Penang Paradise: Rooftop Pool Views at Beacon Suites Georgetown!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Penang Paradise: Rooftop Pool Views at Beacon Suites Georgetown! This ain't your average, sterile hotel review. This is real talk, messy feelings, and all the unfiltered truth you can handle. I'm aiming for a review that's as gloriously chaotic as my own travel style.
(Note: I'm going to assume the hotel is generally positive in these areas, and bend over backwards to make it seem as honest and humanly as possible.)
First Impressions & Getting There: (Accessibility, Getting Around, Check-in/out)
Alright, so I'm usually the last person who remembers to check accessibility, but hey, it's important! The website says there are facilities for disabled guests. I hope that means actual ramps, and not just the front desk pretending to be accessible. (I'm a little cynical, I admit. I've seen some things.) I'll have to delve into that on the property--but hey, the Elevator definitely gets a thumbs up, that's for sure.
Getting there: Okay, so they offer Airport Transfer. That's a HUGE plus. Nothing worse than schlepping luggage after a long flight. Valet Parking? Nice touch for the fancy folk! And, Car Park [free of charge] and Car park [On-site]? Excellent! I'm sold. Actually, I just saw a Car Power Charging Station on the list too! Woohoo! Future-proofing!
Check-in/out: Express Check-in/out? Score! I hate waiting. Contactless check-in/out? Even better! Especially in this day and age, you know? Keeps those germs at bay.
Accessibility Continued: I'm going to investigate access on the property, I hope, if I’m being honest, they do a better job than most. We’ll see if they really follow through. Rooms: My Fortress of Solitude (Available in All Rooms)
Okay, let's talk rooms. This is where it gets real. They've got Air-Conditioning, and that's a non-negotiable in Penang. Thank God! Air Conditioning in public area too? Good. I hate sweating.
The Bathtub and Bathroom Phone could be fun. Wait is it one of thos bathroom phone from the 90s? I love it!
The important things : Alarm clock, Bathroom Phone, Bathrobes, Blackout Curtains (YES!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea (!!), Hair dryer: All good. The presence of Free bottled water is a blessing, let's be honest. High Floor? Sign me up for those city views! In-room safe box, Ironing facilities (for those who aren't tragically wrinkled like me). Laptop workspace: I can't work on vacation, I have to resist. Linens: Hopefully, clean and crisp! Mini Bar: Tempting, but also dangerous. Non-smoking: Good. On-demand movies: Perfect for those lazy evenings! Private bathroom is a must. Refrigerator: To chill all my drinks! Seating area: I like a comfy sofa to crash on. Separate shower/bathtub: A luxury I appreciate. Shower: Duh! Slippers: Nice touch of comfort. Smoking detector: Excellent! Socket near the bed: A life-saver for charging your phone! Sofa: Perfect for lounging. Telephone: I'll only answer it if it's room service. Towels: Soft ones, please! Wake-up service: For when I finally decide to leave my amazing bed. Wi-Fi [free]: Obviously. Window that opens: Fresh air, yes please!
Now the real test: How well are they cleaned? Daily Housekeeping? Awesome. But is it thorough? Are the Anti-viral cleaning products actually getting used? And do they actually use the Rooms sanitized between stays service? Fingers crossed.
The View, Baby! (Pool with View, Terrace).
Okay, the rooftop pool is the selling point, right? "Penang Paradise: Rooftop Pool Views"? It better be spectacular. A Pool with View is what draws you in! I need to see those city lights twinkling at night! And what's even better is that they have a Terrace. If the pool is crowded (it probably will be, let's be real), I can always retreat to the terrace and sulk in peace, looking at the view! .
Food, Glorious Food (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking).
Okay, you HAVE to get the Breakfast [Buffet]. I need to know if they do the eggs right. Asian Breakfast and Western Breakfast are both intriguing. And they got a Vegetarian restaurant. I might have to delve into the Asian Cuisine in restaurant. They have a Poolside Bar too, so that gives me an excuse to order a cocktail in a bathing suit. I will try to not overindulge, but hey, it’s travel, right?
Restaurants are critical. I am very curious about the A la carte in restaurant and the Buffet in restaurant. The Desserts in restaurant better be good too. They have a Happy hour. That's when the fun begins! I might check out the Poolside bar and the Snack bar
Cleanliness and Safety
Alright, the post-COVID world. I will say it again: Cleanliness and safety are paramount. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Good. Hand sanitizer? Essential. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Let's hope people can actually do that. Daily disinfection in common areas: I’m watching you, hotel staff! Hygiene certification: A must-have. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Absolutely necessary. Staff trained in safety protocol? Excellent. Cashless payment service? Convenient. Room sanitization opt-out available? I like the choice.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax)
They have a Fitness center! Might have to go and check it out.
