Categories: Malaysia

10 Luxury Hotels In Penang From $83/Night To Maximise Exchange Rate Perks

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 3.5:1 exchange rate grants you more room to splurge.

The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.29 as of 20th August 2024.


How to get from Penang to Singapore?


Penang International Airport is only 1.5 hours away from Singapore by air. Budget airlines Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia have affordable tickets with prices starting from $66 for a one-way trip ticket, and $94 for a round-trip ticket.

If you have time to spare, you could rent a car in JB and drive directly to Penang, but it will take around 7.5 hours. Another flightless alternative is to hop onto a bus from Singapore to Malaysia for roughly 10.5 hours. For bus bookings and timings, you can use the redBus app (App Store | Google Play).

For those who care more about the journey than the destination, it’s possible to travel from Singapore to Penang by train. You can even zhuzh up the experience by treating yourself to a 3-night ride on the boujee Eastern & Oriental Express train to Penang.


How many days do you need in Penang?


Yes, there are many new things to do in Penang, but you don’t have to take a week’s worth of AL to explore the area. It’s actually the second smallest state in Malaysia, and you’ll find that most attractions are a quick Grab ride away. Just 2-3 days is enough to see what Penang has to offer.


Where to stay in Penang?


George Town


The area most frequented by tourists would have to be George Town, the capital of Penang. It’s loaded with attractions such as historic shophouses, Peranakan mansions, as well as historical temples, mosques, and churches. More recently, it’s become a seedbed for trendy cafes, boutique shops, and curated thrift stores.


Butterworth


Butterworth is on the mainland and might not be as popular as George Town, but there are still some noteworthy attractions, such as Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest and Penang Bird Park. It’s suitable for those looking for cheaper lodging and grub. Plus, Penang Island is just a quick drive or ferry ride away.

If you’re on a tight budget, read our article on the best hotels in Penang.


Price breakdown of hotels in Penang


Here is a list of the hotels, their rates, what they’re known for, and their accessibility to amenities:

Hotels Region Rate per night Unique feature Nearby attractions
The Prestige Hotel Penang Georgetown From S$175/night Rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Straits of Malacca
  • Wonderfood Museum
  • Pinang Peranakan Museum
OZO George Town Penang From S$84/night Sprawling city view of Penang
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa From S$226/night Plenty of affordable wellness services
  • Adventure Zone
  • Penang LB watersports
JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La From S$147/night Views of George Town
  • The TOP Penang Theme Park
PARKROYAL Penang Resort From S$378/night Free-flow seafood buffets
  • Amazonia
Hard Rock Hotel Penang From S$140/night Direct access to swimming pool from rooms
  • Boat Services Ujung Batu
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang From S$91/night Kid-friendly amenities
  • Miami Beach
Iconic Hotel Penang Butterworth From S$99.42/night Cosy hotel for <$100/night
  • Juru Auto City
Sunway Hotel Subarang From S$83/night Within walking distance of bird park and mall
  • Sunway Carnival Mall
The Light Hotel Penang From S$99/night Smart TV in each room
  • Penang Bird Park

– Hotels in George Town, Penang –


1. The Prestige Hotel Penang


Rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Straits of Malacca



Image credit: Prestige Hotel Penang

The Prestige Hotel Penang certainly lives up to its name with its opulent Victorian exterior. 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.


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 S$175/night, you can enjoy all-day dining, an arcade centre, in-house retail outlets, and even a rooftop infinity pool. Even their fitness room has a chandelier to remind you of how boujee the place is.

The Prestige Hotel Penang
Google Reviews
4.6
(1,376)
Address
8, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

2. OZO George Town Penang


Sprawling city view of Penang



Image credit: OZO George Town Penang

For a 4-star hotel with a sprawling city view of Penang, poolside bar and hot desking areas, S$83/night 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.


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.

Google Reviews
4.2
(654)
Address
166, Jalan Argyll, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT S$63

3. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa


Plenty of affordable wellness services



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. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa in Singapore will set you back a heavy S$558/night with every night spent, but this resort along Batu Ferringhi Beach only costs S$226/per night.


The spa consists of 11 villas spread across 30 acres of lush greenery.
Image credit: @lucyjfrost_ via Instagram

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the resort and decked out in traditional Malay wood furnishings is Chi, The Spa. They offer massages like Stress-relieving Neck and Back massage or the Deep Tissue Massage, both costing RM378 each.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Google Reviews
4.6
(6,524)
Address
Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Tanjung Huma, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

4. JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La


Views of George Town



Image credit: @hoteljenpenang via Instagram

Another subsidiary of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, JEN Singapore Orchardgateway’s rooms start from a pricey S$350/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, with rooms that start from only $147/night.


