I Stayed at Rare Heritage House in Penang, Here’s My Review
I gotta say Rare Heritage House Penang was one of the most interesting hotel stays I’ve had in Malaysia. I booked a deluxe room with king sized bed with a courtyard view. Didn’t know exactly what a courtyard view consisted of when I made the booking.
But the price at the time was just right for my bank account. The hotel’s location was a good strategic start-off point for exploring part of Georgetown and a little beyond. Also helps that Rare Heritage House has a lot of good reviews on Agoda.com.
I was excited! The beautiful island of Penang in Malaysia holds a special place in my heart. And also my stomach. If you didn’t know, the food in Penang is excellent!
Where’s Rare Heritage House Located?
I wrote in a blog post with Penang hotel reviews, that the city of Georgetown is a prime location, especially if it’s your first visit to Penang.
Georgetown is located northeast of the island. That’s where you can hop on a ferry that will zip you from Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal to Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal on the mainland in around 20 minutes.
Rare Heritage House is about a 10 – 15 minute walk from Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal. Penang International Airport is about an hour away by public bus if you plan to fly to the island instead.
By the way, flying to Penang from Kuala Lumpur is extremely affordable. And it’s only 1 hour. Though Penang International Airport is located in the southern part of Penang so to get to Georgetown you’ll need to take the bus or taxi. Which only adds another hour to travel time.
Of course, there are many ways to get to Penang by bus and train from Kuala Lumpur or anywhere else in the country. For this trip, I took the bus from KL and then the train back to KL. Check out my post about traveling to Penang from KL and back for more information.
The location of Rare Heritage House is spectacular especially if you love taking leisure strolls.
Goddess of Mercy Temple in Georgetown, Penang
What’s Around Rare Heritage House?
I walk a lot. It’s my preferred mode of transportation time permitting. That said, there’s a lot to see and eat near this hotel within walking distance. Georgetown is a UNESCO world heritage site after all.
Armenian Street—This popular short walking street is full of charm and character. It’s teeming with tourists, so you get that certain tourist trap vibe. I don’t think it’s that bad, but it’s worth the visit. Rare Heritage House is about 400 meters away.
Khoo Kongsi – If your surname is Khoo why not drop by your clan temple and pay respects? Even if you’re unrelated to the founders of this splendid temple you’ll enjoy the culture. You’re only 300 meters away.
The Clan Jetties – From the Lim to the Lee to the Tan, Chew, and Ong family lineage walking distance is only 80m, 100m, 200m 300m, 500m respectively. These charming homes and stores on planks add a unique charm to the shores of Penang.
Little India Penang – It is little but you’ll get a big experience and taste of India here.
Komtar Bus Terminal – If you’ve got plenty of days visiting Penang there’s a good chance you’ll go to the beaches of Batu Ferrenghi, about 11km away. Komtar Bus Terminal is also where 1st Avenue Mall is located for leisure shopping. Rapid Bus #102 makes a stop at Komtar from Penang Airport.
MacCallum Night Market and Kimberly Street Food Night Market – Penang locals eat here too. If it’s good enough for the locals it’s good enough for you. If you can only make it to one of these markets, I recommend going to Kimberly Street Food Night Market for proper chow authentic Malaysian chow down.
I won’t go too deep into my recommended eating places near Rare Heritage House. Because this post will get way, way too lengthy. I’ll write a separate food blog post soon.
Onwards to the review!
My Rare Heritage House Deluxe King Room
It used to be called Reunion Heritage House. Don’t know when or why the name changed.
Rare Heritage House is listed as 3½ ⭐️ accommodation in Penang. To be honest that is a bit of a stretch. There’s no swimming pool and no gym. I would say it’s more 2½ ⭐️ to 3⭐️ at most for boutique style property.
That doesn’t mean this hotel is bad.
I’ll be right to the point. I like this hotel. I like it a lot.
To be more specific I like my room a lot. I booked a deluxe king room, with king sized bed and a courtyard view.
This room has a nice homey feel…
When I booked the hotel I didn’t know what a courtyard view meant. At the time I just hoped it wasn’t a view of another room mere meters away from my window.
