Hotel in Penang

Where to Stay in Penang: The Best Mid-Range Hotels for Comfort and Convenience

Penang is a fantastic place to visit, offering a unique blend of heritage, food, and coastal charm. When planning a trip here, deciding where to stay is one of the first and most important decisions. The island essentially offers two main locations for tourists: the historic heart of George Town and the beach resorts along Batu Ferringhi.

George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the epicenter of culture and hawker food. If your priority is street art, colonial architecture, museums, and endless dining options right outside your door, you’ll want to stay here. The convenience is unmatched, as many of the best sights are walkable.

For a classic beach holiday, the area of Batu Ferringhi on the north coast is your best bet. It’s home to resorts with long stretches of sand, watersports, and a lively night market. While it’s a bit further from George Town’s city center (about a 30-45 minute drive), many resorts offer shuttle services, and taxis (or ride-sharing apps) are readily available.

This selection focuses on excellent mid-range hotels and some upper-mid-range options. These recommendations are curated for travelers who want above-average comfort, great amenities, and a strategic location without the top-tier luxury price tag. Simply put: these are hotels that offer a great balance of price and value.

George Town: City Center & Heritage Charm

These hotels are perfectly placed for exploring the island’s capital, offering easy access to the main heritage sites, shopping centers, and famous hawker food zones.

Chain Hotels for Reliable Comfort

• Sunway Hotel Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia A solid, modern choice located slightly off the main hustle of the heritage zone but still highly central. The rooms are known for being spacious, well-maintained, and comfortable, providing a good base for both leisure and business travelers. It offers a nice city view from higher floors and all the standard facilities you’d expect from a reliable chain.

  • Pros: Excellent location near local eateries and main roads, clean and comfortable rooms, good value for money.
  • Cons: Pool area can feel small during peak times, some street noise on lower floors.

• Cititel Penang, Penang, Malaysia A long-standing favorite in the heart of George Town, this hotel offers a great location for accessing the historic center and shopping malls like Komtar. The hotel is well-regarded for its friendly service and large rooms. Opt for a sea-facing room for a stunning view of the channel.

  • Pros: Superb central location, spacious rooms, excellent staff service, convenient on-site dining options.
  • Cons: Decor in some older rooms might be slightly dated, can be busy due to its popularity.

• Hotel Jen Penang by Shangri-La, Penang, Malaysia Located right next to the Komtar complex, this hotel offers the reliable quality of the Shangri-La group at a mid-range price point. It features contemporary rooms, a nice outdoor pool, and excellent connectivity to public transport and the city’s main shopping hub.

  • Pros: Excellent service and staff professionalism, direct connection to a major shopping area, large and comfortable beds.
  • Cons: Pool is indoor/covered, some guests mention minor noise from the connected mall.

• The Wembley - St Giles Hotel, Penang, Malaysia A modern, high-rise hotel offering spectacular panoramic views of George Town and the sea. Its strategic location is near the Komtar bus terminal and numerous food stalls. The rooms are contemporary and well-equipped, appealing to those who favor a slick, city hotel experience.

  • Pros: Stunning views from high floors and the rooftop pool, very central and convenient location, new and modern facilities.
  • Cons: Can be very busy, high-rise lobby atmosphere can feel impersonal compared to heritage hotels.

• Royale Chulan Penang, Penang, Malaysia Offering a unique blend of heritage and modern luxury, this hotel incorporates a beautifully restored colonial building into its design. It’s situated near the waterfront and Weld Quay, a short walk from the clan jetties and core street art zone. The rooms are well-sized, and the setting provides a quiet contrast to the busy streets.

  • Pros: Beautiful heritage architecture, spacious and well-appointed rooms, good proximity to the clan jetties and Esplanade.
  • Cons: Pool is on the smaller side, some parts of the hotel may feel a little worn.

• Armenian Street Heritage Hotel, Penang, Malaysia For those who absolutely want to be in the heart of the UNESCO area, this hotel is a prime spot. It’s steps away from famous street art and hawker spots. The rooms are simple but clean, comfortable, and often more spacious than other heritage-area options.

  • Pros: Unbeatable location for street art and heritage exploration, friendly staff, great value for the location.
  • Cons: Can be a bit noisy due to its central location, amenities are more basic than full-service hotels.

Modern Suites & Up-Scale City Stays

• M Summit 1912 Executive Suites, Penang, Malaysia This option leans towards serviced apartment style, offering extremely spacious executive suites that are perfect for families or longer stays. It’s located near Komtar, providing excellent convenience and a modern, high-comfort environment. The suites are highly praised for their size and value.

