Staycations are just as wonderful and rewarding as overseas holidays, but less stressful and much more affordable. After all, it’s good to have a break every now and then. Penang offers many attractive staycation spots to suit every budget and ensures that your wallet lives to survive another day. Furthermore, a staycation in Penang is an opportunity to explore the city’s best places to eat, shopping, beaches, spas, recreation, and other things to do. Experience it all when you book a glorious stay at one of the many fine hotels in town or by the beach. Scroll down to read on about the top Penang staycation spots!
Explore more staycation options - travel within your comfort zone
If you’re looking for stays more tailored to your every need, here are some of our top recommendations:
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1. DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Penang (from USD 42)
A staycation is about having nothing to do and having all day to do it. The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Penang is one of the best staycation spots in Penang, thanks to its super stylish rooms that overlook sea views and lush gardens. Simply kick back and relax in luxurious accommodation that comes complete with amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, and rainfall showers in the bathrooms.
In addition, the hotel has a fitness centre, teddy bear museum, outdoor pool, kid’s pool and beach area, cosy lounge and restaurant, offering Chinese and Indian cuisine.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Penang
Address: 56 Jalan Low Yat
2. Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang (from USD 164)
Good value for money with complimentary extras like afternoon tea and cocktail hour.
Beautifully maintained grounds, large pool area, and private beach access.
Convenient proximity to Batu Ferringhi Beach and local attractions, but slightly isolated from Georgetown.
Generous and diverse breakfast spread, with some areas for improvement in dinner options and service.
Sometimes, the best holidays are close to home and that’s what makes Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang a fantastic staycation spot. The five-star Penang resort in Malaysia offers 304 well-appointed rooms that overlook tropical gardens or a lagoon-style pool. Moreover, the resort’s architecture exudes elegance, with a blend of history and tradition, surrounded by century-old rain trees.
Guests are treated to five dining restaurants, a bar for relaxing evenings, well-maintained facilities and a good choice of leisure activities. With complimentary daily shuttle service to George Town, guests can explore the attractions of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang
Address: Jalan Batu Feringgi
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Fitness centre
3. Vangohh Eminent Hotel & Spa (from USD 208)
Experience luxury, tranquillity and art at the Vangohh Eminent Hotel & Spa, which offers tastefully decorated rooms which combine oriental charm and western design. Guests can select from deluxe twin bedrooms, double bedrooms or deluxe family suites, all elegantly styled with modern touches.
Every room comes with complimentary high-speed internet, cable TV, bathroom toiletries and complimentary breakfast. Dip into the pool for a relaxing swim or head to the spa for a pampering session. Next, explore the restaurant for delicious dining and drinks at the bar.
Vangohh Eminent Hotel & Spa
Address: Jalan Machang Bubok 2
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
4. G Hotel Kelawai (from USD 105)
Competitive pricing compared to other 5-star hotels in Penang, but could consider adding complimentary breakfast.
Spacious rooms, great swimming pool, gym, and rooftop bar with fantastic views. Buggy service available for guests. New, modern design with good WiFi and free mini bar.
Convenient location between Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon, close to dining options, shopping malls, and local food courts. Easy access to major attractions and ample parking.
Breakfast offers a variety of cultural options, but some guests found it uninspiring. Evening cocktails at the rooftop bar are excellent. Staff are friendly and accommodating.
Iconic, exclusive and stylish describes G Hotel Kelawai, innovatively designed to create energising spaces for guests to play by day and mingle by night. There 208 stylish rooms here, with complimentary Wi-Fi access and well-designed bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Better yet, guests can enjoy ice cream upon check-in.
Dining is superb at the hotel’s three restaurants, including the Gravity rooftop bar that presents panoramic views of George Town. Located within walking distance are a wide choice of restaurants, boutiques and retail shops.
G Hotel Kelawai
Address: 2, Persiaran Maktab
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
5. Eastern And Oriental Hotel (from USD 169)
Luxurious with premium pricing, but worth the value for a family trip.
Historic building, infinity rooftop pool, choice of restaurants, and spacious rooms with sea views.
Close to old, interesting quarters of George Town, with easy access to local attractions and a nearby bus stop.
Fabulous breakfast with a wide variety of options, great happy hour with free flowing wine and canapés, and excellent dining experiences.
For almost 135 years, the Eastern and Oriental Hotel, affectionately known as the “E&O” to locals, charms guests with its grand elegance, reminiscent of the British colonial era. In fact, the hotel’s Heritage Wing is beautifully designed with plush suites and newly refurbished facilities. Next is the Victory Annexe, with suites designed for the modern guest, whilst retaining E&O’s old-world ambience.
Not to be missed are the culinary experiences at their famed restaurants and their poolside terrace, followed by drinks and entertainment at the lounge and bar.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Address: 10 Farquhar Street
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)
6. Evergreen Laurel Penang (from USD 52)
Sometimes, a break in routine is all you need and the perfect place for this break is at the Evergreen Laurel Penang. With 368 well-appointed rooms with elegant furnishings, guests can select from superior rooms, deluxe rooms, executive suites and deluxe executive suites that make this hotel the ideal city retreat.
For leisure and recreation, the hotel has a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, salon and restaurant. Located close to the many attractions of George Town, guests can explore the cultural heritage of Penang and its shopping and dining delights.