In any case, I was handed the keys to room #116. Checking in was quick, there didn’t seem to be a lot of guests at the moment. I booked through Agoda.com for four nights stay. But I still had to pay a 2RM per night Malaysian room tariff.
Deluxe King Room 18 sqm.Nice Clean Toilet
The nice receptionist walked me to my room. From the outside, you can tell it’s not a tall building. But from the inside, it looks more spacious. The front of the hotel has a restaurant and a small kitchen.
Room #116 is situated at the Beach Street entrance. Which lends the room a particularly interesting view. When I opened the door I liked the warm interior design. The floor was wood which I liked a lot. The air con was on already so it was chilly. Even though the deluxe king rooms are 18 square meters it felt a little bigger to me.
One thing I always look for inside hotel rooms is power outlets. This room had plenty of it. From the bedside with USB ports to the small work table. I had many options to charge my phone, computer, and microphones.
These are other roomsA room deeper inside the hotel
The king sized bed was comfortable and the pillows were nice and soft. There’s an electronic safe wide enough to fit a 15″ notebook computer. Mini-fridge for keeping my diet colas frosty. And a litre-sized glass bottle filled with water. There are water refill stations in the halls.
There’s even a ceiling fan with a remote control. I never used it for the duration of my stay, but it works I turned it on. There weren’t many channels on the television. Not that it’s a big deal, especially today. I watch videos on my phone and notebook computer. The internet Wi-Fi is fast and stable.
The bathroom was just right. Spacious, clean shower stall with consistent hot water. The toilet had a bidet. The towels had no funky smell. Nice and clean just the way I like it.
My only gripe. No disposable slippers.
Another gripe is I could hear other guests as they exited or entered the Beach Street access door. The walls feel thick, but I believe the room door is not soundproof.
And oh yeah, about the window and my view…
History of PenangAnd History of Rare Heritage House
Just Like Living in a Penang Shophouse
So the interesting thing about room #116 is I didn’t have a courtyard view. I had a view of the street but on the street level instead. More specifically Beach Street which runs parallel to Victoria Street. And there is a door leading out to Beach Street using a magnetic key.
At first, you might think it’s kinda weird to have a window on street level where people can see you. I did at first admittedly. But first, Beach Street is quiet and few pedestrians are walking past. Secondly, the window blinds work well for privacy.
I like natural light coming into the room. While working on my computer I would leave the window blinds open. Once in a while pedestrians would pass by. But no one stood around the window or peeked inside my room.
My room is down the hall
Most people respect others’ privacy anyway so eventually I got comfortable. However, I still tried to keep my room tidy, just in case someone did peek in. Wouldn’t want anyone to think I was a slob.
I enjoy the unique feeling of staying in a room like this. When you walk down the lanes and alleyways of Penang you do see how people live. Even though I am a simple hotel guest, I know how that feels even though it was just for a short while.
How Much I Paid for My Room at Rare Heritage House Penang?
I have to admit I am hesitant to share this review. Especially to reveal room #116 because if someone reads this they’ll know what to ask for at check in if it is available.
I was a guest at Rare Heritage House in late January 2025 for four nights. I paid $30 USD per night including taxes, and no breakfast. I think that is a fantastic price. I don’t know how high the price goes up during peak season though
You can read reviews and find discounts for Rare Heritage House Penang on Agoda.com like I did. Because I highly recommend this hotel in Georgetown, Penang!
If it were $50 USD per night I would think it’s reasonable. I don’t know what the other rooms at Rare Heritage House are like. I know they’ve got rooms with bathtubs and even duplexes. But seeing how the hotel is run I would guess they are just as nice. I would definitely would love to check out their duplex rooms if I ever go back and find a good deal.
Rare Heritage House is in a good location. My room was nice and clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. I think you will enjoy it here as much as I did.
Psst… remember I said I won’t get into recommending a good place for food near Rare Heritage House. I lied.
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What’s the Best Way to Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Back
Let’s be more exact. What’s the best, quickest, most affordable, or cheapest yet most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to the island of Penang? And back.
Yeah, I know. That one sentence has a lot to unpack, especially if this is your first trip to Malaysia.
Lucky for you I got the answers.
So here’s the lowdown from my recent travel experience in amazing Malaysia!
Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – Which is Cheaper?