  • Pros: Very large, apartment-style rooms (suites), strong value for space, great city views.
  • Cons: Lacks the full-service hotel feel and amenities (e.g., small lobby, fewer dining options).

• Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O), Penang, Malaysia While technically a 5-star, the E&O is included because it is an iconic historical landmark and, at times, rooms can be found at the very top of the mid-range budget, offering unmatched colonial luxury and historical value. It boasts an unbeatable sea-front location on the edge of George Town, offering old-world charm, expansive rooms, and impeccable service.

  • Pros: Iconic heritage experience, massive rooms and suites, exceptional service, stunning sea-facing pools and views.
  • Cons: Higher price point, caters to a more formal, classic traveler.

Gurney Drive: Shopping & Dining Hub

Gurney Drive is the modern, upscale area between George Town’s heritage zone and the northern beaches. It’s famous for two massive shopping malls and its own seaside hawker center.

• G Hotel Kelawai, Penang, Malaysia A five-star experience that often dips into the upper mid-range price bracket, offering a chic, contemporary stay near the Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon malls. It is known for its designer interiors, infinity pool, and excellent attention to detail. A more peaceful, upmarket alternative to the frantic pace of the central George Town area.

  • Pros: Stylish, modern design, excellent rooftop pool with views, fantastic staff service, complimentary mini-bar.
  • Cons: Slightly further from the UNESCO heritage zone (requires a short drive), can be pricey during high season.

• The Gurney Resort Hotel & Residences, Penang, Malaysia Offering large suite-style rooms, this property is great for families or groups who need more space. Located right on Gurney Drive, it provides easy access to the malls and the hawker center, with most rooms featuring sea views.

  • Pros: Large, apartment-style units with separate living areas, strong value for space, great sea-view rooms.
  • Cons: Decor is somewhat dated, resort facilities are older than G Hotel Kelawai.

Batu Ferringhi & North Coast: Beach Resorts

These resorts are perfect for a relaxing getaway, focusing on pools, beaches, and a more leisurely holiday pace.

• PARKROYAL Penang Resort, Penang, Malaysia A family-friendly favorite in Batu Ferringhi, this resort has excellent facilities, including a large pool with waterslides and a well-regarded kids’ club. It offers direct beach access and is within walking distance of the night market and local eateries.

  • Pros: Direct beach access, excellent facilities for families (pools, slides, kids’ club), reliable chain quality.
  • Cons: Can get very crowded during school holidays, a long distance from George Town’s heritage sites.

• Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Penang, Malaysia A vibrant, music-themed resort known for having one of the largest free-form pools on the island, complete with sand. This is the spot for travelers who like a lively, upbeat atmosphere. It’s highly popular with families and couples seeking a resort experience.

  • Pros: Huge, fun pool area, unique theme and vibe, excellent service, great kids’ facilities.
  • Cons: Loud music can be a drawback for those seeking quiet, further from George Town.

• Holiday Inn Resort Penang, Penang, Malaysia This reliable resort is split into two wings connected by a pedestrian overpass. It offers good value for a beachfront property in Batu Ferringhi, with a prime location right in the middle of the night market action. Rooms are comfortable and practical for a relaxed beach stay.

  • Pros: Excellent beach location, in the center of the night market, good value, reliable global brand standards.
  • Cons: Rooms are standard resort fare, pedestrian bridge connection between wings can be inconvenient.

• DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Penang, Penang, Malaysia A newer addition to the north coast, located a little before the main Batu Ferringhi strip, near the fishing village of Miami Beach. This hotel is known for its modern rooms and a beautiful pool area, including a kids’ water park. It’s a great option for those who want a quieter beach experience but still need resort amenities.

  • Pros: Modern rooms and facilities, good family-friendly pool, Hilton reliability and service.
  • Cons: Beach access is across a road, slightly further out from the Batu Ferringhi main strip.

• Mercure Penang Beach, Penang, Malaysia Located in Tanjung Bungah, a peaceful area between Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi, this hotel offers a quieter seaside alternative. It’s known for its excellent ocean views and attentive service, providing a comfortable, modern stay right by the water.

  • Pros: Beautiful beach and sea views, calm location away from crowds, good service and staff, excellent breakfast with a view.
  • Cons: Not in the main Batu Ferringhi resort area, requires transport to reach the night market or George Town.