February 2014
Strolling along Jalan Macalister can be physically draining. The street, located a hop away from Komtar, is one of the longest stretch in George Town. No mean feat for those travelling on foot but it yields a promise of local sights (from Penang State Art Gallery to Sun Yat Sen Centre) and sounds (mostly from peak hour traffic and hawker centres). Of course, smaller alleyways boast its own treasures like the wild boar rendang from Mama’s Nyonya Cuisine, the popular char koay teow on Lorong Selamat and the swanky business hotel, Sunway Hotel Georgetown.
In many ways, this four-star hotel’s location on Lorong Baru, otherwise known as New Lane, is a good one if your main incentive in Penang is to shop and eat. Bookended by New Lane Hawker Centre and Penang Times Square, the hotel pretty much offers the joy of accessible shopping and street food. Save some room in your shopping cart for 1st Avenue Mall and Prangin Mall, neighbouring Komtar.
The refurbishment of this 20 year-old hotel renders all things shiny and new, from the abstract lighting centerpiece at its lobby to the high quality duvet you would appreciate after a long day. Sunway Hotel Georgetown boasts 250 guestrooms as well as meeting and function rooms, restaurant and public spaces. If you enjoy looking out to the view of the city’s skyline, their guestrooms of Deluxe, Executive and Club Rooms, have it all.
For travelers who appreciate the basic comfort of a four-star establishment, check yourself at the Deluxe room and allow its carpeted floors to lead you to its oversized bed. Once comfortable, enjoy the cool air-conditioning, the LED cable television as well as other amenities like ironing facility, WiFi access and walk-in shower. There’s also a work desk where you can get into your emails or charge your iPad while lounging against its comfy chair that gives the feeling of an executive on a holiday.
If you are looking for extra comfort, the Club room might just be the room you need. On top of the basic amenities and facilities of the Deluxe and Executive rooms, you have personalised services and daily breakfast. If you’re thirsty, enjoy evening cocktails with hors d'oeuvres and all-day refreshments at the Club Lounge. There is also WiFi access for you to use, along with an hour complimentary use of the boardroom, if you have meetings and small social gatherings in mind.
If you have extra hours to spare before check-out, take a dip at the newly upgraded swimming pool. Alternatively you can lounge at the deck chairs and help yourself to a poolside menu too. Feeling guilty from the entire street food binge? Sweat your guilt away at the adjacent gymnasium. Cheng Sim