Where to Stay in Penang - DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
Originally posted May 23, 2018
If you're heading to Penang and aren't sure where to stay, check out the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton.
With its numerous amenities, including a great location, affordable price, all you can eat breakfast buffet, and a shuttle in to George Town, making this resort your home base in Penang is a no brainer.
I had the chance to stay here over my birthday weekend, and loved it so much that I nearly pushed my flight back to Korea back another day.
The entire property, from the reception to the bedrooms, is absolutely beautiful. Speaking of bedrooms, I had the most comfortable nights sleep I've had in ages in our room's heavenly king-sized bed.... But the perks of the DoubleTree Resort definitely don't stop there...
AMENITIES + FACILITIES
EPIC SEA VIEWS
Whether it's sun up or sun down, you're sure to get a great view from your room or private balcony at the DoubleTree Resort.
Don't believe me? Check out what we woke up to on my birthday. Though it was barely 7 a.m. on the morning after a long day of travel, the bright pinks and purples in the sky had me feeling energized... so I did what any energetic 20-something birthday girl would do. I ordered a bottle of bubbly and Andrew and I did a champagne cheers to begin the day and (for me) another year of life.
BREAKFAST INCLUDED
How much coffee is too much coffee?
At the Double Tree’s Makan Kitchen, the limit does not exist.
Drink all the coffee you can handle with a delicious, buffet style breakfast featuring both international dishes and local favorites. We really enjoyed the made to order omelettes and colorful spread of fresh fruits.... and, of course, the coffee. Lots of coffee.
WARNING: Don't leave your food unattended!
Makan Kitchen's open air design is all fun and games until a crow is swooping in and picking at your breakfast before you have a chance to.
Though we only ate here for breakfast, Makan Kitchen is open for breakfast lunch and dinner.
AXIS LOUNGE
Drop in for a drink... & drink til you drop
Enjoy a cocktail or a coffee in the beautiful Axis Lounge.
Conveniently located in the lobby, the beautiful modern design and open air feel of the Axis Lounge make it an enticing spot to stop in for a quick holiday drink. However, Happy Hour (which actually lasts four hours - from six to ten) means half priced drinks... so that's the best time to go!
On some evenings, the Axis Lounge also has live music.
ROOM SERVICE
Don’t feel like leaving your room?
Dine in anytime with 24 hour room service.
WHAT TO DO
COOL OFF BY THE POOL
Though severe storms and rain were in the forecast for every day of our trip, we were lucky enough to have perfect weather - I'm talkin' sunshine and blue skies during the day, and epic thunderstorms after sundown.
Given the beautiful weather, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend some time poolside at the DoubleTree Resort.... and, so, for the greater part of a day, that's exactly where we were.
Painful sunburn aside, I do not regret our decision to be lazy and hang around this beautiful property at all... I do, however, regret not applying more sunscreen.
Catch some sun, cool off in the shade of the cabanas, embrace your inner kid at the splash park, or do all of the above.
(Disclaimer: I'm not actually sure if there's an age limit on this little splash zone... but we enjoyed it anyway... and I'm sure that if you have small children, they will also).
Keep an eye on the massive splash bucket over the playground - we saw an unsuspecting toddler get pulverised and scarred for life by the massive water dump he was met with soon after climbing up the playground.
VENTURE DOWN TO THE BEACH
An overpass conveniently connects the hotel with beautiful Miami Beach just across the street!
Walk out to the rocks at low tide, or head there around sunrise or sunset to watch the local fishermen coming in with their catch.
GRAB A BITE OR A BEER AT MIAMI CAFE
If you do go out to Miami Beach, do yourself a favor and stop by Miami Cafe.
This family owned restaurant is located right on the beach, has an incredible view, a hospitable staff, and serves up the best chicken curry I've ever had. Serioulsy... and for a ridiculously affordable price.
We had two delicious curry dishes, Malaysian pancakes, and two massive beers for less than US$18... And, yes, this is the same fisherman Andrew saw at the beach on our first morning. He even chatted with Andrew's dad on FaceTime!
TAKE A SPA-CATION
The vacation for your mind, body, and soul.
The Spacation is a modern, family friendly spa that offers a wide variety of services ranging from hot stone massages and facials to body scrubs and manicures. Get pampered in an indoor couple or single room, or listen to the waves crash as you get your treatment in an outdoor cabana by the pool.
For an up-to-date list of all services and prices visit their website or contact The Spacation at info@thespacation.com
BREAK A SWEAT AT THE FITNESS CENTER
Sometimes it's nice to stay on your workout game... even on holiday, and the fitness center at the DoubleTree Resort has all of the equipment you'll need to get your daily pump-up in - (Plus, it earns extra bonus points for having an epic ocean view).
Though I personally didn't take advantage of the fitness center, it's still always nice to have the option, ya know?
EXPLORE GEORGE TOWN
If you've heard anything about Penang, you know that a trip to George Town is a must... and, if you don't know, now ya know.
In addition to their many other amenities (that make it seriously hard to leave the property), the DoubleTree Resort also offers a free shuttle straight to the heart of George Town.
Wander from Victoria Street near the waterfront to the alleyways and side roads surrounding Armenia Street to see the most street art... or head to Little India for good eats and more colorful streets.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Make sure to download the Malaysian version of the mobile app Maps.Me.
This offline map is fully functional without data or wifi, and has all of the best George Town street art labeled and pinned!
GETTING THERE
Arrange airport pick-up through the hotel prior to your arrival, or do what we did and get a ride through the Grab App - another essential app download while visiting Penang.
The ride took about an hour because our driver decided to take the scenic route (and we stopped to try durian), but, for just 34MYR (US$8.54) we got all the way from the airport to the resort in northern Penang.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, but, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
