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When a long weekend is around the corner, we Singaporeans often flock to nearby JB for a quick shopping trip, or Bintan for a beach getaway. But if you’d like an adventure near home without the usual crowds, Penang is one place you should check out. With the right mix of scenic beaches, city life, and historical wonder, underrated Penang is just an affordable 1.5h flight from Singapore.
Of course, comfy accommodation is almost just as important as the destination itself. Penang has got loads of boutique hotels with unique designs – some with strong colonial influences that’ll make you feel like you’re no longer in Asia.
Here are 10 affordable boutique hotels in the quaint Malaysian state that will make you want to book your tix ASAP.
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The large rooms at Noordin Mews take you back to the colonial ages with their posh design – they mimic the rooms of upper-class servants of wealthy families of the last century. The architects of this building have built everything right down to detail – including spacious toilets that allow for ample natural light to flow in during day soaks.
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Noordin Mews also offer daily breakfast by the poolside, so get your shades on while you lounge in the morning breeze and sip on your cuppa.
Fun fact: There is a 100-year old soy sauce factory just around the corner of Noordin Mews, where you can take a look at urns of soy sauce are being brewed by traditional methods.
Noordin Mews
Address: 53, Noordin Street, Georgetown, Penang, Penang, 10300, Malaysia
Telephone: 800 1205131
Price: From $103/night
Website
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Elephant House Boutique Hotel is strategically located within the Georgetown World Heritage site – which means it’s close to all tourist attractions, food and activities. Bike hire is available for rental at this hotel as the area it’s in is popular for cycling.
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Elephant House Boutique Hotel is famous for its themed rooms. Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, or Santorini – you name it, they got it. This places feels more like a bed and breakfast, rather than a hotel as they aim to create a home away from home for all their guests.
Elephant House Boutique Hotel
Address: 145 E, Campbell Street, Penang, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 16-282 0139
Price: From $76/night
Website
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Inspired by 20th Century Penang, Loke Thye Kee Residences at Burmah Road mixes colonial architectural styles with Straits Chinese design. It’s also got its own kopitiam next door – which means no hunger pangs during your stay. Besides that, it is also walking distance to other restaurants, cafes and local attractions.
All suites are spacious, brightly lit, and have a private terrace for you to lounge at. The rooms are decked in brick walls and wooden floors that give off a clean, homely feel.
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All snacks and soft drinks in your room are complimentary, and you’ll find branded skincare and bathrobes waiting for you in the bathroom.
Loke Thye Kee Residences at Burmah Road
Address: 2, Burmah Road, 10050 Georgetown, Penang
Telephone: 04-264 1919
Price: From $163/night
Website
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Chulia Mansion is a short walk from Penang’s famous street murals and many other attractions like the Asia Camera Museum and Sun Yat Sen Museum. You can even rent a scooter right across the road so you can zoom along as you explore the area.
Image credit: Chulia Mansion
If you’re one of those with a bottomless pit for a stomach, Chulia Mansion is a good pick as they’ll keep your tummy well-fed throughout the day. Apart from the breakfast buffet of dim sum, croissants, and cereal, you can also look forward to a complimentary teatime spread come afternoons – expect local kueh, fried fritters, and coffee. And feel free to help yourself to the free ice-cream available throughout the day to beat the Penang heat!
Drink coupons are also given to guests upon arrival, which can be used at the rooftop bar where you can enjoy a breathtaking evening view of the entire Georgetown.
Chulia Mansion
Address: 413 Lebuh Chulia, George Town, Penang Island 10200, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4-261 8788
Price: From $50/night
Website
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With only 8 rooms up for grabs, Nam Keng Hotel in the centre of Georgetown offers more personalised service to patrons. The rooms here are soundproof, and many visitors have also raved about the rainfall showers, perfect for unwinding with after a long day out.
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Nam Keng Hotel is also situated nearby to Tho Yuen Restaurant, which is well-loved amongst the locals for their Cantonese-style dishes, dim sum and hum jin peng (Chinese deep-fried salted pancakes). They are open till late, so head on down for a quick supper if those hunger pangs strike.
Nam Keng Hotel
Address: 17, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Telephone: +604 226 6668
Price: From $93/night
Website
Image credit: 23 Love Lane
As its name suggests, 23 Love Lane is perfect for the lovebirds. Hidden amongst lush greenery, this romantic colonial building with 1800s charm provides a quiet sanctuary for couples, away from the crowds.
