AMARI Spice Penang, in its website, describes itself as "a leading business convention hotel", but the towering building that stands in the heart of Bayan CBD Lepas looks more like an urban resort.
The first giveaway of its "resort" theme is the facade of vertical wooden louvres in warm terracotta tones of bright orange and brown that is enveloping its lower floors.
While its grand, multi-lane driveway looks typical of a posh, five-star hotel, its bright and spacious lobby looks like a beautiful marriage of a city hotel and a posh resort.
Once again, the wood element is used in the lobby, and it comes in the form of an end-to-end, floor-to-ceiling wall of open shelves that separates the reception counter and staff access away.
The wall of this attention grabbing giant shelves continues with what looks like a set of giant vertical wooden blinds that at certain parts, one or two blinds artistically look like they're softly blown by a gust of wind.
And the indoor scent… you just feel like you're being taken into a huge, tastefully designed spa in Thailand. I can't really put my fingers on what contributes to the scent, but I know there's a strong presence of lemongrass and sweet-smelling flowers, frangipani maybe?
Oh yes of course, it reminds me of Thailand for Amari is a Thai-based resort and hotel chain brand that goes by its refreshed brand identity "Brighten Your World" which celebrates contemporary Thainess from food, arts, design, architecture, among others.
STAY
Like the lobby, our room is cheery and artistic but without screaming for attention. Colours are bright - ocean-blue, Peranakan-motif carpet and rich mauve bed head with diamond-shaped prints.
And the bed… this is the star of the room. The king-sized bed is delightfully thick and plush, while the luxurious duvet acts as a beautiful cream on top of a heavenly cake. You just can't hold yourself from jumping on it at the moment you set your eyes on it!
The layout of the room is designed in such a way to have a spacious "walk-in" closet that comes complete with power points and USB ports, which for me is quite clever, considering the business travellers who usually "live" out of their suitcases.
The bathroom, though without the luxury of a bathtub, has all the right facilities from rainshower to inhouse brand toiletries.
Amari Spice Penang has over 450 rooms, ranging from deluxe rooms to spacious one-bedroom suites.
Guests staying in the Executive Floors and Suites have the privilege to enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge with its many club benefits.
EAT
There are four F&B outlets - Amaya Food Gallery, D' Observatory Sky Bar, Cascade and Aqua Bar.
Amaya is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant that is designed to exude a market-inspired feel. Its scrumptious food aside, the restaurant's tasteful design and setting are also pleasing to the eyes.
D' Observatory Sky Bar is said to be one of Penang's best rooftop bars that is designed with 1920s chic decor.
Down at the lobby, Cascade offers tea, coffee and freshly baked pastries by day but turns into a curated bar-lounge by night.
Next to the pool is Aqua Bar that offers a refreshing post-swim cocktail, cold-pressed juice or energising light bite before the sunset happy hour begins.
DO
If you don't feel like going out to busy George Town, Amari Spice Penang has enough outlets to keep you in the premises. For fun and leisure, the choices are a swimming pool, an outdoor jogging track, a well-equipped gymnasium and a spa. Those who like to have their meetings in house, the hotel has quite an impressive meeting room options. In fact, Executive Floor guests have the privilege to hold their small meetings at the Executive Lounge.
GO
A part of the integrated complex of Setia Spice Convention Centre, Amari Spice Penang puts its guests at the doorstep of the centre's facilities and attractions. Since it's located in the heart of Bayan Lepas CBD, the hotel is within a short drive to Queensbay Mall, Penang War Museum and Penang Hill. GeorgeTown and Batu Ferringhi Beach are 20 min and 45 min away, respectively.
VERDICTS
HIGHS It's pleasing to the eyes, warmth to the heart and delightful to the tummy. Simply wonderful.
LOWS Err, maybe its location, which is not exactly where Penang's main tourist attractions are.
FAST FACTS
Amari Spice Penang
2 Persiaran Mahsuri
Bayan Lepas
11900 Penang
TEL 04-683 1188
WEBSITE www.amari.com/penang
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