Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is Penang’s premier luxury resort. Opened in 1973, the 5-star hotel is one of the first properties under Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. Inspired by the paradise depicted in James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon”, Rasa Sayang provides a level of splendour that is the epitome of Asian hospitality.

Rasa Sayang is situated at the renowned Batu Ferringhi Beach, stretching for nearly half a kilometer from end to end. The beachfront resort is divided into two wings: Garden Wing and Rasa Wing. Garden Wing is where the majority of guests are checked-in. Arriving guests are welcomed with refreshing nutmeg juice and cold towels.

The Garden Wing Lobby is decorated with numerous pieces of local art. There is also a permanent display of gamelan. The 5-piece ensemble of musical instruments consists of bonang, saron, pekin, gendang and gong. For guests who wish to experience its melody, there is a live recital by the resort staff at 6:00pm every Friday.

Rasa Sayang has an inventory of over 300 guestrooms and suites, which are divided into several categories to meet the needs of each guest. For instance, the Deluxe Seaview Room comfortably accommodates two guests with a king-size bed and an extra daybed.

Under the hand-woven “tudung saji” is a piece of local snack such as “shat kek ma“. In effort to reduce plastic waste, Rasa Sayang provides drinking water in sealed glass bottles. In fact, the resort has an on-site water-bottling facility for this purpose.

The ensuite bathroom has a shower stall and a bathtub. Hair dryer, bathrobes, bathroom slippers, beach slippers, clothes iron and electronic safe are provided for guests’ convenience. Meanwhile, the sink drawers are stocked with Shangri-La’s designer toiletries.

The balcony is the perfect spot to enjoy the rejuvenating breeze from the sea. To conserve electricity, the room’s air conditioning unit is automatically suspended whenever the balcony doors are open. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all guestrooms including the balcony area.

Next to the Garden Wing is the resort’s main swimming pool, which comprises of several sections of varying depths. There is also a wading pool for children. The swimming pool is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. There are lifeguards on duty during these hours.

One defining characteristic of Rasa Sayang’s grounds is the abundance of rain trees. Towering above the swimming pool, the trees’ wide canopy provides good shade from the hot tropical sun. These magnificent trees were believed to be planted during the founding of Penang over 200 years ago!

Rasa Sayang’s Health Club operates from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. After an intense workout regimen, take advantage of the jacuzzi, sauna or steam bath facilities next to the changing rooms.

Spice Market Café serves as Rasa Sayang’s all-day dining restaurant. The coffeehouse’s à la carte menu covers local delights and international dishes. The air-conditioned eatery has a casual ambience for family dining. Al fresco dining is also possible.

Spice Market Café serves buffet dinner every evening. The buffet spread here is divided into several stations where each focuses on one regional cuisine. Regularly featured cuisines are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Western and Japanese.

Spice Market Café is also where most in-house guests have breakfast in the morning. Buffet breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:30pm. It is advisable to arrive before 8:00am if you wish to beat the crowd. The busiest section of the buffet line is usually the à la minute egg station.

The bread section presents freshly baked croissants, muffins, Danishes, doughnuts and bread rolls. Artisan bread and bread slices are available too. Bread spreads include strawberry, raspberry and apricot jams.

Meanwhile, the Indian section serves roti canai, roti jala, uttapam and lamb murtabak. These flatbreads are typically eaten with curries like dal tadka or bagara baingan.

As for drinks, guests can help themselves to freshly squeezed fruit juices. My favorite concoction to start the day is a mixture of pineapple and grapefruit juices. As for caffeine, get your morning fix by ordering coffee or tea from the waiting staff.

The beachside Pinang Restaurant & Bar is where swimmers and beachgoers quench their thirst with refreshing beverages, alcoholic and otherwise. Set under a 50-year ketapang tree, the eatery is the perfect spot to watch the idyllic sunset.

Located at Rasa Wing, Feringgi Grill is Rasa Sayang’s award-winning grillhouse. Feringgi Grill complements European cuisine with a wide range of vintage wines from the cellar. The restaurant’s red brick walls replicate the rustic character of the original Feringgi Grill that once stood near the beach.

Feringgi Bar is where alcoholic beverages are served. Patrons are entertained by a pianist who performs every evening. Feringgi Bar also offers a fine selection of cigars. There is a designated cigar room for smoking.

While Feringgi Bar caters to the refined clientele, FIP Lounge sports a stylish atmosphere that strikes a chord with the younger crowd. The menu includes “fun” items like tic-tac-toe macarons and 3D latte. Customers can entertain themselves with pool billiards, 3D trick art and selfie corners. A 2-piece live band performs from 9:00pm to 12:00am every Friday and Saturday.

What used to be a mahjong pavilion has been converted into Rasa Deli. Rasa Deli vends pastries and sandwiches for take-away, which is perfect for people who need to grab a quick bite. Rasa Deli operates from 11:00am to 6:30pm daily. You may want to take advantage of 30% discount on selected items after 5:30pm.

Rasa Sayang covers 30 acres of lush gardens, dwarfing other resorts in Batu Ferringhi by a huge margin. An intricate network of walkways affords picturesque views of the beautifully landscaped grounds.

Should you prefer to laze around, the rattan hammock is the perfect spot to do so. The resort is also dotted with countless reclining sunloungers under shady palm trees.

If you need reading materials to pass the time, there is a small library next to the towel hut. In addition, have fun playing draughts on a supersized checkerboard!

Concealed under a large rain tree is a “Na Tuk Kong” shrine. Na Tuk Kong is an embodiment of local spirits that live in trees. Offerings like flowers and fruits are usually placed at the altar during sunrise and sunset.

As a beachfront resort, Rasa Sayang affords easy access to the scenic Batu Ferringhi Beach. Beyond the shore lies the crystal clear waters of the Strait of Malacca.

Batu Ferringhi Beach is flat and sandy, although the sand here is not quite as fine as that at Rasa Ria. Keep in mind that Batu Ferringhi Beach is a public beach; the waters ports operators are beyond the resort’s supervision. Use discretion before engaging in any risky activities.

While Garden Wing hosts the lion’s share of guests, Rasa Wing caters to the more affluent clientele. The main entrance of Rasa Wing has a distinctive curved roof similar to those of traditional Minangkabau houses.

Rasa Wing guests are treated to the highest standard of luxury and service. The guestrooms here are equipped with additional amenities like capsule coffee machines. The drinks (including beer) in the minibar are complimentary.

Rasa Deluxe Suite has twice the floor space of a standard guestroom. The suite is partitioned into the living room and the bedroom. The living room itself has a powder room and a large executive desk stocked with stationery.

The main bathroom at Rasa Deluxe Suite is spacious indeed. It is fitted with marble countertop with dual sinks, rain shower, a dressing table as well as an oversized wardrobe with yukata and bathrobes.

Beyond the sliding doors is a large balcony that spans the entire length of the suite. There are patio chairs and cushioned sunloungers here.

Towards the far end of the balcony lies a private soaking tub. For privacy reasons, blinds can lowered at the push of a button.

Rasa Wing guests enjoy exclusive access to Rasa Wing Lounge, where complimentary drinks and snacks are provided throughout most of the day. Smart casual dress code is expected.

Guests who prefer al fresco dining can be seated at the Rasa Wing Terrace. The surrounding is adorned with colorful flower hedges and a couple of pavilions. A flight of stairs leads to a circular lawn under a large rain tree, which makes an ideal venue for garden weddings.

Furthermore, guests of Rasa Wing enjoy exclusive access to the Rasa Wing Pool. This swimming pool is usually less crowded than the one at Garden Wing. Meanwhile, the towel counter serves complimentary drinks between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

At 3:00pm every day, Rasa Wing guests are invited for afternoon tea at Rasa Wing Lounge. The 3-tier stand contains sandwiches, brownies, cakes and scones for two. Besides the usual coffee and tea, you may want to try some teh tarik too!

