twin rooms with comfortable beds and a smart tv.
The hotel offers a bar and a restaurant, but don’t have any other facilities such as a pool or a gym.
Breakfast is included in the hotel rate and may consist of a small buffet or a menu depending on occupancy.
Stay here if you want to stay in a small scale heritage building in a quiet area, but still close to the action of Georgetown.
3. Citadines Connect Georgetown
Location: Downtown Georgetown
Price Range: $$ – Around RM 250 – 400 per night.
The Citadines Connect Georgetown is perfect if you’re looking for a hotel that’s in downtown Georgetown, has a classic shophouse-style façade and a modern feel on the inside. It’s located close to the Komtar building and the First Avenue Mall. Within a 15 minute walk (or by using the free city-loop bus) you’ll find yourself near Georgetown’s other attractions in no-time.
The Citadines Connect offers spacious, comfortable and modern rooms, a nice rooftop pool and a compact gym.
The hotel also offers breakfast, albeit a small buffet or breakfast menu to kickstart your morning. The Citadines Georgetown is a good hotel if you’re looking to stay in a stylish and comfortable hotel in a convenient location to explore Georgetown and the rest of Penang.
4. Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Location: Batu Ferringhi Beach
Price Range: $$$ – Around RM 500 – 700 per night.
This hotel is a little different than the earlier options, but a great one nonetheless. The Hard Rock hotel Penang, is a great option if you’re looking for a resort stay and want to relax at the pool.
Located on the famous Batu Ferringhi Beach, this hotel offers a fun and rocking atmosphere that’s popular with all kinds of travelers. The Hard Rock Hotel is located at about a 30 minute taxi drive away from downtown Georgetown, which is perfect if you’re just wanting to explore the city for a day and spend the rest of your time strolling along Batu Ferringhi Beach and relax at the pool.
The Hard Rock Hotel offers really large rooms with comfortable beds and the whole resort in completely themed in rock and roll style decor.
Hard Rock Hotel is perfect if you want to relax rock & roll style and enjoy a resort style vacation, while still being close to many attractions of Penang.
Final Notes
Beyond these amazing hotels, Penang offers many activites and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. From exploring George Town’s vibrant street art scene to sampling the local hawker food, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Check-out our Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Penang for more inspiration!
For even more travel tips and details about the hotels, check out our full video about the must-stay hotels in Penang
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