Where to Stay in Penang
Heritage boutiques, beach resorts, and cozy hostels - find your perfect Penang base
Not sure where to stay?
Take our 2-minute quiz and we'll match you to the perfect Penang hotel based on your style, budget, and travel companions.
When should you book?
March & April = lowest prices + dry weather. CNY and George Town Festival spike rates 2–3x. See our month-by-month price calendar.
Understand the architecture before you book
Straits Eclectic, Southern Chinese Shophouse, Art Deco — what makes each style different and which hotels represent each best.
347 hotels·budget to 5-star·George Town, Batu Ferringhi & Gurney Drive
Premium
Campbell House
George Town
Chic 12-room boutique hotel in a 19th-century shophouse, blending heritage charm with modern design.
Coffee enthusiasts and foodiesHeritage architecture lovers+2
RM400-RM900 per night
Premium
Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion (Hotel)
George Town
Sleep inside the UNESCO-awarded Blue Mansion - 18 heritage rooms in a 140-year-old architectural masterpiece.
Film and pop-culture enthusiasts (Crazy Rich Asians)Architecture and heritage buffs+2
RM550-RM1,200 per night
Luxury
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
George Town
Penang's legendary 1885 grand colonial hotel by the Sarkies Brothers, with sea-facing suites and old-world elegance.
Honeymooners and anniversary couplesHistory and architecture enthusiasts+2
RM800-RM3,500 per night
Premium
Seven Terraces
George Town
Award-winning boutique hotel in 1800s terraced houses with Peranakan antiques and fine dining.
Heritage and culture enthusiastsHoneymooners seeking authentic Penang character+2
RM600-RM1,500 per night
Luxury
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Batu Ferringhi
Penang's premier luxury beachfront resort with two wings, award-winning spa, and lush tropical gardens.
Luxury beach holiday seekersSpa and wellness enthusiasts+2
RM700-RM2,500 per night
Premium
The Edison George Town
George Town
Sophisticated Art Deco-meets-heritage boutique hotel with rooftop pool and George Town skyline views.
Design-forward travellers who want chic modern aesthetics in a heritage shellCouples seeking a stylish, Instagrammable George Town base+2
RM500-RM1,100 per night
apartment
George Town
22 Macalisterz by MyKey
George Town
Short-stay serviced apartments by MyKey in a 36-storey tower in George Town, Penang, a short walk from KOMTAR.
mid range
Gelugor
AG Hotel
Gelugor
A 3-star hotel in Gelugor on Penang Island, set close to the Penang Bridge and the airport.
mid range
Bayan Lepas
Amari Hotel
Bayan Lepas
Amari SPICE Penang — a large 453-room upscale hotel in Bayan Lepas, directly connected to the SPICE Convention Centre and Arena, with a 25-metre saltwater pool, four restaurants and a spa, about 5 km from the airport.
Conferences & exhibitions (SPICE)Arena concerts & events+2
luxury
Teluk Bahang
Angsana Teluk Bahang Penang
Teluk Bahang
Five-star beachfront resort on Teluk Bahang, managed by Banyan Tree, with Peranakan-inspired sea-view rooms.
mid range
George Town
Areca Hotel
George Town
Heritage boutique hotel set in 12 restored pre-war shophouses within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone.
mid range
Butterworth
Aroma Hotel
Butterworth
A 248-room business hotel in Butterworth on the Penang mainland, about 10 minutes from the Penang Bridge, with on-site dining and entertainment.
Business travellersTransit / Penang Sentral+2
apartment
Gurney Drive
Ascott Gurney Penang
Gurney Drive
Serviced residence on Gurney Drive, George Town — the first Ascott-branded property on Penang island, with studios to two-bedroom apartments.
guesthouse
Balik Pulau
Bao Sheng Durian Farm
Balik Pulau
A third-generation organic durian farm in the Balik Pulau hills that offers farmstay accommodation, best known for stays during the durian season.
Mid-Range
Bayview Beach Resort
Batu Ferringhi
Solid mid-range beachfront resort with pool and sea views at an accessible price point.
Budget-conscious families wanting a beachfront baseTravellers who prioritise location over luxury+2
RM200-RM500 per night
mid range
Gurney Drive
Berjaya Hotel
Gurney Drive
A practical mid-range city hotel in the 1-Stop Midlands Park complex on Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, five minutes from Gurney Drive and its malls.
