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If you are looking for 5 star hotels in Penang in 2026 – here is the Ultimate Guide for you. Trying to find the best hotels can be very challenging – especially if you want honest and clear information.
In this article we will review and recommend the best 5 star hotels in Penang. For each hotel we will draw your attention to unique features and positives, but we may also give you some of the low downs and disadvantages so you can make an informed decision.
We have travelled extensively and lived in Penang and we’re super excited to share these hotels with you.
YOU MAY also be interested in these amazing hotels with private pool suites in Penang
ALSO, don’t miss THE BEST beach resorts in Penang
Map of 5 star hotels in Penang
Summary of THE BEST 5 star hotels in Penang
| Hotel | Price range | Summary | Ratings (booking.com) |
| The Eastern and Oriental Hotel | £120 – £550 | Classy colonial hotel by the ocean in Georgetown. Excellent restaurant. | 8.9 |
| The Hard Rock Hotel Penang | £60 – £150 | Fun rock themed resort with great facilities for families. Located in Batu Ferringhi. | 8.7 |
| The Angsana Teluk Bahang | £110 – £550 | New, excellent design, beautiful interiors, quiet location near several epic attractions. | 8.6 |
| The Prestige Hotel Penang | £80 – £150 | Super stylish new Georgetown city hotel – very well designed and great value for money. | 9.0 |
| Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Penang | £110 – £550 | Large decadent resort in Batu Ferringhi. Natural asian vibes. | 8.6 |
| DoubleTree Resort by Hilton | £70 – £350 | Large hotel near Batu. Fun, happy and family vibes. Quiet spot and accessible. Great value for money. | 8.3 |
| Ascott Gurney Penang | £80 – £150 | Stylish new city sick hotel. Studio apartment style suites. Located near Gurney (malls and restaurants) | 8.8 |
| The PARKROYAL Penang Resort | £75 – £230 | Large beautiful hotel in Batu. Excellent facilities and services. Great for families. | 8.8 |
| The Evergreen Laurel Hotel | £40 – £130 | Great value for money. Georgetown hotel with outdoor pool. Simplest of the 5 star hotels we review. | 8.1 |
| Lexis Suites Penang | £100 – £150 | Excellent hotel with private pool suites and a private beach. Located in Bayan Lepas (a long way from Georgetown and other attractions). | 8.4 |
Things you need to know about 5 star hotels in Penang
Before you read on, here are some things that you need to know about 5 star hotels in Penang.
Council tax
The local council in Penang charge a small council tax of 3 ringgits per night per room for five-star hotels. Although this is not very expensive it can be a frustrating thing to find out when you check into your room. Some hotels will simply include this in the room rate, whereas other hotels may ask you to pay this additional fee when you check-in.
Keep your expectations in check
If you are picturing a dreamy Beach Holiday Penang depart from nice beaches. However, you need to be very careful swimming or bathing in the water around Penang. There are many jellyfish in the water and the water is not particularly clean or clear. If you are hoping to get some ocean swimming in your trip, we recommend considering a different destination. For example, the water around Langkawi can be clearer than Penang. Alternatively, consider some of the islands along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia such as the Perhentian islands, Redang island or Tioman Island.
Double check if you want a sea view
Some of the 5 star hotels in Penang that we recommend in this article are located near the beach or by the ocean. A common problem with 5 star hotels in Penang is the availability of sea view rooms. In some cases you may specifically book a sea view room and still may not be allocated one. This can be very frustrating. We always recommend contacting the hotel after you have booked your room to check that you definitely will be allocated a sea view room. One exception to this is the Angsana hotel in Teluk Bahang. This hotel only has Seaview rooms available (they clearly know what people want!)
Do you want breakfast?
Remember to check whether breakfast is included with your room. Some hotels include this with every room booking of its hotels require you to pay additional charges for a room with breakfast. Agoda normally show weather breakfast is included for the room you are booking. If there is an option of paying extra on the go to include breakfast this is normally cheaper than waiting until you are at the hotel to purchase breakfast.
