Review of Holiday Inn, Penang

I recently won a free 3D/2N stay in Holiday Inn, Penang. We were wondering if it was worth taking the trip up, considering our limited weekends and cost of fuel now but we were certainly glad we did as it was a good break away from the city.

Holiday Inn, Penang is located on Batu Ferringhi on Penang island. Batu Ferringhi is a lovely stretch of beach where most of the beach hotels are located on. It is a little further in and is approximately 30 mins away from Georgetown along a winding coastal road. Holiday Inn is right next to Parkroyal Hotel, Penang and a short distance in from the luxurious Rasa Sayang Shangri-la Resort. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting too much from the hotel as Holiday Inn has been around for quite a while already but I was really pleasantly surprised.

Read the review of Holiday Inn Hotel, Penang below the jump!

Holiday Inn Hotel is split into 2 buildings - the older wing which is right on the beach and a newer tower wing, Ferringhi Tower, which is opposite the road. The hotel management has constructed an overhead bridge linking the two to ensure the safety of their hotel guests.

Our trip had coincided with the influx of Middle Eastern tourists into Penang and the Malaysian school holidays so we weren’t surprised when they told us our room in Feringghi Tower wasn’t ready yet when we checked in. However, they were really pleasant and polite and gave us complimentary vouchers for a drink in the longue while waiting. We had the drink that night and it was a delicious fruit punch in their breezy and comfortable Lobby Longue where a live band played.

Our room was surprisingly quite large and quite comfortable. It did not have the musty smell some older hotels do. The furniture in the room did look a little tired and it definitely did not come with a swanky plasma TV which most hotels come with now. Nevertheless, it was quite a pleasant room. The only thing I found quite funny was how the window curtains matched the prints on the bedspread! It was the first time I have seen hotel curtains with prints!

Sadly, however, the Astro channels we had were limited and we didn’t manage to catch as much coverage of the Beijing Olympics as we wanted! The bathroom was clean but looked a little old and was finished in the old school marble finishing. The shower was quite pathetic as the water had a tendency of spurting out all over the place. However, I liked how they provided complimentary toothbrushes, razors and combs for those guests who have forgotten their essentials. 

The Ferringhi Tower wing does not have many amenities and is only equipped with a Fitness Centre. All other facilities such as restaurants and swimming pool are located in the Beach wing. Our complimentary breakfast was also served in a lovely open restaurant which was breezy and really relaxing. A wonderful place to tuck into the buffet breakfast they served every morning with a good choice of local and Western fare. Those who enjoy the sun can opt to sit at the tables just fronting the beach under the morning sun.

I was really impressed with the list of activities they have everyday. On every room table is a list of the activities for the week ahead, some complimentary and some with a fee attached. It really ensures that their guests are kept happy and occupied. They have a well stocked Kid’s Club too in the Beach Wing which provides a great place for kids to play in and for parents to have some relaxing time away.

Every night, starting from 7pm, there is a Ferringhi Night Market that sets up right along the stretch of hotels along Batu Ferringhi. It is a rather interesting market with all kinds of pretty decorative items, cheap DVDs and imitation products. Bargaining is allowed and it does add a festive air to the whole area. Good restaurants such as The Ship Steakhouse and Eden are a mere walk away and there are lots of convenience stores nearby. Those who prefer hawker food can just walk a short distance down to a food court where you can find Penang favourites such as char kuey teow, nasi kandar and lots of other Penang delicacies.

I would recommend Holiday Inn Penang for families with young children or for people who simply want to spend some time on the beach and away from the city stress. However, it is rather far from the Georgetown area and Penang’s major attractions and the road leading in can be quite windy. The service we received was generally good, However, some of the waiters at breakfast could be better trained to look out for guests who want coffee or tea with their breakfast. Overall, it is a good hotel to stay in for a relaxed holiday.

Find out about Holiday Inn’s special rates and promotions at Holiday Inn Penang.