Bayview Hotel, Melaka

HOTEL RATING: 6/10 

A new month calls for a new post, yes? Hahaha! Hi, readers! I'm back with another review of a hotel in another state of Malaysia. This time, its Melaka, or also known as Malacca!

Overview

Today, I'll be talking about Bayview Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia, and here's an overview of the place. This hotel is a 4-star accommodation set in the city centre. Located along Jalan Bendahara, Melaka, Malaysia, this hotel is about a 6-minute walk to The Shore Shopping Gallery, and about a 20-minute walk to the famous and must-visit Jonker Street! Right beside the hotel stands a convenient store and small stalls selling food. Pretty convenient, eh?

Bayview Hotel

I checked-in Bayview Hotel on the 13th of May, 2016, and it was RM300 for a 2 night stay in their Superior Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. Oh, do note that RM2 will be charged per night as a heritage charge. It is said to be part of the state government’s effort to meet the cost of infrastructure facilities to provide more comfort to tourists.

Bayview Hotel's lobby

The Superior Double or Twin Room 

The Superior Double or Twin Room is a 32 m² room with a choice of either 2 single beds or 1 double bed. There is a lot of space in the room even after a 2-seater sofa and a small coffee table is added in. I was lucky to have gotten a room which overlooked the city area, and boy, was it pretty at night when all the city lights were on. Right in front of the bed, you'll have a flat-screen TV and a work desk right below it. A mini bar, a safe, a coffee & tea maker, and WiFi is provided as well. 

The Superior Room

The view overlooking The Shore Shopping Gallery (Grey buildings)

The work desk and an extra seating area

The mini bar and coffee & tea maker

To be frank, I was extremely unhappy about this hotel's cleanliness. I came in to a room which was not only dusty and dirty with hair all over the place, but with Sandflies swarming the bathroom, and mold and moss growing on the tiles of the bathroom floor. I WAS DISGUSTED. It was worse than some public restrooms that I've been in to, and what's probably worse is that I'm actually paying for it. I don't know if the room was even cleaned in the first place before I checked-in, but this is honestly my first experience in dealing with such terrible housekeeping from such a reputable hotel. 

A 4-star hotel? I think not.

The many strands of hair that was left behind on the chair

The Bathroom

I'm sorry that I don't have pictures of the bathroom because I literally stormed out of the hotel room and down to the reception to lodge a complaint because I was just that furious and frustrated. I mean, anyone would be, right? 

So happen, Mr. Johan, the manager on duty, was there to assist me. He was nice and polite enough to request the cleaners to clean up the bathroom for me. And you know what? After 15 minutes of washing, scrubbing, and spraying pesticides all over, the bathroom was now clean - like how it was supposed to be in the first place! I mean, if you need time to clean the room, yes, I'll give you some extra time. But you DON'T let guests in to an already-stayed-in-room-the-night-before. That's just bad and sucky service. 

FYI, I clean my own bathrooms at home to know that those mold and moss don't just grow overnight. Gee, I can't believe I'm getting worked up over this, again. Urgh.

The bathroom

The bathroom comes with a standing shower and a basic set of toiletries. And what I mean by basic is just Body Soap, Shampoo, Lotion, and a bar of soap. Toothbrush and toothpaste are additionally charged, so do take note. 

This hotel has a small fitness center, a steam room with sauna facilities, and a swimming pool. I must say that through all my stays in hotels, this was the first time I have ever gone in one. Maybe it was because the pool was empty, but nonetheless, the swimming pool was good. There was one for adults, and one for childrens. 

The swimming pool

Facilities and Services include:

• 2 Restaurant On Site
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Hot Tub/ Jacuzzi 
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage
• Karaoke Room

Check-in time: From 3 p.m.

Check-out time: Until 12 p.m.

I would rate this hotel a 6/10 as the hotel didn't meet its requirements and standards as a 4-star hotel, and there were many other flaws like an-always-closed restaurant and not so friendly staff. I do hope that this hotel could step up their game because I know that with a better management and housekeeping team, this hotel would definitely be a full house! I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Melaka, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web. 

Hotel Neo+, Kuta, Legian, Bali, Indonesia

HOTEL RATING: 8.5/10

Hello, my beloved readers! Its been awhile since I posted a blog post, haven't I? Well, I'm back, and today, I'll be touching on Bali, Indonesia, and of course, not forgetting to review about my stay in Hotel Neo+, Kuta, Legian. It'll be quite a lengthy one as I'll be sharing my unforgettable getaway with you guys, so sit back, maybe get a drink or a snack, and read on!

What, When, Where, Why Bali?

Oh, where should I begin? Well, first thing's first. Bali isn't as small as you think it is. Hahaha! Although just an island, and one of the many that makes up Indonesia, Bali has so much to offer. From their volcanic mountains to nature, from sunsets to the beaches, from their culture to their religion and then to their rich tradition, it all left a mark in my heart.

The map of Bali island

Bali is known for their mix of Hindu and Buddhist religion which is called the Balinese culture. It is a culture where the people are extremely devoted and some may even say that the Balinese people have reach self-contentment. This can be seen through the many practices and ceremonies that have become a large part of the Balinese culture and that it defines the lives of most Balinese people. One of the practices that I have never failed to see throughout my stay there would be the Canang which was laid on the ground in front of houses, shop houses, restaurants, etc.  

A Canang is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in praise and prayer. It is offered as a form of thanking for the peace given to the world, and it is the simplest daily household offering. The philosophy behind this beautiful offering is self-sacrifice; the amount of time and effort it takes to prepare it.

A Canang is a square coconut-leaf basket overflowing with flowers

So now you can proudly say that you do know a little, or should I say a teeny-weeny bit about the Balinese people, their culture, and their religion. Let's head on, shall we?

The flight from Singapore to Bali will be about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The time might differ due to weather conditions and of course, if there is a delay in flight schedule. 

The airport in Bali that you will stop at is known as the Ngurah Rai International Airport, and it is your gateway to Bali. If it is your first time to Bali, then BEWARE of the cab drivers who will literally grab/carry/hold your bags for you right after you get out of the arrival aisle. They mean you NO HARM as they're just trying to get business, but they can be very, extremely persistent in bugging you to take their cab which is one hell of an experience for me. (Do note that I was scared for my life and praying that I would not get involved in human trafficking. Yes, my imagination is on point, I know.) 

If you would rather settle your own transport at your own pace (because you are afraid for your life), then there is an Airport Taxi Counter near the exit of the arrival hall. The taxi rates are published and no haggling is allowed compared to those cab drivers that rushes you to their vehicle. It wasn't the most amazing way to start my Bali adventure, but it certainly gave me something solid to remember about my trip, don't you think so? Hahaha! 

Overview

From the airport to the hotel that I was staying in was about a 20 minutes drive. Oh, I stayed at Hotel Neo+, Kuta, Legian at Jl. Troppozone No.8 which is rated a 3-star hotel. I chose that hotel because it was located in the heart of Kuta, and along Legian Street, also known as where the nightlife happens because of all the bars and clubs that are situated there. The hotel was barely a 2 minute walk to the closest bar. (I didn't even enter one throughout my stay there though.) The hotel is close to many convenient stores as well, and about a 15 minute walk to the iconic Kuta Beach. 

Hotel Neo+'s facade

The pool area that can be seen from the reception

I checked-in on the 21st of December, 2015, and it was RM600 for a 3 night stay in their Superior Room, and the price was inclusive of tax, service charge, and breakfast buffet. It was a tad bit more expensive as it was close to Christmas, and was considered a peak season. 

The Superior Double or Twin Room
The Superior Double or Twin Room is a 23 m² room with a choice of either 2 single beds, or a double bed. All 117 rooms overlook the pool area so its A+ for the view. An LED TV sits in front of the bed on the wall, and a working desk that has ample space stands right below it. A mini bar, a safe, a coffee & tea maker, and WiFi is provided as well. 

The layout of the room

The view outside

A picture I took from the room

The Bathroom

The bathroom was real spacious. With a frosted glass dividing the bedroom and the bathroom, it came with a large basin area and a hair dryer that is fastened on the wall. For all Superior Rooms, only a standing shower is provided but that's okay because the water pressure is hella fine.

The bathroom

On Site Restaurant- Noodle Row

This hotel also has an on-site restaurant called the Noodle Now Restaurant that serves continental cuisine for breakfast. Their breakfast spread surprised me as it was not only good, but it came with many varieties to choose from. From Pancakes to Bacon to Hash Browns, and then to the local dishes like Fried Rice, Fried Mee, and porridge, you'd probably be stuffed. There is also an Egg Station where you can request how you would like your Eggs to be. Choose from either boiled, scrambled, or sunny side up. Can't decide? Then take all three! Hahaha! 

The layout of the restaurant

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Sun Terrace
• Airport Shuttle 
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage

Check-in time: From 2pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

 I would rate this hotel an 8.5/10 as not only the rooms are inviting, but the staff are all friendly too. The mega plus point of this hotel would be how easily accessible it is to the convenient stores and attractions around. I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Bali!

Well, well, well, congratulations on reading pass this point! If you're keen to read more about the places of interest that I've visited, then do carry on. I'll be touching a little on the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary at Ubud, Uluwatu Temple, and finishing it off with Kuta Beach. 

Some Things To Do/Visit In Bali!
I wanted to particularly visit Uluwatu because:
 1) Its a must visit place when you're there
2) Have you even seen the pictures of the place online? Dayummm. 

Well, the distance from Kuta (the place where we were staying at) to Uluwatu would be at least a 45 minutes drive, and I wanted to stop by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary at Ubud too, which was at least a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive away. So, the plan? To hire a private driver that would take us to Ubud first, and then to Uluwatu, just in time for the sunset. 

Driver's name: Nyoman

One day tour around Bali based on per car + driver: 
550.000 IDR= RM160/ 41 USD

Airport transfer from the hotel we stayed @Kuta (one way): 
30.000 IDR= RM9/ 2.3 USD

You can search him up on Facebook @ Nyoman Budi Cool Cool

It was around 10am-ish after our breakfast that we decided to leave for Ubud. It was a pretty long ride there as we did a few stopovers, all on the way, and all less than 15 minutes to visit a Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet store, a small Batik factory where they make and sell the decorated cloth, and then to a place where wholesale Batik cloths and clothing can be bought at a reasonable price. 

Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
We reached the Monkey Forest Sanctuary around 1 p.m. in the afternoon and proceeded to buy our entry tickets while our driver waited for us at a nearby restaurant. Below will be some information on the place and ticket pricing effective January 1st, 2016.


Entrance fee : Adult: 40.000 IDR= Around RM12/ 3 USD
                 : Children: 30.000 IDR= Around RM9/ 2.3 USD

Open daily: 8.30AM – 6.00PM

Ticketing service: 8.30AM – 5.30PM

Address: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali (80571)

Recommended length of visit: At least an hour

For more information,visit: www.monkeyforestubud.com

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and a Hindu temple complex in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Its official name is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as the Balinese Mandala Suci Wenara Wana. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is not just a tourist attraction, but also an important spot for research and conservation programs. The type of monkeys that live in the area are known as the Balinese long-tailed monkey, also called the Macaque. After entering the forest, a small stall selling Banana's will be seen, and you can purchase some to feed the Monkeys. 

Monkey: "Oh, Banana."

Monkey: "Why are his hands so high up? Doesn't he want to feed me?"

Monkey: "Good human. Here, give me that."

Monkey: "Ahhh, finally. That was a tiring experience just to get a Banana. Oh well."

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary isn't all about the monkeys and feeding them, but it is honestly a really nice place to just take a stroll and to breathe in what nature has to offer. The forest also has 3 temples inside, and a cemetery for Monkeys that is used temporarily while waiting for the day of the mass cremation which is held once every 5 years. 

Beautiful statues around the forest

Just strolling around

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu

We took our time just strolling around while taking pictures. It took us a good one hour or so to finally want to leave the place and head to our next destination. Hahaha! And so the journey begins again from Ubud to Uluwatu which took about 2 hours. By the time we reached Uluwatu, it was already around 5 p.m. in the evening and we could see that a long line has formed at the ticketing counter with many people just waiting patiently to see how magnificent Uluwatu really is. Below will be some information on the place and ticket pricing. 

Entrance fee : Adult/children: 30.000 IDR= Around RM9/ 2.3 USD

                

Open daily: 9.00AM – 6.00PM

Address: Pecatu Village, sub-district of South Kuta, Badung District, Bali.

Recommended time of visit: Before sunset

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, also known as Uluwatu Temple, is a Balinese sea temple that is one of Bali's nine key directional temples dedicated to protecting Bali from evil sea spirits. It is a place on the south-western tip of the Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia, and if you think that the temple itself is remarkable, then wait till you see where it is located- perched on a steep cliff 70-metres above the Indian ocean. Amazing or what? Hahaha! 

Visitors are reminded to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the temple as a form of respect. Before heading in after purchasing the entrance ticket, a sarong or a sash will be handed out to you and it must be worn around the waist. 

The best time to visit Uluwatu is just before sunset. A Kecak dance is performed everyday at the adjacent cliff-top stage at 6:00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. where the background would be of the sun setting. Those who would like to watch it will be charged a nominal fee. 

The breathtaking view of Uluwatu

See that purple sash on my waist? Well, that's one of the rules of the temple

Kuta Beach, Kuta

Last but not least, Kuta Beach! Kuta is a beach and resort area in the south of the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is best known for its Indian Ocean surfing and party-centric atmosphere, not forgetting that it’s particularly popular with Australians. Kuta's long and consistent waves makes it a popular surf spot, particularly for beginners, and plenty of outfitters offer board rentals and surf lessons.

Kuta Beach

It has been one hell of a long post, hasn't it? Hahaha! If you've made it till the end, then thank you for reading, and thank you for letting me relive this adventure by writing them down for you. Do feel free to leave me a message or comment below if you would like to know more about certain things or so, and I'd gladly get back to you shortly. Till my next post! xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web. 

The Ardens Hotel, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 7/10

Greetings, my dearest readers! I'm back with a new blog post that'll be on one of my most fancied boutique hotels in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This hotel is none other than The Ardens Hotel!

Overview

Let's start with the overview, shall we? The Ardens Hotel is a small luxury boutique hotel located at No.19, Jalan Austin Perdana 2/22, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This hotel's location is in the middle of a semi-industrial area, so do expect it to be rather quiet especially at night. The closest shopping mall would be Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre which would be around a 5-minute drive away, and the Senai International Airport would be a half an hour's drive away. 

The Ardens Hotel

I checked-in this hotel on the 8th of January, 2016, and it was RM298.92 for a 2-night stay in their Grandeur Queen room. The price was inclusive of tax and service charge but excludes breakfast. 

The sitting area near the concierge, and yes, I promise you that it was candid

The Grandeur Queen room is a 14sqm room with only a choice of only a 1 double bed. This hotel states that they use quilt and feather pillows with soft beddings which would definitely give you a good night's rest. A 32" LED TV with Digital Ready System and USB port sits in front of the bed on the wall, and right beside the bed would be a small working desk. Below the desk, you'll be able to find a mini bar offering complimentary snacks and beverages like a bottle of Coke, Soya Bean, and a few small packets of peanuts and chocolates. It is indeed a small treat for all the guests staying there. A coffee & tea maker set and Wifi is provided as well. 

The Grandeur Queen room

The queen size bed and small work desk

The mini bar below the working desk

The Bathroom

One step into the Grandeur Queen's bathroom is all it took for me to fall in love. With 3 of my favorite colors in play and the simple floor to wall tiles, this bathroom will definitely be one of my to-use ideas for my future bathroom. Hahaha! Although this bathroom only comes with a rain shower, trust me, it is more than enough because the water pressure is on point. They do provide all the basic toiletries, but the highlight here would be their tea inspired bath amenities. A hair dryer, mugs and extra towels are all provided as well, and they are kept in the storage compartments below the basin area. How organised, right? A frosted glass wall divides the bathroom and the bedroom, so don't worry about getting peeked. Well, well, too bad for all you playful monkeys then ;)

The rain shower and toilet bowl

The frosted glass divider on the left

The basin area and storage compartments, and yes, that's me

The Ardens Hotel also provides self laundry facilities in the Convenient Room too! How cool is that? I mean, its cool if you know how to operate them. (I have friends who have never touched a washing machine before, so mind you). There is a washing machine, a dryer, and an iron and ironing board that you can use at any time of the day. A small packet of detergent powder can be bought at RM1 from the concierge and you're good to go.

The Convenient Room

You can wash, dry, and iron

This hotel also has its own restaurant called The Stag Bistronomy which can be seen from the entrance of the hotel and which sadly, I did not try. I absolutely love the layout and the theme. It is said to be of "Alice in the Wonderland" design, and I absolutely dig it.

 The Stag Bistronomy

This hotel is by far one of my favorite because of its interior and design. Although small, it sure has all the basic amenities that you'll need. There is nothing bad to write about this hotel except that it is slightly out of the way to any convenience store or shopping malls. This hotel would definitely be a no for those who wants to be near the city, but if your idea of a holiday is just to rest and relax, then this hotel would be ideal for you.