Gurney Drive shoppingPulau Tikus food+2
apartment
Batu Ferringhi
By The Sea
Batu Ferringhi
Beachfront two-bedroom serviced apartments on Batu Ferringhi beach, with a 50-metre infinity pool, a children's wading pool, direct beach access and balconies looking over the sea or the hills.
Beachfront staysFamilies & groups (2-bedroom, sleeps 6)+2
apartment
George Town
Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang
George Town
A modern 70-unit serviced apartment by Ascott on Jalan Penang in central George Town, with a rooftop pool, studio-to-two-bedroom layouts and Prangin Mall a few minutes' walk away.
Central, walkable baseSelf-contained serviced-apartment stays+2
Mid-Range
Cititel Penang
George Town
Reliable mid-range hotel on Penang Road with mall access and walking distance to heritage zone.
Business travellers wanting centrality and valueBudget mid-range travellers who prioritise location over luxury+2
RM150-RM300 per night
luxury
Batu Ferringhi
Luxury
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
Batu Ferringhi
A family-focused Hilton beach resort at Miami Beach, Batu Ferringhi, with two lagoon-style pools, a spa, a Kids Club and an on-site museum.
Family beach holidayStay-put resort with kids+2
mid range
Bayan Lepas
Eastin Hotel
Bayan Lepas
Upscale 4-star business and leisure hotel in Queensbay, Bayan Lepas, next to Queensbay Mall and near Penang Airport.
mid range
Batu Ferringhi
Flamingo By The Beach
Batu Ferringhi
A 280-room seafront hotel on Jalan Tanjung Bungah, between George Town and Batu Ferringhi, with sea-view and hill-view rooms and direct beach access.
Beach staysFamilies+2
Premium
G Hotel Gurney
Gurney Drive
Sleek contemporary luxury hotel on Gurney Drive with infinity pool and direct mall access.
Shopaholics and mall-first travellersBusiness travellers needing modern facilities and meeting rooms+2
RM400-RM900 per night
mid range
Gurney Drive
G Hotel Kelawai
Gurney Drive
A 208-room design-led hotel on Persiaran Maktab near Gurney Drive, with a rooftop bar and a casual contemporary style.
Gurney / shopping baseDesign-led stays+2
mid range
Gurney Drive
Gurney Bay Hotel
Gurney Drive
A 368-room upscale hotel on Gurney Drive — rebranded as a PARKROYAL in 2024 from the former Evergreen Laurel — with sea or Penang Hill views, a pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna, and an outdoor tennis court.
Gurney seafront & sea viewsShopping by the Gurney malls+2
Mid-Range
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Batu Ferringhi
Iconic music-themed beachfront resort with lagoon pool, water slides, and rock memorabilia.
Families with older kids and teenagersMusic fans and energetic travellers+2
RM400-RM900 per night
heritage boutique
Air Itam
Hillside Retreat
Air Itam
A newly restored century-old colonial bungalow on Penang Hill (Tunnel Road), offering boutique rooms, bunker rooms and camping slots surrounded by ancient rainforest and walking trails.
Nature & rainforest escapesCool-air hilltop stays+2
Budget
Hotel & Hostel 1926 Heritage
George Town
Budget heritage accommodation in a pre-war building on atmospheric Muntri Street.
Backpackers and budget travellersSolo adventurers exploring George Town on foot+2
RM40-RM180 per night
mid range
George Town
Hotel Jen
George Town
Four-star JEN by Shangri-La hotel on Magazine Road in central George Town, next to KOMTAR. Formerly Traders Hotel Penang.
mid range
George Town
Hotel Malaysia
George Town
A long-running mid-range hotel at 7 Penang Road in central George Town, with free parking and WiFi and a rooftop restaurant — The Aberdeen Sky — billed as one of the city's highest.
Central, walkable baseDrivers needing free parking+2
mid range
George Town
Hotel NEO+ Penang
George Town
A modern, design-led hotel at 68 Jalan Gurdwara on the western edge of George Town, with on-site parking, 196 rooms and a walkable spot near Komtar and the Hin Bus Depot.
