Penang 72-hour Leisure Trip, Courtyard Hotel Suite Experience
Courtyard by Marriott Penang is located at the heart of the city, with convenient access to various attractions. Although the tourist spots are not far away, the weather is extremely hot, so it is recommended to take a taxi. The overall standard of the hotel is similar to that of a slightly higher-end budget hotel in China, without even a decent lobby. Therefore, it is only suitable as a temporary stay. After a day of sightseeing, you can sleep soundly at night. Even though it is close to the main road and slightly noisy at night, it may not disturb your deep sleep.
The most satisfying part is the bustling and lively food stalls on both sides of the road downstairs. There are several Michelin-recommended street food shops hidden in the surrounding alleys. Next door is the famous Southeast Asian biscuit shop, Ghee Hiang, so you don't have to worry about souvenirs. Not far away is Durian Street, where you can enjoy a durian before making your next plan.
There is an outdoor swimming pool on the 11th-floor terrace. It is not suitable during the day due to the scorching sun, but it is covered by the building's shadow in the morning and evening, making it a popular time. However, the pool is mostly occupied by children and fully-covered Malay women, making the experience less enjoyable. The round rattan lounge chairs by the pool, which block the sun but not the breeze, are perfect for lying down.
There is no executive lounge, only one restaurant that operates from morning to night. The breakfast is of average standard, dominated by Western and Malay dishes. Apart from the not-so-freshly squeezed juice and overly sweet rambutan, it is far less attractive than the various restaurants outside.
It is highly recommended to use suite vouchers, especially during the peak summer season when the hotel is almost fully booked every day. Expecting a Titanium upgrade is unrealistic. The executive rooms given to members as upgrades are very small, and the facilities inside are vastly different from the suites. The suites are equipped with a coffee machine, scale, and bathtub, while the executive rooms are just regular rooms on higher floors. Therefore, using vouchers here is definitely worth it.
Overall, keep your expectations low. If you are coming to Penang for a trip, this is the first choice. If you just want to relax in a hotel, aren't there several other premium options in the Marriott chain in Penang?
Room Information:
Room Number: 2002
Official Name: One-Bedroom Suite
Area: 64 square meters
Mattress: Slumberland
Bedding, Fabrics, and Bathrobes: Canasin
Bedroom TV: Samsung
Living Room TV: Samsung
Bluetooth Speaker: Marshall
Shower and Metal Fixtures: Roca
Basin and Bathtub: Roca
Main Bathroom Toilet: Manual Roca
Guest Bathroom Toilet: Manual Roca
Hair Dryer: Philips
Electronic Scale: JVD
Amenities: Large Bottles of Nirvae
Electric Kettle: Swissmann
Tea Bags: Dilmah
Instant Coffee: Boncafe
Coffee Machine: Nespresso
Coffee Capsules: Nespresso 4 capsules
Tea Cups: Luzerne
Bottled Water: Glass Bottles Crystal Pure
Mini Bar: None