The 10 best hotels in Penang for an incredible Malaysian stay

You don’t get a much more smoochy-sounding residence than 23 Love Lane Hotel. Luckily the luxury George Town hotel more than lives up to its name, rated as ‘superb’ by guests. Couples can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the traditional Anglo-Indian house with a patio and garden, relaxing massages, and top-notch breakfasts. Privacy for those lingering one-to-one evenings is ensured as the hotel is actually 10 boutique-style rooms. If gazing at your loved one gets tiring, feast your eyes on local attractions such as the Goddess of Mercy Temple and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

The mood? Anglo-Indian chic. 
Location perks? Guests love it for its distinctive style, central location, and exceptional service.
Budget range? These affordable starting rates are well worth snagging while you can, so make sure you book in advance. 

Sometimes only the personal touch will do. That's why this vintage guesthouse rated ‘exceptional’ by guests, is a natural choice when you want to ensure authentic Penang hospitality, as exemplified by helpful host Cheah. With its excellent location in the heart of historic George Town, the guesthouse exudes old-world charm with wooden shutters and parquet floors. There’s plenty of sightseeing with the Archaeological Park, Rainbow Skywalk and Komtar theme park right on your doorstep too.

The mood? An old-world charmer.
Location perks? You'll love the homely, cosy feel of the residence, especially the small garden and terrace - a calm oasis, just a few blocks from the bustle of Prangin Mall.  
Budget range? A great budget-friendly option with all the creature comforts thrown in. 

Located in the town of Bayan Lepas on Penang Island, this holiday home can accommodate up to 11 of your brood. Even better, it has facilities for disabled guests. Rated superb, it not only has a balcony to make the most of those spectacular ocean views but even has its own outdoor pool if you don’t fancy the short walk to the beach.

The mood? Serene balcony views at sunrise. 
Location perks? Kids can enjoy the outdoor play equipment and there’s also a fitness centre and wellness spa if all the relaxing views are stressing you out.
Budget range? Cheeeeeap. 

If your little ones are happiest when doing their best aquatic mammal impersonations on hols then this Villa with Kids Swimming pool is bound to be a hit. The spacious villa has a whopping seven bedrooms and six bathrooms and is in the lively town of Bayan Lepas. When it’s time to get out of the pool there’s still plenty to entertain with a dedicated games room, indoor and outdoor play areas and garden terrace. 

The mood? Pool party exstravanganza. 
Location perks?What to eat? Cook outside with the barbeque or check out the numerous local food courts close by.
Budget range? An affordable group booking for an epic family holiday. 

If you like to properly relax on vacation and put the fiddly arrangements in the hands of someone who actually knows what they are doing, then a stay at the grand 88 Armenian in George Town is worth your while. Not only does the hotel provide concierge service, but it also offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and organises tours for guests. The hotel combines a traditional aesthetic with modern white lux furnishings and is conveniently located for all the major George Town attractions.

The mood? Lavish af. 
Location perks? You'll be enviably close to Times Square, Botanic Gardens and Straights Quay. 
Budget range? Not-too-shabby for five nights of luxury. 

The modern Fuhotel in Bukit Mertajam is ideal for those who want their trip to include nature’s finest. Close by is the Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest, a jungle hiking trail, with road and path options depending on your fitness levels, it’s regarded as one of the best hikes on the mainland – just make sure to pack the mozzy spray. Bukit Mertajam is loved by Penang fans for being closer to the ‘authentic’ Malaysia than ‘gentrified’ George Town. That’s for you to decide, but you’ll be spoilt for choice with independent food stalls, art trails and street markets.

The mood? Minimalist's paradise. 
Location perks? Kitted out with a flatscreen tv, minibar, and a fancy private bathroom with a bidet.
Budget range? A bargain steal for a stylish couple's stay. 

This Sogor Girls Dorm is ideal for solo female travellers or those that prefer to stay in a single-sex hotel. Rated ‘superb’, safe, and great value, the sleek new modern hostel is also in an excellent location in George Town City for sightseeing. Guests love the friendly, informative staff, spotless dorms and kitchen and laundry facilities. For groceries, there’s a supermarket close by, but also a handy food court and small restaurants for sampling Malaysian cuisine.

The mood? Cosy capsule.  
Location perks? Just moments from your dorm, you can enjoy casual hangouts at Northam Beach with your new travel buds. 
Budget range? A blimming brilliant price for our budget-savvy travellers. 

Angsana Teluk Bahang is definitely one for beach lovers. Not only is this ‘fabulous’ rated hotel on the beachfront, but all the rooms in this contemporary glass tower face the sea, with floor-to-ceiling glazing. Enjoy those epic sunsets from your bed, or, head to the nearby Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm where you'll spot all kinds of fascinating creepy crawlies. If lizards aren't really your thing and you fancy your own fluttering transformation instead, head to the wellness space, which offers a range of pampering treatments that will have you feeling fantastic.

The mood? Beachfront paradise. 
Location perks? In addition to the wellness centre, this five-star hotel resort includes a swimming pool, nightclub and a continental breaky and much more. 
Budget range? Low-budget price for a five-star stay - you really can't complain. 

All Booking.com listings have a sustainability rating, and this new Panaromic Duplex Seaview Retreat has an impressive Level Three Travel Sustainable Level, so you can enjoy your stay with an easy conscience. The apartment is in Butterworth on the Penang mainland and boasts a mega-screen home cinema, sea and mountain views, as well as a year-round outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub. If you can tear yourself away then sample some cool Penang nightlife such as the Manchu club or the popular Pendora club.

The mood? Luxury chillout pad. 
Location perks? Aside from the insanely epic panoramas of course, you'll also have dibs on a decent selection of local bars including The Beer Factory. 
Budget range? Too not to.

The Nature Fruit Farm resort in Balik Pulau allows you to relax surrounded by nature’s beauty. It’s easy to hire bikes from the resort for a small fee to sample the numerous biking and hiking trails close by. There’s also a picnic area, outdoor fireplace, games room, and play areas both inside and out, so you can make the most of the peaceful mountain setting whatever the weather.

The mood? Ambient and antique. 
Location perks? Guests are huge fans of the vegetarian breakfast and rate the resort ‘fabulous’. 
Budget range? A gloriously traditional Malay escape for low-mid-cost rates.