To do research for this blog post I searched on Google with this term “What’s the best and cheapest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang”? And I’m going to discount car rental cause most travelers don’t go that route.
So one would think buses and trains are the answers. Traditionally both modes of transport are the most efficient and budget friendly. That’s what all the search results and other fellow travel bloggers say.
Well, you might be in for a shocker on this one. This is what I found out.
Depending on the time of the year, round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Penang International Airport (PEN) are cheaper.
I know right? I was shocked too!
Flying is Faster and… Cheaper???
From Air Asia, I randomly selected March 18th – 24th, both evening flights, $23 USD!!!
No doubt, flying is the fastest. Comfort is debatable cause it’s only one hour flight. But $23.24 from Airasia.com for a round trip plane ticket. Your bank account definitely won’t complain.
This is cheaper than a train fare. And about the same price as a bus! And if you’re still on the time and money saving path, riding a public bus from Penang Airport to Georgetown is a one hour journey.
That beats taking a train and bus from Kuala Lumpur by a lot.
And you will be shocked by the price comparison between my bus and train fare.
Pros
One hour flight duration
Toilets
One hour flight duration (it’s worth mentioning twice)
Cons
Uncomfortable seats and cramped legroom
Delayed flights due to weather or mechanical etc.
Most likely packed with passengers due to airfare price
Why Choose the Train or Bus Then?
That said, there could be a myriad of reasons why you prefer the train or bus. The major one is you want to stop over in Ipoh. Or some other province along the way.
Perhaps one day airlines woke up and finally realized they were charging too cheap for flights to Penang from KL.
In any case, this is what it’s like for those wondering what it’s like to take a train or bus in Malaysia.
I made a trip to Penang by bus at KL Sentral first. For the return trip to KL Sentral, I rode the KTM Komuter Express train.
Make sure the bus states the destination route
The Bus – KL Sentral Station to Penang Sentral Station
I booked a bus ticket online with the tour operator Aerobus. An adult fare is 40RM, so about $9. The bus seats 30 people. I like that the left side of the bus is lined with single seats. The other side has two rows of seats.
Since I was traveling all by my lonesome I reserved a single seat. Bus seats have plenty of width for hefty boys like me. There’s a lot of room to stretch my legs out.
Aerobus -KL Sentral to Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
Just want to point out that at KL Sentral, the waiting area for buses to Penang Sentral is not marked. Buses heading to Penang Sentral stop near the exit for buses. I highly recommend you ask people around the bus ticket booths where you should be waiting, just in case the waiting area changes.
I picked an afternoon departure time to avoid the morning and evening rush hour. Traffic in Kuala Lumpur gets bad, so expect your bus to be late during peak hours. My bus arrived right on time and departed on time.
Show your bus ticket to the driver or company employee, and they’ll check you in, right by the bus door. You get a chance to choose your seats when you purchase tickets online. So every seat is assigned.
It’s a 30-seater, and I think the bus was only 85% full when it left KL Sentral. Bear in mind that the bus stops at Terminal Meru Raya (Terminal Amanjaya) if you want to explore Ipoh, a popular city almost halfway between KL and Penang. This is also where passengers traveling to Penang hop on too.
Travel time is about four hours and thirty minutes. There is a USB charge port to power up your devices. During certain parts of the bus route, the cell signal is weak, but not for long. So, download your favorite shows to avoid disruptions. Supposedly, there’s Wi-Fi internet access onboard, but I don’t think it’s reliable.
I gotta admit. The bus seats were comfortable. It had a good reclining angle. The cushion was quite thick, with back support, so my ass wasn’t hurting. I pretty much slept the entire time.
When I was awake, I saw the beautiful countryside. I didn’t realize Malaysia was full of mountains. There was one restroom break that I didn’t use.
As mentioned before, a one-stop quick stop at Terminal Meru Raya (Terminal Amanjaya) in Ipoh to drop off and pick up passengers for the next destination, Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
Last tip on riding the bus. Make sure you have a light jacket or sweater handy. It gets chilly inside from the air conditioning.
Pros
Very comfortable seats, plenty of legroom
Not crowded
Good countryside view
Cons
4 – 5 hour travel time
Late departure time due to traffic
Possible breakdown in the middle of the road
No bathroom on the bus. But there’s one stop on the highway for a toilet break.