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage

Check-in time: From 2pm - 4pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

I would definitely rate this hotel a 7/10 as the hotel is relatively new, meaning that everything would be in their best form. I absolutely love the hotel's decor, and I love the idea of having a guard who sits outside the entrance and is on duty 24/7. Safety first, right? Hahaha!  I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Johor Bahru, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. All pictures provided are mine. 

Parc Sovereign- Albert St, Singapore

HOTEL RATING: 6/10

Hello, my dear readers! I hope you've been well and have been looking forward to my next blog post. Well, I'm back with a new post and like what the title says, I'll be talking about another hotel in Singapore. Yes, I'm pretty frequent there, I know. And yes, it's expensive if you're converting your currency from a lower one like the Malaysian Ringgit. Urgh. Thinking about the depreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit makes me want to just curl up into a ball and die. Oh well, let's just skip all that and head on to the overview of this hotel now, shall we?

Well, well, this hotel has 2 branches, one at Albert St, and the other at Tyrwhitt Road, Kallang. The one I decided to stay at was the one at Albert St, and so, here goes. 

Overview

Parc Sovereign is a mid-tier class hotel located along 175 Albert St Singapore, directly opposite of Lasalle College of the Arts. This hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the Bugis MRT station (East West Line a.k.a Green Line), a 25-minute drive from Changi International Airport, and a 10-minute walk from the newly opened Rochor MRT station (DownTown Line a.k.a Blue Line). This hotel is convenient and easily accessible. Not bad, eh? 

Parc Sovereign on Albert St.

So, I checked in this hotel on the 24th of December, 2015. It was 238SGD for a 2 night stay in their Superior Double Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge, which would mean that it would be RM714 after converting the currency to MYR at a 3.00 high. 

The Superior Double Room

The Superior Double Room or Twin Room is a 14 m² room with a choice of either 1 full bed or 2 twin bed. The room looked like the one shown below, and I was lucky to have gotten a room which overlooked the pool area. And right in front of the bed, you'll have a flat-screen TV and a vanity table with a large mirror in front of it. You could take it as a work table if you want too, just that everytime you look up, you'd be pretty much staring at your face. Hahaha! A mini bar, a safe, a coffee & tea maker, and WiFi is provided as well. 

The Superior Double Room

The Bathroom

The bathroom comes with a standing shower and a basic set of toiletries. There's honestly nothing much to shout about compared to all my previous bathroom posts, but well, its clean, and that's all that really matters, no? Just imagine a hotel bathroom with Cockroaches and stained mirrors. Oh God. Its horrifying enough to be thinking about it, what more the thought of being in that situation. 

The bathroom

Facilities and Services include:

• Outdoor Pool
• Playground 
• Fitness Center
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage

Check-in time: From 3pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

 I would rate this hotel a 6/10 because of the accessibility and the friendly staff, and I would come back to stay if I'm around that area. I do hope that this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for an affordable place to stay around Singapore that is close to the town and city. Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. All pictures provided are not mine as they have been taken from the web.

GLOW Hotel Penang, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 8.5/10

Hello, my dear readers! Today, I'll be touching a little on Penang, and of course, not forgetting to review about my stay in GLOW Hotel Penang, Malaysia. I would say that it'll be quite a lengthy post, but hey, a little reading never killed anyone, did it? Well, here goes nothing!

Ahhh, Penang. Anyone who has been there will definitely know what this small state has to offer. But if you don't, then read on to have an idea about this growing state which has become a thriving tourist destination over the years.

What, When, Where, Why Penang?

Penang, also known as Pulau Pinang or The Pearl of Orient, and its capital being George Town, is a state in Malaysia located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Strait of Malacca. Penang is not only one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, but it is definitely an old-world charm as this state retained its traditions and heritage buildings, making George Town worthy enough to be fêted as one of Malaysia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites in July, 2008.

The map of Malaysia with Penang on the left corner

Before the name Penang or Pulau Pinang was given, it was called "Ping-lang-yu”- Isle of the Betel Nut, and was discovered by Chinese voyages in the 15th century when the island was first charted. Around the 14th century, European merchants set foot on Penang. The first ones were the Portuguese, and it was not till the year 1595 that the Dutch arrived in Southeast Asia, followed by the English after some time. Steeped in history, “Penang” was born when English captain Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang to the British East India Company. In 1786, Light landed on what is known as the scenic esplanade today. Local folklore tells of how he fired gold coins into the dense jungle to persuade and motivate his men to clear the area up, making the construction of Georgetown possible, and 14 years later, the Sultan of Kedah further ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel to a very credible Light.