Image credit: @hoteljenpenang via Instagram

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.

Google Reviews
4.3
(6,464)
Address
Magazine Rd, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT S$115

5. PARKROYAL Penang Resort


Free-flow seafood buffets



Image credit: @parkroyalpenangresort via Instagram

It comes at no surprise that a staycation at PARKROYAL can cost up to $378/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 1-night stay here starts from S$136/night.


Image credit: @parkroyalpenangresort via Instagram

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 dining outlet Cinnamon. While buffets are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, be sure to keep your Friday and Saturday nights free for some free-flow seafood from RM168/pax.

Google Reviews
4.5
(6,451)
Address
PARKROYAL Penang Resort Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT S$103

6. Hard Rock Hotel Penang


Direct access to swimming pool from rooms


Image credit: @hardrockhotelpg via Instagram

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 S$140/night, which is almost 3 times cheaper than its Sentosa counterpart.


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.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Google Reviews
4.5
(5,540)
Address
Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringghi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

7. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang


Kid-friendly amenities



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 S$471 for a 1-night stay in Hilton Singapore, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang will only cost you S$91/night – talk about value for money.


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.

Google Reviews
4.3
(5,130)
Address
56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT S$108.6

Hotels in Butterworth, Penang –


8. Iconic Hotel Penang


Cosy hotel for <$100/night


Image credit: @iconichotelpenang via Instagram  

For S$99.42/night, you wouldn’t expect a cosy room with amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, soft linen towels, and a mini-bar with complimentary soft drinks and coffee. Plus, guests also have access to their outdoor swimming pool on the 8th floor, which overlooks Butterworth. Penang is a well known food haven, but you can catch all the must-tries at the Land & Sea Buffet Dinner. Just note that it only takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings.


Image adapted from: @iconichotelpenang via Instagram 

Alternatively, there’s Crumbles & Cream, a cafe serving brunch items, drinks, and desserts. You can also catch live music performances weekly while you fuel yourself with dishes like mushroom soup (from RM18) and chicken satay (from RM20). Wash that down with a matcha latte (from RM11) made with Niki Neko Matcha, a Malaysian brand of matcha.

Iconic Hotel Penang is a 15-minute walk to Juru Auto City, an iconic tourist attraction. It’s basically a one-stop bazaar selling everything from sports cars, food, shopping, and carnival games.

Iconic Hotel Penang
Google Reviews
4.2
(2,843)
Address
71, Jln Icon City, Bukit Tengah, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

9. Sunway Hotel Subarang Jaya


Within walking distance of bird park & mall


Image adapted from: Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya, @sunwayhotelseberangjaya via Instagram

For a strategic hotel near many attractions, check out Sunway Hotel Subarang Jaya. It’s just a 7-minute walk to both Penang Bird Park and Sunway Carnival Mall. It also has the cheapest rates on this list, with a deluxe twin room starting from only S$83/night, which we consider a steal for a luxury hotel.

Image credit: @sunwayhotelseberangjaya via Instagram

Facilities include a spacious gym that’s open 24/7 with near floor-to-ceiling views of Butterworth and state-of-the-art equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and weights. You can also book an airport transfer for a fee with them if you want to rest right after landing in Penang. Just note that this can be made only through contacting them.

Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya
Google Reviews
4.2
(2,793)
Address
11, Lebuh Tenggiri 2 Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

10. The Light Hotel Penang


Smart TV in each room


You don’t have to bear with satellite channels anymore when you can watch YouTube on the smart TV.
Image credit: The Light Hotel Penang

What sets The Light Hotel Penang apart from other hotels in this price bracket is amenities you’d normally find in a luxury hotel. Plush double bedsheets, cosy tufted sofas or chairs, and a smart TV are what you’ll get in every room. As a bonus, you’ll even get a great view of Butterworth from the floor-to-ceiling windows in your room.

From Macallan, Joe Black, to Absolut Vodka, those in need of a tipple are spoilt for choice.
Image credit: The Light Hotel

Rates start from S$99/night for a superior king room. There are a range of facilities like a steam and sauna bath, gym, and even a kids playroom for your little one to muck about. If you’re looking for a chill night in, there’s Tree@III Resto Bar that serves cocktails, wine, and beer to sip on. Bonus: it’s by the pool if you also fancy a dip.

The Light Hotel (M) Sdn Bhd
Google Reviews
4.4
(6,393)
Address
Lebuh Tenggiri 2, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

Cheap luxury Penang hotels

If luxury hotels in Singapore are out of reach, 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.

For other cool 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: Hard Rock Hotel Penang via Facebook, OZO Georgetown Penang, Double Tree Resort by Hilton Penang
Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 21st August 2024

Adira Chow

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