The G Hotel is situated on Gurney Drive and is adjacent to the large Gurney Plaza shopping mall which also houses a multiplex cinema on the top floor. The hotel is one of the newer hotels in Penang has a bright and modern look to it. My baggage was taken from the taxi by a porter while I went to check in. The ground floor houses the bright and modern looking reception, a large lounge area and also a bar/lounge area. The service at check-in was very friendly and helpful with a small package awaiting my arrival. This consisted of the room keys, a welcome card from the management, a letter containing details of a number of freebies and concessions the hotel had given me and also an internet password which will allow up to 5 devices to be connected (so users with laptops, iPads and smart phones will find no problem with simultaneous connections). Wifi is free for guests throughout the hotel and there is also ethernet connection in the room. The receptionist apologised that she had to give me a condo view room for that night but advised that I could change to a sea view room the next day. She offered me the possibility to book breakfast at RM 20 a day but I decided I would check the breakfast out before committing.
My room was located on the 10th floor (switching to the 12th floor the next day for the sea view) and there are plentiful lifts just opposite reception. The rooms are very nice indeed, clean and again very modern in style. There is a king size bed, bedside tables, desk and chair, a relaxing armchair, large sideboard/cupboard (one side of which contains the mini-bar)
and a large double sided wardrobe with a a safe. A good size TV is wall-mounted opposite the end of the bed. Tea and coffee facilities are provided together with an ironing board and iron. Slippers and a bath robe are provided also. The bathroom is spacious with a large walk-in shower but no bath. There is a large sink, shaver point, a shaving mirror and of course a loo. Both the room and the bathroom are very well lit with a variety of modern lighting types that can be turned off independently to create a nice atmosphere and the decor is very tasteful.
The mini bar is free for guests and is stocked daily with up to 6 cans of soft drinks and a chocolate snack. Bottled water is also provided free. The bed I found to be very large and comfortable and the air con is not intrusive sound wise. Pleasingly the hotel is also quiet with no 'neighbour' or corridor noise.
As mentioned above the hotel provided me with a number of incentives for my stay including:
- 2 pieces of laundry free daily
- 15% discount on laundry and the various outlets linked to the hotel
- Free wifi
- Priority check-out up until 2pm
In addition the hotel has free parking for guests and also provides pedal cycles free of charge for use of guests should you require them. There is small but nice pool area which doubles as an outside bar/lounge areas also. Overall I would say the G Hotel is an excellent choice to stay in Penang and I would wholeheartedly recommend it, especially if you are able to negotiate a favourable rate as I was (RM 250 per night ++). As I try the different facilities here (pool, restaurant(s), G Spot Club etc) I will add to this post so it is all in once place rather than have numerous G Hotel posts.
For me, this hotel rates as a * Top Pick *.
Wow, they seem to be on of the few hotels that are sensible on fees. wi-fi is normally free at cheap places and huge amounts at expensive places. That bugs me - it should be free. I never really cared about the mini-bar, but making it free is really smart I think. It makes you think the hotel actually cares about treating you well, instead of saying that while they try to rip you off at every turn.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. As the days go on I get more impressed with the G. Laundry sent down on normal service at 2pm has been back in my room when I got in at 8pm, very well done and well packed/presented. Service is excellent and staff very friendly. I plan to try the breakfast tomorrow and the restaurants here as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteHi, I am going to G.Hotel next week too. Do you mean the flat rate for getting a taxi from the airport to G.Hotel is RM35? And how long does it take? Do you have any good places and restaurants to suggest? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI came from a coach drop off not far away from airport. It should be about same. I'll be at the airport tomorrow to see if there are any taxi voucher booths there. It would be about 20-40 mins depending on traffic.
ReplyDeletePlaces wise I'd suggest clicking the Top Pick link to being up those reviewed so far. Chins restaurant on QEII pier is also very good (high end Chinese) and the Chinese over Red Rock hotel in Georgetown is good too. Depends what you want really? Hawker, cafe style eatery or mid-high end?
Pirice for taxi from airport I suspect RM 30-40.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your prompt reply. I have read most of your articles about Penang, they are really written. I got a lot of information there. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Someone did mention that a taxi can cost RM70 to Gurney but most I spoke to said around the RM40 mark. Can't comment 100% as I didn't use. The airport is a mess at the moment with rennovation work and I did not have chance to walk around when there. As such I'm not sure if there is a voucher booth there. You can check with the Info desk there and there may be. Traffic can be a nightmare. If really bad it could take an hour.
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly try the No Eyed Dear, Song River for the wings, stall number 71 in the Gurney hawkers for Char Kway Teow (it's near the toilets), there's also a good rojak stall opposite. I'd sure do Chins for a posh Chinese and there is a good Thai restaurant at a place called the Heritage Club not to far away from G. Taxi drivers will know it. It's a private club but restaurant open to public.