Old Penang Guesthouse: Where to Stay in Georgetown, Malaysia

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2013 • 2 • 18

Standing along an amusingly named Love Lane is a pre-war shophouse building that has been converted into a charming hostel — the Old Penang Guesthouse. There were many reasons why we chose to stay here; on top of that list are the stellar reviews I found on the web. But the place was even shinier than its online reputation.

Old Penang Guesthouse is a restored heritage house at the heart of Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it retains the many almost century old elements, it felt surprisingly modern.

We arrived in the late afternoon and the woman at the reception greeted us with warmth and kindness. She asked us to wait for a moment as they made sure the room was all made up. She then explained the house rules while laeding us to our room on the second floor. We booked a Private Double Room for RM95 via Hostelworld. (That’s RM47.5 each). The room we were given was super squeaky clean, even the toilet and bath. The bed was soft enough and very comfortable. It was also very spacious. The floor upstairs was wooden, so everyone was requested to leave their footwear at the base of the stairs. A cutesy lamp was lit in one corner, which added to the already delightful ambiance of the place. The only comment I can think of is that the room was a little too dim. But I guess, that’s what the bedside lamps were for. I guess I’m just not very used to a room that isn’t very bright.

An Old Penang Guesthouse brochure I found at Kang Lodge in Cameron Highlands — Old Penang Guesthouse

(Clockwise) My bed, the bathroom, the second floor hallway, and my hat at the side table. — Old Penang Guesthouse

Old Penang Guesthouse stands beside Red Inn, another budget hostel. There are small tables set up in front of these two hostels, allowing their guests to connect. The location is also pretty excellent. Many of the city’s major points of interest are within walking distance. It also seems like everyone knows where it is as most taxi drivers we hired did not ask questions when we told them where we would be going. The best part is that just walking around the area is quite an experience on its own. It actually felt like we lived in the Old Penang during our stay there.

Facade of Old Penang Guesthouse and Red Inn

On our second day, we had free breakfast with other guests at the hostel. It was just a simple breakfast, nothing fancy. Just bread and a few filling options, and coffee. No complaints, though. I actually liked it.

Other than the time we checked in, there were no more opportunities for us to connect with their staff because everything was pretty great, to be honest. Every time I asked them for directions or any assistance, they were always eager to help.

Without a doubt, it is one of the best accommodations I have tried anywhere. It has actually become a benchmark for me, raising the bar too high. Every time I would book a hostel or a guesthouse, I was hoping the experience would be as good as, if not better than, that one night I stayed at Old Penang Guesthouse.