Penang Marriott Hotel Gurney Drive Infinity Pool with white sun chairs

Penang Marriott Hotel – Gurney Drive, Georgetown

Penang Marriott Hotel – Gurney Drive, Georgetown

Monica Tindall

Standing tall along the popular coastline of Gurney Drive, the new Penang Marriott Hotel offers an enriching experience for guests seeking a blend of comfort and sophistication. This latest addition to Penang’s hospitality scene delivers the consistency and reputation of the Marriott brand alongside the island’s tropical charm. 

Facade of Penang Marriott Hotel Gurney Drive
Penang Marriott Hotel Gurney Drive

Penang Marriott Hotel Location

Boasting an impressive façade and seemingly towering above its neighbours, the architecture pays homage to Penang’s cultural diversity, incorporating traditional Malaysian elements with modern design. Gurney Drive, while not far from the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, tends its own charm. There’s a fabulous strip of hawker stalls cooled by the sea breeze, and Phase 1 of The Gurney Bay Development, with walking paths, playgrounds and a skate park, is now open. Sun, sea, food and shopping are on the property’s doorstep. In regular traffic, it’s about a 45-minute drive from the airport, and the heart of George Town and its heritage streets is less than 10 minutes away. With its waterfront location and proximity to the city centre, guests can opt for a city or a sea view.

As Viewed from the Gurney Bay Development
As Viewed from the Gurney Bay Development

Rooms

The hotel features 223 rooms and suites, ranging from 36 sqm for a standard room to 77 sqm for a one-bedroom suite and 144 sqm in the presidential suite. Everything is brand new and, hence, very nice, and all furnishings and fittings have that solid five-star quality appeal. You can count on plush bedding, smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and unobstructed 360-degree views of George Town or the coastline from floor-to-ceiling windows. 

We’re in a suite with M Club benefits, including breakfast, evening cocktails, and refreshments throughout the day. We’re incredibly comfortable in the massive king bed with its supportive mattress and crisp linens. We especially appreciate having a separate sleeping and living area, which allows early risers and night owls to have their own space while the other sleeps.

The combined bathroom and dressing area are quite sizeable. There’s space for a large bathtub and the shower stall could fit five! Bath products in reusable pumps are well noted, and disposable amenities in paper rather than plastic packaging are noticed, too.

The mini-bar is pre-stocked with a few drinks, but there’s still a little space to keep some of your own. There’s an espresso machine, TWG tea, and a drawer full of glasses and cups. It’s enough to encourage you to stay in and enjoy the spacious living room with the considerably-sized screen streaming your favourite content and sipping on your preferred beverages. However, Penang Marriott Hotel does have some food and beverage outlets meriting attention, so we don’t stay in for too long.

One-bedroom Suite
One-bedroom Suite
Living Room in the One-bedroom Suite Penang Marriott Hotel Gurney Drive
Living Room in the One-bedroom Suite
M Club
M Club
M Club
M Club
View from M Club
View from M Club

Cafes, Restaurants & Bars

We think general managers with a background in food and beverage make the best hotel leaders. This is the case with Penang Marriot Hotel, which is under the direction of industry veteran Subash Basrur. We first met Subash at the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang. We were wowed by the quality of the kitchens on the property. Located on an island renowned worldwide for its cuisine, getting not only foreigners but spoilt locals to dine in is somewhat a miracle but more testimony to the emphasis management places on providing exceptional restaurants and bars that can compete with the independents on the island.

The all-day dining restaurant, Sago, serves local and international cuisines and is where most people will have a buffet breakfast. There’s a quality spread of Malaysian, regional, and Western recipes that are ready to please diverse palates throughout the day. Check out some of Sago’s dishes here. The hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant, Kucina provides an enchanting setting with its Santorini-inspired interior design and Italian-dominant menu. They provide both an a la carte menu and tasting menus, making for easy decisions. Check out Kucina’s menus here.

Huge Breakfast Spread at Sago
Breakfast at Sago
Kucina - Italian Restaurant island-themed setting at Penang Marriott Hotel
Kucina – Italian Restaurant Penang Marriott Hotel

At first, we weren’t sure what The Great Room was, but it turns out to be a sophisticated rendition of a lobby bar perfect for socialising, a point to plan the day ahead or reflect in the evening. Of course, we did a thorough job exploring the offerings, and you can find our blow-by-blow account of what The Great Room offers here. Additionally, with its barista brews and syphon coffee, Lava Java is looking to rival any independent cafes. Backed up by freshly baked goods and a counter of sweets, it’s just the spot to inject some energy into your day. More on Lava Java here. Lastly, afternoon tea at La Siena is an excellent deal, providing a free flow of pastries, scones, savouries, tea and coffee. Check afternoon tea at La Seina in this link.

Smoke & Mex
Smoke & Mex – Craft Cocktails in The Great Room
Cappuccino with biscotti
Cappuccino at Lava Java
Penang Marriott Hotel Gurney Drive View from La Siena
View from La Siena

Facilities

Beyond rooms and dining, Penang Marriott Hotel has plentiful opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The outdoor infinity pool overlooks Gurney Drive and the coast beyond. As does the pool bar and a 24-hour fitness centre. Additionally, there’s an indoor kids club and playroom to keep the little ones entertained during their stay. With the hotel being on the doorstep of the new Gurney Bay development, guests might take a stroll by the sea early morning or later evening when the sea breezes freshen the air. 

24-hour Fitness Centre Penang Marriott Hotel Gurney Drive
24-hour Fitness Centre
Infinity Pool Overlooking Gurney Drive
Infinity Pool Overlooking Gurney Drive
Penang Marriott Hotel Gurney Drive Bright Clean Poolside Setting
Bright, Clean Poolside Setting
5-star properties Malaysia A Morning Walk Along the Coast at sunrise
A Morning Walk Along the Coast

Event Spaces and Meetings

Business travellers should appreciate the state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, which can host events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences. I’m sure the pillarless ballroom will quickly become a popular wedding venue for islanders, too.

Meeting Rooms of All Sizes
Meeting Rooms of All Sizes

Penang Marriott Hotel Review

Penang Marriott Hotel in Gurney Drive stands out as a jewel in Penang’s hospitality crown, offering an experience that is at once luxurious and authentic. It is a testament to the island’s ability to embrace the new while preserving its heritage and traditions. Whether you are visiting Penang for business or leisure, the Penang Marriott Hotel promises a memorable and enriching stay, making it a destination worth exploring in its own right.

Reasons to stay at Penang Marriott Hotel: great location on Gurney Drive, with an outlook to the sea and direct access to the Gurney Bay development; excellent food and beverage options; exceptional service; it’s brand new, so everything has that shiny glam look to it.

Penang Marriott Hotel
55, Gurney Dr Georgetown
10250 Penang, Malaysia *Link to Goole Map
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/penmc-penang-marriott-hotel
@penangmarriott

Find more recommendations for travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.

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