Travel Nature Asia
Best Luxury Hotels
penang & IPOH
The Banjaran Hotsprings
Retreat Ipoh
Design + + +
Service + + +
Gourmet & Wellness + + +
Rates $$$$
The Banjaran is probably Malaysia's best kept secret in the world of luxury hospitality. Tucked away at a magical geosphere a stone's throw off makan hotspot Ipoh, this enchanting all-villa resort is not only enveloped by acres of tropical lushness, it is also designed to tap into the natural hot springs unique to the region with onsen-like features in all the villas.
The Edison
Georgetown Penang
Design + + +
Service + + +
Gourmet & Wellness +
Rates $$$
One of Penang's most promising boutique entrant is The Edition, but even that was a few years back and realities have vastly shifted post 2020. The interiors of this handsome property was fresh and modish but guests could benefit from better sound proofing to block out the nightly din from the beer garden next door. Also, until its F&B and wellness concepts could come to life, its potentials are still far from fulfilled.
Eastern & Oriental
Hotel Penang
Design + + +
Service + +
Gourmet & Wellness + +
Rates $$$$
Frothy white Sarkies confections are such rarefied emblems of Eastern hospitality that properties still in business are storied to no end. At some point the myth is neutered by reality and that is when the ball drops. For the E&O Penang that moment seems to be still a distance off, its heritage wing having just emerged from a substantive renovation a few years back. Nonetheless, the hotel can still benefit from an upgrade in service orientation and raise its name to be on par with other international players in its own league.
Parkroyal Penang
Design + +
Service + +
Gourmet & Wellness + +
Rates $$$
The progenitor of the chain with more than 3 decades under its belt, Parkroyal Penang is today a refreshed presence along the Batu Ferringhi stretch, staring down olden rivals and taunting their lack of upkeep despite their erstwhile repute. Wonderful gardens and a buzzling beach are the capital allures of this tropical resort, with its freeform pools and outdoor recreational facilities fixed right in the midst of it all.
Shangri-La
Rasa Sayang Penang
Design + +
Service + +
Gourmet & Wellness + +
Rates $$$
One of the island's top resort for decades, the Rasa Sayang still brings back fond memories of a bygone time when its rooms are considered opulent and its tropical gardens set a world standard. The old glories are somewhat diminished because the playing field is now regional and competition is fierce. Nostalgia is good for business only when the past has managed to surpass the present in both spirit and form.
Seven Terraces
Penang
Design + +
Service + +
Gourmet & Wellness +
Rates $$$
A favourite with heritage and history buffs, this erstwhile mansion houses both the spirit and artefacts of a bygone era that can prove to be both enigmatic and haunting. More mundane considerations come to mind though - its inexplicable shower design and inconvenient duplex layout might put many off. Also, once the glitters of nostalgia wear off, this really is just an old house full of old things with nothing else that can be considered very interesting. Even its feted Peranakan cuisine becomes insipid on a second seating.