March 2014
A little piece of Glow has landed in George Town and this three-star hotel marks Glow by Zinc’s fourth property in the world. At time of writing, they are the youngest of the growing hotel franchise and here is where their youthfulness is wonderfully illustrated.
Stepping into the hotel lobby is akin to stepping into a fun house, festooned with stripes and swiggles of complimenting colours accompanied by abstract paintings by homegrown artist Zaini Zainul. If a 15-minute walk from Komtar leaves you perspiring profusely, always trust that a glass of nutmeg juice awaits you upon check-in.
Cool is the other word to describe this place. Once you swipe your key card, step into a room sprawled with wooden tiles, prettily patterned carpet and wall piece as well as yellow-accented furniture. With over 161 rooms tucked within the hotel, there’s also space for any kind of traveller from a solo backpacker (choose Superior Single) to a family of four (Family Quad room is for you).
If you decide to skip naps (the pillow-top mattress is really comfortable, by the way), plop your laptop on its small work desk equipped with international adaptors (the area also doubles as a vanity area). Forgot your laptop? There’s also a designated computer at the lobby to satisfy your online needs. Of course, for a bit of TV time, there are a bunch of movies and news channels to keep up from its 32” LCD television.
On the recreational side of things, the hotel has a modest swimming pool and gymnasium for a quick cardio workout. There are also two bars, one in the lobby and the other by the pool, where you can grab a cocktail or two. Consider a meal at Zest Cafe, located on the first floor, that serves daily breakfast (from bread pudding to cereals) and set lunches that rotates weekly to keep things exciting.
If you’re strictly here for cheap eats, walk out to the nearby Nasi Kandar Pelita, Hong Kong Tea Garden, Town Steamboat Restaurant and New Lane Hawker Centre for a quintessential Penang dining experience. Cheng Sim