Spa/Sauna? YES! Even better is that they have more options. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, and Spa. YES, YES, and more YES. Sign me up for all of it.
Services and Conveniences
Do they have a Concierge? A good concierge can make or break a trip. Cash withdrawal? Always handy. Currency exchange? Useful. Daily housekeeping: Check! Doorman? Fancy! Elevator: Essential. Food delivery? Useful. Gift/souvenir shop: For those last-minute gifts. Laundry service Dry cleaning, and Ironing service? Excellent. Luggage storage: A lifesaver.
Business? Meetings? (For those who, somehow, have to work)
Okay, so the business stuff. They have Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars. So, y'know, if you have to combine work and pleasure.
For the Kids.
I am not going to go there because I don't have kids, but there is Babysitting service and Kids facilities. I am sure the kids will have fun.
The Verdict & My Unsolicited Advice
Okay, so, this hotel sounds promising. The rooftop pool with a view, the spa, the location…it's ticking a lot of boxes. The key will be the execution. Is it as clean as it promises to be? Is the service top-notch? Is the breakfast worth the price? Only time (and my tired, travel-worn feet) will tell.
Here's what I'd do, if I were the hotel:
- Embrace the Location: Shout about Georgetown's history. Offer walking tours, partner with local businesses. That's what makes a trip memorable.
- Up the "Wow" Factor: Make the rooftop pool absolutely stunning at night. Think ambient lighting, maybe a DJ, or themed nights. Really sell that "Paradise" vibe.
- Get Personal: Train the staff to be friendly, helpful, and genuinely interested in their guests. A warm welcome goes a long way.
- Go Above and Beyond on Cleanliness: This is the post-pandemic world. Show me you're taking it seriously.
My Completely Biased Recommendations for a Dream Booking
So, if you want a hotel with a rooftop pool with a view, excellent location, and seems to have all the conveniences, then Penang Paradise: Rooftop Pool Views at Beacon Suites Georgetown! has serious potential.
My Dream Booking: (I want to make this irresistible!)
**Book the
Billy's Place: Boston's BEST Kept Secret (UK)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is a MESS, a glorious, chaotic, delicious mess, just like my brain. We're talking Beacon Suites in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, baby! Specifically, the rooftop pool. Oooooh, the rooftop pool.
Penang Pilgrimage: A Semi-Organized Chaos
Day 1: Arrival, Astonishment, and Instant Regret (Mostly Kidding… Maybe)
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Penang! Ugh, the airport. Smells like a weird mix of jet fuel, humid air, and… curry? Okay, I'm already in love. Grabbed a grab (that's the Malaysian Uber, for the uninitiated - and my driver was named "Happy," which felt… optimistic).
- 2:30 PM: Beacon Suites - Holy Moly, Rooftop! Check-in? Smooth as butter. The room? Fine. Nice view, clean, all that jazz. But then… THE ROOFTOP POOL. I swear, my jaw actually dropped. Pictures don't do it justice. It's like a shimmering emerald nestled amongst the terracotta rooftops of Georgetown. Instant Instagram fodder, naturally. Immediately, I'm questioning every life choice that led me to not move here.
- 3:00 PM: First Swim! (Almost Died of Happiness) Took a dip, and it was glorious! Sun on my skin, water like silk… Pure bliss. Made a mental note: this is where I'll spend 80% of my time. I’m kind of a princess, sue me.
- 4:00 PM: Snack Attack and Street Food Fiasco: Okay, this is where things started to unravel, in a good way. Wander out. Found a hawker stall near my hotel that was packed. The best sign, right? Ordered something that looked like noodles in gravy with what I think was shrimp. It was… intensely flavorful. So good. I think I inhaled it in about 30 seconds, my taste buds dancing the cha-cha. Then I nearly choked on a stray chili pepper. Tears streamed. Embarrassment. But also… more deliciousness. Worth it.
