Penang is only an hour’s flight away from KL, making it a great place for a quick weekend getaway. During a trip, I stayed at the Northam Hotel, located close to Gurney Drive. It’s purportedly four-stars, but a little old and tired-looking. Definitely in need of a revamp.

E and I arrived around 11am and took a bus to Komtar (RM5.80) and then a taxi to Northam, which is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Public transportation in Penang can be difficult – to get to places, you have to make a lot of interchanges and taxis tend to have a capped rate of that’s what you get when you go to touristy spots >->).

We stayed in a single deluxe suite, which was spacious with a nice, fluffy king-sized bed, sea-view, two TVs (one in front of the bed and another in the living area), two toilets, study desk and a zomgs jacuzzi.

Ermehgerd. Made use of this a couple of times during the stay. Nothing better than relaxing in a whole tub of warm water after a long day walking around :3

Awesome sea  view

We then went to the 9th floor, which had facilities such as a gym, a spa and a swimming pool with even more awesome views. Since it was on the edge of the building, you can lean over and look at the car’s below. It was very windy though, so if you’re swimming it might get cold.

• Room: 9/10 – nice sea views, spacious, good amenities, clean
• Lobby/overall hotel design: 7/10 – Nice but tired, in need of a revamp
• Facilities: 8/10 – Gym, Spa, Swimming pool
• Location: 8/10 Walking distance to Gurney Drive
• Service: 8/10 – No problems with check-in/Check-out processes

THE NORTHAM ALL SUITE PENANG 

55, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Pulau Tikus, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Rservations: 04-370 1111

northamhotel-penang.com