Rasa Wing guests are further treated to pre-dinner evening cocktail from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Also held at Rasa Wing Lounge, the buffet line has a modest number of finger foods and snacks. Guests may order alcoholic beverages from the waiting staff.

Guests of Rasa Wing have the privilege of having breakfast at Feringgi Grill. Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 10:30am daily.

Although the breakfast spread here is smaller than the one served in Spice Market Café, Feringgi Grill provides more exquisite dishes that are not afforded to Garden Wing guests. Of course, Rasa Wing guests always have the option of having breakfast at Spice Market Café.

As an added perk, Feringgi Grill has a special breakfast menu from which guests can order à la minute dishes. We ordered a serving of buttermilk pancakes, and grilled chicken ham with onion gravy.

Feringgi Grill’s breakfast menu has vegetarian and gluten-free choices too. Shown here is a dish of steamed soft tofu with mushrooms, basil and light soy sauce.

Sip a cup of freshly brewed coffee or English tea as you watch the morning sunlight creeping through the window! It is also a good idea to go for an early swim in Rasa Wing Pool before the sun becomes too hot.

It is no surprise that Rasa Sayang is a renowned spa destination. Chi, The Spa is tucked at a secluded area near Rasa Wing Pool. The spa facility has 11 private villas, 3 of which are designed for couples. Chi, The Spa operates from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Prior reservation is recommended.

As for recreational activities, head to the 9-hole Pitch & Putt Golf Course between 7:00am and 7:00pm. The price for in-house guests is RM25.00 per round, which includes usage of golf equipment. Beginner golf lessons can be arranged upon request.

The floodlit tennis courts are located on the far side of the golf course. This facility is shared with Rasa Sayang’s sister property, Golden Sands Resort. The courts are open from 8:00am to 7:00pm.

Adventure Zone is a family entertainment center for kids. The large indoor playground is designed to keep children entertained with fun games and daily activities throughout the day.

Sanctuary is a joint turtle conservation program undertaken by both resorts. Guest are welcome to visit the Eco Centre, which provides awareness on turtle conservation efforts through interactive displays. At the Turtle Hatchery Zone, turtle eggs that are laid in Pantai Kerachut are transported here to be incubated in safety.

Spice & Herb Garden has a collection of tropical plants that form the backbone of local cuisines. Featured plants are ginger, cinnamon, lemongrass, pandan, kaffir lime and bird’s eye chili. While the garden’s yield is insufficient to meet the needs of the resort, this initiative is certainly a move in the right direction.

Hut With Heart Photo Gallery outlines Rasa Sayang’s corporate social responsibility programs. These programs cover key areas like employee welfare, health & safety, responsible supply chain, betterment of local community and environmental protection.

The large swaths of open space near the hut make a good venue for corporate retreats and team-building events.

Meanwhile, event organizers who prefer to move indoors have the option of using the outdoor marquee next to the beach. The tent can accommodate around 400 people in total. For larger events, the Pelangi Ballroom can fit up to 700 people in a theater seating.

Future guests of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa are encouraged to reserve rooms through the resort’s official website. Guests who book directly are guaranteed the best rates; if a third-party website offers a cheaper price, Rasa Sayang will honor the lower rate plus an additional 10% discount!

Guests who book through the official website are also entitled Golden Circle points, which can be redeemed for free rooms and meals at any Shangri-La property worldwide. Golden Circle membership is free of charge.

Name: Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-888-8888
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.shangri-la.com/en/penang/rasasayangresort
Coordinates: 5.47920 N, 100.25474 E
Directions: From Tanjung Bungah, travel west towards Batu Ferringhi. Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is approximately 4.2 kilometers from Tanjung Bungah’s floating mosque, located on the right.

Special thanks to De Palma Resort Kuala Selangor for extending this hotel review invitation.

De Palma Resort Kuala Selangor is one of 3 properties under De Palma Hotels. Nestled near the river mouth of Sungai Selangor, the 3-star hotel is within a short drive from the historical Bukit Malawati.

As an ecotourism destination, De Palma Resort promotes “back to nature” experience with lush greenery within its grounds. Arriving guests are greeted by a curtain of flowing water as they enter the lobby.

The property is dotted with wooden chalets that bring out the charm of the countryside. There are several room types: Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Dara Suite and Villa Anjung Seri. Some guestrooms are connected in pairs in order to accommodate families.

Our Superior Chalet is equipped with air conditioning, television, minibar and coffee-making utensils. Wi-Fi is available but the signal is occasionally weak.

Our unit has an attached bathroom with heated water. Basic toiletries like shampoo and soap are provided.

Right at the center of the resort is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by shady palm trees. Sunloungers next to the pool allow guests to bask in the warm tropical sun.

Next to the main swimming pool is a shallower pool for kids. The wading pool has water slides, water cannons and shower fountains. There are no lifeguards on duty, so keep an eye on your children at all times.

De Palma Resort has plenty of open spaces and several obstacle courses, making the resort an ideal destination for team-building events.

Rumbia Coffee House serves as the resort’s coffeehouse. Open from 7:00am to 11:00pm daily, the halal-certified restaurant can accommodate up to 150 diners at a time.

The à la carte menu here covers a variety of local and Western dishes. Signature dishes are Ayam Malawati, Ketam Masak Lemak, Tomyam Kelapa Pandan and more.

Rumbia Coffee House is also where guests have breakfast in the morning. Depending on the number of guests, breakfast is served in buffet style or as individual portions.

De Palma Resort has several conference halls for corporate events and wedding functions. The largest hall is the Malawati Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 350 people in a banquet setting.

The resort also has smaller function rooms for seminars and boardroom meetings. Each room is equipped with an image projector.

De Palma Resort provides surau facilities for the convenience of Muslim guests. The hotel employs a full-time imam to lead daily and Friday prayers.

De Palma Resort is conveniently within a 5-minute drive from the charming town of Kuala Selangor. Guests who wish to explore the vicinity can rent bicycles from the front desk.

Future guests may book rooms through the resort’s website to take advantage of the latest deals. Meanwhile, De Palma Hotels also operates business hotels in Shah Alam and Ampang.

Name: De Palma Resort Kuala Selangor
Address: Jalan Tanjung Keramat, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Contact: 03-3289-7070
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: http://www.depalmahotel.com/eco-resort
Coordinates: 3.34991 N, 101.24062 E
Directions: From the town center of Kuala Selangor, drive north-westwards towards Kampong Tanjong Keramat. When the road splits, keep right and drive for another 300 meters. De Palma Resort is located on the right. There are parking spaces within its compound.

Iconic Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Icon City. Opened in 2016, it is one of the newest hotels in Penang. The hotel is operated by the Iconic Group, which is also responsible for developing the entire Icon City. Iconic Hotel primary serves as a business hotel. It benefits from being the only major hotel at this part of Seberang Perai.

The hotel lobby has a mezzanine and several fancy chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Each guest is welcomed with fruit punch and cold towel upon check in. Check-in and check-out times are 2:00pm and 12:00pm respectively.

Iconic Hotel has 195 guestrooms in 4 room categories: Superior, Deluxe, Premier and Studio. The categories mainly differ in terms of room size. Each room is crafted in one of three themes: Modern, Urban and Contemporary. These differences are largely aesthetics.

Each guestroom has a king-size bed and is meant for up to 2 guests. Room amenities include flat-panel television, open wardrobe, electronic safe, clothes iron, minibar, capsule coffee machine and coffee-making utensils.

