Hotel Malaysia

The room works well for one or two people, with enough floor space to pray. Parking was plentiful and free during the off-season, including the open area beside the hotel, though you need a T&G card. The central location also makes it easy to walk to city attractions, and buses are convenient for getting around town or elsewhere on the island.

The view from the hotel was stunning, and we found the room clean, comfortable, and spacious enough for two. The facilities were well kept, and the whole place felt cozy. Its location near many popular attractions in George Town made it easy to explore on foot without driving around. Check-in was the one disappointing moment. The front desk woman spoke so quietly and slowly that it was hard to communicate, and she looked annoyed, as though checking in was a bother. Maybe she was new or just having a bad day, I can't say. The manager, I assume, was warm and approachable, though, and made a real effort to help us feel at ease. That went a long way toward making us feel welcome. I'd still recommend staying here. The hotel was comfortable and well located, and a better check-in experience would make it an even stronger choice in George Town.

After staying here on our Penang visits since 2007, my family and I had our worst experience yet on 23-24/09/2025. I'm writing this at the airport, still wet from the rain, and I'm seriously reconsidering whether I'll ever book here again. It was pouring, with very strong winds, after checkout. Our taxi was waiting and we were hurrying to the airport with lots of luggage. The automatic door was closest to the taxi, but the security guard wouldn't let us use it because he didn't want rain coming inside. I understand the concern, but we were guests trying to catch a flight in a storm. Nobody offered help or any flexibility. Instead, we had to go farther to a small side door, exposed to the weather, and got soaked. No one from security or reception helped us. They were mopping and watching us struggle, and didn't offer even an umbrella or a word of concern. It felt like keeping the floor dry mattered more than helping guests in trouble. The female receptionist was also rude and looked annoyed the whole time. I saw her speak rudely to a new staff member in front of us, which was awkward and unprofessional. I hadn't planned to mention that, but it added to the disappointment. I'm not blaming the weather. The lack of assistance and empathy from the staff was unacceptable. What a warm farewell after all these years.

Housekeeping is terrible. The room wasn't clean, and the inventory list hadn't been updated. There's no proof of what items were in the room, yet guests can be charged for something supposedly missing. I also heard the older housekeeper bad-mouthing customers of different races in Chinese. I'm really unhappy with the management this time.