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23 Love Lane has been lauded by travellers for its personal service. After you come back from a long day out exploring, the staff will welcome you back with complimentary ice-cold drinks. If you choose to stay indoors and chill with a book, there’s free bread, jams, fruit and filter coffee provided all day in the lobby for your enjoyment.
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23 Love Lane has got a wide range of rooms with different characteristics – for example, the Anglo Indian Bungalow houses a garden room on the ground floor, while the Straits Eclectic Building is made specially for physically challenged guests with wheelchair access.
23 Love Lane Hotel
Address: 23, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4-262 1323
Price: From $163/night
Website
Image credit: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Morocco might seem like a far-off dream, but staying at Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion will bring you one step closer to the blue Moroccan city of Chefchaouen. A UNESCO Heritage Building, this Peranakan hotel is a worthy “dupe” of the North African city, and is one of Penang’s most iconic accommodations.
Image credit: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Cheong Fatt Tze’s rooms are split into 4 categories – the Liang, Ming, Tang and Han suites. The Ming collection is most popular as it has both direct pool and garden access with the most affordable pricing – making you feel like you’re living in your own bungalow! Most rooms can hold up to 4 people, so they’re great for families.
The mansion also hosts a super efficient and friendly concierge that is ready to share insider tips for your stay.
Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion
Address: 14, Leith Street – George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4-262 0006
Price: From $151/night
Website
Lone Pine Hotel is Batu Ferringhi’s only luxury boutique hotel. With spacious sea-facing rooms, it’s great for families or large groups of friends. The best part – its 2 salted infinity pools for you to chill the day away. The hotel also boasts a Lepak Corner, where there’s a mini library, mahjong set, pool table and board games available for quality bonding time.
Image credit: Lone Pine Hotel
Night markets, restaurants and shops are conveniently located within walking distance for convenience. This hotel also offers one of the best sunset views in Penang, so be sure to be in for the sunset during your stay here.
Lone Pine Hotel
Address: 97, Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia
Telephone: +604 886 8686
Price: From $120/night
Website
Image credit: Campbell House Penang
Imagine stepping into your room after a long day to be greeted by a Nespresso machine, fresh milk and freshly squeezed fruit juice – that’s exactly what you’ll get at the rustic Campbell House Penang, where you’ll experience the atas life at a reasonable price.
Image credit: Campbell House Penang
The high-ceilinged rooms at Campbell House are furnished with traditional shuttered windows, antique decor, and a Nespresso machine. This hotel is all about the small touches that matter – when you check in, you’ll be served complimentary ice lemon tea and some cookies! Also, look forward to treats that greet you when you return back to your room after a day out.
Within walking distance to this hotel is Toh Soon which serves up excellent toast and coffee – said to be the Penang Chief Minister’s favourite haunt. Across the road is Tai Thong Dim Sum, which makes for a good lunch spot before heading off for your adventures.
Campbell House Penang
Address: 106 Lebuh Campbell, 10100 Georgetown,Penang, Malaysia
Telephone: +604 2618290
Price: From $125/night
Website
Image credit: Spices Hotel
Spices Hotel is a shophouse converted into a boutique hotel. Lounge on the first floor with bean bags, cushions, a TV. This boutique hotel is said to attract lots of younger travellers who enjoy the nightlife that Georgetown offers – so if staying out late with drinks and meeting new people is your cup of tea, this is the hotel for you.
Kimono-style bathrobes adds an extra luxe quality to the whole experience.
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Spices Hotel also offers a wide spread at their complimentary Continental Breakfast, which is a great way to start your day.
Image credit: Spices Boutique
This hotel has an iconic, historic feature – a piece of artwork in the form of tangled tree roots that creep up the ochre exterior wall, providing a natural mural to the wooden staircase of the building.
Spices Hotel
Address: 5, Lorong Lumut, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Telephone: +604 261 9986
Price: From $56/night
Website
With cheap flight tickets and affordable accommodation that can still provide you with a luxurious stay, a weekend getaway to Penang with your significant other or squad isn’t too out of reach. Penang is a historical town with lots to offer – a true gem – so take the road less travelled, head on over, and get some R&R away from our city crowd.
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