Location is everything
Penang is bigger than it looks on the map. For example travelling between Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi may take 45 minutes or even 1 hour and heavy traffic. The best places to stay for 5 star hotels in Penang are Batu Ferringhi and Georgetown. Both locations offer access to attractions in Penang and have good vibes with local food and culture. Many of the 5 star hotels in Penang are located in Batu Ferringhi. Gurney is also a good location for hotels. In this area you can find plenty of street food, shopping malls an easy access to public transport. Gurney is also quite close to Georgetown. In this article we also recommend one Hotel located in Teluk Bahang. Although Teluk Bahang is quiet and out of the way, it is a surprisingly good location for a five-star hotel due to the tranquility and excellent attractions in the area.
The Eastern and Oriental Hotel
The Eastern and Oriental hotel is the superlative of culture and class. Conveniently located in the centre of Georgetown, this stylish colonial hotel offers comfort, decadence and luxury. To see why this is one of our favourite 5 star hotels in Penang read on…
One thing we love about the Eastern and Oriental hotel is the outstanding restaurant. They have an incredible restaurant called Sarkies, offering a fusion of Western and Asian Cuisine. The quality standards and variety of food available in the eastern and Oriental is excellent even buy a 5 star hotel standard.
The Eastern and Oriental is arguably one of the best 5 star hotels in Penang for food and fine dining. If you choose to stay out the eastern and Oriental Hotel don’t miss the amazing eat all you can eat buffet dinners.
The Eastern and Oriental is one of the most unique 5 star hotels in Penang. It is the perfect location for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site Georgetown, with its street art, diverse temples and amazing street foods. The Eastern and Oriental is located right by the coast affording excellent views over the beautiful ocean. One thing to be aware of is that this is not a beach location.
We absolutely love the Premier Suite in the Heritage Wing. This impressive regal suite is spacious, comfortable and remarkably well furnished. Out of all of the 5 star hotels in Penang, we think that the Eastern and Oriental offers the most style, luxury and class.
Of all of the 5 star hotels in Penang this is one of the most historic and prestigious. And that comes with the biggest price tag. Expect to pay around £120 – £550 per room for a night. Check the latest prices on Agoda.
The Hard Rock Hotel Penang
The Hard Rock Hotel Penang is one of the best 5 star hotels in Penang for families with kids. The theme of Hard Rock Hotel is dedicated to great rock music the world over. The Hard Rock Hotel Penang has all the feel good vibes. Great music, great food and super cool staff. The Hard Rock Hotel Penang has a genuinely fun and warm atmosphere.
We particularly love the pool access suites. Not many 5 star hotels in Penang offer this. We absolutely love the outdoor pool space at the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. They have an artificial beach, a swimming pool (shallow enough for toddlers), water slides and a wet play space with squirty things.
The space seems to be very well thought through for families with little ones. This makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable stay for the whole family. Only yeah, and let’s not forget the Shack swim-up bar. Because beer always tastes best in your swimming kit!
The Hard Rock Hotel Penang also has a luxurious spa offering a range of innovative and creative treatments. Check out the amazing spa bath and also try a music therapy massage. Like all the best hotels, the hard rock Penang also has an excellent restaurant. The iconic Hard Rock Cafe. They said a range of Western and Asian dishes including burgers, pizza, steak and much more. They also have a kids menu and highchairs.
The Hard Rock Hotel Penang is located in batu ferringhi on the north coast of the island. Batu ferringhi is the best place for hotels and holiday magic. The Hard Rock Hotel Penang is located right on the beachfront. Find out about all the fantastic things you can do in Batu Ferringhi.
Batu ferringhi is also not too far from Teluk Bahang. In Teluk Bahang you can visit the Penang National Park, Entopia (an epic insect and reptile conservatory) the awesome ESCAPE Adventure Park. The Hard Rock Hotel really is one of the best 5 star hotels in Penang for an amazing family holiday. It is possible to snatch up some great deals at the Hard Rock hotel in Penang. Expect to pay around £60 – £150 per night.
