GLOW Hotel Penang, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 8.5/10

Hello, my dear readers! Today, I'll be touching a little on Penang, and of course, not forgetting to review about my stay in GLOW Hotel Penang, Malaysia. I would say that it'll be quite a lengthy post, but hey, a little reading never killed anyone, did it? Well, here goes nothing!

Ahhh, Penang. Anyone who has been there will definitely know what this small state has to offer. But if you don't, then read on to have an idea about this growing state which has become a thriving tourist destination over the years.

What, When, Where, Why Penang?

Penang, also known as Pulau Pinang or The Pearl of Orient, and its capital being George Town, is a state in Malaysia located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Strait of Malacca. Penang is not only one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, but it is definitely an old-world charm as this state retained its traditions and heritage buildings, making George Town worthy enough to be fêted as one of Malaysia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites in July, 2008.

The map of Malaysia with Penang on the left corner

Before the name Penang or Pulau Pinang was given, it was called "Ping-lang-yu”- Isle of the Betel Nut, and was discovered by Chinese voyages in the 15th century when the island was first charted. Around the 14th century, European merchants set foot on Penang. The first ones were the Portuguese, and it was not till the year 1595 that the Dutch arrived in Southeast Asia, followed by the English after some time. Steeped in history, “Penang” was born when English captain Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang to the British East India Company. In 1786, Light landed on what is known as the scenic esplanade today. Local folklore tells of how he fired gold coins into the dense jungle to persuade and motivate his men to clear the area up, making the construction of Georgetown possible, and 14 years later, the Sultan of Kedah further ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel to a very credible Light.

Why is Penang one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, you might ask? Well, let's see. To me, Penang is really all about the food and architecture. From the rich history of Penang, to the Penang Bridge that is ranked the longest bridge in Asia, to the hawker stalls along Gurney Drive, and then to the streets of Penang that are adorned with murals, Penang will not disappoint you. Feeling Penang yet? No? Then read on!

If you're enthusiastic about architecture, then Penang would be the place for you to wander around. From the colonial buildings, to the old Chinese settlements, to the pre-Second World War shophouses, this historic city is an example of well-preserved heritage buildings that you just wouldn't want to miss!

The pre-Second World War shophouses

The century-old Clan Jetties are considered as the last bastion of the old Chinese settlement

Penang is also a food haven. Food, food, food. Who says no to them? Hahaha! Even if you're on a strict diet, I'm pretty sure that it can get really tempting at times. So, what are some of the must try street food in Penang? Well, they're all in the picture below! Just walk along the famous Chulia Streets in George Town, or the hawker stalls along Gurney drive, and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't regret burping incessantly. From Rojak Pasembur, Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Laksa Lemak, Popiah to Cendol, you'd be craving for more!

The best of Penang's street food

Overview

And finally, without further ado, I'll be reviewing about my stay in GLOW Hotel, Penang, Malaysia! Phewww. It really is one hell of a long post, isn't it? Hahaha! 

And as usual, I'll start with the overview on the place. So, GLOW Penang is a relatively new contemporary hotel that originated from Bangkok, Thailand. It is situated at 101, Jalan Macalister, George Town, Penang, and it is pretty much surrounded by many hawker stalls, convenient shops and restaurants. This hotel is within a 5-minute drive away to Gurney Drive, and a 20-minute drive to the Penang International Airport.

GLOW by Zinc

I checked-in on the 27th of December, 2015, as a short family getaway. Since there was 4 of us, we decided to take the Family Quad Superior Room. It was RM932 for 2 nights inclusive of tax, service charge, and breakfast buffet for 4. It was a pretty reasonable price considering the fact that it was still a peak season. From a small pool to a basic gym, to a small private meeting room and a dining room, to a bar, and then to an on-site parking, this rather small hotel has all the facilities that you will need. 

GLOW Penang's lobby

The Family Quad Superior Room

The Family Quad Superior Room is a 32m² adjoining room that comes with a Queen size bed in one room, and 2 single beds in the other. Both rooms are equally spacious with comfortable bedding, and both comes with their own bathrooms! Three cheers to that! A flat-screen TV, a small open wardrobe, a safe, and of course, WiFi is provided.

Queen size bed in the first room

2 single beds in the second room

The Bathroom

The picture below is the bathroom. This hotel is extremely generous with their toiletries as there are bottles of shower gel, shampoo and hand soap rather than the typical hotel toiletries that comes in small tubes. Bath towels, face towels, hand towels, and a floor mat are also provided. Such efficiency, eh? And oh, not to mention the amazing water pressure in the shower. So really, there isn't anything that's lacking in here. Hahaha!

The bathroom with its vibrant tiled wall

Restaurant On Site- Zest Cafe

This is the Zest Cafe where we had our breakfast buffet. It's a pretty small dining area and the food selection was okay. It's basically a typical hotel breakfast where there are fruits, bread and a few choices of jam, cereals, porridge, fried rice, fried mee, sausages, scrambled eggs, coffee and tea and fruit juices to choose from. The staff do replenish the food but stops after 9:30am, so do come early for seats and hot food!

Funky looking Zest Cafe

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Room Service
• Small Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage

Check-in time: From 3pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

 I would rate this hotel an 8.5/10 as it is relatively new, meaning that everything would be in their best form, the hotel's decor and concept is very unlike the rest too as this hotel is really all about the vibrancy, the rooms are spacious and inviting, and this hotel is easily accessible and close to many eateries and places of interest. Oh, it is worth noting that the covered car park spaces are very limited so if it's full when you're there, the only option would be parking by the roadside which is a risky thing to do. Don't forget to use parking coupons or you'll be fined! I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Penang, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. All pictures posted in this post are not mine as they have been taken from the web.