Flamingo by the Beach Penang

Unlike the belief that some things better with age, this spot has fared better with its new lease of life under the Flamingo hotel chain (it used to be the Crown Jewel Hotel); rooms are kitted with contemporary accents, crisp all-white linen will have you asleep in no time, and their beach-facing deck chairs beg to be hoarded. You’ll have the option of great hawker grub close by, and while we love how the hotel’s website advertises its soundproof walls, it’s the romantic sunset views by the poolside that are the clincher.