If you’re pining for some weekend respite without breaking the bank, consider jetting over to the aesthetic town of Penang for an affordable getaway. There, you’ll get to explore the UNESCO-listed George Town and take a gander at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, where the iconic mahjong scene from Crazy Rich Asians was filmed. And if that’s done and dusted for you, try riding on the world’s longest zip coaster at Escape Theme Park.
There are a ton of new things to do in Penang, and a handful of great lodgings that bring you closer to the action. We’ve sussed out these 8 beautiful hotels in Penang for less than S$50 a night.
Image adapted from: @abcdef_you97, @theframeguesthouse
From just S$31/night for a twin bed room, The Frame Guesthouse has the perfect backdrop for edgy, suburban Instagram pics. Its unique brutalist aesthetic comes from leaving much of the old shophouse in its original state and embracing the peeling walls and raw surfaces.
Like its name suggests, the 3-storey building used to be home to a frame-making business, and has since been transformed into a cosy hotel with Twin Rooms, Double Rooms, and Dormitories.
Image credit: @theframeguesthouse
Guests have also raved about the urbane courtyard pantry, which is fully equipped with snacks, drinking water, and a microwave. And if you’re in the mood to mingle, the guesthouse also boasts a communal TV lounge, a board games area, and a mini library.
Book a stay at The Frame Guesthouse.
Address: 168 Chulia Street, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4263 8807 | The Frame Guesthouse website
Image credit: M Qube Hotel
As it turns out, Tokyo isn’t the only city with futuristic space pods. M Qube Hotel is Penang’s one and only capsule hotel that allows you to check into your own “space odyssey” from as low S$20/night.
The pods come with either single beds, twin beds, or double beds, and are inclusive of air-conditioning, an Android TV, power sockets, and a personal safe. True to capsule hotels, bathrooms and pantries will be communal, but daily housekeeping makes sure that their cleanliness is top-notch.
Image credit: M Qube Hotel
While the pods seem great for solo travellers, M Qube Hotel also encourages families to stay over in their double or twin rooms, which can host up to 2 people each at a time. Road-trippers would also be glad to know that there is free and ample parking right next to the establishment.
Book a stay at M Qube Hotel.
Address: 22 A, B, C & D, Jalan Aziz Ibrahim, Kampung Sungai Nibong, 11900 Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4641 1999 | M Qube Hotel website
Image credit: Neo+ Penang
Admire the sprawling city of Penang from Neo+’s luxurious rooftop deck, which features an adult pool, a kids pool, and a few sun loungers. From S$43/night, you can look forward to flat screen TVs, work-desks, and complimentary Wi-Fi in each stylishly furnished room.
Image credit: Neo+ Penang
There’s also round-the-clock coffee and beer at their in-house bar from 11am-11pm and a 24-hour gym. Early risers can also enjoy an intercontinental breakfast, which consists of Asian and Western dishes, at the hotel’s own Lemongrass Restaurant.
Book a stay at Neo+ Penang.
Address: 68, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4255 1000 | Neo+ Penang website
Image credit: @southernboutiquehotel
If you’re looking for a little colonial elegance, look no further than The Southern Boutique Hotel, which was built back in 1924.
The hotel has a modern minimalistic vibe while still maintaining most of its classic elements. With rooms from S$37/night, patronise its courtyard garden, smoking area, and a charming terrace rooftop with lounge furniture and fairy lights.
Image adapted from: @southernboutiquehotel, @southernboutiquehotel
For guests who like to travel light, you can even top up for in-house laundry and dry cleaning services.
Book a stay at The Southern Boutique Hotel.
Address: 108, Muntri Street, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4262 0770 | The Southern Boutique Hotel website
Image credit: White Mansion Penang
Fans of the roaring 20s and its opulent art deco style would appreciate the tasteful arch motifs and vintage decor from White Mansion Penang. From the rooms to the toilets, it truly is a sight for sore eyes.
Image credit: @inpenang.story
From S$44/night, each room comes fully stocked with a hair dryer, ironing equipment, and a TV. There are even bike rentals available at the front desk for those who wish to explore the pavements of Penang on 2 wheels.
Book a stay at White Mansion Penang.
Address: 165, Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4261 2727 | White Mansion Penang website
Image credit: Reunion Carnarvon
The Reunion Carnarvon is every hipster’s dream, with its bold wallpaper prints and retro decor pieces. It also has a mini garden and courtyard, which is accessible from the room’s balcony.
After a long day of adventure in the city, you can also pop in for a steam sesh in its sauna room and refresh your soiled clothes via their free laundry service. From S$44/night, each room comes with the usual air conditioning, hair dryer, and flat-screen TV.
Image credit: Reunion Carnarvon
While there are no in-house restaurants, you may walk across the street to Pitt Street Koay Teow Th’ng, which serves Malaysian Eel Noodle, or ChinaHouse, a collection of cafes and art shops.
Book a stay at Reunion Carnarvon.
Address: Reunion Carnarvon, 218, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4261 9995 | Reunion Carnarvon website
Image credit: Brown Hotel
Just a short 7-minute drive from Komtar, Brown Hotel is a relatively new hotel with clean and stylish interiors. From Standard Single rooms to Family Rooms, the hotel has a range of room sizes for your party to choose from.
From a modest S$33/night, that’s a large flat-screen TV, personal bathroom, hair-dryer, safe, and a minibar in each room for you.
Families can also sign up for the in-house babysitting service if Mum and Dad want to take a romantic walk to George Town together.
Book a stay at Brown Hotel.
Address: 86, Jalan Perak, 10150 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4295 9499 | Brown Hotel website
Image adapted from: @ropewalkguesthouse, @ropewalkguesthouse
If you’re down for a bohemian nomadic vibe, check out Rope Walk Guest House. It’s located in a heritage pre-war mansion with private bunk-bed rooms as cheap as S$26/night, with tons of spots to chill and interact with other travellers.
For instance, there’s the mini game room, living room, and garden courtyard that have all been given a hippie updo.
Image adapted from: @ropewalkguesthouse, @thisisabellee
In the mornings, there’s also an in-house coffee shop that can serve you breakfast. And don’t be fooled by the laid back aesthetic, the hotel offers ample WiFi and air conditioning. Previous guests have also complimented the staff for being friendly and helpful, which has been a deal-breaker for many travellers.
Book a stay at Rope Walk Guesthouse.
Address: 78, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4264 5769
And there you have it. 8 affordable hotels in Penang that can save you money, without sacrificing comfort or style. Rest easy on your mini-vacation, knowing that you’ve probably set aside enough cash for round 2.
For more things to do in Malaysia:
Cover image adapted from: White Mansion Penang, M Qube Hotel, Neo+ Penang,@ropewalkguesthouse.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
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