Jon L.
Yelp
1600!
The Museum Hotel is a heritage hotel located in the heart of George Town, the capital of Penang. It is within short walking distance of KOMTAR and a couple other adjacent shopping malls.
Finding this hotel initially was difficult as it is on a side street. The side street is off Jalan Transfer and close to Jalan Hutton. You will know you are on the right track if you come across a bakery called Maliia Bakery at the corner. When you come to that corner, walk down that side road. As you walk towards the hotel, you will see the big hotel sign towering above.
Although walkable from KOMTAR, I would recommend taking a taxi the first time you come here to familiarize yourself with the area. I don't know if the hotel can arrange transportation to get here, but I know that they can book a taxi for you to the airport.
The hotel interior is beautifully decorated and filled with antique furnishings. As the name of the hotel suggests, there is a museum within the hotel that guests are invited to view by appointment with the front desk.
Though this is a historic heritage hotel, the room furnishings are modern. Inside the room you will find a comfy bed, a LCD TV, air conditioning/fan, a safe, a fridge, free Wi-Fi and a large bathroom with a sizable shower. Hotel staff also leave a nice local snack nightly for guests in the room to enjoy.
A complimentary breakfast is served to guests daily in the lobby courtyard area. You must order the night before. There are five selections to choose from. There is a dim sum option alongside several Western offerings. The meals come with fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, a choice of coffee or tea and a local dessert.
What makes this hotel exemplary is the great service. It is the best I have ever experienced staying at a hotel. In fact, Museum Hotel has been named one of the top 25 hotels in Malaysia for service by TripAdvisor. Each hotel staff member I came across was wonderful and very friendly. They even recall guests by name. If you prefer a hotel with history and colonial charm over a resort hotel on Penang Island, Museum Hotel is a great option. The excellent service and central location in particular standing out.