Penang Hotel Tips by MJS17

Casuarina Beach Resort: Nice place - nice price! Casuarina Beach Hotel Review

We checked in to this hotel after checking out of the Ferringhi Beach Hotel. We asked if they had any specials and they told us that we could have a room and breakfast for RM200 per night - not bad...

While the rooms were not any nicer, the air-con worked well and the overall 'feel' of the hotel was altogether happier and more like a beachside hotel should be.

All room looked out over the ocean but some rooms have better views than others. The breakfast was ok and the food at other times of the day was also ok.

The best aspect of this hotel was that it was right on the sand. There were plenty of sunlounges and while there was no pool bar, the main hotel bar was right next to the pool. The pool seemed small but when you're in there it's more than adequate.

Staff seemed generally happy and friendly. I would recommend this hotel as being a good place to stay if you don't want to spend much but still want an ok hotel with direct frontage to the ocean. While we only swam in the pool I think it makes a big difference having an uninterrupted view when you're relaxing.

I think this hotel would be good for families as well.

My only concern is that it's a reasonable walk to the centre of Batu Ferringhi. Having said that, we walked in to town most nights. A taxi fare is RM6 (or about A$2.50).

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Next door to the Bayview Beach Resort.

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Ferringhi Beach Hotel: Not really up to scratch... Hydro Majestic Hotel Penang Review

After booking tto stay at this hotel for 6 nights in April 2006, I looked at the reviews and found a mixed bag. Having stayed there I can understand now why there are a variety of different views.

With such cheap room rates, I don't think it's fair to have high expectations as to the quality of this hotel. I found the room to be of a fair standard, suitable for my wife and I (although the Air Con was pretty poor). In the room we were first checked into the view was of a high rise ageing apartment building right next door. I definitely wouldn't recommend a room on that side (the eastern side I think?). We switched to the other side which had a better view and I was reasonably content at this point.

Our main dislike of this hotel was that if you're after a nice relaxing vacation by the beach/pool, then you're sure to be disappointed. The pool area is not like it appears in the brochures. It actually felt quite small and backed on to the noisy main road that runs between Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi. The walkway over the road to the beach meant about 50 steps to get down to the sand and when we got there it was an extremely small area. In general, the hotel had an overall feeling of sadness about it. The staff were ok but didn't seem overly happy to be there. We ate at the restaurant once and the food was alright but despite having breakfast vouchers we only used them once as I really didn't think it looked up to scratch.

As for the pool bar, well, technically there is one but not once in three days did I see any one in it. What's more, it had no fridges or drinks so maybe it's just for show???

In the end we only ended up staying at this hotel for 3 nights. The biggest factor in our leaving was not the room quality but rather the fact it wasn't on the beach front.

If you just want a room to sleep in and maybe a pool to cool off in after a day out of the hotel then I would say this place is ok. But, if you want to relax I recommend choosing somewhere else.

Address: Jalan Low Yat, , Penang 11100

Comparison: least expensive

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Mutiara Beach Resort: The Mutiara - Luxury and Relaxation Mutiara Beach Resort Review

We loved our time at The Mutiara. Ok, it's a few minutes out of the action of Batu Ferringhi but I'd say this is a positive, not a negative. It's only a 10RM taxi ride from the main strip of BF to The Mutiara and I think it's much more relaxing than say the Holiday Inn. If you don't want to pay super high prices for laundry, drinks, etc there's a shop across the road which is very reasonable. Go for a wander down to Teluk Bahang and see the morning market - a real one, not a tourist one! Also go for a walk along the old wooden jetty (quite an interesting experience!). I'd say this hotel is great for couples as there aren't millions of kids running around the place...

Unique Qualities: A number of wonderful restaurants and bars, warm friendly service and a superb pool on the beachfront with a swim up bar. The Sunday Buffet is recommended but make sure you book. Rooms are quite large have nice decor.

Address: No 1 Jalan Teluk Bahang

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Further on from Batu Ferringhi (about 8 mins)

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel