Penuin Hotel

Penuin is surrounded by KTVs and massage and reflexology places, so it isn't somewhere I'd choose for a quiet night. Cigarette smell was noticeable throughout, even across the aisle, and I wouldn't consider it suitable for a family with children. The room is very basic but has enough facilities. It could be cleaner: I spotted a baby cockroach on the table. One power socket is for the TV; the other is high up on the wall opposite the toilet, with no table or chair nearby.

The location is the hotel's one good point. The KTV on the second floor runs until 4 or 5 in the morning, so it's noisy into the small hours, and there were cockroaches everywhere. The manager said everything was fine, but after I paid and checked in, there was no hot water, the WiFi kept cutting out, and TV channels were missing.

There’s a large shopping centre across the road, with fashion, accessory, and phone stalls around the hotel. A wet and dry market is downstairs, along with breakfast stalls where many local Batam people come to eat. The rooms are cozy, and the hotel is convenient, with friendly staff.

The staff are nice, and it’s easy to get around by Grab. There are lots of places to eat nearby.