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.
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Penang (Georgetown)
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.
Penang (George Town)
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.
Penang (Georgetown)
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.
Penang
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.
Penang (George Town)
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.
Penang (George Town)
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.
Penang (Georgetown)
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.
Penang (George Town)
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.
Penang (George Town)
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.
Penang (Georgetown)
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.
Penang (Georgetown)
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.
Penang (Batu)
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.
Penang
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.
Penang (George Town)
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.