Self-drive visitors (on-site car park)Design-conscious mid-budget+2
mid range
George Town
Hotel Sentral Georgetown
George Town
A budget-friendly 3-star hotel on Lorong Kinta off Macalister Road, a five-minute reach of five major hospitals, with free parking, breakfast and a complimentary hospital shuttle — a member of the Penang Medical Tourism Association.
Medical / hospital visitsBudget, central stays+2
mid range
George Town
Kimberley Hotel Georgetown
George Town
A 116-room mid-range hotel in a pre-war building in the heart of George Town, a short walk from KOMTAR and the UNESCO heritage core.
Heritage sightseeingFirst-time visitors+2
heritage boutique
George Town
Le Dream Boutique
George Town
A modern boutique hotel on the fringe of George Town's UNESCO heritage zone, best known for its rooftop bar with a Jacuzzi, panoramic city views and a complimentary evening happy hour.
Rooftop bar & city viewsCouples & city breaks+2
luxury
Teluk Kumbar
Lexis Suite Penang
Teluk Kumbar
Five-star beachfront resort in Teluk Kumbar on Penang's southern coast, where every suite has its own private pool and steam room.
mid range
Batu Ferringhi
Lone Pine Hotel
Batu Ferringhi
Heritage beachside boutique resort on Batu Ferringhi, founded 1948 and now part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio.
mid range
George Town
Loop On Leith
George Town
A colour-themed boutique hotel at 29 Leith Street in the heart of George Town's heritage core, three minutes' walk from the Blue Mansion, with an indoor courtyard and the Monkey Kitchen restaurant.
Heritage-core locationWalkable first-time base+2
apartment
George Town
lyf Georgetown Penang by The Ascott Limited
George Town
Ascott's co-living 'lyf' brand on Jalan Penang in the heart of George Town, with studio-to-three-bedroom serviced apartments, social kitchen, gym, pool and laundrette — a MICHELIN Guide 2025 selection.
Solo travellers & digital nomadsSociable co-living stays+2
heritage boutique
George Town
Macalister Mansion
George Town
An eight-room luxury heritage boutique hotel in a restored 1880s mansion on Macalister Road, George Town, Penang.
mid range
Butterworth
Marina Oriental Hotel
Butterworth
A small budget hotel in downtown Butterworth on the Penang mainland, on Jalan Kampung Benggali near Rapid Penang bus routes.
mid range
Batu Ferringhi
Mercure Penang Beach
Batu Ferringhi
A 4-star Accor beach hotel at 505 Jalan Tanjung Bungah, with direct beach access and a sea-facing pool, midway between George Town and Batu Ferringhi.
Beach base near the citySea-view rooms+2
Mid-Range
Muntri Mews
George Town
Boutique hotel in converted 1920s stables with courtyard garden and warm, personal hospitality.
Couples and honeymooners wanting a romantic, garden-courtyard heritage stayCyclists and active travellers who want to explore George Town by bike+2
RM300-RM600 per night
guesthouse
Balik Pulau
Nature Fruit Farm - Farmstay
Balik Pulau
A private tropical fruit-farm estate in the Balik Pulau countryside offering farmstay accommodation among the orchards.
mid range
George Town
Noordin Mews
George Town
A 1920s Peranakan shophouse turned boutique heritage hotel at 53 Noordin Street, George Town, Penang.
luxury
Bayan Lepas
Premium
Olive Tree Hotel
Bayan Lepas
An upscale 'green' business hotel on Jalan Mahsuri in Bayan Lepas, near the airport and steps from the SPICE convention centre, with an outdoor pool, a 900-capacity grand ballroom and extensive meeting space.
Conferences & exhibitions (SPICE)Airport-side business stays+2
mid range
Simpang Ampat
OMG Hotel
Simpang Ampat
A 3-star hotel in Simpang Ampat on mainland Penang, near Bukit Tambun and the Bukit Minyak industrial area.
Mid-Range
PARKROYAL Penang Resort
Batu Ferringhi
Beachfront family resort on 30 acres of tropical gardens with massive pool and direct beach access.
Families with young childrenBeach holiday seekers+2
RM350-RM800 per night
mid range
George Town
Peking Hotel
George Town
Long-running budget hotel on Penang Road, established 1957, a 5-minute walk from George Town's UNESCO heritage core.
luxury
Gurney Drive
Penang Marriott Hotel
Gurney Drive
Gurney Drive's newest upscale hotel (opened 2024), part of a landmark 55-storey complex, with an infinity pool over the Gurney seafront and a grand ballroom.
