Cititel Penang

We booked a deluxe room, but it felt a bit cramped. When we asked whether another room was available, the manager gladly arranged a much better one. The service and cleanliness are top-notch, and the breakfast buffet has a wide choice of food with spacious, comfortable seating. A well-deserved four-star hotel.

I'd booked a room here, then changed my plans and chose their sister hotel St. Giles Wembley instead. It was better located and looked more tastefully furnished, though it cost me more. I canceled the Cititel booking almost 10 days ago, but still hadn't received the refund when I wrote this. A call to reservations today got me the answer that cancellations "usually" take two weeks to refund. That isn't acceptable. Their hotel group requires payment upfront when you book, but apparently can take two weeks to return it. If guests have to pay first, the company should meet its own policy in return. I also don't see how calling yourself a "100% cashless hotel" justifies requiring upfront payment. Why can't I book online and pay by credit card at check-in? This feels like what's wrong with businesses today, money first and talk later, with nonexistent consumer rights in this country. If money comes first for them, I'll vote with mine and take my business elsewhere. I'll never book any of their hotels again. I canceled St. Giles too and chose another hotel.

The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, and I appreciated the pillow choices, useful desk chair, and attentive housekeeping during my seven nights in a Deluxe Double Room at Cititel Hotel Penang. The refill stations on every floor are a welcome sustainability touch, too. I did find the business-friendly setup a bit more functional than convincing. Better writing supplies, a more clearly arranged workspace, and quieter shared areas would help. Some decor looks dated, and doors and air conditioning carried noise through the hotel. It’s a dependable stay with the basics in place, and a few thoughtful updates could make it feel much more suited to business travelers. The central location was another plus.

My heart is full. I was telling Zubaidi about my birthday trip to Pangkor in a casual chat, and didn’t expect anything in return. Then the team sent a lovely cake up to my room at Cititel Hotel Penang. That surprise really touched me. Thank you, Zubaidi, and everyone there for making my birthday feel so special. I’m still grateful for your warmth and kindness. 💖🎂💛