Most Romantic Hotels in George Town, Penang Island

Yeng Keng Hotel is a cozy boutique hotel offering a charming stay in a 19th-century building with period-style furnishings in the historic George Town of Penang. Tucked off a bustling street, this three-pearl hotel is elegant in design with 20 rooms outfitted in antique decor, mini-fridges, and kettles. The cafe offers a free breakfast of local and international cuisine, and similar meals throughout the day. There’s an outdoor pool, but that’s about the extent of the amenities, apart from spotty Wi-Fi. As an alternative, travelers may want to consider the nearby Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang which has a gym, rooftop bar, modern rooms, and views of the bay for lower rates. 

The 100-room, historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel has been in operation since the height of the British Empire when George Town was an important harbor and trading hub. Known locally as the E&O, its colonial pedigree sets it apart from other five-pearl hotels, but it also has a fully modern all-suite addition with private balconies and rainfall showers. The doormen in white knee socks and pith helmets help sell the period experience, and it is one of Malaysia's top romantic spots, thanks to its rich atmosphere, two elegant pools, and fine dining.

The 53-room Chulia Mansion is a value boutique hotel that occupies a prime location in the UNESCO World Heritage district, close to several top tourist sites and plenty of dining options. A number of freebies perk up a stay here, including daily happy hours in the hotel's inviting rooftop bar that include free wine and ice cream. Buffet breakfasts with hot dishes are also free here, as are Wi-Fi and on-site parking. A rooftop hot tub rounds out the features. Guest rooms are clean and bright, with pleasant contemporary decor, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and mini-fridges -- but some of the units can be small and wet room-style showers could use an update. Nevertheless, it's a fine choice in a great location. For an alternative with a swimming pool, check out the Hotel Continental.

G Hotel Gurney is a four-pearl urban hotel located across the street from the beach. Decor throughout is simple but stylish, and the lobby has the most character with eye-catching accent features and furniture. The 312 modern and spacious guest rooms are sleek and understated; they offer modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and free minibars. This hotel's convenient location and tech-savvy meeting rooms attract many business travelers, but on-site features like an infinity pool, spa, and a chic lounge bar make it a popular spot for families, couples, and groups of friends, too. Beach lovers might prefer the luxurious Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa which offers direct beach access and free shuttles to George Town, but higher prices. 

With its grand white exterior and stunning designer interiors, the four-pearl Macalister Mansion is a special merger of Penang's British Colonial legacy with a luxury lifestyle experience. Guests can live like pampered lords in the eight unique rooms, each with their own architectural quirks and commissioned artwork. Proper amenities can be found in appropriate places throughout the mansion, from inventive tasting menus in the Dining Room, to a stylish wine bar in The Cellar, to a sleek outdoor pool on The Lawn. It's a bit far from the main attractions, but this 100-year-old mansion is a destination unto itself.

The Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang is a three-and-a-half-pearl contemporary hotel aimed at business travelers, though it's a great choice for leisure travelers too, especially those keen on checking out the city's street food scene. The popular New Lane Hawker Centre and Penang Times Square are right by the property. Features include meeting rooms, a business center, all-day cafe, a small outdoor pool and hot tub, and a fitness center. The 250 sleek, contemporary guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi, while suites add living rooms and both whirlpool tubs and separate showers. There's an exclusive lounge for Club-level rooms and suites with free breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and evening drinks. For beach views and multiple dining options, check out the G Hotel Gurney, but it can get crowded.