Straits Garden Luxury Suite

The location made getting around easy. There’s a bus stop across the road, and with a one-week tourist pass I could ride to Penang’s attractions. Georgetown was about 20 minutes away. A Friday night market was a five-minute walk, with restaurants, groceries and local pharmacies nearby, including a Watson about ten minutes away. There’s also a 7-Eleven downstairs. The building staff were kind, and I never had any trouble with them. Win checked in with me each day and offered to change towels if I needed. She was really sweet, and her recommendations helped me have a great time. She was one of the best Airbnb hosts I’ve met, and I travel full-time for work and fun. I spent eight days here during a two-month trip around Southeast Asia, and they were the best part of the trip. I’d booked through Airbnb with Seaview homestay suites. Win was in touch from the start, sent plenty of helpful information, and explained check-in and check-out. I’d just come from the Philippines after a string of dirty Airbnb stays, including one with hair, food and cockroaches, so I was nervous when I arrived in Penang after a long day of flying. Opening the apartment door that evening nearly made me cry. It was beautiful and spotless. My apartment had a hot and cold water cooler, a washer-dryer, and all sorts of basics, from dish soap and a sponge to shampoo and body soap. Win even left me a bowl of my favourite candy. The building had a lovely air-conditioned gym and a cold pool. The pool temperature isn’t controlled and it’s very cold, but in the Malaysian heat I found it refreshing, and I could swim laps without shivering. It never got overcrowded. I’d happily stay here again, and I’ve included a photo of the listing I booked in case anyone wants to see it.