The Angsana Teluk Bahang
The Angsana is a remarkable, new 5 star hotel. This hotel exceeds expectations in every way. Rooms are intelligently designed all sea-facing. The excellent location affords breathtaking views of the Andaman sea. The Angsana utilises light clean interior design with colourful splashes of vibrant, traditional Peranakan art to celebrate the local culture.
The Angsana has an impressive range of rooms & Suites available. The rooms and suites are intelligently designed to prioritise comfort, convenience and luxury. All rooms include an excellent breakfast, however we always recommend checking this when you book.
We are particularly impressed with the two bedroom pool suite. This impressive suite has two bedrooms with large king-size beds, a private swimming pool, kitchenette and dining area. Rooms are also equipped with at least one large smart TV which allows functions such as casting from your phone. This would be a great option for a family.
The Angsana also has 3 outdoor swimming pools. There is an infinity pool with a beautiful view (check but your room includes free access to the infinity pool) a kids pool including a water slide and additional outdoor swimming pool. They also have a kids’ Playroom.
Most of the five-star hotels in Penang are located in batu ferringhi. With some hotels also located in Georgetown. The Angsana hotel is uniquely located in Teluk Bahang. One major advantage of being located in Teluk Bahang is that this area is nice and quiet.
Located on the Northwest corner of Penang Island, Teluk Bahang may seem out of the way. However, many of Penang’s exciting attractions are located in or near Teluk Bahang. The Angsana is also on a bus route (there is a bus stop straight outside this hotel).
The Penang national park is located in Teluk Bahang. The Penang national park is the smallest national park in the world and has two Beaches; Turtle Beach and Monkey Beach. It is possible to go trekking in the national park, you can also visit a turtle Sanctuary and you can camp in the National Park. Teluk Bahang is home to the amazing ESCAPE adventure park. ESCAPE has the longest tube water slide in the world and loads of exciting high adrenaline activities such as swings, ziplines and a high ropes course. Next to the ESCAPE Adventure Park is Entopia. This is an indoor Sanctuary and Conservatory for insects and reptiles and a very exciting eco project. A short journey from Teluk Bahang you can visit the tropical spice Gardens. If you go the other way towards Balik Pulau you can also visit the tropical fruit farm.
Be aware that they do take a large deposit of 500 ringgits at check-in. Also be aware that the journey from Teluk Bahang to Georgetown will take 45 minutes to 1 hour by car or taxi.
This is one of the more pricey 5 star hotels in Penang with rooms typically ranging between £110 – £550. Watch out for AMAZING DEALS on Agoda…
The Prestige Hotel Penang
The Prestige Hotel Penang is genuinely a remarkable property. This may well be one of the most unique and interesting 5 star hotels in Penang. The hotel utilises a fascinating fusion of classical and contemporary interior design. The Prestige Hotel Penang has hints of Japanese capsule, colonial and regal. Everything about this property feels clean, new and modern.
The rooms are very clean, spacious and comfortable. There are many lighting options in the room to suit your mood. Rooms are equipped with a large smart TV and the all important WiFi is strong at this hotel. We are particularly impressed by the rooftop infinity pool and sun loungers. These have been intentionally and cleverly designed to afford an ocean view. This 5 star hotel is not as big as some of its competitors (and therefore the amenities and services are more limited). What it lacks in space The Prestige makes up for in style.
The Prestige hotel is located in Georgetown. This is a very convenient location and a great base for exploring the temples, street art, culture & street food of Georgetown. Georgetown is also a great hub for public transport. From here it is easy to get to Air Itam (don’t miss Kek Lok Si temple and also the Penang Hill funicular railway). You can also take buses or taxis along the north coast of the islands towards batu ferringhi and Teluk Bahang (national park, ESCAPE and Entopia).
Although the Prestige Hotel Penang is a city hotel, the use of space and design creates a calm, cool and refreshing sanctuary from the heat and bustle of Georgetown. The Prestige hotel does include a free breakfast with your room. The food at this hotel is very good however, it is not necessarily as good as some of the other 5 star hotels in Penang.