Gurney seafront viewsBrand-new high-end stay+2
guesthouse
George Town
Pin Seng Hotel
George Town
Long-running budget guesthouse on Love Lane in George Town, popular with backpackers for its low room rates and central heritage-zone location.
mid range
George Town
Red Rock Hotel
George Town
A long-running mid-range hotel on Jalan Macalister in central George Town — close to the hospital corridor — with a swimming pool, a grand ballroom and a convenience store, pharmacy and hair salon on site.
Practical central baseMedical / hospital-corridor stays+2
Mid-Range
Ren i Tang Heritage Inn
George Town
Intimate heritage inn in a restored Chinese medicine hall with original apothecary cabinets.
Heritage and history enthusiasts who want something genuinely differentCouples seeking an intimate, story-worthy stay+2
RM250-RM500 per night
mid range
George Town
Royal Hotel
George Town
A 3-star hotel at No. 3 Jalan Larut in central George Town, Penang, run under the Hotel Royal Penang name.
Central George Town baseFirst-time visitors+1
luxury
Batu Ferringhi
Premium
Shangri-La Golden Sands Resort
Batu Ferringhi
Family-friendly Shangri-La beach resort on Batu Ferringhi, with 387 rooms, a kids' waterpark and beachfront dining.
heritage boutique
George Town
Straits Heritage
George Town
A boutique guesthouse set in a restored Peranakan heritage home within the Armenian Street enclave of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mid-Range
Sunway Hotel Georgetown
George Town
Well-priced mid-range hotel right next to New Lane hawker stalls - perfect for food lovers.
Food-obsessed travellers making a Penang hawker pilgrimageBudget-conscious travellers wanting a central mid-range base+2
RM180-RM350 per night
mid range
George Town
Super 8
George Town
A simple, central value hotel on Lebuh Tye Sin in the heart of George Town, with compact Standard, Superior and Deluxe rooms a short walk from Komtar and Prangin Mall.
Budget, central staysWalkable base near Komtar+2
heritage boutique
George Town
The Century Boutique Hotel
George Town
A boutique hotel on Lebuh Chulia in the heart of George Town's UNESCO heritage core, on one of the old town's busiest heritage streets.
Central George Town baseHeritage sightseeing+2
guesthouse
George Town
The Frame Guesthouse
George Town
A three-storey heritage shophouse guesthouse on Chulia Street, George Town, in a building that once housed a picture-frame maker's shop.
mid range
George Town
The Granite Luxury Hotel
George Town
A modern tower hotel on Magazine Road in central George Town with 52 rooms and 100 suites, a record-breaking acrylic-bottom rooftop pool, a SkyBar and views over the old town, Komtar and the sea.
Rooftop pool & SkyBar viewsCentral, facility-rich base+2
mid range
George Town
The Leith (Formerly Waldorf Hotel)
George Town
A mid-range hotel in George Town with five room categories from Standard King to Family Room, modern in-room comforts and a central heritage-core location.
Central George Town baseCouples+2
luxury
George Town
The Prestige Hotel
George Town
Design-led boutique hotel in George Town, a Member of Design Hotels, themed on a modern reimagining of Victorian elegance.
budget
George Town
The Small Inn
George Town
A budget guesthouse on Lebuh Kimberley in George Town, with simple air-conditioned rooms and a central heritage-core location.
Budget travellersBackpackers+2
mid range
George Town
The Wembley St Giles Premier Hotel
George Town
City hotel in the heart of George Town on Jalan Magazine, with an infinity pool, spa and a sky bar overlooking Penang.
mid range
George Town
Urban H Hotel
George Town
A minimalist mid-range hotel a block from Penang Road in central George Town, with 46 rooms across a small range of room types.
Walkable George Town baseModern minimalist stays+2
mid range
George Town
Victoria Garden Hotel
George Town
A contemporary, affordable hotel on Lebuh Victoria in George Town's heritage core, near the clan jetties and Weld Quay, with a Straits-eclectic-meets-modern design and an Urban Thai restaurant in the lobby.