The Train – Penang Train Station to KL Sentral
Butterworth Railway Station is where you go to catch the KTM Komuter Line. This railway station is conveniently located near Penang Sentral and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) ferry terminal on Malaysia’s mainland. All are just a short walking distance, with direction signs marked. Not easy to get lost.
Platinum: Platinum trains are the quickest because they only stop at the main stations. They also tend to run at the most popular times of day.
Gold: Gold trains are a little slower than Platinum because they stop at more stations.
Express: Express trains have fewer limited stops than Gold.
Silver: Silver trains stop at all stations, so they take slightly longer than Gold and Platinum.
I purchased an Express ticket for 97RM that’s $21.84 USD one way! Travel time is about three hours, thirty minutes to four hours. There were stops in between I can’t recall how many but it wasn’t a lot.
You can buy tickets online https://www.ktmb.com.my/ or purchase tickets at the kiosk. There are friendly station workers to assist you all the way. I purchased my tickets online because I wanted to book a forward-seat chair.
I will get motion sickness if my seat is facing the opposite direction of where the train is headed. So if that’s you too, book online ahead of time. Train tickets are released three to four weeks in advance.
I booked one week before the departure date. By then there weren’t many seats available. Trains get filled up to capacity, especially on weekends and holidays. And to be honest, I kinda felt claustrophobic. There are toilets in every car, so that’s always a plus.
You are allowed into the station waiting area one hour before the train’s scheduled departure. Overall I say train travel is more organized than bus though. To enter scan the bar code on your ticket.
The waiting area is small considering the number of people waiting to board. There is only one elevator to go down to the tracks so you have that option if you’re carrying lots of bags. So get ready to wait, the elevator is not too big. Otherwise, it’s the stairs.
And there were many passengers so good thing you can choose seats.
There is an electrical charge port right below the seat. A fold down table to enjoy a meal you bought outside or from the train’s concession stand. But for me, the countryside view on the train wasn’t as good as the scenic route on the bus. Keep your ticket out for a little while as the train conductor will come in to check.
To me, the seat cushion felt thin. I found myself shifting my weight so my buttcheeks didn’t get sore. I couldn’t wait to get off the train by the third hour, to be honest. There is room to stretch your legs. But I felt no back support on the seat.
The train was cool but it wasn’t as cold as the bus. I guess that there were way more passengers on the train.
Pros
On time arrival and departure
Toilets in every train car
Purchase food and snacks on the train
Cons
Uncomfortable seats (at least for me)
Many people on the train, and space felt tight (I’m a big guy)
4 hour travel time
What’s the Verdict?
It’s a no brainer. Flying is the best way to travel to Penang fast. Pricewise, plane tickets are about the same if not slightly cheaper than train fares during non-peak travel dates. I searched on AirAsia.com, and I couldn’t believe flights were $12 USD to $20 USD one way.
Flight duration is one hour. Add another hour to travel by public bus from Penang International Airport to Georgetown so the total is around two hours. And in the comforts of your hotel room!
Even if your round trip airfare costs $10 USD – $20 USD more than the round trip train fare, don’t you think it’s still worth it?
Train or Bus?
Between traveling by train or bus, I prefer the bus. Even though the fastest train service, which is Platinum takes four hours to travel from Butterworth Rail Station to KL Sentral.
It’s still not much faster than the bus in my book. And I prefer the spaciousness of bus travel.
But I can see some may not like the bus because the bus could break down in the middle of the road. Getting stranded in the middle of nowhere sucks. Also, there’s only one bathroom break at a rest stop by the highway. And getting stuck in traffic sucks.
Here’s what I would do. If you do not mind flying, check prices for plane tickets first. If you are not in a hurry to Penang or Kuala Lumpur, take the bus. For me, riding the train is the last option. But that’s just me.
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Where to Stay in Penang For Your First Epic Visit to Malaysia
Suppose you’ve checked out my awesome blog post on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for your first epic visit to Malaysia. In that case, you might also consider visiting the beautiful island of Penang! Which I highly recommend!
Through many years of visiting Malaysia, I’ve stayed in many hotels in Penang, mostly budget accommodations sometimes slightly upscale. And I can say one thing certain, and that is Penang hotels are incredibly affordable and the quality plus service is tops.
