Affordable luxury chain hotels in Malaysia, Penang
Image adapted from: Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Penang aka The Peal Of The Orient never fails to be a return holiday spot for tourists, and rightfully so. We’ve already shown you why it’s hailed as the food capital of Malaysia and what you can do while you’re there, but here’s another reason to visit: luxury hotels that cost way less than they do in Singapore.
With familiar names like Hilton and Shangri-La, these 7 luxury hotels are sure worth the stay, especially since the 3:1 exchange rate grants you more room to splurge.
1. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa – from RM747 (~S$252)
Image credit: Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Penang being an island with a hill in the middle means that many hotels are located along the coast, boasting beachfront views, and Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is no exception. While Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa in Singapore will set you back a heavy $350 with every night spent, this resort along Batu Ferringhi Beach only costs RM747 (~$252) per night.
The spa consists of 11 villas spread across 30 acres of lush greenery.
Image credit: @lucyjfrost_
Tucked away in a secluded corner of the resort and decked out in traditional Malay wood furnishings is Chi, The Spa. They offer Chinese and Malay treatments but what really takes the cake are their Wellness Journeys. The Authentic Malaysian Experience costs RM688 (~$232) and includes an aromatic herbal scrub followed by a Malay Urut massage and an express facial.
Take a dip in the Main Pool, located next to the Spice Market Cafe and Pinang Bar
Image credit: Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Jalan Batu Feringgi, Penang, Malaysia 11100
Telephone: +60 4-888 8888
Website
2. Holiday Inn Resort Penang – from RM194.40 (~S$65)
Image credit: Holiday Inn Penang
Everyone knows that Holiday Inn is that one hotel you can trust no matter where you are in the world and Holiday Inn Penang is no different. While it can cost a good $247 to stay at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium for a night, one night at Holiday Inn Penang starts from only RM194.40 (~$65) which makes it super affordable for a quality 4-star hotel.
You won’t be missing out on any activities here as well, especially since a 10 minute drive from the hotel will take you to Escape Theme Park Penang, a 2-in-1 waterpark and adventure course for thrill seekers. Heads up, the world’s longest waterslide is slated to open at the park this December so keep a look out for it!
You can read about our experience at the park here.
Holiday Inn Resort Penang
Address: 72 Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia 11100
Telephone: +60 4-886 6666
Website
3. Four Points By Sheraton Penang – from RM 276 (~S$93)
Image credit: Four Points by Sheraton
Located right off the coast at Tanjung Bungah, Four Points By Sheraton Penang is the perfect springboard for you to travel up north to the beaches of Batu Ferringhi, or down south to the city centre and Georgetown. Instead of paying $240 as you would have to in Singapore, room rates at Four Points By Sheraton Penang start from RM276 (~$93) per night.
Image credit: @ricochristopher
The hotel is also a stone’s throw away from the Penang equivalent of Keppel Bay in Singapore – the gorgeous Straits Quay, where you can take a stroll along the promenade and visit the Straits Quay Marina lighthouse that has a mini museum inside. You can also expect colonial architecture, tons of spiral staircases and a sea of yachts to use as your #ootd backdrops.
Look out for the bazaars that will be held at the Straits Court, ranging from festive Christmas markets to Organic Farmers’ market bazaars.
Image credit: @straitsquay
Four Points By Sheraton Penang
Address: 505 Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia 11200
Telephone: +60 4-371 8888
Website
4. Hotel Jen Penang – from RM340 (~S$114)
Image credit: @hoteljenpenang
Another subsidiary of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Jen Singapore’s rooms start from a pricey $290/night. But, their Malaysian counterpart Hotel Jen Penang offers panoramic views of the historical Georgetown, is peppered with quirky and colourful Peranakan accents, and has rooms that start from only RM340 (~$114).
The hotel recently reopened in November last year, so you can expect fresh new facilities like a fitness centre, outdoor pool and 4 new restaurants and bars.
Image credit: @hoteljenpenang
Image credit: @joammejojobi
Hotel Jen Penang’s more than just a pretty stay with top notch facilities, they also curate tons of travel guides on their trusty blog and Night Guide where you can discover new experiences in Penang apart from the same ol’ crowded hotspots. Plus, if you hashtag #LeaveBoringBehind on Instagram, you’ll get a lead on popular local hangouts to add to your itinerary!
Hotel Jen Penang
Address: Jalan Magazine, George Town, Penang, Malaysia 10300
Telephone: +60 4-262 2622
Website
5. PARKROYAL Penang Resort – from RM450 (~S$152)
Image credit: @parkroyalpenangresort
It comes at no surprise that a staycation at PARKROYAL can cost up to $320/night at its Pickering or Beach Road branch in Singapore. Thankfully, you get to enjoy the same luxuries for a fraction of the cost at PARKROYAL Penang Resort where a one-night stay here starts from RM450 (~$152).
Image credit: @parkroyalpenangresort
We’re all familiar with PARKROYAL on Pickering’s buffet at Lime Restaurant, with everything ranging from lobsters to Asian delights. Well, their Penang counterpart is stepping up their game too, with the newly opened dining outlet Cinnamon. While buffets are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, be sure to keep your Saturday nights free for some free-flow seafood.
PARKROYAL Penang Resort
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia 11100
Telephone: +60 4-886 2288
Website
6. Hard Rock Hotel Penang – from RM330 (~S$111)
Image credit: @hardrockhotelpg
Say the name “Hard Rock” and you’d probably be expecting a cafe or hotel decked out in Rock n Roll memorabilia. Well, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is just that – look at that fancy Fender guitar, and John Lennon poster plastered right above the bed. A night here only costs RM330 (~$111), 4 times cheaper than its Sentosa counterpart that costs a whopping $420/night.
Image credit: Hard Rock Hotel Penang
From water slides to a poolside stage and even a swim-up bar, Hard Rock Penang’s swimming pool has got it all. And, if you’ve ever seen #housegoals pictures of pools connected to bedrooms, you can experience something similar by opting for their Lagoon Deluxe rooms where you’ll get direct and personal access to the swimming pool right outside your room.
Swim up to a bar perched in the middle of the pool and order your favourite drink ranging from juices to cocktails.
Image credit: @winnietamara
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, George Town, Penang, Malaysia 11100
Telephone: +60 4-8811711 +60 4 8811711
Website
7. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang – from RM270 (~S$91)
Image credit: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
Mention the name “Hilton” and you’d probably be expecting an exorbitant price tag that comes along with it. But unlike having to pay a huge sum of $368 for a one-night stay in Hilton Singapore, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will only cost you RM270 (~$91) per night – talk about value for money.
Image credit: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
Having only opened in January this year, the hotel’s been revamped with spanking new amenities. You can expect newly refurbished rooms, stylish pools and even a Kid’s Club where your little ones will be kept occupied with activities like Kid Masterchef and Ukulele classes.
The Kid’s Club at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.
Image credit: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
Doubletree Resort by Hilton Penang
Address: 56 Jalan Low Yat Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia 11100
Telephone: +60-4-8928000
Website
Cheap luxury hotels in Penang
If luxury hotels in Singapore are simply out of your league, then try staying in one of these hotels in Penang that’ll give you a run for your money – especially since you’ll be experiencing the same level of luxury at a fraction of the price. Check out some of our other guides on what you can do during your stay in Penang:
