Summer Tree Hotel Penang

I've stayed here more than five times. The rooms are an okay size and have basic amenities, and the service has been superb. I have a dust allergy, so I ask housekeeping or reception to make sure the room is properly clean. They do that for me, and I'm very thankful. The location is superb, with food stalls and a pharmacy nearby and easy access everywhere. There's also a 24-hour laundry service, 20 RM for wash and dry. You can hear noise from outside your room, though, which could be a problem if you're a light sleeper.

We were satisfied with the rest of our stay, and it was great to have an ironing board on each floor. Some boards had sticky rubber from other guests' clothes on them, though, so they need to be maintained for the next person. The laundry machines also need a good clean and better upkeep. Maintenance matters.

The staff were great and very helpful. Summer Tree is good value, and there's an outdoor mall and food court just down the street. Plenty of restaurants are nearby too, along with a bar area for going out at night.

We only stayed one night, fortunately. Our room, 601, was the first one you reach after getting out of the lift. It was quite big, but the floor sloped so much that a bottle rolled down it. We were worried about safety and didn't dare move around much in that part of the room. When we raised it at reception, they said they knew about the slope and that it was normal. We asked to switch rooms, even to a smaller one, but were told the hotel was full and a refund wasn't possible. It was also noisy: we could hear a baby crying and the lift dinging every time it came up, since we were right next to it. I'm not staying here again.