It’s a real no-brainer that the port city of Georgetown, situated on the northeastern section of the island is the best area to stay in Penang. Georgetown is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. When you set foot on streets and alleyways you can feel the incredible history and culture. And you’ll most certainly smell the incredible food.
Why Georgetown in Penang:
Close proximity to Georgtown Ferry TerminalPangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) / Butterworth Ferry Terminal Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH). Ferry fare is 2 RM for adults, and 1 RM for kids 5-12.
Georgetown is the center of activity in Penang. You can travel by public bus but remember it’s cash only (as of writing) for foreign visitors, so be sure to have the exact change. Grab Taxi service is available as well.
Food, food, glorious food. You’ve got Chinese, Indian, and Malay. There are many international restaurants too I saw Mexican, Thai, Italian, Japanese, you name it.
You can walk to most of the attractions within the city of Georgetown. I’m talking about the famous Armenian Street. How about night markets with more food like MacCallum Night Market and Kimberley Street Food Night Market? The streets are flat, though be careful of potholes. Certain roadways are congested with cars. Pedestrian sidewalks are often blocked with motorbikes. So, quite usually, you are forced to walk on the streets.
The beautiful beaches of Batu Ferrenghi are 11km from central Georgetown. You can easily reach Batu Ferrenghi by taking the public bus #101.
Penang is not far from Kuala Lumpur, about 4 hours by bus and 3 hours by train. I’ve tried both modes of transport and will write a post on both experiences soon. If you’ve got the time during your first epic visit to Malaysia there is no excuse NOT tovisit Penang, especially if you love food. And oh boy I tell you, Penang got the goods and receipts, their food is incredible!
Penang’s Famous Roti Jala with Chicken Curry
You will love exploring Penang and the food you come across.
One thing I’ve learned about traveling around Penang through the years, it’s that hotels in central Georgetown are an amazing value. Don’t be put off that most of these hotels are 2 stars. Because many budget boutique Penang hotels don’t have swimming pools or gyms. After all many are converted shophouses and small residential buildings.
So there’s lots of charm and rustic atmosphere. But of course with modern comforts like air conditioning, updated electrical power ports so you won’t need power adapters, room safe, and flat-screen televisions.
Bonus Georgetown, Penang Hotel Booking Tips:
Check in is usually 3pm. Many hotels allow guests to check in a few hours earlier if a room is ready. Check out time 12pm.
Certain hotels require a 50MYR security deposit upon check-in. Also depending on where you book your hotel you may need to pay Malaysian hotel tax. For example, when I stayed at Rare Heritage House I booked on Agoda.com I was required to pay 2MYR per night hotel tax. But I did not have to leave a security deposit.
You do not need to book a room with a breakfast buffet. Unless you only prefer Western food. Finding good food on the streets of Penang is easy and affordable. There’s a reason why Penang is named Malaysia’s food capital!
Recommended Hotels in Georgetown, Penang
The first hotel I recommend is called Rare Heritage Hotel. I stayed there during my most recent visit to Penang. I liked it so much that I couldn’t wait to write this post about the best budget hotels I stayed in Penang.
Formerly Reunion Hotel but rebranded as Rare Heritage Hotel. The renovation was recently finished in 2023. So this unique boutique hotel is still shiny and spiffy.
First let’s talk about the location, which is excellent!
Only a 1km or about 14 min walk from Georgetown Ferry Terminal to Rare Heritage Hotel on Victoria Street. You’re surrounded by many popular restaurants and cafes. Especially mom-and-pop hawker stands. Armenian Street, Kimberley Street Food Night Market is a 10-minute walk.
Ghost Museum, Upside Down Museum, Chinese temples, and Mosque. Even the famous clan jetties are not far for a nice glimpse into the lives of locals.
I stayed here for 4 nightsNice bathroomPlenty of space
I booked a deluxe king room with a courtyard view on Agoda.com for around $35 USD per night including taxes and I stayed 4 nights. I had to pay 2 RM per night for some hotel tax at the reception desk.
Then I was handed the key to room 116. The receptionist who checked me in walked me to the other end of the hotel entrance, on Beach Street.
