Wednesday deals: Penang
Three good spots to rest your head in Penang
Hi all,
You know when you’re going somewhere you haven’t been before and you open the interwebs search for “hotels in …” and you get eleventy billion results? No? Please tell me your secrets!
So where are we off to for the fourth edition? How about my favourite place in Malaysia to stuff face—Penang? For each, I’ve looked up some prices on our partner Agoda, and listed them along with—as always—the direct contact details for each place. That way you can compare and figure out what works for you. Just a disclaimer here, Agoda is a Travelfish partner, so if you book a room through them a commission may be payable to us.
Cheers
Stuart
Three cool spots to stay in Penang this November
For charm-seekers: Noordin Mews
Penang’s Georgetown, particularly its centre, is crammed with quality hotels—so much so it is a challenge to have a shortlist that is, well, short. Yet, when I went to draw up this shortest of short-lists, my mind went straight to Noordin Mews.
It’s that little bit farther-flung from the centre than most and while it has a heritage angle—it was once a trishaw garage and servant quarters—the property instead draws its inspirations from 1950s Asian cinema and fashion. Writes Sally Arnold for Travelfish:
“Built by the team behind the Galle Fort Hotel in Sri Lanka, you can expect a little luxury. Mews rooms are of a very generous size with cool terrazzo floors and lime-washed walls. Decor is tropical deco meets Chinese retro Pop: you’ll find curved-armed lounge chairs, round-mirrored teak dressing tables complete with glam 50s film-star-type framed photos along with a glass shadowbox collection of retro Chinese cosmetics with a pair of cats-eye grasses thrown in for good measure as well as other 50s cultural treasures—museum-like, but restrained.”
There is also—important point here—a swimming pool, which is quite the rarity at this price-point in Georgetown. It isn’t by any means Olympic-sized, but it is wet and cool, both welcome aspects after a day in the heat wandering Georgetown.
On Agoda there’s a standard room for 15-17 November 2023 for 564 Ringgit per night all in, making this definitely at the splurge end of at least my travel budget, but sometimes a splurge is well worth it. Want to compare these to their direct rates? You can contact Noordin Mews via the details below.
Noordin Mews: 53 Noordin Street, Penang. T: 4263 7125. https://www.noordinmews.com/
A swanky splash out: Campbell House
You’re either going to love—or not love—the award-winning Campbell House. Me? I’m in the former category—I just wish I could afford to stay here a bit more often. Rooms are sumptuous and—refreshingly for Georgetown—of a decent size. The theme is what I’d describe as “Classic China in Southeast Asia lux,” and if an oversupply of Chinese-themed trimmings is not your cup of tea, then the more modernist Noordin Mews might be a better option. If however, this sounds right up your alley, then Campbell House belongs on your shortlist. As Sally Arnold writes for Travelfish:
“If you’re looking for a swanky splash-out in Penang, Campbell House exudes elegance and refinement and makes a fine pick.”
The hotel’s location is excellent, the staff ever helpful, and the rooms, well, as I’ve already said, they’re not half bad. Campbell House has been around for quite a few years, and its ongoing popularity is testament to how much they’re continuing to get right. If you’re looking for a stay here in high season, you will need to book well in advance. On Agoda I did find a double room on 23-24 November 2023 for 469 Ringgit all in, which is, for the standard, good value.
Campbell House: 106 Lebuh Campbell, Penang. T: 4261 8290. https://campbellhousepenang.com/.
Budget beds: The Frame Guesthouse
Georgetown has a tonne of guesthouses and hostels—really a tonne, perhaps two—and while you’d think all the competition would keep standards up, in practice, the budget end of the travelling stick in Penang can be very hit and miss. That said, The Frame Guesthouse, set in the heart of Georgetown, continues to present excellent value—as long as you don’t mind a bit of bare concrete—you did see the picture above right? Writes Sally Arnold for Travelfish:
“It could be easily mistaken as the frame shop it was previously, with a collection of picture frames and signboards leaning against the spartan reception area, but this heritage shophouse turned guesthouse is worth checking out. The renovation to the triple-storey building has preserved the existing concrete floors, and walls and other surfaces have been given minimal treatment to retain the authentic patina of history with the resulting industrial-style finish, a smart and contemporary, if somewhat austere look.”
More importantly perhaps—at least for solo travellers:
“What really gives The Frame Guesthouse the edge, is the terrific light-filled common areas, conducive for meeting other travellers.”
On Agoda I found a dorm on 22-23 November 2023 for 50 Ringgit all in, while doubles (with bathroom) start at 148 Ringgit. These prices doesn’t make this the cheapest dorm in town—but it is a solid bet for those on a budget.
The Frame Guesthouse: 168 Chulia Street, Penang. T: 4263 8807. https://www.theframeguesthouse.com/
Past editions
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So, that’s the wrap this week. I hope you found the above of interest, and if you did, please feel free to send it to whoever you’d like.
Until next Wednesday then.
Safe and fun travels
Stuart