This article reviews the hotels in Penang, Malaysia, which offer club or executive lounges to guests. By reviewing each of these club lounges, in turn, I conclude which hotel club lounge comes in at the top and which hotels I would select as having the best club lounges that Penang in Malaysia has to offer.
We have already reviewed the best luxury hotels in Penang, Malaysia, now we investigate the best executive club lounges in Penang, Malaysia, as there are some hotels with club lounges that are worth knowing about.
It is worth picking a hotel with an executive club lounge so that you can benefit from all the free food and drink offered up in the lounge, as well as the luxurious rooms, setting, and service offered by these wonderful hotels.
An island of rich Chinese heritage, Penang has an array of temples, ruins, museums, preserved forests, and beautiful beaches. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town of Georgetown sits on the northeastern coast of the district of Penang and is one of Malaysia’s most visited cities.
It was founded in 1786 by Captain Frances Light as a base for the British East India Company in the Malay states. And the town itself was named for Prince of Wales and quickly developed into a hub of economic and cultural success.
What is so wonderful about Georgetown is the mix of cultures. Along the “Road of Harmony,” you will see Christian churches, Chinese temples, and Muslim mosques, demonstrating the fusion of backgrounds.
A stop at Wat Chayamangkalaram is a must. Most popularly known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, this is the largest Buddhist temple in Penang. It dates back to 1845 and houses a 108 ft. Buddha in a reclining position that is covered in gold leaf.
1. Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is a 5-star property that exudes an elegant sense of history and tradition, nestling beneath a verdant canopy of century-old rain trees.
The expansive tropical gardens, with a fantastic lagoon-style pool as the focal point, create a lovely setting for a relaxing holiday. Well-maintained facilities, awesome choices of activities, and complimentary daily shuttle service to George Town make it highly convenient to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Nestled in verdant tropical gardens, Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang’s 304 guestrooms and suites offer enchanting views of the ocean or rolling hills. The interiors are artfully designed with traditional motifs and exuberant modern touches, creating a warm and airy tropical-inspired sanctuary.
If you are looking for a hotel with an executive lounge, the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa should be your first choice. This club lounge is in a separate wing of the hotel and has its own separate pool.
Their Rasa Wing is their club lounge wing and it is set amid the lush Shangri-La gardens. It features a separate driveway and entrance and elegant and spacious accommodation in Penang. The Rasa Wing allows guests to choose from 115 guest rooms, which each offer a different view.
Breakfast is a la carte at Feringgi Grill and is included for two adults and two children below 6 years old for Rasa Wing guests. This is particularly good as breakfast is not always included for four people at other hotels. Rasa Wing guests can also enjoy a free breakfast at Spice Market Café, located at the Garden Wing.
Rasa Wing lounge privileges include Afternoon tea, which is served at the Rasa Lounge daily. Selected alcoholic beverages, including cocktails and pre-dinner canapés, are available during the evening. Coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also served at the Rasa Wing Pool and Main Pool, located at the Garden Wing. These benefits are not available at the Pinang Bar & Restaurant.
Children are welcome to enjoy the Rasa Wing Lounge when accompanied by a parent or a guardian. A specially designated family area is available so that families can enjoy the lounge facilities. The Rasa Wing Pool is also available for Rasa Wing guests that are 16 years old and above. Alternatively, parents can register their children for a play session at the Adventure Zone at the Golden Sands Resort next door. Admission rates can be found at the Rasa Wing Reception Desk.
Selected minibar items are also included with this club lounge, along with shoeshine services available 24 hours a day.
2. Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Eastern & Oriental Hotel is proud of its illustrious heritage. Known simply as the ‘E&O’ to generations of travelers, it exudes a charm that is inimitably its own. For most of its history, its passageways and halls were the preserve of the rich and privileged from the Western world.
Intrepid visitors included acclaimed writers and aspiring literati who arrived in steamships seeking to experience the exotic East. Even with the passage of time, this unique pearl at the heart of George Town continues to shine as a testament to the grand elegance of the British colonial era, the embodiment of both a special time and a special place.
Indeed, at the E&O, life’s true pleasures never go out of fashion. For almost 135 years, the hotel has welcomed the world in a timeless style. This legacy is conserved and further elevated with the re-opening of the Heritage Wing, which is now setting a new standard as a leading destination in classic hospitality.
Re-emerging from a comprehensive restoration and refurbishment program in December 2019, the Heritage Wing resumes its role as a gracious host with new facilities and a variety of exclusive privileges – making it an even more delightful experience for guests staying here.
The Victory Annexe is an extended wing that opened in 2013, built on the site of the hotel’s original Victory Annexe that Arshak Sarkies first unveiled in 1923. The Victory Annexe is designed with the needs and comforts of the modern traveler in mind whilst retaining the old-world ambiance and charm that are synonymous with the E&O.
With the re-opening of the Heritage Wing, the E&O’s revered repertoire of classic hospitality and culinary experiences has been enhanced. The Java Tree serves Straits Nyonya recipes and classic European dishes. At the same time, the Palm Court offers a selection of ethnic Asian-inspired dishes and casual international fare, as well as the classic three-tier afternoon tea.
The new Farquhar’s Bar, now a handsome vintage cocktail bar with a view of Penang’s waterfront outside its expansive windows, is perfect for pre-and after-dinner drinks. At the Victory Annexe, Sarkies remains a perennial favorite for its splendid buffet-spread of Malaysian and international delights. The Planters Lounge is an elegant venue for continental dishes, while al fresco dining is a sumptuous affair at Poolside Terrace.
