It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the appeal of Penang, Malaysia is essentially George Town. For starters, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living, breathing testament to the merits of inter-ethnic harmony—the Malays, Chinese, and Indians have lived side by side for generations, translating to a collision of cuisines, traditions, and architectural styles that feels overwhelming in the best way. George Town is also the capital of Penang, so a stay at one of its iconic heritage hotels makes for firsthand immersion into the island state’s storied past. Here are our top picks of the best hotels in Penang.
How we choose the best hotels in Penang
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
