Hotel Bellevue

Resting on top of the Penang Hill, Hotel Bellevue’s selling point is the incredible view of George Town. While prices are steeper than similar options in the city, this is the place to stay if you wish to escape the heat. Temperatures are a tad lower up here, and you’ll need to book ahead as there are only 11 rooms in this building that have existed since times of the East India Company. Its decor is rustic, but Hotel Bellevue scores green points for reputedly being the world’s first detergent-free hotel.