The bathroom has a rain shower with heated water. Basic toiletries, bathrobes, hair dryer and bathroom scale are provided. Reflecting modern room designs, the bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a glass panel.

Mezza9 is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The eatery is located at Level 2, which is also the mezzanine floor. Mezza9 serves local and Western dishes throughout the day. The restaurant also offers set meals for lunch.

Mezza9 serves Fisherman’s Hook Seafood Buffet on Friday and Saturday evenings. Customers can enjoy a variety of marine delicacies including seafood on ice, steamed fish, sashimi and teppanyaki.

A room stay at Iconic Hotel usually includes breakfast for two. Buffet breakfast is served at Mezza9 between 6:00am and 10:30am every morning. An omelette is a good way to start the day off on the right foot.

Familiar breakfast items each morning include roasted potatoes, hash browns, sausages, baked beans, waffles and breakfast cereals.

As for something local, there are char koay teow, nasi lemak, rice porridge and dim sum just to name a few.

The Japanese section has cold soba, tamagoyaki (omelette), tsukemono (pickled vegetables), edamame and miso soup.

The needs of vegetarians are catered for too. For instance, the salad bar provides a variety of fresh produce and salad dressings.

As for dairy products, yogurt comes in several flavors. Full cream and low fat milk are also available. As for guests who do not take lactose, non-dairy soy milk is prepared too.

White bread and wholemeal bread are served in slices. Bread spreads include peanut butter, maple syrup and kaya (coconut jam). A conveyor toaster is available should you want your bread browned.

Pastry section has freshly baked croissants, muffins and Danish pastries in assorted flavors. In addition, artisan breads like baguette, country bread and bread rolls are prepared too.

Lastly, fresh fruits are apples, pineapples, watermelon and pitaya (dragon fruit). Fruit juices are also provided.

Guests can also opt to have breakfast in their own rooms. It is advisable to place your order one day in advance. Throughout the day, guests can also order food and beverages through the hotel’s 24-hour room service.

Crumbles & Cream is a café next to the hotel lobby. The eatery primary serves pastries, desserts, coffee and tea in a casual setting. Live music is performed here on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Level 8 is where most hotel amenities are located. Iconic Hotel’s outdoor swimming pool has a nice view of Icon City. The pool is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm daily. There are no lifeguards on duty, so children should be supervised at all times.

The fitness center is equipped with treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Changing rooms and towels are conveniently nearby. The gym is open 24 hours a day.

Each changing room at Level 8 has a sauna. Like the gym, the sauna is available for use any time.

For the convenience of business travelers, the business center is also open around the clock. In addition, Iconic Hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi in each guestroom and all common areas.

Iconic Hotel’s meeting facilities are mostly on Level 7. The 5 function rooms here can be merged as the Iconic Ballroom to accommodate up to 40 banquet tables. Several meeting and banquet packages are available. Iconic Hotel has sufficient parking spaces for any event.

Iconic Hotel’s close proximity to Bukit Minyak Industrial Park and Perai Industrial Estate makes it an obvious choice of accommodation for business travelers and expatriates. The hotel is conveniently connected to Penang Island by two bridges. Last but not least, there is no shortage of entertainment and nightlife spots in Icon City.

Future guests of Iconic Hotel can book rooms through the hotel’s website. Iconic Hotel’s Best Price Guarantee stipulates that if guests find another website that offers the same room for a cheaper rate, the hotel will not only match the price, but also give an extra 5% discount!

Name: Iconic Hotel
Address: 71, Jalan Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-505-9988
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.iconichotel.com.my
Coordinates: 5.34222 N, 100.43294 E
Directions: From the North-South Expressway, take the Bukit Mertajam exit and head east. Turn left just before Petron gas station, then turn right to the front entrance of the 15-floor Iconic Hotel. The hotel provides multistorey parking.

Lexis Suites Penang is a 5-star hotel in Teluk Kumbar. The property dominates the skyline of this charming fishing village. Lexis Suites is managed by Lexis Hotel Group, which also operates Lexis, Grand Lexis and Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson.

Lexis Suites Penang has a grand lobby with luxurious marble finish on every surface. Colorful chandeliers hang from the ceiling, illuminating the spacious hall with shimmering glitter.

The hotel’s check-in and check-out times are 3:00pm and 11:00am respectively. While waiting to be checked in, guests can relax on cozy couches at the lobby. The waiting area has a food counter from which guests can order quick bites like cakes, muffins and sandwiches.

Lexis Suites has 222 apartment suites in total. There are 2 suite types: Executive Pool Suite has the countryside view, while Premium Pool Suite affords unobstructed sea view. Furnished with two king-size beds, each room is designed to accommodate up to 4 guests. However, the standard room rate only covers breakfast and consumables for 2 people.

Lexis Suites is the one and only hotel in Penang to feature a private pool in each guestroom! Located at the balcony, the dipping pool is paired with a steam room for two. No other hotel in Penang comes close to this level of luxury.

Since the enormous suite is meant for 4 people, the bathroom is befittingly large too. There are separate sections for the wardrobe, sink, toilet and bathing area.

The bathroom is fitted with a personal bathtub and a rain shower. Bath towels, bathrobes, clothes iron, hair dryer and basic toiletries are provided.

As for entertainment, the 50-inch flat-panel television has multiple movie channels around the clock. Other room amenities include electronic safe, coffee-making utensils and minibar. Wi-Fi is accessible in each guestroom and all common areas.

Level 8 is where Lexis Suites’ recreational and entertainment facilities are located. Guests who love to sing can rent a room in the Starz Karaoke. Karaoke rooms are charged by the hour. Starz Karaoke offers attractive room packages that include food and drinks.

The Games Room provides more forms of entertainment. Take this opportunity to show off your superior skills at the pool table, console games and claw crane game machines!

As a children-friendly resort, Lexis Suites allows guests to enjoy some quality family time during their stay. Games like Jenga, checkers, chess, carrom, congkak and table tennis are provided free of charge.

If the dipping pool in the guestroom is not satisfying enough, take a dip in the larger swimming pool here. Changing rooms and pool towels are conveniently nearby. The changing rooms provide steambath too.

O₂ Gym is the name of the fitness center. The gym is fully equipped with treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. O₂ Gym is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily.

Children below the age of 10 can keep themselves occupied at the Kidz World. This amenity allows parents to get some time on their own. Admission to the Kidz World is complimentary for in-house guests.

Lexis Suites’ in-house spa center, Lex Spa, provides wellness therapies such as traditional massages, body scrubs, facials and more.

The Lex Spa has several private massage rooms with attached bathrooms. There is also a larger room for couples. Since there is a limited number of rooms, prior appointment is recommended.

Guests are also pampered with Lex Spa’s foot reflexology and manicure services. There are several comprehensive packages that span more than 2 hours. Lex Spa operates from 12:00pm to 8:00pm daily.

As for food outlets, Roselle Coffee House is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The à la carte menu covers a wide range of local delights and international fare. Roselle’s kitchen has halal certification.

Roselle Coffee House is also where in-house guests have breakfast every morning. Breakfast is served between 6:30am and 11:00am.

Nasi goreng tomyam, Singapore bee hoon and chicken curry are obviously crowd favorites. In addition, nasi lemak and rice porridge are quite popular too.

The creamy chicken pie is topped with a nice layer of puff pastry. I cannot recommended this dish highly enough.

Breakfast cereals come with full cream and low fat milk. Other healthy choices include mixed fruit yogurt and bircher muesli.

As for vegetables, steamed broccoli is dressed with creamy hollandaise sauce. Other popular breakfast items are hash browns, baked beans, sausages, scrambled eggs, toasted bread, baozi (包子) and more.

The dietary needs of vegetarians are catered for. Meatless dishes at the vegetarian corner are fried bee hoon, boiled gai lan, samosas and curry puffs.

