E & O
Found in 1885 by the Sarkies brothers, the E & O (Eastern and Oriental) boasts colonial-style luxury at high prices. The guest suites are furnished in traditional English style and feature 24-hour butler service and separate seating areas. Though the hotel is located by the sea, the less-than-clean waters are only suitable for viewing. The hotel does have a pool and exercise room, as well as gardens and a seaside promenade for walking. Ask for a first-floor location if you want direct access to the outdoors.
To learn about the history of the city, explore one of two Heritage Trails that start at the hotel. You'll discover a British fort, Muslim mosques, Chinese shop houses and Indian temples. Nightclubs, bars and shopping are also just steps away.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
10 Lebuh Farquhar
10200 Penang, Malaysia
011 (+604) 222 2000
www.e-o-hotel.com
Cititel
Located in the middle of downtown excitement, this mid-priced business property offers taxis, buses, shuttles and trishaws right outside its door, to take you to any outdoor locale. In addition, you're within walking distance of street markets, food vendors, the ethnic stores of Campbell Street and the Westernized nightlife of Penang Road.
For on-site recreation, you'll find a pool, gym, Internet access, three restaurants and a bar. Consider paying extra for pinnacle rooms, since they include an appetizing, free breakfast buffet as well as a happy hour with food and drinks in the early evening.
Cititel Penang
66 Jalan Penang
10000 Penang, Malaysia
011 (+604) 370 1188
www.cititelpenang.com
Tune Hotels
For no-frills rooms at cheap prices, try Tune Hotels. The rooms are tiny and you won't get a phone or TV, but they do have a 7-Eleven, a spa, self-service laundry and two restaurants. The delights of New World Park, a collection of eateries, is also across the street, and the Komtar transportation hub is blocks away. Skip the paid in-room Wi-Fi access, since you can get that for free in the lobby and at many other places downtown.
Be aware that although the initial cost is cheap, you'll be charged for such basics as air conditioning, towels, toiletries and hairdryer.
Tune Hotels Downtown Penang
100, Jalan Burmah, Section 15
10050 Penang, Malaysia
011 +(603) 7962 5888
www.tunehotels.com/tunehotels-city-centre-penang-room.aspx