Why is Penang one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, you might ask? Well, let's see. To me, Penang is really all about the food and architecture. From the rich history of Penang, to the Penang Bridge that is ranked the longest bridge in Asia, to the hawker stalls along Gurney Drive, and then to the streets of Penang that are adorned with murals, Penang will not disappoint you. Feeling Penang yet? No? Then read on!

If you're enthusiastic about architecture, then Penang would be the place for you to wander around. From the colonial buildings, to the old Chinese settlements, to the pre-Second World War shophouses, this historic city is an example of well-preserved heritage buildings that you just wouldn't want to miss!

The pre-Second World War shophouses

The century-old Clan Jetties are considered as the last bastion of the old Chinese settlement

Penang is also a food haven. Food, food, food. Who says no to them? Hahaha! Even if you're on a strict diet, I'm pretty sure that it can get really tempting at times. So, what are some of the must try street food in Penang? Well, they're all in the picture below! Just walk along the famous Chulia Streets in George Town, or the hawker stalls along Gurney drive, and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't regret burping incessantly. From Rojak Pasembur, Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Laksa Lemak, Popiah to Cendol, you'd be craving for more!

The best of Penang's street food

Overview

And finally, without further ado, I'll be reviewing about my stay in GLOW Hotel, Penang, Malaysia! Phewww. It really is one hell of a long post, isn't it? Hahaha! 

And as usual, I'll start with the overview on the place. So, GLOW Penang is a relatively new contemporary hotel that originated from Bangkok, Thailand. It is situated at 101, Jalan Macalister, George Town, Penang, and it is pretty much surrounded by many hawker stalls, convenient shops and restaurants. This hotel is within a 5-minute drive away to Gurney Drive, and a 20-minute drive to the Penang International Airport.

GLOW by Zinc

I checked-in on the 27th of December, 2015, as a short family getaway. Since there was 4 of us, we decided to take the Family Quad Superior Room. It was RM932 for 2 nights inclusive of tax, service charge, and breakfast buffet for 4. It was a pretty reasonable price considering the fact that it was still a peak season. From a small pool to a basic gym, to a small private meeting room and a dining room, to a bar, and then to an on-site parking, this rather small hotel has all the facilities that you will need. 

GLOW Penang's lobby

The Family Quad Superior Room

The Family Quad Superior Room is a 32m² adjoining room that comes with a Queen size bed in one room, and 2 single beds in the other. Both rooms are equally spacious with comfortable bedding, and both comes with their own bathrooms! Three cheers to that! A flat-screen TV, a small open wardrobe, a safe, and of course, WiFi is provided.

Queen size bed in the first room

2 single beds in the second room

The Bathroom

The picture below is the bathroom. This hotel is extremely generous with their toiletries as there are bottles of shower gel, shampoo and hand soap rather than the typical hotel toiletries that comes in small tubes. Bath towels, face towels, hand towels, and a floor mat are also provided. Such efficiency, eh? And oh, not to mention the amazing water pressure in the shower. So really, there isn't anything that's lacking in here. Hahaha!

The bathroom with its vibrant tiled wall

Restaurant On Site- Zest Cafe

This is the Zest Cafe where we had our breakfast buffet. It's a pretty small dining area and the food selection was okay. It's basically a typical hotel breakfast where there are fruits, bread and a few choices of jam, cereals, porridge, fried rice, fried mee, sausages, scrambled eggs, coffee and tea and fruit juices to choose from. The staff do replenish the food but stops after 9:30am, so do come early for seats and hot food!

Funky looking Zest Cafe

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Room Service
• Small Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage

Check-in time: From 3pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

 I would rate this hotel an 8.5/10 as it is relatively new, meaning that everything would be in their best form, the hotel's decor and concept is very unlike the rest too as this hotel is really all about the vibrancy, the rooms are spacious and inviting, and this hotel is easily accessible and close to many eateries and places of interest. Oh, it is worth noting that the covered car park spaces are very limited so if it's full when you're there, the only option would be parking by the roadside which is a risky thing to do. Don't forget to use parking coupons or you'll be fined! I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Penang, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. All pictures posted in this post are not mine as they have been taken from the web.