The salad bar allows guests to assemble their own salads using ingredients like arugula, red chicory, frisée, black olives and kidney beans. There are several salad dressings to choose from. Cold cuts and gourmet cheeses are available too.

Since Lexis Suites hosts many Middle Eastern guests, the buffet spread includes an Arabian corner. Today’s Arab dishes are kabsa (كبسة‎), ful medames (فول مدمس‎), hummus (حُمُّص‎), pita bread (خبز البيتا), halva (حلوى‎), feta cheese and Arab salad.

As for Japanese food, several types of maki (rolled) sushi (寿司) are prepared. Wasabi (山葵), soy sauce (醤油) and pickles (漬物) are provided too.

Moving to the pastry section, guests can help themselves to cakes, muffins, cookies, scones, egg tarts, doughnuts, croissants and Danish pastries.

Roselle Coffee House also serves Ocean Delight’s Seafood Fiesta Buffet every Saturday evening. The buffet menu covers a variety of seafood dishes across different cuisines.

Lexis Suites has another eatery called Umi Japanese Restaurant (海). Located at the Ground Floor, the award-winning restaurant serves a wide range of Japanese dishes with special emphasis on fresh seafood.

Umi Japanese Restaurant also serves Sunday Buffet Lunch, which is well received among walk-in customers. The buffet covers many popular Japanese dishes such as sushi, teppanyaki, nabemono, tempura and more. The restaurant does not serve pork.

The hotel’s premier drinking establishment, Sky Lite Bar, is located at Level 25. The lounge has an outdoor section for patrons to enjoy the mesmerizing view from high above. Although the Sky Lite Bar is open to the public, children below the age of 18 are not allowed to enter after 8:00pm.

Fusion Brasserie Dining can be arranged at the Sky Lite Bar. The 4-course candlelight dinner is served in a semi-fine dining setting. A 2-piece band contributes to the romantic ambience with soothing live music.

The Sky Terrace on Level 24 affords panoramic views of the surrounding area. In the evening, this spacious plaza makes an ideal venue for private parties. An illuminated water fountain enhances the alluring vibe after sunset.

As a beachfront hotel, Lexis Suites Penang provides easy access to the sea. There are several sunloungers on the lawn for guests to relax while enjoying the rejuvenating breeze. Upon request, the recreation staff is happy organize beach activities like volleyball, soccer and sepak takraw in the evening. Outdoor weddings can be held here too.

Speaking of weddings, Lexis Suites has 4 ballrooms which can be merged as the Hibiscus Grand Ballroom. When combined, the Hibiscus Grand Ballroom can accommodate 420 people in a banquet setting.

As for business travelers, the Business Centre provides a quiet place for them to catch up on office work. Printing services are provided.

Meanwhile, the Lobby Shop serves as the convenience store for the hotel. The store may be closed from time to time, but the front desk is able to assist if you need to buy something urgently. As for cooked food, the kitchen provides 24-hour room service.

Despite being situated in a backwater village, Lexis Suites Penang enjoys convenient access to the Penang International Airport and Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to Queensbay Mall and Prangin Mall. Would-be guests should book through the hotel’s website to take advantage of the best room rates.

Name: Lexis Suites Penang
Address: 28, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-628-2888
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.lexissuitespenang.com
Coordinates: 5.28701 N, 100.23264 E
Directions: From Bayan Lepas, drive along Jalan Teluk Kumbar towards the intersection with Jalan Gertak Sanggul. Lexis Suites Penang is the tall building on the left just before the intersection. There are parking spaces inside the hotel.

Special thanks to Copthorne Cameron Highlands for extending this hotel review invitation.

Copthorne Cameron Highlands is a 4-star resort in Cameron Highlands. The building is perched on a hill that overlooks a farming village called Kea Farm. The property is managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts, which also operates Copthorne Orchid in Penang.

Arriving guests are welcomed by a grand lobby with old-fashioned chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Above the reception counters are 13 flags, each representing a state in the Federation of Malaysia.

Copthorne Cameron Highlands has 269 guestrooms and 80 apartment units. There are 3 types of guestrooms to suit the needs of each guest: Superior Room, Deluxe Room and Executive Suite. Our room, the Executive Suite, has a separate living room and bedroom. The suite is very spacious and comfortable for two persons.

The ensuite bathroom has a bathtub and a rain shower. Basic toiletries such as toothpaste and shampoo are provided. Other room amenities include television, Wi-Fi connectivity, electronic safe, clothes iron, hair dryer and minibar.

Occupying one of the upper floors, our suite commands panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. To the northwest of the hotel is Gunung Brinchang. At 2,032 meters above sea level, Gunung Brinchang is the second tallest mountain in Cameron Highlands.

Copthorne Cameron Highlands has an indoor swimming pool at Level 5. The pool is heated for the comfort of guests. A lightwell allows sunlight to stream in. The swimming pool is open from 10:00am to 5:30pm daily.

Guests who wish to stay active can work out in the fitness center on Level 2. There are several pieces of exercise equipment including treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. The gym is accessible between 8:00am and 8:00pm.

Next to the fitness center is Teratak Spa. Teratak Spa provides comprehensive massage therapies including bertangas (traditional Malay steambath). Appointments are recommended as the number of rooms is quite limited.

Coffee Shop is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Located at Lobby Level, the halal-certified eatery is open from 6:30am to 10:30pm daily.

The Coffee Shop serves local delights and international dishes throughout the day. The comfortable atmosphere here is perfect for family dining.

A room stay usually includes breakfast for two at the Coffee Shop. Buffet breakfast is served between 6:30am and 10:30am.

The breakfast menu includes à la minute items like thosai, pancakes and waffles. There is also an egg station where omelettes are prepared.

Other popular breakfast dishes include fried noodle, nasi lemak, rice porridge, chicken sausages, baked beans and hash browns. Of course, no visit to Cameron Highlands would be complete without tasting fresh vegetables.

Health-conscious guests can help themselves to breakfast cereals, oatmeal and fresh fruits. Meanwhile, the salad bar provides fresh produce like iceberg lettuce, red chicory and tomatoes.

Copthorne Cameron Highlands takes pride in preparing all pastries from scratch. This includes freshly baked farmer’s bread, bread rolls, Danish rolls and muffins.

I recommend al fresco breakfast as the cool morning breeze in Cameron Highlands is rejuvenating indeed. Bring a jacket in case it gets too chilly.

Proceeding to Level 2, Millennium Garden is Copthorne Cameron Highlands’ Chinese restaurant. The restaurant is only open in the evening. Customers are greeted by a wooden cart, Chinese lanterns and a fancy phoenix emblem at the entrance.

Millennium Garden can fit up to 20 large dining tables. Larger banquets can be held in the Cameron Ballroom, which accommodates as many as 55 tables. The hotel does not serve pork.

Millennium Garden specializes in Cantonese, Teochew and Sichuan cuisines. The restaurant also offers steamboat in a semi-buffet setting; customers can help themselves to noodles, fresh vegetables, Chinese herbs and dipping sauces at the food counter.

Head to the Cricket Lounge between 4:00pm and midnight for a round of drinks. This drinking establishment serves as a place for guests to relax and watch the latest sports on television.

Cricket Lounge serves light snacks and alcoholic beverages like cocktails, liquors, wines and beers. The signature cocktails here are Rainbow and Long Beach Iced Tea.

Next to Cricket Lounge is 18° Celsius Cafe. The café has a rustic ambience reminiscent of a ski lodge. Operating from 10:00am to 10:00pm, 18° Celsius Cafe serves drinks and snacks in a casual setting.