Heritage-core locationDesign-led affordable stays+2
heritage boutique
George Town
Yeng Keng Hotel
George Town
A 19-room restored heritage boutique hotel set in a 19th-century Anglo-Indian bungalow on Chulia Street, George Town.
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Quick Answer
Where is the best place to stay in Penang?
George Town is best for first-time visitors — walkable heritage zone, hawker food, and nightlife with hostels from RM 30 and boutique hotels from RM 200. Batu Ferringhi suits beach and family travellers with resorts from RM 400. Heritage boutique hotels like Cheong Fatt Tze or Campbell House offer a unique experience from RM 200-500 per night.
Our TakeRecommended
Skip the chain hotels. Penang's heritage boutique hotels offer more character, better locations, and often lower prices than the international brands. The 7Terraces and Muntri Mews are standouts at every price point.
Explore More of Penang
Food Near Your Hotel
Top hawker food in every neighborhood
Neighborhood Guide
Choose the right area for your stay
Things to Do
Top attractions near Penang hotels
Getting Around
Transport from your hotel to attractions
Budget Travel Guide
Save money on accommodation and activities
Luxury Guide
Premium stays and experiences in Penang
Trip Planner
Build a custom Penang itinerary around your hotel and interests
Further Reading
George Town vs Batu Ferringhi
Which area to stay in — an honest comparison for every trip type.
Penang Luxury Travel Guide
High-end hotels, fine dining, and private experiences.
Penang on a Budget
Travel well for under RM 150 a day — hostels, hawker food, free sights.
Penang Honeymoon Guide
Romantic hotels, experiences, and restaurants for couples.
Penang with Kids
Family-friendly stays, beaches, and activities.
Booking for a particular kind of stay?
Recovering after a procedure
Hotels and serviced stays suited to medical-tourism patients — quiet, near the hospitals, set up for longer recovery.
Muslim-friendly hotels
Where to stay with prayer facilities, qibla direction, and halal breakfast across Penang.
Weddings & guest room blocks
Marrying in Penang or travelling here for a wedding? Beach and heritage venues, plus how to block-book rooms for your party and guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Penang?
George Town is the best area for first-time visitors, offering walkable access to heritage sites, street art, hawker food, and nightlife. Batu Ferringhi is ideal if you want a beach resort holiday with water sports. Gurney Drive suits those who prefer upscale shopping malls and waterfront dining. Tanjung Bungah is a quieter mid-range beach option between George Town and Batu Ferringhi. Budget travelers often stay in the Love Lane area of George Town for its hostel scene.
How much do hotels cost in Penang?
Penang offers great value across all budgets. Backpacker hostels in George Town start from RM 30-60 per night (USD 7-13). Mid-range hotels and heritage boutique stays cost RM 150-350 per night (USD 33-77). Upscale beach resorts in Batu Ferringhi like Shangri-La and Hard Rock range from RM 400-800 per night (USD 88-175). Luxury heritage hotels like the Eastern & Oriental start around RM 600 (USD 130). Prices are lower during off-peak months (April-August).
Should I stay in George Town or Batu Ferringhi?
It depends on your priorities. George Town is better for culture, food, and sightseeing — you can walk to most attractions, hawker stalls, and bars. Batu Ferringhi is better for families and beach lovers who want resort pools, sandy beaches, and a relaxed vibe. George Town has more dining options and nightlife, while Batu Ferringhi is quieter at night. Many travelers split their stay: 2-3 nights in George Town for culture, then 1-2 nights in Batu Ferringhi to unwind.
Are heritage boutique hotels worth it in Penang?
Absolutely. Penang's heritage boutique hotels are converted colonial mansions and pre-war shophouses with original architectural details, antique furnishings, and unique character you won't find in chain hotels. Popular options include Cheong Fatt Tze (The Blue Mansion), Campbell House, and Muntri Mews. Prices are surprisingly reasonable (RM 200-500 per night) and they place you right in the heart of the UNESCO zone. They often include breakfast and cultural experiences like guided heritage walks.
Do I need to book hotels in advance for Penang?
During peak season (November to February) and major festivals like Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, and George Town Festival (July), booking 2-4 weeks ahead is recommended as popular hotels fill up. During off-peak months, you can often find same-week deals with lower prices. Heritage boutique hotels have limited rooms (often under 20), so these should always be booked in advance. For budget hostels, booking 1-2 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.