Evergreen Laurel Penang
Address: 53 Persiaran Gurney
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna
7. The Light Hotel Penang (from USD 83)
All you need to relax and unwind can be found at the Light Hotel Penang, strategically located in the prime business district of George Town. Select from 303 rooms and suites that offer guests understated elegance with a magnificent chandelier and full marble lobby. For dining, there are two restaurants, along with a bar and lounge, whilst the swimming pool and fitness centre keep active guests happy.
Best of all, rooms have a complimentary mini-bar and there’s a kid’s playroom, as well as steam and sauna facilities for families. Close by are plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities for guests’ convenience.
The Light Hotel Penang
Address: Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Bandar Seberang Jaya,
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
8. Hard Rock Hotel Penang (from USD 172)
Reasonable pricing for Roxity suite at around 2400 for 4 days 3 nights.
Great facilities for kids and families, including a large pool with slides and kids' activities.
Beautiful location with ocean-facing rooms, near the beach and national park, and a short walk to town for restaurants.
Buffet breakfast with many options, great fish buffet on Saturday nights, and enjoyable Hard Rock Cafe entertainment.
For a rocking good staycation, the Hard Rock Hotel Penang ticks all the right boxes with music-themed accommodation, great dining options and musical entertainment that’s synonymous with Hard Rock. The five-star hotel offers 250 guest rooms and suites with a contemporary feel and six food and beverage outlets, including the famous Hard Rock Cafe.
Families with little rock stars and veteran ones will be pleased with the fantastic amenities that include a kid’s club, full-service Rock Spa and gym. In fact, this hotel has the largest free-form pool in Penang, for epic swims, and it comes equipped with sand islands and three waterslides. Finally, the captivating sea views all around keep guests happy.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden
9. Lexis Suites Penang (from USD 100)
Yearning for privacy and quiet relaxation? Then, the Lexis Suites Penang is a perfect choice, as the five-star luxury resort is the only hotel in Penang with a private pool and steam room in every suite. The luxurious seaside resort offers 222 spacious suites that are elegantly furnished and boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow in plenty of natural light. Guests will love the private balconies with breathtaking views of the Straits of Malacca, abundant greenery and scenic landscapes.
Indoor facilities include the spa, kids’ room, karaoke room, gym, games room and lobby shop. For outdoor fun, guests get to soak up the sun on the white sandy beach and play beach sports.
Lexis Suites Penang
Address: 28, Jalan Teluk Kumbar
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
10. PARKROYAL Penang Resort (from USD 156)
Escape to a tropical retreat on Batu Ferringhi Beach with PARKROYAL Penang Resort. This luxury Penang, Malaysia, beach resort offers modern rooms with LED TVs, featuring local and cable channels, tea and coffee making facilities, minibars, personal digital safes and DVD players, upon request. All rooms feature scenic sea views or hill views and come with free internet access, plus 24-hour room service.
What guests love are the indoor pool for splashing fun and four dining options, so they can eat until their hearts are content. Highly recommended is the local cuisine at the Cinnamon Asian Kitchen and Italian delights at Gustoso, for romantic dining overlooking the sea.
PARKROYAL Penang Resort
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
11. Shangri-La Golden Sands (from USD 145)
Go for a luxurious staycation in Penang and book a few days at Shangri-La Golden Sands. This upscale resort is home to a mini waterpark with slides and three outdoor pools which is ideal for some family fun. Located along Batu Ferringhi Beach, the property also offers free Wi-Fi, a family entertainment center, a gym, and a kids’ club. Want to splurge even more during your stay? Make sure to book the room with a private balcony and mesmerizing sea views!
Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang
Address: Jalan Batu Feringgi
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Fitness centre
12. The Bayview Beach Resort (from USD 55)
Reasonably priced dining and amenities, but breakfast is expensive compared to local options.
Multiple pools, private beach access, well-stocked hotel shop, and convenient car parking.
Convenient access to the beach, local eateries, and tourist shopping areas, but a bit far from the night market.
Good variety at breakfast and dinner, but pricey compared to nearby dining options.
Another resort that’s suited for your staycation needs is The Bayview Beach Resort on Batu Ferringhi Beach. The rooms at this highly-rated property are fitted with a private balcony that has views of either the rolling hills or the pristine beaches. Other amenities included are free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, a mini-bar, a TV, and a coffeemaker. Guests of this beachfront resort will also have access to shared facilities like the outdoor pool, gym, spa, tennis courts, and the library!
The Bayview Beach Resort
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach
Accommodates: 5
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Garden
13. Boulder Valley (from USD 181)
Reasonable pricing for spacious tents in a serene rainforest setting.
Complimentary buggy service, spacious tents, and a small but enjoyable swimming pool.
Secluded location in a rainforest, perfect for a peaceful nature retreat.
Delicious and colorful breakfast and dinner options, with room service available.
Located just 9 km (5.59 mi) from Penang National Park, Boulder Valley is one of the worthy staycation spots in the state. Its shared amenities include the outdoor swimming pool, a lounge, a scenic garden, and a terrace. Guests of this hotel have three unique options to sleep in: a safari tent, a tented villa, and a glass-walled chalet.
This staycation spot also has a wellness center where you can treat yourself to a full-body massage and your special someone to a couples’ massage! For family entertainment, board games, books, and an indoor play area are available too.
Boulder Valley
Address: 8 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Accommodates: 7
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Family rooms
Make your staycation reservations in Penang
Stay in, unplug from the world and restore your soul at the many staycation spots in Penang. It’s good to wander often and wonder always at what special features these fine destinations have in store for you to make your staycation extra special.