I didn’t know what to expect but I tell you when I opened the doors to the room I was pleasantly surprised. Room 116 is 18 square meters but the room looks and feels a little bit bigger.
My room key at Rare Heritage House
There’s a large king-sized bed. Big television that I never watched during my entire stay. A room safe that easily fits a 15″ notebook computer. Fast Wi-Fi internet connection. Mini-refrigerator to keep my diet colas cold. A ceiling fan which I wanted to use but the A/C was cool enough. The bathroom was pretty spacious with plenty of hot water at the shower.
Now I didn’t have a view of a courtyard, but I did get a view of the street. That’s right, my window was on street level so I could see pedestrians walking past. The window blinds provided privacy cause no one wanted to see a middle-aged man like me waddle around a room.
But because I’m on the street level I’ve got direct access to Beach Road and the few popular hawkers stand just mere meters from my room. It can’t get any better than that!
The room was clean, my towels were clean. I wish a pair of slippers were provided though for an extra touch. That said, if you can find a room at Rare Heritage House with a courtyard view between $35 USD to $50 USD I think it’s reasonable. I believe rooms without windows are just a tad cheaper.
Now they do have different style room types like duplexes and windowless rooms. Even rooms with jacuzzi at extra cost of course. If you choose a windowless room the price will be cheaper, but not by much. You get a view of the hallway. But again, there are window blinds for privacy. Also because there are only 27 rooms there aren’t too many people wandering around. So it’s quiet and quite relaxing giving off a boutique hotel feeling.
There’s no swimming pool, no gym, no white glove service. Still, Rare Heritage House Penang is a fantastic place to stay for your first epic visit to Malaysia! I highly recommend it!
Armenian Street Heritage Hotel in central Georgetown, a UNESCO Heritage Site. It’s a quiet neighborhood just a short distance from popular Armenian Walking Street, about a 100-meter walk. I used to stay here quite often, the quality and style are similar to Rare Heritage House. I enjoy sitting outside across the street at Armenian Park, writing in my journal.
Pricewise the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel is approximately $10 USD more. But it is still worth it as the standard rooms are roughly 8 meters larger than my current favorite hotel in Penang. Also, every room has a window with an unobstructed view of the street below.
This hotel is more suited for couples and families since the rooms are slightly larger. Especially because there are rooms with king-size beds for mom and dad plus bunk beds for the kids. Since two kids under 16 stay for free, this is the main reason why I highly recommend Armenian Street Heritage Hotel to traveling families.
Right on Armenian Street, the historic core of Penang. Where popular wall art has turned the streets into a popular tourist attraction, when you stay at Armenian House, you don’t need to go far to explore Penang’s unique culture, art, and history.
Armenian House
Enjoy your stay at a converted classical Chinese shophouse. When I first stepped inside the words, cozy and warm came to mind. I prefer hotels with a modern and minimalist feel mainly because my house is a mess.
It is a hotel and also a hostel. Meaning there are rooms with shared bathrooms and rooms with private bathrooms. If you want to stay in a shared room good news is you’ve got a lot of space. Whichever rooms you decide on it’s a wonderful quaint hotel/hostel in the heart of Georgetown.
This is another hotel property similar to the boutique style and charm of Rare Heritage House. Not far from Kimberely Street Food Night Market and the 1st Avenue Mall, a popular shopping center in Georgetown.
Carnarvon Suites@Reunion
Rooms are beautifully decorated with old classic charm and of course, some modern touches as it was renovated in 2019. When I stayed at Carnarvon Suites I chose the garden view. It’s quiet, the beds are comfortable, and the bathroom is clean. The hotel staff are friendly and helpful with food recommendations.
Also a great affordable hotel in Penang for families. Because they have these 45 square meter rooms with 2 bedrooms for $80 USD per night. 4 adults and 2 kids under 13 stay free. That is a spectacular bargain for families traveling on a budget!
Again, no gym for the power squats you love so much and no swimming pool.
However, keep in mind there are no elevators. So having large heavy luggage could be a hassle. But, the friendly hotel staff are ready to help.
Now if you’re looking for a hotel with a view overlooking greater Georgetown, with a swimming pool and gym with modern equipment, then St. Giles Wembley Penang is a recommended choice.
