The hype
A fantastic budget option that nails the basics of cleanliness and location.
Le Meilleur R1
$35-55/ night
Book this if You want a budget-friendly, ultra-clean apartment stay near Gurney Drive with legendary local street food right outside your door.
Why People Love It
- Spotlessly clean rooms with a massive 1000 sq ft layout
- Walking distance to Gurney Drive and major temples
- In-room Coway water dispenser and a cute resident cat
Quick Take: It's marketed as a '5-star hotel' on booking sites, but it's actually a no-frills, 1-bedroom apartment rental with strict house rules and early morning noise.
Reviewed by @CelineMcLaughlin1324868: My stay at Le Meilleur R1 was incredibly peaceful. I loved the historic wooden beams and the cozy loft space. Waking up and reading in the rocking chairs along the breezy hallway, accompanied by the sweetest resident cat, was exactly the quiet getaway I needed.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The walls are thin, and the early morning street and building noise will wake up light sleepers.
- You prefer apartment-style living over traditional hotels
- You are traveling on a strict budget
- You want to be steps away from famous Penang street food
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable pre-arrival cleaning; guests consistently praise the spotless condition of the apartment.
- Bathroom hygiene: Private bathrooms are well-maintained and free of grime, earning high marks from budget travelers.
- Maintenance: Generally well-kept, with functional air conditioning and appliances.
- Linens & towels: Clean and basic linens provided, suitable for the budget price point.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and clean, with no complaints of mustiness or smoke.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Early morning building noise
- Street traffic from nearby Lorong Bangkok
Before you book
Good to know
- This is an apartment rental, not a traditional hotel with a front desk
- A RM200 security deposit is required and refunded 24 hours after checkout
- There is a resident cat on the premises
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to combat the 6 AM noise
- Light, breathable clothing for Penang's year-round tropical humidity
Room Genie
Best picks
- The 1000 sq ft 1-bedroom apartment for its spacious layout and private bathroom
Rooms to avoid
- Units facing the street if you are sensitive to early morning traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm a light sleeper. Could you please assign me a unit located as far away from street noise and high-traffic building areas as possible?”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is this actually a 5-star hotel?
No, despite some online listings calling it that, it is a budget-friendly 1-bedroom serviced apartment.
Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available for guests, which is a huge bonus in this busy area.
How close is it to Gurney Drive?
It's just a short walk away, making it very convenient for shopping and the famous hawker centre.
Are there strict house rules?
Yes, management strictly prohibits heavy alcohol, loud noises, and requires a RM200 security deposit.
Is there a pool and gym?
Yes, guests have access to a shared swimming pool and fitness center in the building.
What is the check-in time?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, and it operates more like an Airbnb than a hotel with a front desk.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Don't miss the famous Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng stall right at the corner of the street.
- ✨
Use the in-room Coway water dispenser to save money and reduce plastic waste.
- ✨
Say hi to the resident cat that hangs around the property.
5 things to know before you go
💡The listing claims '5-star luxury' but the price tag is under $50 a night—adjust your expectations accordingly.
💡You're staying on a heritage street known for its 1920s architecture and Thai/Burmese community.
💡The RM200 deposit isn't refunded immediately; you have to wait up to 24 hours after checkout.
💡There's a strict 'no heavy alcohol' policy enforced by the management.
💡It's incredibly close to the Reclining Buddha temple, making early morning temple visits a breeze.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Le Meilleur R1 is located and what's nearby.