My family and I had booked three nights at Cititel Penang in two double rooms. Upon check-in we were told by the manager behind the desk that they did not have any double rooms available (only twins) for the first night and that we had not requested double rooms. I suggested that they need to update their website booking page with the option of selecting double sleeping arrangements as I imagine most guests booking in for two would expect a double rather than twin sleeping arrangement. The manager told me that they have had this issue before. Despite this initial setback, they did manage to clear up two double rooms in which we stayed in for the three nights of our stay here. Rooms are clean, spacious and with views of Georgetown. Location is fine, but then again most places in Georgetown would be located pretty centrally. Wifi is a little slow at times (also check that this is free/included in the price you pay). Health facilities are simple but effective. Buffet breakfast is ok but nothing special for the price you pay. All in all, it was a comfortable stay at Cititel Penang, but make sure you're specific with your requests when booking.

We stayed here for 2 nights only for a quick trip through Penang... it is ok for a short stay like this I guess but I'm glad we're not staying too much longer. The net connection is fast during the day when there is noone using it, but in the evenings it is so slow you can hardly use it at all... I am writing this from the coffee shop on the lobby floor, which is where I ended up after spending over an hour trying to check myself in for an early flight out tomorrow.

The room itself is tiny and devoid of any style or flair - literally just a place to sleep. The toilet only flushes occasionally (takes ages to recover from one flush and each one is very weak). The view that everyone is talking about was non-existent for us - we're just overlooking a pretty average slice of the city. Taxis are not always available outside, you have to find them yourself. The location is not as great as I imagined either - a bit seedy although admittedly central. We ended up having to get cabs everywhere we wanted to go and the cabs in Penang are quite expensive by Malaysian standards.

Service is ok. The room service menu is very average though - nothing that sounds in the least bit fresh or healthy. Free waters that were in the room were not replaced on the second morning, although when we asked for some they did arrive.

All in all, not sure that we will stay again unless there was a lack of viable alternatives.

Pro's:
-Location
-clean bed sheets
-free Internet
-rm 100 deposit for my 4 day stay


Con's:
-On non smoking floors I can still smell smoke
-toilet run down and my room toilet floor was leaking
-it's definitely a "working girl" hotel
-there is no safety deposit box
- I can hear the doors slamming from down the hall
-gross looking kettle


overall this hotel I would rate 3 star quality. The room furnishings are very dated, and cheap looking. If you are on a business trip, this is not the place to be.

If u are on a budget and want a step up from backpacking this would be heaven.

Located in the heart of Georgetown, the Cititel offers stunning views and adequate rooms. Its a pretty stock standard 4 star hotel, but definitely provides eveverything you need.