18° Celsius Cafe offers more than 10 choices of cakes and pies every day. Meanwhile, the coffee here is brewed from Fairtrade-certified PURO beans.

Taking advantage of the cool air outside, Copthorne Cameron Highlands has a small picnic area just outside 18° Celsius Cafe. The outdoor space also serves as an excellent venue for garden parties.

Standing 5-meters tall, an oversized thermometer at the hotel’s entrance indicates the current ambient temperature. According to the Malaysia Book of Records, this is the tallest thermometer replica in the country.

The weather at Cameron Highlands can change drastically. Occasionally when the temperature dips too low, the hotel lights up the fireplace to keep guests warm and cozy.

Copthorne Cameron Highlands’ Honeymoon Package is specially tailored for newlyweds. The romantic vacation includes a 2-night stay in the Executive Suite, welcome tea with scones, flower bouquet and strawberry platter upon check-in, Candlelight Set Dinner, a guided countryside tour and a mystery gift!

Copthorne Cameron Highlands is strategically situated near many tourist attractions. Points of interest within walking distance from the hotel are Kea Farm Market, Rose Centre, Raaju’s Hill, EQ Strawberry Farm, Butterfly Farm, Butterfly Garden, O&R Garden, Cameron Highlands Bee Farm and more.

Guests who wish to explore further can take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to Brinchang and Tanah Rata every morning. As for private tours around Cameron Highlands, simply approach the travel desk at the lobby.

Copthorne Cameron Highlands provides exceptional hospitality at a level unheard of in Cameron Highlands. The resort’s proximity to local attractions also makes it an ideal choice of accommodation. Holidaymakers can book directly through the hotel’s official website to enjoy the best rates.

Name: Copthorne Cameron Highlands
Address: Batu 43, Kea Farm, 39100 Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Contact: 05-496-1777
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 4.50504 N, 101.40874 E
Directions: Copthorne Cameron Highlands is located at Kea Farm, a small farming village halfway between Brinchang and Tringkap. In-house guests may park in the hotel’s basement levels.

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang is a seafront property at Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney). Rated 5 stars, the business hotel is managed under Evergreen International Hotels, which also owns more properties throughout Asia Pacific and in France. In turn, the hotel chain operates under the umbrella of Evergreen Group, a Taiwanese conglomerate with businesses in logistics, aviation and hospitality sectors.

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang is one of the longest operating hotels at Gurney Drive. The luxury hotel has a grand lobby with a mezzanine. Polished marble floor glitters under the glare of chandeliers that hang from the ceiling.

Evergreen Laurel Hotel has a total of 368 guestrooms. The rooms are divided into several categories: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Suite, Deluxe Executive Suite and Evergreen Laurel Suite. The last two categories are usually reserved for special occasions only. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are separated by floors.

I am staying in the Superior Room for this 2-day review. Superior Room and Deluxe Room are of the same size (32 square meters each). The key difference is the view: city view and sea view respectively. Each room has a king-size bed or twin beds.

The ensuite bathroom has a bathtub and a shower. Electric hair dryer and basic toiletries are provided. As for entertainment, there is a flat-panel television with premium channels. Other room amenities include Wi-Fi, electronic safe, clothes iron and water boiler. Drinks in the minibar are replenished daily.

Executive Suite and Deluxe Executive Suite are suitable for business travelers who prefer a separate living room. As guests of these rooms often receive visitors, the living area has a pantry and a powder room.

Evergreen Laurel Suite covers 4 times the floor space of a Superior Room. There is only one unit in the entire hotel. The Evergreen Laurel Suite is rarely open to the public; it is meant for dignitaries and special guests only.

Evergreen Health Club is located at Level 2. The club operates from 6:00am to 10:30pm daily. Besides serving in-house guests, the Health Club also offers monthly and annual memberships. Fun fact: Evergreen Laurel Hotel is the only hotel in George Town to have tennis courts.

The Health Club has an outdoor swimming pool on the same floor. Around its perimeter are sunloungers for guests who enjoy sunbathing. In addition, a wading pool allows small children to enjoy a splash.

As for guests who prefer to keep their feet dry, the gym is equipped with treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Several pieces are placed outdoors so that guests can enjoy fresh air while exercising.

After working out, pamper yourself with a nice jacuzzi bath. Hot and cold baths are available. Evergreen Health Club also provides sauna and steambath facilities. These amenities are separated by gender. Meanwhile, spa massages can be arranged be arranged by appointment.

Last but not least, in-house guests and club members can take advantage of complimentary babysitting services at the Laurel Kids Club. There are interactive toys and a ball pit to keep the young ones entertained. Laurel Kids Club operates from 7:00am to 10:00pm.

Café Laurel is Evergreen Laurel Hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The eatery operates from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. The à la carte food menu covers a range of local and international dishes.

In addition, Café Laurel serves buffet high tea and dinner on certain days of the week. Upon request, the restaurant can also serve private buffet for a minimum of 25 people.

Hotel rooms usually include buffet breakfast for two. Breakfast is served at Café Laurel from 6:00am to 10:30am. There are several à la minute stations such as the egg station. I ordered an omelette as usual.

Other popular breakfast items include pancakes, French toast, sausages, baked beans, cold cuts, cheese and salad. Local dishes are fried rice, fried noodle, nasi lemak, dim sum and roti canai.

Rice porridge is popular among Chinese guests. The congee comes with condiments like braised peanuts, pickled mustard and fish with douchi.

Several types of breakfast cereal are provided every morning. Guests have the choice of having fresh milk or low-fat milk.

As for sliced bread, white and wholemeal bread are available. A conveyor toaster is handy for guests who prefer their bread to be browned. Bread spreads are butter, jam, honey and maple syrup just to name a few.

Other items at the pastry section include Danish pastries, muffins, croissants and bread rolls. I particularly like the buttery taste of croissants.

Good news for guests who need a shot of caffeine to start the day! Café Laurel has state-of-the-art coffee machines that dispense espresso-based drinks with the push of a button. For non-coffee drinkers, tea and fruit juice are provided too.

Guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their own rooms can take advantage of the hotel’s 24-hour room service. To facilitate guests to buy local pastries during their stay, Evergreen Laurel Hotel has collaborated with Ban Heang to have fresh cookies delivered to the hotel. Simply scan the QR code to get started.

The Lobby Lounge affords a relaxing spot for customers to wind down and enjoy a round of drinks. The nightclub opens from 4:00pm to 12:00am daily. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, liquor and cocktails are served.

Patrons can enjoy live music at the Lobby Lounge from 8:00pm to midnight. A 2-piece band lightens the atmosphere with lively disco music. Smoking is permitted in the Lobby Lounge.

Evergreen Laurel Hotel has several ballrooms and function rooms to host events of any size. The Laurel Ballroom can accommodate 550 people in a banquet setting. The hotel offers several wedding packages to tailor the needs of each guest.

The function rooms at the Lobby Level are ideal for seminars up to 40 people. The Business Centre nearby provides printing services.

Strategically located at Gurney Drive, Evergreen Laurel Hotel enjoys easy access to most parts of the city. The hotel has a travel desk to assist guests who need to make travel arrangements. And if you wish to experience the idyllic seafront along Gurney Drive, bicycles can be rented right in front of the hotel. Gurney Plaza is just a 10-minute ride away. The first 30 minutes is free anyway.

Compared to hotels nearby, Evergreen Laurel Hotel has the advantage of having the most comprehensive amenities including tennis courts and jacuzzi. Hotel rooms can be booked via the hotel’s website. It is usually cheaper to book directly through the hotel than from third-party websites.

