Courtyard by Marriott Penang
Monica Tindall
With pretty views, an infinity pool, fuss-free rooms, some tasty food and beverage options, and a locale on Jalan Macalister Road in Georgetown, Courtyard by Marriott Penang is a comfortable and convenient stay.
Courtyard by Marriott Penang Location
The brand-new building on Jalan Macalister is within walking distance to iconic street food spots, some of the city’s best fine and contemporary dining, and the hip Hin Bus Depot. The heart of Georgetown, with its street murals, hidden bars and vibrant café and boutique scene, is just 2.5 kilometres away (walkable or a RM 5 Grab ride). Furthermore, a whole host of attractions such as Batu Ferringhi beach and Penang Hill are all within easy reach.
Facilities
Courtyard by Marriott Penang benefits from an excellent location to take in the sites and facilities to help you unwind in between. We love the pool on the 11th floor. It’s long enough to swim laps and also perfect lazing-by-its-edge material. Its elevation and luxuriant landscaping make for a cool deck gently caressed by the breeze.
The gym is walled with glass on the same level, extending the same fab views to those working out. Several cardio machines and free weights provide sufficient opportunity to burn off Penang food adventure calories. Also here are the steam room and sauna. Personally, I think the local weather offers enough heat and humidity. Hubby, on the other hand, makes good use of them.
Food and Beverage
With what many consider Malaysia’s food capital at the doorstep, you might not initially plan on eating in the hotel. However, the team at Courtyard by Marriott Penang has carefully curated the food and beverage experience to make you reconsider.
Penang Kitchen is the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant on the ground floor. It’s a bright, happy space, well-lit during the day thanks to floor to ceiling windows, and also in the evenings with plentiful lighting and a pale colour palette.
The vibrant local culture is honoured in both the menu and décor. Placemats show off iconic street art on one side with directions on how to find them and some informative pieces on Penang food on the other. Recipes encompass Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes along with a good component of western plates.
Not a fan of buffets; I like that the pandemic has forced a dramatic change in this area. Breakfast at the hotel is provided in the form of an ala carte selection. When occupancy is high, there’s a small smorgasbord of fruit, yoghurt, cereal, bread and juice to satiate immediate hunger, but the majority find the made-to-order menu more than enough.
We try a range of local and western dishes over our stay and find the food high quality and excellent value for money. Their Dulang lunch set, which brings the buffet to the table, is unbelievable value at RM52.99 for two people. Also of special note is their range of fermented enzyme drinks – absolutely delicious and health-boosting to boot. Read more about Penang Kitchen here.
Another reason to stay in is the Gin Library on the hotel’s top floor. A wonderful addition to the Penang bar scene, it stocks an extensive range of gins and looks over the fabulous scenery of the city, hill and sea. It’s particularly pretty at sunset with the sky’s golden hues. Besides being a classy spot for a premium tipple, it would make a super event space or terrific setting for a refined evening of gin appreciation.
Rooms
Facilities and food and beverage aside, the rooms are brand new and reason enough to consider a few nights here. What I like most about the design are the clean, neat lines. Everything is tucked away between sleek cupboards giving minimalist appeal. Void of clutter, views from giant windows takes centre-stage.
With vastly different sleeping patterns, hubby and I try to stay in suites whenever possible. The Courtyard Suite provides separate living, sleeping and bathing areas sealed off with thick doors blocking light and sound. Even the giant TVs aren’t heard through the walls.
All essential boxes are checked with high-quality mattresses and bedding, instant hot water and high-pressured showers. High-speed Wi-Fi, an espresso machine, a sizable desk, an ergonomic chair, and a proper master switch for the power (no need to fuss with cards) all support the modern décor and cosy interior.
Courtyard by Marriott Penang Review
On top of views, facilities, quality food and beverage, and brand-new rooms, our stay at Courtyard by Marriott Penang is greatly enhanced by the gracious and helpful staff. No doubt, times have been challenging for the industry, and there seems to be a shortage of personnel in the workforce. Even so, every interaction we had, from the bell boy to reception to service staff and chefs, was warm, patient and professional. They were the ginger flower in our laksa, you might say.
Reasons to stay at Courtyard by Marriott Penang: spacious suites that are streamlined and unfussy; solid sliding doors separating living, sleeping and bathing areas in suites; fantastic city, hill and sea views; the Gin Library; quality food reasonably priced; the 11th-floor pool.
Courtyard by Marriott Penang
218D Jalan Macalister
George Town, 10400 Penang, Malaysia
+60175305543
+604 297 2300
www.courtyardpenang.com
Find out more about travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.
I like the look of the Penang Kitchen. Has a homely feel to it.
Such a beautiful hotel!
Love the place, looks great but I’ll skip the breakfast for some street foods 😀