Of all of the 5 star hotels in Penang, the Prestige Hotel is excellent value for money. Expect to pay around £80 – £150 per night. Keep an eye out for great deals at the Prestige on Agoda…
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Penang
The Rasa Sayang Resort Penang is a very beautiful beach resort. This is one of the best 5 star hotels in Penang for a romantic getaway.
Located just on the outskirts of Batu Ferringhi in the north of Penang this stunning resort offers a peaceful and tranquil location for a luxury holiday. The Rasa Sayang Resort is tastefully immersed in tropical Gardens and trees and foliage to accentuate the beautiful tropical location of this hotel. The interior design at Rasa Sayang is best described as Asian Zen meets art deco.
There are two wings to the Rasa Sayang resort. There is the newer Rasa Wing and the older Garden Wing. We recommend booking in the Rasa wing if possible. In both wings it is possible to get rooms with a sea view. However, be aware that this resort is a few hundred metres from the ocean. So you are not guaranteed to get a room with a clear seaview. If you feel strongly about having a sea view room, we recommend contacting the resort before you make your booking to see if they can accommodate this.
The resort has a serene, peaceful and natural feel. The Rasa Sayang Penang is located right by the beach. This is a quieter section of the beach in Batu Ferringhi. The cuisine at the Rasa Sayang Penang is genuinely outstanding. We are particularly impressed with the fresh seafood but is available at this property.
The Shangri La Rasa Sayang Penang has everything you would expect and hope for in a five-star resort. They have a well-equipped fitness centre, a spa, multiple dining options and bars and they even have their own mini golf course!
The Rasa Sayang Penang is one of the more expensive 5 star hotels in Penang with rooms ranging between £110 – £550 per night.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton
The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton is one of the more prominent 5 star hotels in Penang. The DoubleTree is located in a tall building right by the ocean on the north coast of Penang. The advantage of the location and tall building is the sweeping and breathtaking views of the ocean. This is also a great option if you want the assurance of Hilton quality, comfort and service. If you book the DoubleTree Hilton you can expect a warm friendly welcome, fast check-in and attentive staff throughout your stay.
DoubleTree Resort has all of the facilities and amenities that you would expect in a five-star hotel. They have an outdoor swimming pool, Fitness Centre, games room and spa. Rooms are clean, spacious and well furnished with light interior designs and large windows for great views and lots of natural light.
One disadvantage of the DoubleTree Resort is the fact that it is not located in a town. Rather, the DoubleTree is located on the winding coast road between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi. As a result, it is not possible to walk straight out of your hotel into the bustling street food culture of Penang.
If you do stay at the DoubleTree Hilton we recommend having your own transport (they have a large car park) or be willing to use buses or taxis to get around (the 101 bus runs along this road).
There are some very good deals available at the DoubleTree. Expect to pay around £70 – £350 per night (depending on the room and number of guests) Watch out for SPECIAL DEALS on Agoda for this hotel.
Ascott Gurney Penang
The Ascott Gurney (formerly Gurney Hotel) is one of the newest 5 star hotels in Penang. The interior design is contemporary and city slick. Artistic interiors are subtly balanced with modern minimalist style.
Rooms have large windows to afford excellent views and provide plenty of natural light. They are also fitted with good curtains to protect your much needed sleep.
The Ascott Gurney Penang offers a very good range of rooms and suites to meet a range of needs. Rooms and Suites at this hotel are apartment style. With plenty of space, a kitchenette and a dining area, the Ascot Gurney gives you the comfort of home with the luxury of a 5 star hotel.
We particularly love the 2 bedroom Premier Suite, with a bathtub situated by an ocean facing window so you can bathe with a view. As a new hotel the Ascot Gurney does seem to have some teething issues.
For example, slow check in and accommodating requests can be an issue here. If you do make any additional requests with your booking we highly recommend contacting the hotel directly once or twice to confirm your requests. Also chat carefully about the room you put includes all of the facilities and amenities that you hope for.
Expect to pay around £80 – £150 per night at the Ascott Gurney.