Name: Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang
Address: 53, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-222-9988
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.evergreenlaurelhotelpenang.com
Coordinates: 5.43110 N, 100.31791 E
Directions: Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang is located at the eastern end of Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney). Evergreen Laurel Hotel has multi-storey parking, which is accessible from Gurney Drive and Kelawai Road (Jalan Kelawai).

Cititel Penang is a business hotel at Penang Road (Jalan Penang). The 4-star property is strategically located near major tourist attractions like KOMTAR and Fort Cornwallis. Cititel Penang is the sister property of The Wembley and Cititel Express, both of which are situated less than a kilometer away.

Cititel Penang has been operating for more than 2 decades. Like many hotels of its era, Cititel Penang has a massive lobby. A chandelier hangs from the high ceiling, illuminating the marble floor with golden light. While waiting to be checked in, guests can help themselves to complimentary drinks. Snacks can also be purchased from Citi Deli at the lobby.

Cititel Penang has 451 guestrooms in total. There are 4 room categories: Standard Room, Superior Room, Deluxe Room and Executive Suite. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are separated by floors. For business travelers, the Executive Suite is the premier choice of accommodation as it provides twice the living space of a Standard Room.

My room, the Deluxe Room, has a king-size bed and an ensuite bathroom. It is equipped with a 32-inch flat panel television with satellite channels. Other room amenities include air conditioning, ceiling fan, electronic safe, electric hair dryer, clothes iron and minibar. Perched on one of the highest floors, my room affords scenic views of the surrounding area.

Cititel Penang has an indoor swimming pool at Level 3. A lightwell right above the pool allows sunlight to pass through. The swimming pool is integrated with jacuzzi bubble bath. Pool towels and changing rooms are conveniently nearby.

Next to the pool is a modest sized fitness center. There are several pieces of exercise equipment here. Drinking water is provided for the convenience of gym-goers. Like the swimming pool, the gym is open from 6:00am to 9:00pm daily.

As for guests who prefer an easier way to perspire, the hotel has sauna and steambath facilities too. Not many hotels afford such amenities.

Switching gears to events, Cititel Penang has six function rooms at Level 3, four of which can be combined as Perdana Ballroom. The Perdana Ballroom can accommodate 500 people in a banquet-style setting.

A large foyer outside Perdana Ballroom facilitates guest registration, coffee breaks and cocktail receptions. There is a banquet kitchen that provides halal catering. Cititel Penang has several wedding dinner packages to tailor the needs of every guest.

Speaking of food, Main Street Cafe is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Open around the clock, the halal-certified restaurant serves a host of local delights and Western dishes. Besides à la carte dishes, Main Street Cafe also serves buffet lunch and dinner on certain days of the week. Meanwhile, in-house guests can take advantage of the 24-hour in-room dining service.

Next to the drinks counter are several Internet kiosks for guests to browse the web. Printing services are available too. As for guests who have mobile devices, the hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms and all common areas.

Hotel rooms usually include breakfast for two at the Main Street Cafe. Buffet breakfast is served between 6:30am and 10:30am. To avoid the crowd, it is advisable to arrive before 8:00am.

Familiar breakfast items are chicken sausages, grilled tomatoes, turkey slices, baked beans, hash browns and fried noodles just to name a few.

Nasi lemak is considered the national dish of Malaysia. Popular dishes that go with nasi lemak are chicken rendang, sambal tumis (chili paste), anchovies, peanuts, cucumber and hard-boiled eggs.

As for Chinese dishes, dim sum and baozi are kept warm in steamer baskets. Meanwhile, rice porridge comes with many condiments.

Roti canai is served at the action counter. The Indian-influenced flatbread goes well with chicken curry and vegetable dhal.

Char koay teow and white curry mee represent Penang’s renowned hawker scene. Guests can also request for omelettes and other egg dishes from the egg station.

Since Cititel Penang welcomes a substantial number guests from Japan, it is sensible to serve Japanese dishes for breakfast too. For instance, miso soup, tempura, chawanmushi, cold soba and assorted sushi are prepared today.

As for vegetarian guests, the breakfast menu includes a couple of vegetarian dishes. Shown here are roasted sweet potatoes and fried vegetarian udon.

Pastry section has several types of croissants and Danishes pastries. Sliced bread, bread loaves and bread rolls are available too. Bread spreads include fruit marmalade, maple syrup, peanut butter and kaya (coconut jam). A conveyor toaster is provided.

Fresh fruits are papaya, honeydew, banana and watermelon. To delight one’s palate, there are also cold cuts, a cheese platter and a salad bar. Health-conscious guests will be glad to see muesli, oatmeal, breakfast cereals and yogurt too.

Lastly for drinks, chilled fruit juices like orange, guava and apple are served in dispensers. For guests who need a boost of caffeine, espresso-based coffee is available with the push of a button.

Speaking of drinks, Citi Lounge at the Mezzanine Level is open from 2:00pm to 12:00am daily. The pub has a relaxing atmosphere for guests who wish to wind down after a long day.

Zhonghua Gourmet (中华海鲜鱼翅) and Kirishima Japanese Restaurant (霧島) are tenant restaurants in Cititel Penang. Zhonghua Gourmet is renowned for its dim sum, Cantonese cuisine and seafood. Both restaurants have been operating for nearly as long as the hotel itself. The shopping alley at the Lobby Level has tailor, florist, gift and convenience stores too.

For guests who wish to explore George Town on public transportation, take advantage of the free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus service that ply the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearest bus stop is within a stone’s throw from the hotel. As for private tours, kindly approach the travel desk at the hotel entrance.

Despite being designed as a business hotel, Cititel Penang is a great choice of accommodation for holidaymakers who appreciate its close proximity to numerous cultural attractions. Would-be guests are encouraged to book through the hotel’s website to take advantage of the best room rates.

Name: Cititel Penang
Address: 66, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-291-1188
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.cititelpenang.com
Coordinates: 5.42117 N, 100.33299 E
Directions: Cititel Penang is a 16-floor building at Penang Road (Jalan Penang). To park, drive past the lobby and up the ramp to Level 2. Parking is charged at RM6.00 per entry, but will be refunded upon check-out.

Opened in 2011, Ixora Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Perai. The hotel’s strategic location near the Perai Industrial Estate makes it a popular choice of accommodation among expatriates and business travelers.

The lobby is where guests are checked in. Alternatively, guests who have booked their rooms in advance can proceed to the self-service kiosk. Check-in and check-out times are 2:00pm and 12:00pm respectively. While exploring Ixora Hotel, be sure to look out for the elusive mascot cat called Hitam San!

Ixora Hotel has several room categories to accommodate guests with different needs. My room, the Executive King Room, covers 53 square meters and is one of the largest guestrooms in the hotel. Room amenities are flat-panel television, high-speed Internet access, clothes iron, electronic safe and more.

The ensuite bathroom contains a bathtub and a rain shower; the former is increasingly rare in hotels nowadays. Meanwhile, the toilet has a built-in bidet. Ixora Hotel provides complimentary toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo and body lotion.

In each guestroom, there is a handy Smartphone that gives the latest updates on hotel events and local attractions. Guests are encouraged to take the phone along while exploring Penang. To stay connected to the Internet, the handy Smartphone has 3G/4G and Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests can also make local and international calls through the smartphone.

As for refreshments, instant coffee and tea bags are provided. The drinks and snacks are replenished daily in the Executive King Room. I also have the privilege of enjoying coffee capsules from Arissto. As for souvenirs, Ban Heang cookies can be purchased from a kiosk at the hotel lobby.

The open space at Level 2 affords nice views of the surrounding area. A foot reflexology path cuts through the artificial turf. Cozy cabanas allow guests to enjoy the cooling breeze especially in the evening.

Next to the landscaped lawn is an infinity pool for adults. Clean towels are available. Meanwhile, guests who prefer to keep their feet dry can sunbathe on sunloungers next to the pool.

