No 1 & 2 Pengkalan Weld, George Town, Malaysia | (937) 315-4602
Five-minute walk to bustling Beach Street
Surrounded by numerous dining options and tourist sights
Charming, elegant rooms with big windows
In-room air-conditioning, kettles, hairdryers, and minibars
All-day cafe serving Malaysian cuisine
Posh lounge bar, Tea Room, and fusion eatery
Outdoor pool with hot tub and tiny separate kiddy pool
Decently sized gym with weights and cardio machines
Full spa offering a variety of treatments and sauna
Free and reliable Wi-Fi
Meetings and event spaces on-site
Some decor feels out-of-date and worn
Food receives mixed reviews
Occasional noise complaints
Not all rooms have balconies
The upscale Royale Chulan Penang offers a traditionally elegant stay in a convenient, central location close to popular sights and restaurants. Occupying an 1892-built heritage building, colonial architecture and locally inspired decor combine for a lovely design. The 179 rooms are attractive and outfitted with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs (with English-language channels), minibars, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Some rooms also have a balcony. On-site features consist of a well-reviewed full-service spa, Tea Room, outdoor swimming pool with tiny separate kiddy pool, and sufficiently equipped gym. On the downside, food at the all-day cafe receives mixed reviews, a few areas look like they could use an update, and some past guests have complained of noise issues. For something more modern, consider Chulia Mansion, which has a rooftop bar and hot tub, and free breakfast.
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Scene
Heritage hotel with colonial architecture and decor
Occupying a 1982 heritage building, the Royale Chulan Penang's colonial style is apparent from the get-go with its charming white exterior featuring arches, columns, and balustrades. This traditional style continues indoors, with floral-patterned tile, red lanterns above the front desk, which is draped in red and gold fabric, and a Tea Room with various display cases. Rooms feel more contemporary with white wooden furniture, though patterned fabrics, locally inspired artwork, and patterned carpeting add old-fashioned elegance. A full spa, outdoor pool, and multiple dining options are available for guests when they're on-site, but most travelers spend their days off-site, due to the hotel's excellent central, convenient location.
Location
Walking distance to sights and restaurants, overlooking the marina
Royale Chulan Penang has a great central location just a few minutes' walk from the Tanjung City Marina. Numerous restaurants and street food vendors -- including in the Little India and Chinatown areas -- top attractions, and various museums can be reached in five- to 15-minute walks. Chew Jetty, The Wonderfood Museum, and Pinang Peranakan Mansion are all within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. For those who prefer to travel via public transportation, the hotel is conveniently located just across the street from a bus stop. Penang International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Rooms
Bright rooms with a classic, colonial style and modern amenities
Done in a charming colonial style, rooms have a traditionally elegant appearance thanks to cream leather tufted headboards and seating, light- or white-wood furniture, blue-and-gray throw pillows, and locally inspired artwork. Crown molding, recessed ceilings, and brass chandeliers add nice accents in some units. Rooms are decently sized, and large windows let in lots of light during the day. Some, but not all, rooms have outdoor spaces. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, free and reliable Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs (with a variety of English-language channels), work desks, and minibars. Closets with safes and ironing facilities, kettles, and free bottled water are also provided. Clean bathrooms have blue patterned or mosaic tile accents, and either shower stalls or bathtubs and separate showers. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and free toiletries come standard. Some units have separate living spaces. Note that occasional noise complaints have been reported.
Features
Well-sized pool, full-service spa, and several dining venues
Although most travelers spend their days exploring the area, the Royale Chulan Penang offers an array of amenities to keep guests occupied on-site. Multiple dining venues are available, starting with the all-day Sri Tanjung Cafe serving mostly Malaysian fare. The Spice eatery is a bit more upscale and serves fusion dishes. The Tea Room is a lovely traditional spot for tea and light snacks, and a lounge has live music at times. However, food on the whole receives mixed reviews. For leisure, a full-service spa provides a variety of treatments, and it has a sauna, hot tub, and steam room. Outside, a medium-sized pool is lined by sunbeds and umbrellas, and has a built-in jetted area and separate kiddy pool, though this is tiny. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
