DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang

During our stay in Malaysia, we definitely wanted to see more than just Kuala Lumpur. Since we had already been to the Malaysian island of Langkawi a few years ago, we decided to go to Penang this time. Fortunately, the island also has a Hilton hotel, so we spent three nights at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.

Booking, arrival and check-in

As usual, we booked the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang directly through the Hilton website. Only when booking directly through the website do you receive benefits in the Hilton Honors program and can collect points for free nights. The price was also very reasonable by Western standards.

On the day of our arrival, we drove from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. The drive on the well-maintained highway took about five hours. However, we made a short detour to the Cameron Highlands, which added three to four hours to the journey. The detour was definitely worth it when we saw the lush tea plantations in the Malaysian highlands.

After finally making it through the long traffic jam on the bridge to Penang, it was only a few kilometers to the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang. We encountered difficulties during check-in due to an IT system failure. However, the reception staff resolved our issue professionally and quickly, and our booking was finally found. We were greeted as Diamond guests and received an upgrade from our booked King Guest Room to a King One Bedroom Suite with a balcony.

Where is the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang?

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is located in Batu Ferringhi, a city in the northern part of the island, about a 45-minute drive from the airport. George Town, the island's largest city, is about a 20-minute drive away. For those arriving with a rental car, like us, a parking garage is available. However, it costs 3 ringgits per day. A bus stop is located directly on the main road below the hotel.

What are the rooms (King One Bedroom Suite) like at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang?

We had been upgraded to a King One Bedroom Suite with a balcony. Our suite was on the fourth floor and the first room down the hall. Upon entering, we found ourselves in the living area of the suite. This had a small sideboard, an empty refrigerator, and a Nespresso machine. There was also a table with four armchairs in the living area, and in the back area, a sofa and a comfortable armchair with a coffee table. There was a television on the wall, but it didn't have any German channels, but it did have plenty of English-language channels. Overall, the living room felt somewhat empty and poorly furnished. The lighting was either too dim or too bright. Even the balcony adjacent to the living area, which had two lounge chairs, couldn't compensate for this disadvantage.

The bedroom is much more comfortably furnished. In addition to a king-size bed, there was a small desk and an open wardrobe. This was also where the safe was located. Another television hung on the wall opposite the bed. Unfortunately, the building is very noisy, so we could hear every chair being moved in the room above us.

The bathroom is very spacious, but a bit dated. It features a large walk-in shower with a rain showerhead and a bathtub. There's ample storage space at the sink. Both the shower and sink are equipped with ample Crabtree & Evelyn amenities.

What is breakfast like at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang?

Breakfast is served buffet-style at the Makan Restaurant and was included for us as Diamond status guests. The restaurant is generally open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors. The transition between the indoor and outdoor areas was open. For this reason, there was no air conditioning indoors, and unfortunately, there were a few birds wandering around the restaurant area.

The buffet offers a wide selection of Asian and Western dishes, ranging from Indian aloo paratha (flatbread) to nasi lemak, a Malaysian rice dish, various dumplings, waffles, and scrambled eggs. There was also a salad buffet where you could pick your own salad.

What is the Executive Lounge like at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang?

The Doubletree Resort by Hilton Penang does not have an Executive Lounge. However, the hotel offers a substitute for status guests. For Gold status guests, there is an afternoon tea from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. For Diamond guests, there is an evening reception with drinks and canapés from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Drinks include the usual selection of juices and soft drinks, as well as beer and wine. The canapés are served in a tiered stand with twelve small bowls. We think it's a good alternative and very pleasant.

What relaxation options does the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang offer?

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang has a large pool area. There's a large pool, a children's pool right next to it, and another pool with a water playground. Towels are available at the pool, and during our stay, there were plenty of loungers and cabanas. There's also a fitness room with ocean views. Since the hotel is a resort in a holiday region and many families vacation here, there's also a kids' club and a play area with, among other things, a pool table.

Although the hotel is only separated from the beach by a main road, it doesn't have its own private beach. However, there is a bridge over the road and a set of stairs leading down to the beach. We really liked the beach with its large stones. However, the surrounding area isn't particularly inviting for swimming, and in the following photo, the chosen perspective is crucial. It's a shame the hotel doesn't do more here. But that's probably because the beach is public.

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