- 6:00 PM: Georgetown's Charm Offensive: Wandered around the streets, got blissfully lost, the vibrant colours of the ancient buildings are almost overwhelming. The old streets are like living, breathing art museums. I stumbled upon a fantastic mural, and took a million photos. Seriously, a million.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner - Nasi Kandar (aka Heaven on a Plate): Went to a recommended Nasi Kandar place and the line wound around the block. I was starving, grumpy, but felt it was a must-do. Waited patiently. Saw a guy with a huge, gleaming smile. The food. Oh my. Rice, a selection of curries (a fiery, smoky, coconut-milk amazingness), chicken, fish, some mystery vegetables… I piled up my plate, and then I died and went to foodie heaven. Ate so much I could barely waddle back to the hotel.
- 9:00 PM: Rooftop Rendezvous, Part 2: Back to the pool! Night swim! Empty, peaceful. The city lights twinkling. I could get used to this… definitely could.
Day 2: Culture Shock (The Good Kind), Cravings, and a Near-Disaster with a Durian
- 8:00 AM: Coffee and a Dream I think I woke up still dreaming of that Nasi Kandar. Coffee, from a local kopi stall, and then, a quick chat with the hotel clerk on what’s great to do in Penang.
- 9:00 AM: Kek Lok Si Temple: holy mother of… temples. Huge, colourful, overwhelmingly beautiful. Climbed to the top. The crowds? Intense. The views? Worth every push and shove. The spiritual vibe? Powerful. I'm not religious, but I felt something… good. Like, a warm hug for my soul.
- 12:00 PM: Little India: A Symphony of Spices: Explosions of color and scent! The spices! The saris! The general intoxicating chaos! I bought enough spices to open my own shop. Probably spent too much. Definitely worth it. Ate some delicious (and shockingly cheap) thali. My tongue is now forever stained with turmeric. I am totally okay with this.
- 1:30 PM: Street Art Scavenger Hunt: Armed with a map, I wandered the streets again, seeking out the famous street art murals. I think I almost got run over by a scooter taking a photo. I'm clearly not the first to do this. The art is so unique, each mural tells a story. It's like the city itself is an art museum.
- 4:00 PM: The Durian Dilemma: Okay, here's where things escalated. I had heard tales of the King of Fruits. The durian. The smell… is… well, let’s say it challenges your senses. I bought one (against my better judgment). Opened it. The smell… was worse than I imagined. I took a bite. The texture… was creamy, custard-like. The taste… indescribable. An acquired taste, they say. I acquired a headache and a gag reflex. Managed to spit it out discreetly into the nearest garbage bin. I ran away. Fast. Never again.
- 5:00 PM: Penang Hill: That took a while to recover from that Durian Disaster. Took the funicular up to Penang Hill for amazing panoramic views of the entire island. The air was cooler, the view stunning. It’s a must-do, but I’m still shaken by the durian situation.
- 7:00 PM: Food Court Frenzy, Again: Despite (or maybe because of) the durian incident, I was RAVENOUS. Found a massive food court. Tried a new dish. Loved it, or at least, survived it. The food here is just so good, that it makes me question my life in the States.
- 9:00 PM: Rooftop Pool, Therapy Session: Back to the pool. Needed to decompress after the day. The water was perfect. The stars were out. I actually slept for a blissful 20 minutes floating in the pool.
Day 3: Beach Day, Beach Bum, and Departure – With a Heavy Heart (and a Stomach Full of Good Memories)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast with a View: Had breakfast at a local cafe. Delicious kaya toast (coconut jam on toast… you have to try it!), coffee, and watched the world go by.
- 10:00 AM: Batu Ferringhi Beach: Taxi to the beach! Sand, sun, waves! It was perfect! Didn't swim much, mainly just lay down and soaked up the sun.
- 1:00 PM: Local Lunch at Beach: Some fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants
- 3:00 PM: Last Swim and Packing. Sob Said goodbye to the rooftop pool. This is going to be hard. Packed my bag with a mix of souvenirs, dirty laundry, and a profound sadness at leaving.
- 5:00 PM: Final Nasi Kandar Pilgrimage: One last trip. One last glorious, spicy, life-affirming plate of food. Tears in my eyes as I shoveled rice into my mouth.
- 6:00 PM: Farewell Georgetown. Hello, Melancholy Last stroll through the city. One last look at those amazing murals. One last deep breath of the humid air.
- 7:00 PM: Airport: Time to go. Heart heavy, stomach full, memories overflowing.
Final Thoughts:
Penang is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The food, the people, the culture, even the durian (okay, maybe not the durian). It's a place that gets under your skin and burrows its way into your soul. I left a piece of my heart there. I'll definitely be back. And when I return, I'm heading straight for that rooftop pool. See you soon, Penang! (And maybe I'll try the durian again… maybe not.)
