Courtyard by Marriott Penang is the island's newest hotel and, as such, is decked out with the latest facilities, services and technology. Guests arrive in a compact reception lobby with the all-day dining restaurant off to the right.
While the hotel is located outside the Unesco World Heritage Site and its buffer zone, it is within walking distance of some iconic island sites such as the Komtar Tower and, for those who enjoy walking, the heritage sites are just a 30-minute walk away.
STAY
The property has 199 rooms and suites fitted out with the latest technology and mostly with commanding views over the Straits of Malacca or Penang Hill.
Several types of rooms are available including connecting rooms that will appeal to families. Most rooms are set up as king-sized double beds or twin beds.
These rooms are 32sqm while there are some rooms that are larger at 43sqm. The latter rooms also have a lounge at the window and a lounge seat at the end of the bed.
The higher floors are more expensive and suites offer separate living and sleeping areas to provide privacy. They also include an espresso coffee machine and a good workstation with an ergonomic chair. They are 64sqm and have a sliding door between the bedroom and the lounge room.
Marriott rooms feature plush bedding, smart and huge televisions (140cm) and free WiFi. The rooms have an uncluttered and clean contemporary design with room facilities and services mostly stored inside cupboards to ensure minimalist lines.
So minimalist that facilities reveal themselves unexpectedly. For example, the in-room safe is tucked away in a drawer in a cupboard.
If there are an iron and ironing board, I couldn't find them. That said; there is ample storage space with robes and slippers stored in the main cupboard.
The bed is very comfortable and decked out with four firm pillows and a pillow menu is also available from the hotel's AYS (At Your Service) team (one such possibility is the 'health aloe vera soft memory pillow').
Guests experience very little outside noise despite the hotel's location along the busy Jalan Macalister thoroughfare. Long-stay guests need to note that the linen is changed every three days in line with Marriott's eco policies.
The rainforest and wall-mounted shower are good with excellent pressure but in line with many contemporary hotels, there is no bathtub.
In-shower Nirvae Botanicals bergamot and tea-tree shampoo/conditioner and grapefruit and mint shower gel dispensers have replaced small plastic containers in accordance with Marriott's efforts to lower the hotel's carbon footprint.
The tiles are sand-coloured marble on the floor and walls. There is a hair dryer, hook for towels, a large mirror and magnifying mirror.
Each room has an unstocked mini-fridge, two complimentary bottles of mineral water and instant coffee and tea. Rooms have a circular table and a chair and there is a separate lounge chair.
EAT
Penang Kitchen, located on the ground floor, is the only substantive dining outlet within the hotel. An extensive and excellent
breakfast is served with numerous fresh and healthy options.
It delivers a tempting melange of Penang favourites and international delights. The action starts with breakfast from 6.30am and continues throughout the day with an all-day dining menu.
Adjoining the property's entrance is a Sushi House outlet and Love a Loaf bakery. Penang hawkerstall delights are just metres away from the hotel entrance.
Penang's first and only distillery-themed bar, with elevated views from its 23-storey location, Gin Library serves over 40 curated varieties of gins, whiskies, spirits and hand-crafted cocktails. The 'library' is open from 5pm to 11pm.
DO
An infinity pool and whirlpool (open from 7am to 7pm) are located on the 11th floor and offer excellent views. The pool is well landscaped with pods and comfortable pillows for lounging.
There is a pool bar and a 24-hour gym (with panoramic windows) on the same level. While somewhat out of place in tropical Penang, a sauna and steam room, complete the recreational inventory.
A pillar-less ballroom can accommodate 150 delegates while meetings are convened in one of eight meeting rooms that feature natural daylight. The open-aired poolside deck is also available for post-meeting barbecue gatherings.
Free parking is available and staff can arrange airport transfers for those who require such a service.
GO
The hotel presents a viable proposition for those who enjoy strolling through the streets of Penang. While it will take the average person some 30 minutes to reach the historic centre of the Unesco World Heritage Site, it will be time well spent rather than time wasted.
The alternative is to wait for a bus or use a ride-share app to secure transportation. Tourism sites within reasonable proximity of the hotel include Komtar including The Top Penang), Prangin Mall and the Eastern and Oriental Hotel with its comprehensive shop and museum.
Food is obviously important for visitors to Penang and Courtyard by Marriott doesn't disappoint. Outside the hotel, there are dining outlets that offer local Penang delights located nearby.
For example, there are char kuey teow outlets on Lorong Selamat and Siam Road within walking distance of the property. The lively and vibrant Hin Bus Depot is a few kilometres from the hotel.
Or simply use the hotel's complimentary shuttle service to Prangin Mall (11am drop off and 5pm pick up). Take a ride-share to Gurney Drive and the core zone of George Town's heritage terraced shoplots.
HIGHS
This new, contemporary-styled property with international branding provides very functional and comfortable rooms that appeal to both business and leisure travellers.
The concierge makes local maps available to guests who need them. Large televisions with a comprehensive range of local and international channels are a bonus.
LOWS
It is unusual that a hotel that welcomes those who travel for business does not have a club lounge or
club floors for extra privacy and meetings.
FAST FACTS
Courtyard by Marriott Penang
218D Jalan Macalister, George Town, 10400 Penang.
TEL 04 297-2300.
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE www.courtyardpenang.com
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