Whenever I visit Penang Island, I always stay at Oriental Hotel, 105, Penang Road.
To my opinion, this hotel offers one of the best ratio, value for money, in Georgetown.
Ideally located at the crossroad of two important roads in the old city, it is less than ten minutes walking distance from Komtar central bus station, and to some of the most important landmarks of this Unesco world heritage town.
As a French man and a Journalist, “Cuisine” remains an important topic. That would explain why I appreciate the fact that the Hotel is surrounded by so many restaurants and hawkers offering their services: a great variety of food – vegetarian included – palatable to every taste and budget, at every hour of the night or the day.
I also find useful to get two small convenience stores, an excellent Money Changer and two Pharmacists few steps away from the hotel. A bus stop is also available about 200 meters far from Oriental, making it easy to commute from one place to an other on the Island.
During my visits, I choose to stay on the tenth floor of the building. It offers, on one of its side, a compelling view over the city and its surroundings, various high Hills covered with forests and a refreshing sight on the sea. Practicing meditation in my room, I really love it.
The room where I stay is big: It is clean, has air-conditioning, possess a comfortable king-sized bed, a desk, a wardrobe, a TV, a fridge, and a huge bathroom.
The Hotel is quiet and safe. I can easily get access to a deposit box where remains all my valuables during my long stays. The staff at the desk and from the room service is very friendly, quick to help and speaks good English, Malay, and various Chinese dialects.
Fees, which are negotiable for longer stays, are really reasonable: About 25 US $ per night on my last trip. Visa credit card is easily accepted, with no problem at all.
As a matter of fact, my critics about this hotel are very few. Maybe a little bit more of hot water when, on public holiday, the Hotel is completely full of guests? Or a better Internet access in the room?
Still, in Georgetown, it is up to each of us. As for me, on food and accommodation, I made already my choice: I go for Asian and Oriental!
Antoine Durant, Paris. Duranton009@yahoo.com

This hotel is definitely in need of a little updating (think 70's/80's decor) but provides good value and an excellent location.

We got a clean and comfortable double room for about 88 RM (a weekend night), which dropped to around 80 RM during the week. The guys at reception aren't the most lively and welcoming bunch, but not to worry. The room itself was quite spacious, with aircon, and had a reasonable bathroom, all a bit dated, but it grows on you! What we really liked about this place was that it was quiet at night and early morning, meaning you get a peaceful nights sleep away from the noise of the city and early morning markets.

It is walking distance to many of the major sights in Georgetown, and has excellent places to eat nearby (try the Red Garden Food centre).

We would come back here and recommend to travellers on a similar budget.

suitable for a budget traveller.. everything's ok.. quite an old building, u'll feel like in the 70s. next to the famous 'line clear nasi kandar'. overall, not bad

Well this place looks like it hasn't been updated for a while but for the price it is good value. The reception staff were great, the rooms are big (but basic) the AC is good and it is in a great location.