In effort to provide family-friendly hospitality, Ixora Hotel allows young ones to enjoy a splash at the plunge pool with a water slide. There are no lifeguards on duty, so parents should supervise their children at all times.

Also located on Level 2, the spacious fitness center has exercise equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Water dispensers and changing rooms are conveniently nearby.

The Straits Cafe & Lounge is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The restaurant is open from 6:00am to 11:00pm. Outside the restaurant’s operating hours, guests can still order food from the 24-hour in-room dining menu.

Keeping the needs of children in mind, the restaurant has constructed a small playground at a corner. This complimentary indoor playground allows parents to dine in peace while their children are entertained.

Adjacent to the dining area is a bar where drinks (including alcoholic ones) are prepared. Live music is performed every Friday and Saturday between 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Next to the stage are cozy lounge chairs where patrons can relax throughout the evening. Happy Hour runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily.

Breakfast is served at The Straits Cafe & Lounge from 6:00am to 10:00am every morning. White bread and wholemeal bread are available in slices. A conveyor toaster is provided for the convenience of guests. Meanwhile, bread spreads include butter, strawberry jam and kaya (coconut jam).

Other pastries include croissants, muffins, Danishes, baguettes and country loaves. I am particularly impressed by the flaky texture of croissants.

At the egg station, popular choices are soft-boil eggs, scrambled eggs and omelettes. Other essential breakfast dishes are chicken sausages, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, French toast, pancakes, breakfast cereals and more.

Moving to the nasi lemak counter, coconut-infused rice is served with ayam kurma (braised chicken) and sambal tumis (chili paste). Other ingredients include hard-boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, sliced cucumbers and fried anchovies.

As for Chinese dishes, dim sum and baozi are served in steamer baskets. Baozi fillings are red bean paste, pandan paste and kaya. Rice porridge is also prepared every morning. There are a variety of ingredients to go with congee.

Guests in Executive King Room and above enjoy special access to the Library Lounge on Level 2. This exclusive lounge allows guests to relax and pass the time reading books and magazines. There is also a computer terminal should guests prefer to browse the web.

Privileged guests also enjoy evening cocktail at the Library Lounge, which is served between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. My favorite dish is cheesy French fries. Other popular choices are Waldorf salad, cheese sandwiches and fried rice.

As for pastries, there are petits fours like vanilla sesame sponge cake with peanut butter frosting. Meanwhile, ear biscuits and finger biscuits are provided in airtight jars.

To stimulate your appetite, ask for a complimentary glass of Australian wine. Shiraz Viognier and Chardonnay Pinot Grigio are poured upon request. On the other hand, non-alcoholic choices are coffee, tea and juices.

Ixora Hotel’s pillarless Grand Ballroom has a 300-inch giant LED screen and can accommodate up to 800 people in a banquet setting. For smaller events, the hotel provides smaller venues such as Baba & Nyonya Hall. As for weddings, Ixora Hotel offers attractive packages starting from RM988.00 net per table.

Ixora Hotel’s shopping arcade is occupied by tenants like Rosemary De Chi Family Wellness Centre. The massage parlor operates from 12:00pm to 12:00am. Prior appointment is highly recommended.

Be sure to visit the semi-permanent art gallery at the shopping arcade. If you are interested to purchase any of these paintings, simply approach the front desk staff for assistance.

Ixora Hotel is conveniently near large shopping malls like Megamal Pinang and Sunway Carnival Mall. Tourist attractions like Penang Bird Park are also within a short drive. Future visitors can easily make room reservations through Ixora Hotel’s website.

Name: Ixora Hotel
Address: 3096, Jalan Baru, Bandar Perai Jaya, 13600 Perai, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-382-8888
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.ixorahotel.com
Coordinates: 5.37817 N, 100.39833 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (North-South Expressway), take the Prai exit and head west. After Megamal Pinang on the left, turn left and follow the road to Ixora Hotel’s basement parking.

The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel Penang is a 4-star hotel at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), George Town. Formerly known as St Giles Wembley, The Wembley is the sister property of Cititel Penang and Cititel Express. The latter shares the building with The Wembley.

Stepping into the lobby, The Wembley welcomes new arrivals by flaunting its majestic grandeur. Glossy marble covers the lobby’s walls and floor, while fancy chandeliers cast a golden light on the hall. While waiting to be checked in, hotel guests can help themselves to complimentary refreshments.

The Wembley has 415 guestrooms in total. There are several room types to tailor the needs of each guest. My room, the Executive Superior, has an ensuite bathroom. Room amenities include flat panel television, high-speed Internet connection, minibar (drinks are replenished daily for Executive Superior), electronic safe, clothes iron, electric hair dryer and a range of toiletries.

Other room types are Superior, Deluxe, Executive Deluxe and Suite. The Suite is ideal for business travelers as it provides a separate living area from the bedroom. Some rooms are large enough to have bathtubs and to allow extra beds.

As for recreation, The Wembley has a swimming pool at Level 11. Water flows over the far end to produce an optical illusion. Next to the infinity pool is a shallow wading pool. Since there are no lifeguards on duty, parents must keep their children supervised at all times.

Level 11 is also where the fitness center is located. Open from 6:00am to 11:00pm, the gym is equipped with treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Clean towels and drinking water are provided. Changing rooms are also conveniently nearby.

The hotel’s 24-hour restaurant, Wembley Cafe, is located at Level 2. The dining area features several ornate chandeliers. The à la carte menu covers local delights and international dishes. Wembley Cafe also serves buffet lunch and dinner on several days of the week.

Breakfast is served at Wembley Cafe from 6:30am to 10:30am. To cater for guests who require caffeine to start the day, the restaurant provides espresso-based coffee with the push of a button. In addition, local coffee and Ceylon tea are available too.

The egg station is where egg dishes like poached eggs, scrambled eggs and omelettes are prepared. The queue may be long during peak hours, so if you wish to avoid the crowd, it is advisable to have breakfast before 8:00am.

As for cold cuts, I am delighted to enjoy succulent slices of turkey ham. Other comfort foods include breakfast cereals, chicken sausages, baked beans, hash browns and French toast.

The noodle station serves a different noodle dish every day. For instance, Sarawak Laksa is the choice today.

Another popular breakfast dish is fish porridge. Guests can choose from a variety of ingredients such as salted eggs, pickled mustard and braised peanuts.

Dim sum is well received by most people. There are several types of siew mai and baozi in the steamer baskets.

Guests who prefer Western cuisine can go for spaghetti bolognese. Al dente pasta also is served with chicken and cherry tomatoes.

The dietary needs of vegetarians are taken into consideration too. For instance, there are vegetarian fried mee, wok-fried vegetables and grilled tomatoes with oregano.

The pastry section has sliced bread and bread spreads like peanut butter, fruit marmalade and maple syrup. A conveyor toaster is provided. Also fresh from the oven are croissants and Danishes of various flavors.

Like Wembley Cafe, the Lobby Lounge is directly managed by the hotel. Comfortable chairs and couches allow guests to relax and mingle with others. There is a small room on the side should guests need some privacy.

The Lobby Lounge serves cakes and a variety of drinks. As for alcoholic beverages, Long Island Tea is a popular cocktail concocted from gin, rum, vodka, tequila, triple sec and cola.

Perched on Level 30, the Executive Lounge is exclusively for guests in Executive Rooms and Suites. This private area allows privileged guests to relax and enjoy the scenery from high above. Open from 6:30am to 11:00pm, the Executive Lounge provides cookies, fruits and drinks throughout the day.

Privileged guests can opt to have breakfast at the Executive Lounge for a more secluded setting. The food choices here are somewhat limited, though. In addition, the Executive Lounge serves evening cocktail from 5:30pm to 7:30pm every day.

