Special thanks to DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Penang for extending this hotel review invitation.
DoubleTree Resort Penang is Hilton’s first and only property in Penang. This 4-star hotel is located along Miami Beach (Pantai Miami), which is roughly halfway between Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.
The resort’s main entrance features an open-air lobby with water fountains. While waiting to be checked in, guests can help themselves to light refreshments. Each guest also gets a signature DoubleTree cookie. This lovely treat comes in two flavors: chocolate chip and walnut.
Near the hotel’s elevators is a large mural surrounded by rock formations. The painting is the handiwork of Gabriel Pitcher, a prominent British artist who has worked on many murals around Malaysia.
DoubleTree Resort has more than 300 guestrooms and suites. There are different categories to suit the needs of each guest. Accommodation choices range from Deluxe Room to Presidential Terrace Suite.
For this weekend getaway, I am staying in the King Premier Room, which has a balcony with an excellent view of the sea. The room is furnished with a king-size bed. Other room amenities include flat-panel television with premium channels, minibar, coffee- and tea-making utensils, electronic safe, clothes iron and more.
The ensuite bathroom has a rain shower with heated water. Also provided are complimentary toiletries courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn. Bathrobes and bath slippers are placed in the sliding wardrobe.
DoubleTree Resort has a moderate-sized swimming pool at Level LG. Around the pool’s edge are sunloungers and cabanas. One stretch is even covered with fine sand. Should guests prefer to explore Miami Beach, the resort has a pedestrian bridge that leads to the public beach.
In effort to make the hotel more welcoming to children, DoubleTree Resort has a knee-deep wading pool with a small playground in the middle. A tipping water bucket pours cooling water every few minutes. There are water jets and mists at this sandy pool too.
For families with children, the Kids Club allows young ones to be entertained and supervised. Children can be kept occupied by numerous activities throughout the day, including outdoor games and art & crafts. This child care service is complimentary for in-house guests.
TeddyVille Museum Penang is another major attraction at DoubleTree Resort. It has the largest collection of teddy bears in Malaysia. Besides displaying vintage bears, TeddyVille Museum uses teddy bears to present the history and cultural heritage of Penang. In-house guests enjoy discounted ticket prices.
Located at Level L1, the fitness center commands a good view of the swimming pool. The gym has around a dozen pieces of exercise equipment, mostly of state-of-the-art models. The fitness center is open 24 hours and requires keycard access.
The Spacation allows guests to pamper themselves with a variety of spa therapies. There are three treatment rooms including one for couples. The Spacation operates from 10:00am to 11:00pm. Prior reservation is highly recommended.
The Axis Lounge is where guests can mingle and enjoy the cooling breeze from the sea. Afternoon tea is served here. Alcoholic beverages are available too. A live band performs at the Axis Lounge every Friday and Saturday evening.
Next to Axis Lounge is The Food Store where coffee and other drinks are served. The menu also includes light snacks such as sandwiches, homemade ice cream, crackers and most importantly, DoubleTree cookies. The Food Store has several computer terminals and a coin-operated pool table to keep guests entertained.
Located next to the swimming pool is Makan Kitchen, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. Its à la carte menu covers local and international flavors. In addition, the restaurant serves buffet dinner every Friday and Saturday, and Poolside BBQ Buffet during full moon.
Makan Kitchen is also where in-house guests have breakfast. Familiar food items include French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, chicken sausages, beef slices, baked beans, breakfast cereals and fried noodles.
The nasi lemak counter presents aromatic rice with ingredients like sambal (chili paste), fried anchovies, hard-boiled egg, roasted peanut and cucumber slices. Chicken curry and pajeri terung (eggplant curry) are optional side dishes.
The noodle station prepares local hawker food such as curry mee. I like the delightful texture of tofu puffs. To cater guests from China, the buffet spread also includes spring rolls, Chinese buns (包子), tea eggs (茶叶蛋) and soy milk.
Roti canai, chapati and vada are available at the Indian counter. Vegetable dhal and fish curry are provided as condiments. The counter has a charcoal pit to allow guests to toast Bengali bread.
Cold cuts include smoked fish and chicken slices. Next to them is a cheese platter with nuts, raisins, grapes and dried apricots. As for health-conscious guests, there are dedicated counters for salad and fruits.
Moving on, the pastry section contains croissants, Danish pastries, muffins and marble butter cakes. Sliced bread comes with several bread spreads like peanut butter and jam. A conveyor toaster is provided.
DoubleTree Resort has an in-house convenience store for the benefit of guests who need necessities like sunscreen. The shop also sells a variety of clothing and souvenirs.
Remember to take a selfie in front of another mural outside Makan Kitchen. The mural depicts a scene at Kimberley Street (Lebuh Kimberley) in George Town. This is a perfect spot for taking group photos.
DoubleTree Resort Penang is relatively secluded compared to other hotels at Batu Ferringhi. It is an excellent choice of accommodation for guests who prefer some privacy. In addition, the resort’s family-friendly orientation is a big plus for holidaymakers with young children.
Name: DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Penang
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-892-8000
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.47799 N, 100.26925 E
Directions: DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Penang is located halfway between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi. The hotel is on the left when driving from the former. Parking is complimentary for in-house guests.