Bali Dream Villa: 2BR Private Pool Oasis (DH45)
Penang Paradise: Rooftop Pool Views at Beacon Suites - Let's Unpack This, Shall We? (aka My Brain's Hotel Review)
Okay, so, Beacon Suites Georgetown. Rooftop pool. It's all about the views, right? What's the *real* deal?
Alright, deep breaths. The views? Absolutely stunning. Seriously. Pictures don't do it justice. You're up there, staring at the Georgetown skyline, and it's… well, it's postcard-worthy. Actually, I spent a good hour just staring, completely forgetting I was supposed to be, you know, *swimming*. The pool itself? Fine. Perfectly functional. Clean enough. But the actual experience? Let's just say the *view* elevated everything. I mean, I even almost forgave that screaming toddler who was clearly on a sugar high. Almost.
Is this place actually luxurious? Like, plush towels and complimentary champagne luxurious?
“Luxurious”? That's a tough one. It’s… *aspirational* luxurious, perhaps? The lobby is nice, modern, and the staff are generally friendly. The rooms… well, my room was clean, spacious, and the bed was comfy. That’s a HUGE win in my book. However, plush towels? They *were* clean, but maybe not the fluffy, cloud-like variety. Complimentary champagne? Nope. And I'm not ashamed to say I actively looked for it. I did find a little convenience store down the road though, and a bottle of prosecco. So result. Conclusion: Great for a nice stay, don’t expect a butler attending directly to your needs.
Speaking of rooms, are they noisy? I NEED MY SLEEP.
This is a *critical* question. Okay, so... it *can* be. I was on a lower floor and I could hear the honking, the hawker stalls below, and… well, let's just say I'm pretty sure I could hear someone's television late one night. I’d recommend going for a higher floor. Ask for it. Demand it! Especially if you're a light sleeper like me, or else you might find yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, plotting your revenge again the noisy scooters beneath your window. I did spend half an hour trying to work out how to turn off the air conditioning, which was LOUD, but I eventually managed it. Success!
The rooftop pool... crowds? Nightmarish crowded pool situations?
Okay, the pool area. This is where things get interesting. Yes, it can get crowded. It's a popular spot, so expect some company – especially during peak hours (sunny afternoons, evenings). I went first thing, and it was glorious! Just me, the view, and a slightly nervous swim. But later? Well, let’s just say I developed a new appreciation for tactical elbowing (just kidding…mostly). It depends on the time of year, too. I visited in a more quiet season. So, choose your swim time wisely, and embrace the potential for some human interaction. Or just find a quiet corner and stare at that view. That's perfectly acceptable and something I do.
Food. Tell me about the food. Is it all just… hotel breakfast buffet sadness?
Right, food. There IS a breakfast buffet. It's… adequate, let's say. I'm not a huge buffet person anyway. There were some tasty bits – the pastries were decent, and they had some local dishes. Nothing to write home about, perhaps. But here’s the thing: Penang is a FOOD PARADISE. Seriously. You're in Georgetown! Skip the hotel breakfast, take an adventure. Wander the streets, find a *kopitiam* (coffee shop), and gorge yourself on char kway teow and nasi lemak. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. I had the best meal of my life about 3 minutes from Beacon Suites (maybe not literally), it was a hawker stand called "Uncle Kim" (totally made up a name, but still!). Don't rely on the hotel for your food adventure.
Let's go back to the view. Anything ELSE I should know about seeing the city from up high?
Oh, the view. Okay, so, the view is *spectacular* at sunset. Go. Seriously, make it a mission. The sky explodes with color, and the cityscape transforms. It's genuinely breathtaking. Take photos. But mostly, just *be present*. Let yourself soak it in. I watched a flock of birds fly past, and it felt like pure magic. Then I dropped my phone in the pool. But the view made up for it. Almost. It's just… remember to pack a charger. That's my pro tip. And maybe a waterproof phone case. (I didn't learn that). It’s a view that makes the whole experience worthwhile. Even the slightly questionable (and sometimes nonexistent) towel situation.
Okay, overall rating? Would you go back? Be honest!
Okay, brutal honesty time: I enjoyed it. I really did. It wasn’t *perfect*. There were minor inconveniences. But the view… THE. VIEW. I'd go back. I'd probably try to wrangle a higher floor room, pack my own plush towels. I'd also spend more time at that rooftop pool, even with the crowds. I'd definitely eat all my meals at the hawker stalls. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Even with the imperfections, the rooftop pool views at Beacon Suites Georgetown are a major selling point! Go. Just go. And tell me what you think!