There are mixed reports about whether it is worth upgrading to the club lounge at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. The lounge provides all-day soft drinks, coffee, and tea. The evening snacks are almost a meal in itself. Food includes fried wonton, cheese, bread, small cold savory dishes, and the service is excellent. The executive club lounge bar is self-serve and unlimited during happy hour with spirits, beer, and wine. Certainly, it offers a good alternative to dining out and offers good value when you consider that alcoholic drinks are included.
3. Hotel Jen Penang, George Town
The modern, urban hotel Hotel Jen Penang offers refurbished rooms and a restaurant with an excellent breakfast.
Hotel Jen Penang is centrally located in the heart of Penang’s vibrant and bustling George Town. It is situated within walking distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as prime commercial and business areas and shopping malls.
Take a leisurely stroll to over 20 exciting street arts and satisfy your cravings from a must-eat famous street hawker food in Penang.
Enjoy direct access to the main public transportation options such as the Central Area Transit (CAT shuttle buses), taxis, or trishaws with only a few steps from the hotel.
Newly redesigned rooms and suites feature distinct highlights of Penang blended with contemporary touches offering comfortable rooms to business and leisure travelers alike.
Enjoy fast Wi-Fi, scheduled shuttle service to the beach, 24-hour gym, and George Town’s rich history.
Their newly transformed Club Lounge redefines the club concept for travelers who appreciate exclusivity, modern conveniences, and attentive service. It offers exclusive home-away-from-home comforts and is suitable for work or relaxation.
Located on the 16th floor, the stylish space allows guests to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the historical George Town, a UNESCO World of Heritage Site.
Within the Hotel Jen Penang club lounge you will enjoy: Exclusive check-in and check-out, a totally in-the-know concierge to help you with your stay, drinks, and snacks all day long, and a sumptuous breakfast, evening drinks, and canapes (with free-flowing spirits, wines, beers), pressing of one piece of clothing for when you need to dress to impress and two-hour use of the meeting room per stay (must be booked in advance).
4. Eastin Hotel Penang
With a clean-cut, modern facade, Eastin Hotel Penang strikes a contemporary first impression. Stay close to city conveniences at the heart of Queensbay, yet savor soothing vistas of the ocean and Jerejak island beyond. Described as a ‘leading business class hotel,’ this hotel is not designed for leisure travelers but does have an executive floor.
Eastin Hotel executive floor with 28m² Club Deluxe rooms which come with executive floor benefits. These include private access to the executive lounge, promotions on hotel facilities, services and more.
Room highlights include a complimentary mini-bar, writing desk, bathroom with a separate shower area, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Within the lounge, you get a choice of either continental breakfast at the executive lounge or buffet breakfast at Swez Brasserie and pre-dinner cocktails at the executive lounge. Complimentary drinks, including fruit juice, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, are served throughout the day at the executive lounge.
Plus, you get 15% off business center facilities, 15% off IDD and mobile number calls, complimentary incoming and outgoing faxes, complimentary local calls (area code: 04, except mobile phone numbers), complimentary mini-bar.
5. The Wembley Hotel
While this hotel sways towards business rather than leisure, The Wembley Hotel, Penang, offers easy access to business districts, a coastal freeway to industrial parks, and the city’s exciting heritage sites. It is also a 20-minute ride by car from Penang International Airport, or if you are driving on the North-South Highway, it is only a 5-minute drive from the Penang Ferry Terminal.
Enjoy hotel room views of the city or the expansive views of the sea beyond and catch glimpses of colonial architecture as each beckons you to truly experience Georgetown, Penang. The Lobby Lounge is a great place for a refreshing cocktail, and you can dine at the Enoshima Japanese Restaurant or check out the numerous bars and cafes around the city.
The Wembley Hotel has an executive club lounge on level 30 which boasts a modern and quiet setting overlooking the scenic view of George Town city. It is a great place to unwind and relax by watching the day turn into night.
The lounge also offers guests complimentary breakfast, evening canapés, snacks, and beverages and is open from 6:30 am – 11:00 pm. It welcomes guests 12 years old and above (so no children!).
6. Hotel Royal Penang
Hotel Royal Penang is a business-class hotel and one of the top 4-star hotels in the region. Its contemporary rooms with an incredible Penang heritage city view and a sea view. Hotel guests are able to enjoy the swimming pool and gym, which is located on the 4th floor. Besides that, the hotel also provides complimentary wireless high-speed internet in all our guestrooms and public areas for the guests to enjoy.
The Hotel Royal Penang stands proudly along Jalan Larut, near the famous Burmah Road, one of the most happening roads in Penang. Famous historical landmarks and commercial districts are within walking distance from the Hotel. At around 40 minutes drive from the Penang International Airport to the hotel, and about 8 minutes to the Ferry Terminal, you can easily catch the ferry to Pulau Payar, Langkawi, Thailand, and across to mainland Penang.
The Hotel’s coffeehouse, Grove Brasserie, offers a wide range of International and Local Cuisines. Adjacent to the Hotel is the Penang Plaza, an annex building offering a variety of shopping arcades that includes a grocery store & pharmacy on the ground floor; a florist, bookstore, nail spa, hair saloon & boutiques, just to name a few, on the 1st floor and a renowned Chinese restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Complex.
More importantly, there is an executive club lounge at Hotel Royal Penang. The Hotel Royal Penang club lounge is open around the clock, 24/7. It is not awfully luxurious with a fairly dated look, but this executive lounge provides everything that business travelers require during their stay.
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