There are 30 floors and if possible I’d ask the hotel upon check-in if they can pick a room for you with a view of the seaside. Usually, I stay in one of the standard rooms which are around 24 square meters. With breakfast included I paid around $75 USD per night. With all the amazing food near the hotel, chances are you wouldn’t need to add the breakfast option.
Opposite St. Giles Wembley Penang is 1st Avenue Mall and a bus station for getting around the island. But of course, you can still walk from the hotel to popular Penang hotspots. This is one of the best 4-star hotels in Georgetown!
No doubt travelers are looking for rooms in Penang with plenty of breathing space and room for kids to run around. If that’s you, I recommend the Granite Luxury Hotel Penang for those reasons. And it’s not too shabby if you want to stay at a Penang hotel for a romantic holiday for couples. It’s one of the newer, taller hotel buildings in Georgetown with a view and rooms with a jacuzzi. You get the picture.
The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang
This popular 4-star hotel is next to St. Giles Wembley Penang Hotel, which means the local bus station and shopping centers are right across the street.
As mentioned before, rooms here are more spacious ranging from the standard 34 square meters up to 45 square meters for the deluxe. I’ve stayed in the Premium City View King room before and it is very nice and comfortable. There’s a small swimming pool with an interesting design (you gotta see it for yourself) and a small gym.
This was a few years back I paid about $85 per night. I’m not a 4-star hotel kinda guy when I travel solo. So this was a bit high, especially when there are so many budget boutique hotels in Penang half the price.
With that said if you want to take your special someone to a nice romantic hotel in Georgetown this could be it.
Now back to a Penang hotel with down to earth prices in yet again an amazing and convenient location. The Kimberly Hotel Georgetown has small cozy rooms from 15 square meters to spacier 31 square meters family suites. Some rooms have windows and some do not so if you want a view make sure you choose the correct room type.
I always choose their Oriental Suite room type, it’s 20 square meters, includes breakfast, and costs $55 USD per night. Again, I prefer eating outside. There are so many choices for food outside in short walking distance. But breakfast is lumped in with their room rates.
Kimberley Hotel Georgetown
I particularly enjoy the balcony terrace, the street below is not noisy and the air in Penang is clean. The wooden floors are a nice touch. Even though it’s quite a big hotel there’s no swimming pool or gym.
The location of the hotel is also terrific for sightseeing and just wandering around the historic sections of Georgetown.
I know some of you reading this want to find a top-quality hotel by the beach in Penang. Or perhaps earn a whopping amount of brownie points from your significant other to screw up for the entire year.
We’re talking about a private beach for cocktails. Infinity pool to laze away an afternoon with a good novel in hand. Friendly hotel staff to pamper you and assist you during the rest of your stay.
Hompton by the Beach Penang
I usually stay in a deluxe room type with a partial view of the sea. That room size is 28 square meters, the bed is super comfortable for me and the walk in shower is so nice with modern fixtures. At the time I paid around $100 USD per night. If you look at the fact it’s right on a private beach, the top-notch facilities and guest rooms it’s a bargain.
I always tell people I’m from NYC and for $100 USD at an NYC hotel you get bedbugs in a shoe box sized room.
Hompton by the Beach Penang is just a wonderful hotel whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family with children in tow. Although this hotel is located on the beach, you can’t walk to the historic parts of Georgetown and sample the culture and foods. Typically I like walking to places but if you’re staying at a hotel by the beach, you’ll need Grab Taxi to get around. That said, there are still many fantastic foods within walking distance.
So there you go, my favorite hotels in Penang! I know you will like these hotel choices. And I will continue checking out and reviewing more hotels in Penang shortly! Stay tuned for more reviews and updates.
I Stayed at Rare Heritage House in Penang, Here’s My Review I gotta say Rare Heritage House Penang was one of the most interesting hotel stays I’ve had in Malaysia.… Read more: Rare Heritage House Penang Malaysia Review
A LITTLE FAR FROM HUA HIN CITY CENTER… BUT IT’S REALLY NICE…
Last week my wife and I traveled to Hua Hin with a couple of her friends visiting from the UK. Because we prefer staying at hotels and resorts near beaches in Hua Hin we did a little bit of searching.
