Tropicana 218 X Airlevate Suites

We stayed in the unit called The Zen Den. Its location was convenient, and access-card entry at every entrance made the security feel okay. But the condition didn’t match the photos. The bedsheets and towels had stains, and the kitchen looked poorly maintained and was stained too. The pot was greasy, and the toilet walls looked dirty, as if they hadn’t been washed in a while. We booked 4D3N but there weren’t enough toilet rolls, so we had to buy a packet and had too much left over. There was only one garbage bag. Supplying more wouldn’t cost much and would make it easier for guests to help keep the apartment clean. On day 3, we found a dead cockroach in one of the bedrooms, even though we hadn’t eaten any food inside.

We rented the homestay for three nights while attending a conference at Wembley Hotel. The house was clean, spacious enough for 4-5 people, and had the necessary amenities. Parking was at L8, reached from L1 by driving up a 360 degree spiral driveway to our assigned spot. It made me want to throw up. The location was another issue for us. We couldn’t find Malay or mamak restaurants within walking distance. There may be a few that only locals know about, but as outsiders we had trouble finding somewhere for dinner or breakfast.

The room and lift were clean and fast, with no exceptions noted. Plenty is within walking distance: the food court is five minutes away, and the famous cendol and pasar chow rasta are a 15-minute walk, though that walk isn’t suitable for older people. Take the 101/102 bus to the art mural, which costs around RM1.40 to get there.

It was safe, clean, comfortable and convenient. The accommodation is close to the big hospitals, and the famous food streets and night markets in Penang are within walking distance.