The PARKROYAL Penang Resort
The PARKROYAL is one of the classic and very popular 5 star hotels in Penang. Located on the main strip of Batu Ferringhi, this is probably the most prominent and popular 5 star hotel in the area. And for good reason.
The park royal has a lot to offer. It is a very large, well-developed resort offering a 5-star service across-the-board. Rooms are comfortable and spacious. You can choose between sea view rooms or cheaper hill view rooms.
The interior design has a clean light feel with cream, lightwood and laminate. In general when you book a room at the PARKROYAL breakfast is included (but it is always worth checking when you book). The breakfast is impressive and very high quality.
The PARKROYAL has large impressive outdoor grounds. The outdoor pools, seating areas and palm trees give this property a really lush tropical feel. The advantage of a large impressive Resort like the PARKROYAL is the facilities and amenities. The PARKROYAL is excellently equipped and offered a wide range of activities and services.
The PARKROYAL is another great option for families in Penang. If you are more into pop music than Hard Rock, this is probably the best option for you. In the outdoor swimming pool they have water slides for kids they also have an impressive kids’ playroom, kids clubs and activities. They also have an impressive 2-bedroom Seaview family suite. This is advertised as two bedrooms, the bedrooms are not privately separated.
The PARKROYAL is one of the older 5 star hotels in Penang. Despite this, the hotel itself is still well decorated and very well-maintained. Overall the PARKROYAL hotel is a fantastic choice if you are looking for 5 star hotels in Penang. Rooms at the PARKROYAL range between £75 – £230 per night. Watch out for great deals at the Park Royal.
The Evergreen Laurel Hotel
The Evergreen Laurel Hotel could best be described as a classical and traditional five star hotel in Penang. There is a large stylish and spacious lobby and the hotel is very well decorated with art. Some of the decor does appear to be a little dated. However, overall the hotel is clean and comfortable.
The Evergreen Laurel Hotel has all of the facilities and amenities that you would expect in a 5 star hotel. The Evergreen Laurel Hotel has a very good range of rooms and suites including both sea view and city view rooms. Some of the rooms and suites also include a bathtub. It is the small details that make the Evergreen Laurel Hotel excellent. The executive suite is large, decadent and spacious. For example, the rooms have good water pressure and the air conditioning works well. Rooms also include a free minibar with soft drinks. It is worth being aware that you need to pay a little more to get breakfast included with your room.
The Evergreen Laurel Hotel is located on Gurney Drive. This is the Cosmopolitan district of Penang with malls, shopping centres and intentional restaurants and coffee shops. Don’t miss the Gurney Plaza Hawker centre to sample local foods. The Evergreen Laurel Hotel is a tall tower block affording excellent views of the ocean. This is a very good area to access Georgetown. Although it is not in the centre of Georgetown, it is very easy to get buses and taxis into town from here. It is also not too far from the Penang Botanical Gardens. This is the cheapest of the 5 star hotels in Penang that we review. Rooms range from £40 – £130. Check the latest prices at the Evergreen Laurel.
Lexis Suites Penang
Ok straight up, we need to let you know that the location is not ideal for this hotel. Lexis suites is located in Bayan Lepas in the south of Penang Island (around 45 minutes or more to Georgetown).
However, we do think Lexis Suites is worth recommending. Lexus suites is one of the few 5 star hotels in Penang that features private swimming pools. Not only that, the private pool suites are spacious, decadent and have a great view. Lexus suited also lays claim to a private beach. The stuff at Lexis Suites are super friendly and helpful.
The only real downside of this hotel is the location. Unless you are happy to stay close to the airport and not bothered about a very long journey to Georgetown or the north of Penang. If you stay at Lexus Suites Penang we recommend exploring Balik Pulau which is a quieter part of Penang.
There are some quieter beaches in the area. Also, if you plan to visit ESCAPE, Entopia or the Penang National Park we recommend travelling north through Balik Pulau (the journey is likely to take around 1 hour by car). Rooms range between £100 – £150 per night for a room at Lexis Suites Penang. KEEP an eye out for big DISCOUNTS on Agoda.
