G Hotel Gurney

The event space on Level 2 was easy to reach, and the foyer stayed spacious even with a crowd. I was at G Hotel Gurney for an exhibition, and the hotel was easy to find right on Gurney Drive. The setup felt modern and professional. The ballroom and meeting rooms are well maintained, with good lighting and sound systems for professional events. G Spot and Cafe 168 are nearby for a drink or a bite during a break. For 2026, keep in mind that hotel parking is fully cashless, so have your Touch 'n Go ready. A central, premium venue in Penang for events.

Rooms 412 and 418 were large, clean and modern, with the basic amenities, complimentary coffee and tea, and drinking water. The mini bar was free too, including canned drinks and titbits. Room 412 looked over the pool, while 418 faced the sea. The sea view wasn't lovely, though, because development on the huge reclaimed land got in the way. We got to G Hotel at 1.30pm. The entrance steps weren't very user friendly for elderly guests, and there was no directory sign to say that check-in was on the 3rd floor. They offered welcome ice cream cups at the front desk. Our rooms weren't ready, and we were asked to come back in an hour for the keys, so we had lunch at Café 168 while waiting. The bathroom entrance kerb needs attention because someone could trip over it. The shower has no door, and I'd have preferred a handheld shower head instead of only an overhead one. Breakfast at 168 had lots of local and western choices. Everything was good apart from the Hokkien noodle soup, which was too salty, and the staff were attentive and helpful. We also went to a ballroom dinner on L2. The acoustics were noisy and distorted most of the speeches, which was unbearable. Service was good, but one waitress poured black vinegar sauce into the braised seafood soup without asking. Diners should be able to decide that for themselves. There are lots of eateries and bistros on the ground floor, plus shopping malls nearby. Overall, a pleasant stay.

Front desk service could be warmer. The ground-floor staff just pointed us to Level 3 for check-in, and only one person there was friendly. The café staff, by contrast, were helpful and welcoming. The room was spacious, and the hotel was clean with a pleasant smell along the walkway. There was no bathtub, just a large fixed rain shower, but toiletries were complete and fresh towels were provided. Each day they replenished the two chocolates, canned drinks, coffee and tea, and two bottles of water in the cute mini bar. Our sea view was very soothing. The infinity pool was clean, roomy and peaceful for relaxing. Gurney Drive food and the mall are within walking distance, so the location is excellent. A good stay, though the front desk hospitality needs work.

The buffet was themed around oysters and lobster, but the lobsters weren't fresh and tasted awful grilled. Better to leave lobster off the menu if fresh ones aren't available.