Lamb bergedel is prepared this evening. This Indonesian dish is made of minced lamb and potatoes. I enjoy the mouthwatering taste of these fried patties.

Other finger foods are tandoori chicken sandwiches, Vietnamese spring rolls and tuna loin croissants.

Sushi, salads and gourmet cheeses are also served this evening.

While watching the sunset from high above, it is gratifying to have a glass of wine in hand. Other complimentary beverages are beer, fruit juices, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks.

An escalator from Level 30 leads to the DSRT Sky Room. Also called D’ Shining Roof Top, the rooftop bar provides panoramic views of George Town. DSRT Sky Room is operated by a third party. Other tenants within The Wembley’s premises include Enoshima Japanese Restaurant, Cloud 9 KTV and HH Health Therapy.

The Wembley’s check-in time and check-out time are 2:00pm and 12:00pm respectively. The hotel benefits from close proximity to shopping malls like KOMTAR, 1st Avenue and Prangin Mall. All in all, The Wembley combines modern comfort while staying in touch with George Town’s heritage charm.

Would-be guests are encouraged to book through the hotel’s website in order to enjoy the best rates. Here is an inside scoop: Enter promotion code “BESTRATESTGILES” to get 25% discount right off the bat!

Long stay guests should also take advantage of the “Be Wembley” Recognition Programme. The loyalty program grants special perks to guests who stay for at least 10 nights!

Name: The Wembley
Address: 183, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-259-8000
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.stgileshotels.com/hotels/malaysia/penang/stgiles-wembley
Coordinates: 5.41318 N, 100.33009 E
Directions: The Wembley is located at Magazine Road (Jalan Magazine), just opposite of Hotel Jen and 1st Avenue Mall. Wembley Cafe is located at Level 2 of the hotel. There is a multilevel parking garage at the hotel. In-house guests can get their parking tickets validated for free.

Sunway Hotel Georgetown is a 4-star city hotel at New Lane (Lorong Baru). The property is literally a stone’s throw away from New Lane hawker center. Sunway Hotel Georgetown is one of two Penang properties under Sunway Hotels & Resorts; the other is Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya.

Entering through the main entrance, Sunway Hotel welcomes new arrivals with a spacious lobby with natural lighting and marble finish. Comfortable seats allow guests to rest their legs while waiting to be checked in. Complimentary drinks are provided.

Newspapers and travel brochures are available for guests’ reading pleasure. Meanwhile, children can keep themselves entertained with board games and coloring supplies. This is part of Sunway Hotel’s efforts to offer family-friendly hospitality.

Sunway Hotel Georgetown has 250 guestrooms in total. Room categories are Deluxe, Premier, Deluxe Super King, Family, Club Room and Suite. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all guestrooms. My room, the Club Room, is reasonably spacious for two people. Located at Level 15, the room has a nice view of the surrounding cityscape.

Standard room amenities include ensuite bathroom, flat-panel television, broadband access, electronic safe, clothes iron, coffee-making utensils and more. As for Club-level rooms and above, food and drinks at the coffee area are complimentary. Besides cookies and nuts, there are also canned drinks in the minibar.

The Suite provides the highest level of luxury within the hotel. There are only two such units in Sunway Hotel; both are located on the top floor of the building. With twice the standard floor space, each Suite has the bedroom and living area in separate rooms.

The Suite’s bathroom, already more spacious than those in other guestrooms, is fitted with a bathtub. In the living area, I am surprised to see a sophisticated capsule coffee machine!

Most common-area amenities, including the 24-hour fitness center, are located at Level 3. The gym has around a dozen pieces of exercise equipment including stationary bicycles, treadmills and weight machines. Changing rooms, water cooler and clean towels are placed conveniently nearby.

Guests can also take advantage of the swimming pool at Level 3. Surrounded by palm trees, the outdoor area also has a Jacuzzi hot tub. As for refreshments, swimmers can easily purchase beverages and ice cream from the poolside bar. Since there are no lifeguards on duty, it is vital to keep children supervised at all times.

The business center is where guests can surf the web and request printing services. As for seminars and events, Sunway Hotel Georgetown has several function rooms at the Lower Ground floor. Each function room is equipped with a cutting edge smart TV. Three function rooms can be combined into one that accommodates up to 300 people in theatre-style seating.

Sun Cafe is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Besides à la carte dishes, the restaurant also serves buffet from time to time. Sun Cafe operates from 6:30am to 11:00pm daily. Of course, in-house guests can always take advantage of the hotel’s 24-hour in-room dining.

Sun Cafe is also where most in-house guests have breakfast in the morning. Food is served from 6:30am to 10:30am. Guests can expect comfort foods like sliced bread, French toasts, croissants, baked beans, sausages and breakfast cereals.

As for local flavors, there are nasi lemak, rice porridge, dim sum and roti canai. Roti canai is best enjoyed with vegetable dalcha, which is stewed with potatoes, carrots and luffa.

The egg counter allows guests to order egg dishes like omelette and half boiled eggs. The queue may be longer during peak hours, so I recommend having breakfast before 7:00am if you wish to avoid the crowd.

The dietary needs of vegetarian guests are also taken into consideration in the breakfast menu. Meatless dishes include mixed vegetables, vegetarian meat, vegetarian noodle, bean curd and salad.

Club-level guests enjoy privileges that are not afforded to others. Most importantly, Club-level guests are given exclusive access to the Club Lounge on Level 14. This quiet place provides a relaxing venue to catch the latest movies or news on television. Cookies and fruit juices are available at all times.

Club-level guests can also opt to have breakfast at the Club Lounge. One is quite justified to expect better ambience and more personalized service. To maintain the prestige here, small children must be supervised at all times.

Given the premium status of Club-level rooms, guests are treated to better breakfast choices than the standard buffet spread. For instance, one can indulge in gourmet cheese and yogurt too.

Evening cocktail is served at the Club Lounge from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The fridge is stocked with fruit juice, soft drinks and beer. Should you need a shot of caffeine, espresso-based drinks are available at the push of a button.

Hors d’oeuvres like sandwiches and canapés are served during the evening cocktail. If you prefer something heavier, there are also carbs like fried bee hoon or fried koay teow.

Desserts include chocolate moist cake, carrot cake, apricot cake, meringue tartlets and coconut jelly. Fresh fruits are provided too.

Another perk that Club-level guests enjoy is special access to the boardroom. With a capacity of 10 people, the boardroom serves as the ideal venue for sensitive business meetings. There is a projector in the boardroom.

Several tenants operate within the hotel’s premises. For instance, Nagoya (名古屋) provides food reflexology and other massage services on appointment basis. And if you enjoyed the Ceylon tea in your room, you can purchase more from Basilur Tea’s counter next to Sun Cafe.

Sunway Hotel Georgetown is strategically located near the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests may request for complimentary rides to popular attractions like Fort Cornwallis and Gurney Drive. And if you are keen to explore George Town on foot, the hotel provides a useful street map that covers many points of interest.

To enjoy the best room rates, would-be guests are advised to book through Sunway Hotel’s website. Be sure to sign up for Sunway Pals membership if you have not already done so. This loyalty program rewards points and special perks in most Sunway properties.

Name: Sunway Hotel Georgetown
Address: 33, Lorong Baru, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-229-9988
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://georgetown.sunwayhotels.com
Coordinates: 5.41434 N, 100.32588 E
Directions: Sunway Hotel Georgetown is located at New Lane (Lorong Baru) in George Town. The hotel is accessible from either Macalister Road (Jalan Macalister) or Jalan Dato Keramat. Sunway Hotel provides complimentary parking for in-house guests.