Penang, Malaysia

Nana reporting live from Penang. 

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We just touched down in Penang at 2pm yesterday. It is my first time in Penang and we are currently staying at Hotel Jen Penang. FYI, this hotel was formly known as Traders Hotel Penang.

First impression of the hotel was...

Image Cr:Expedia.com.sg

Its external looks really clean and simple. The walls are still white! Once you are inside the lobby ↓, the decoration looks like it is stuck in the 80-90s theme.

The check-in counters are on the right side.

I have read some review online that checking-in and service are quite problematic here. But lucky for us, checking-in was hassle-free and fast. The staff are friendly and willing to answer all your questions.

Like I say earlier, the lobby's decoration remains in the 80-90s theme, so are the room. So don't expect those ultra thin LED SMART TV in the room or super good iPhone-docking speaker. But don't worry, it still feels cozy... Of course, here are some photos of our room.

 

And this is the view that we will be facing for the next 2-3days.

Some review said that there is supermarket inside the malls next to the hotel, but We decided to explore the supermarket that is slightly further, GAMA Supermarket & Departmental Store. We noticed a lot of tourist bought boxes and boxes of white coffee. Also, do bring your own plastic bags or recycle bag as plastic bags are chargeable. 

Okay... There is a Pacific Marketplace in Pacific Komtar which is just next to the hotel. Almost all the items there cheaper than Gama by a few dollars and the best part, they are very nicely arranged! Same rule applied here, bring your own bag :)

To be very honest, it has been quite a while since I saw a box TV.

And this is a weighting scale. I never see one so exposed before! 

You can see it skeleton clearly!

Oh ya... For those who are like us, bringing only 3 days worth of clothes for 7-days trip or just wants to do laundry. There is a laundry service provided by them, it cost about RM$95 for a bag ↓, however they won't iron/pressed it. If you need to get the laundry ironed, there is a iron in the closet.

Comparing the bag with a A4 paper for you all to gauge the sizing of the bag.

If you prefer to do it yourself, there is a coin-operated laundry service along the shop houses behind Prangin Mall. It is called ZYZ Self-Service Coin Laundry. The store is slightly worn out and some machines are spoiled but it is better than nothing. The washer and dryer is RM$6 each and 30mins duration for per wash/dry. So your laundry will be ready in just an 1hr for both wash + dry. The only downsides are you have to bring your own detergent power and wait for an hr. 

Conclusion:

This hotel's location is the best. Just look ↓!

It is walking distance away from the malls (Prangin Mall and 1st Avenue are just behind and Penang Times Square is just 10-15mins walk..) and those Penang street art. If you are adventurous, you can hop on the buses available at Rapid Penang and explore.

So far, our experience with the hotel and staff were good. Just hope that they will upgrade their room soon. :)

Will continue blogging our experience in Penang! Do keep a lookout.