Affordable luxury hotels in Penang

Penang aka the Pearl Of The Orient never fails to be a return holiday spot for tourists, and rightfully so. We’ve already shown you how it’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, tons of delicious Penang food, and tons of things to do in Penang. 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 luxury hotels in Penang are sure worth the stay, especially since the 3:1 exchange rate grants you more room to splurge.

For more things to do in Malaysia:


1. The Prestige Hotel Penang – RM432.75 (~S$136)


luxury hotels penang - the prestige hotel penang
Image credit:
Prestige Hotel Penang

The Prestige Hotel Penang certainly lives up to its name with its opulent Victorian exterior and rooftop infinity pool. Located just a stone’s throw away from cultural and culinary hotspots, the hotel is a haven for travellers who seek adventure in the day and comfort at night.  

the prestige hotel penang
Image credit:
Prestige Hotel Penang

Their rooms are also clean and modern, and each one comes with one of those “rich person” glass bathrooms. From just RM432.75/night (~S$136), you can enjoy all-day dining, an arcade centre as well as in-house retail outlets. Even their fitness room has a chandelier to remind you of how boujee the place is. 

Book a stay at Prestige Hotel Penang.

Prestige Hotel Penang
Address: 8, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4-217 5888 | Prestige Hotel Penang website


2. OZO George Town Penang – RM184.55 (~S$58)


luxury hotels penang - OZO Geroge Town
Image credit:
OZO George Town Penang

For a 4-star hotel with a sprawling city view of Penang, poolside bar and hot desking areas, RM184.55/night (~S$58) seems too good to be true. That’s just OZO George Town Penang for ya, which is a convenient 7 minutes walk away from both Chew Thean Yeang Aquarium and New World Park.

OZO George Town Penang
Image credit:
OZO George Town Penang

With ample Wi-Fi and a 6000-square foot conference space to boot, this hotel is great for hosting business-casual events and company-wide retreats. You can even sign up for a buffet breakfast with a view at their in-house restaurant, EAT, on the 21st floor. Dizzying and delicious.

Book a stay at OZO George Town Penang.

OZO George Town Penang
Address: 166, Jalan Argyll, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4-226 3737 | OZO George Town Penang website


3. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa – from RM747 (~S$201)


luxury hotels penang - Shangri La
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 $560 with every night spent, this resort along Batu Ferringhi Beach only costs RM639.57 (~S$201) per night.

Shangri-La
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 Rasa Sayang Tropical Journey costs RM688 (~S$213.40) and includes an Organic Deep Cleansing Facial and Deep Tissue Massage over a relaxing 2 hours. 

Book a stay at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Address: Batu Feringgi Main Road Batu Feringgi Main Road, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4 888 8888 | Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa website


4. JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La – from RM347.34 (~S$109.16)


luxury hotels penang - JEN Penang
Image credit:
@hoteljenpenang

Another subsidiary of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, JEN Singapore Orchardgateway’s rooms start from a pricey $405/night. But, their Malaysian counterpart JEN Penang Georgetown offers panoramic views of the historical George Town, Penang, and is peppered with quirky and colourful Peranakan accents, and has rooms that start from only RM347.34 (~S$109.16).

JEN Penang
Image credit:
@hoteljenpenang

JEN Penang Georgetown is 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. 

Book a stay at JEN Penang Georgetown.

JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
Address: Magazine Road, George Town, 11900 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4 262 2622 | JEN Penang Georgetown website


5. PARKROYAL Penang Resort – from RM378.65 (~S$119)


luxury hotels penang - PARKROYAL
Image credit:
@parkroyalpenangresort

It comes at no surprise that a staycation at PARKROYAL can cost up to $541/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 RM378.65 (~S$119).

PARKROYAL
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.

Book a stay at PARKROYAL Penang Resort.

PARKROYAL Penang Resort
Address: PARKROYAL Penang Resort Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4 886 2288 | PARKROYAL Penang Resort website


6. Hard Rock Hotel Penang – from RM389.50 (~S$122.41)


luxury hotels penang - Hard Rock Hotel
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 RM389.50 (~$122.41), which is almost 3 times cheaper than its Sentosa counterpart.

Hard Rock Hotel
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. Their Lagoon Deluxe rooms will even give you direct and personal access to the swimming pool right outside your room.

Book a stay at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Address:  Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4-8811711 | +60 4 8811711 | Hard Rock Hotel Penang website


7. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang – from RM305.47 (~S$96)


luxury hotels penang - DoubleTree Resort
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 $552 for a one-night stay in Hilton Singapore, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will only cost you RM305.47 (~$96) per night – talk about value for money.

DoubleTree Resort
The Kid’s Club at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.

Image credit: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang

You can look forward to modern 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.

Book a stay at Doubletree Resort by Hilton Penang.

Doubletree Resort by Hilton Penang
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4 892 8000 | Doubletree Resort by Hilton Penang website


Cheap luxury Penang hotels


If luxury hotels in Singapore are simply out of your league, then try staying in one of these popular 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. Should you find these hotels fully booked, there are tons of other options such as serviced apartments as well. 

Getting to penang is fairly straightforward as there are direct 1.5-hour flights to Penang International Airport on Penang Island. For the more adventurous, a drive over is possible via the Penang Bridge.

Other hotels, tourist attractions, and things to do in Penang:


A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
Cover image adapted from OZO George Town Penang, @hoteljenpenang, @parkroyalpenangresort, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.
Originally published on 10th July 2018. Last updated by Andrew Hoon on 5th February 2023.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.