Penang guest houses - guesthouse recommendations
The historic Cathay is a good cheap option
Penang may be home to some of the swankiest hotels in Malaysia, but it also caters for the budget traveller with some crumbling and character-filled guesthouses. Even if you’ve got cash to splash on a beachside resort, there’s no reason not to spend a few dollars on a room in a private Georgetown house for a few days and see another side to the island.
Penang guesthouses are filled with authentic charm and the proprietors are often wealths of information with fascinating stories to tell. Facilities vary from basic rooms with fans and shared bathrooms to backpacker-friendly establishments with laundry, bike rental, internet and tour bookings.
Plus there are a new breed of boutique premises with four poster beds and restored period furniture.
Outside Georgetown there are other hostelries in the beach areas which offer basic rooms a stone’s throw from the water. These are good choices during the peak season when prices are higher, or perhaps if you are only staying a short time in Penang.
If you are planning on staying longer in Penang, it is worth checking out if there are any bargains available in some of the top-end resorts and hotels on the island as many places are often open to longer-term residents and may offer decent deals. Better deals are generally had on weekdays.
Penang guesthouses in Georgetown
54 Love Lane Inn: With lots of communal areas for meeting likeminded backpackers plus a comfy TV room, this brightly coloured establishment is one of the best value around. Dorms from US$5. 54, Love Lane, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)16 419 8409.
Wan Hai: Although not the best kept of guesthouses in Georgetown, there is a nice roof terrace plus bike rental and the price cannot be beat. Doubles from US$5. 35 Lrg Cinta, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)16 413 7915.
Banana New Guest House: Once of the most popular guesthouses in Georgetown with internet, pool table and tours so book in advance to be sure of a bed. Rooms from US$10. 355-59 Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0) 4 262 6171.
Star Lodge: Exceptionally friendly staff and one hour free internet per day for customers makes this new Georgetown guesthouse an excellent offering. Ask for a room is a balcony. Double US$15. 39 Muntri Street, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 262 6378.
Blue Diamond: The imposing inner staircase and pretty courtyard are hidden within a rather dull exterior. Free washing machine and cheap dorm but worth splashing out on one of the large ensuite rooms with comfy beds. Dorms US$4, rooms US$10-US$30. 422 Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown, tel: +60 (0)4 261 1089.
Day and Night Backpackers: Great location in the heart of Georgetown and free breakfasts make this a great budget choice. Staff are friendly as well and keen to lend a hand whenever possible. Rooms from US$10. 319 Lebuh Chulia, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 262 5645.
75 Travellers Lodge: This basio place as good clean rooms although watch out for noisy revellers on the weekends. The staff are friendly and helpful with plenty of advice. Dorms US$5, rooms from US$10. 75 Lebuh Muntri, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 262 3378.
Penang guesthouses in Batu Ferringhi
Baba Guesthouse: This family run establishment is a favourite guesthouse in Batu Ferringhi with sea views from its lovely terrace and simple rooms. Double from US$12. Western end of beach, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 881 1686.
Ali’s: This clean establishment is set in a peaceful cafe and beachfront restaurants and offers laundry, travel connections, internet and all mod cons. Rooms from US$20. Western end of beach, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 881 1316.
Budget Guest House: Peaceful place with clean rooms and friendly staff. A short walk from many restaurants and bars if you fancy heading out for the evening. Double from US$10. Western end of beach, Georgetown, Penang, tel: +60 (0)4 881 1553.
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