The hype
Guests are obsessed with the design, cleanliness, and the 'royal' treatment from staff, often calling it the best hotel in Penang.
The Prestige Hotel Penang
$120-160/ night
Book this if You want a Wes Anderson-meets-Victorian aesthetic in the absolute heart of Georgetown, and you care more about Instagram angles than a massive gym.
Why People Love It
- Stunning 'tropical Victorian' design with rose gold and millennial pink accents
- Rooftop saltwater infinity pool with glass walls and views of the straits
- Prime location walkable to the best street food, jetties, and street art
Quick Take: A visually spectacular design hotel that nails the vibe but skimps on the gym and some room views.
Reviewed by @littlewanderingwren:ย We just checked into The Prestige and I'm obsessed! The room is stunning with gold accents, but the real magic is the rooftop poolโwe had it completely to ourselves. Plus, the staff surprised us with wine. Itโs the perfect trendy spot in George Town.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The gym is widely mocked as 'non-existent' or 'a closet with mirrors,' and the pool is shallow (waist-deep) โ better for dipping than swimming.
- You are a design lover or content creator
- You want to walk to all the major Georgetown heritage sites
- You appreciate high-tech rooms with filtered water taps and smart TVs
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Daily service is thorough, and guests consistently rave about the 'sparkling' condition.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. Grout is clean, glass is streak-free, and no mold reports found.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The hotel is relatively new (2019) and feels very well-kept.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count white linens; towels are fluffy and fresh.
- Odors & scents: Fresh, signature scent in the lobby; no musty heritage smells in the rooms.
Sleepabilityโข
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Internal hallway noise (rare)
- Occasional muffled street noise in lower floor street-facing rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is a 'Design Hotel' member, meaning style is the primary amenity
- Filtered drinking water tap is installed in every room (no plastic bottles)
- A MYR 100/night cash deposit is often required at check-in
What to pack
- Universal travel adapter (though rooms have USB ports)
- Swimsuit for the glass-walled pool photos
- Walking shoes โ this is a heavy walking neighborhood
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premier Deluxe (42sqm) for actual living space and better natural light
- Loft Suite if you want a mezzanine layout and more 'wow' factor
Rooms to avoid
- Originals King/Twin โ often the smallest with the least inspiring views (sometimes facing a wall)
- Rooms near the elevator if you are a light sleeper
Room Request Genie โ copy & paste
โI would love a room on a higher floor with an external city view, preferably away from the elevator. If possible, I'd like to avoid the internal courtyard-facing rooms.โ
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not in the base rate. It costs ~MYR 48.60 (approx $11 USD) per person and is a decent buffet spread.
Is there parking?
Yes, free self-parking is available for guests (validate your ticket at the front desk).
Is the pool heated?
No, but in Penang's tropical heat, you wouldn't want it to be. It is a 100% saltwater pool.
Can I open the windows?
No, windows are sealed shut in all rooms for climate control and safety.
Is it family friendly?
Moderately. They have 'Deluxe Trio' rooms with a King + Single bed, but no dedicated kids' club or play area.
How is the wifi?
Fast and reliable, suitable for remote work.
Insider Tips
- โจ
The 'Glasshouse' restaurant is great for photos, but local food nearby is 10x better and cheaper.
- โจ
Ask for a room with a view of the Church Street Pier for the best morning light.
- โจ
The minibar is free (non-alcoholic drinks only) and restocked daily.
5 things to know before you go
๐กThe 'gym' is literally a small room with mirrors to make it look bigger โ do not expect a full workout.
๐กThe pool is quite shallow throughout, making it more of a 'plunge and lounge' pool than a lap pool.
๐กThe 'levitating bed' effect is a cool visual trick created by the frame design.
๐กSome rooms have a 'magic' hidden toilet door that blends into the wall paneling.
๐กThe shower pressure is consistently rated as excellent, a rare win for heritage area hotels.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Prestige Hotel Penang is located and what's nearby.