The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection

That sea view from the high-floor Strait Suite was a real highlight, with Penang Mainland across the water. The room had all the useful little things, including a steam iron and loofah, and extra water and towels arrived just minutes after I called. The air conditioning still felt warm even set to 16 degrees, though it was scorching outside. A technician came up at 11:30pm to check it, which I appreciated. Breakfast is a smaller, semi-buffet setup than I’m used to, but the à la carte dishes were excellent. I even had a custom char kuey teow made, and it didn’t disappoint. The gym and pool have what you need for a daily workout, with towels, drinking water and refreshments on that floor. As expected in a hotel, there’s no bench press or deadlift equipment. Getting there was easy, with accessible parking and a guard who opened the car park door each time I arrived. Check-in was smooth, and the English-style furnishings were lovely. The front desk team were all kind, and Faris and the breakfast staff looked after me well. I’ve stayed at many Marriott hotels since I was a kid, and The Millen has become my go-to on Penang Island. It costs a little more than usual, but I felt the service was worth it. Leaving was the hardest part. I’d love to stay longer, and I’ll be back to work through the rest of the breakfast menu when I drive to Penang again.

The Good Society Cafe has a calm feel, with lovely decor and smooth jazz in the background. I met friends there and tried the chocolate bread pudding alongside a flat white, which was delicious. They work with the local brand Constant Gardener, which has its own shop on Lebuh Light (Light Street) in Penang. I like the single-origin beans and the care they put into making the coffee. My tip: skip the extra sugar, since it takes away from the coffee’s taste. We haven’t stayed at the hotel, so I can’t rate the rooms. I’d like to try a night there sometime.

The room was beautifully prepared, comfortable and elegant, and the team handled our requests with warmth and efficiency. They also remembered our previous stay, a small gesture that showed real care for our history as guests. I’ve stayed at many properties as a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium member, and The Millen Penang stands out. Service from arrival felt smooth and professional, with a sincere, thoughtful take on the Marriott standard. Thanks to the whole team for a memorable visit. We look forward to coming back.

The team at the Millen made our first trip to Malaysia memorable. After we’d left Penang, we realized we’d forgotten some precious belongings at the hotel. The staff arranged to have them delivered straight to the hotel room at our next stop. The whole thing was seamless, and we didn’t need to make calls or do anything ourselves. My wife and I chose this hotel for our first stay in Penang, and it set a very high bar. The design is stunning, the room was gorgeous and surprisingly spacious for a city, and the amenities were top tier. Breakfast was among the best we’ve had, especially the nasi lemak. We nearly extended our stay instead of exploring the rest of Malaysia. We’ll be back to Penang, and we know we’ll stay here again at the next opportunity.