I know that sounds negative but hear me out. You see, the Veranda is not very close to Hua Hin’s city center.
For some travelers that could be a good thing. I know most travelers coming to Hua Hin want to relax at a quiet beach and think about absolutely nothing.
While others want to get out and about and explore Hua Hin.
If you prefer to stay at a resort by the beach and think about absolutely nothing with a cold piná colada by a beautiful swimming pool, Veranada Resort, and Villa Hua Hin won’t disappoint. It certainly didn’t disappoint me.
The MGallery label just means that this hotel is a fancy one…
BOOKING A ROOM AT VERANDA RESORT HUA HIN
My wife has an Accor hotel membership card about to expire soon. We also had some coupons we wanted to use before her membership expired.
So while looking through the reviews and nice photos of Veranda Resorts Hua Hin we were excited to go check it out for ourselves.
Dining Room – Veranda Resort’s main restaurant.
This is without a doubt a 5-star hotel. And with that, there’s a 5-star price to pay for. The room type with the lowest rates are the deluxe rooms which we stayed in for a few nights to make this review.
Deluxe rooms cost about 4500B per night with taxes. We also stayed in Veranda’s premium deluxe room which cost 5000THB per night plus taxes. Breakfast is not included, however. Which is not an issue because we have a car. And we know where the good places are to eat in Hua Hin.
We found an amazing bakery called The Baguette not far away. It’s highly recommended so go check it out.
The resort’s beautifully clean and maintained beach made us fall in love with Veranda.
VERANDA RESORT & VILLAS HUA HIN BEACH FRONT
The beachfront at Veranda Resort is very clean. The beach sand is soft and fine. I saw hotel staff go out to pick up trash and keep things neat. That’s a big bonus in my book.
And because this is a small resort you’re not going to have to fight for a sun chair. It’s the high season in Hua Hin and there were many guests. But I don’t think it was half full. Even if it were there are so many spots around the hotel’s pool and beach to spread out and just be one with nature.
Very nice quiet beach in front of Veranda Hotel & Resort Hua Hin to enjoy the sunset.View from the beach looking into Veranda Hua Hin.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
After staying in so many hotels of this category through the years you can easily pick up vibes. So when I first stepped inside the open-air lobby of Veranda Resort Hua Hin I knew I was in a good place.
The lobby ceilings are high with a direct view of the sea. There are no hordes of hotel guests coming and going. Everything looked neat and orderly and there was no clutter. The zen water fountain at the center of the lobby added a nice touch to the overall ambiance.
Cool little zen fountain middle of the hotel’s lobby
We arrived around 3 pm and we didn’t see any other guests in the lobby. I could see a few people swimming around at the pool near the beach. And a few guests here and there. Other than that it was so peaceful.
Veranda Resort Hua Hin has a wonderful atmosphere.
WHAT ELSE IS SPECIAL HERE?
My best answer is the exclusivity. And that’s what you’re paying for. There are no hotels or resorts directly next to or even close to Veranda Resort Hua Hin. Although not exclusive to the point where there’s absolutely nothing around. Like our other favorite private resort La A Natu Bakery much further south from Hua Hin.
If you have your car you can easily drive a short distance to find restaurants and shops. Or go check out Blueport Mall, Hua Hin Night Market, and my all-time favorite Cicada Night Market.
The beautiful long stretch of beach in front of the hotel like I already mentioned is the main highlight of Veranda.
A small fitness room is located past the hotel’s coffee café
There’s a very small fitness room with cardio machines, free weights, and one universal weight machine. Haven’t tried the equipment inside but looks too tight.
If you’re looking for a really good intensive workout with weights I don’t think you’ll like Veranda Hotel’s gym. But the cardio machines look modern. Plus you can run up and down the long stretch of beach. The fitness room is open from 6 am to midnight.
Glassroom Espresso Bar open 7am to 8pm
The Veranda has one beautiful free-form swimming pool with two water slides. It will certainly delight kids and the young at heart. Your kids will spend all day at the swimming pool because it opens from 7am to 9pm.
We don’t have a little one yet. But my wife Dtan is 6 months pregnant and we’re super excited to take our little one around for a swim in the pool when we come back.
Overall I think Veranda Resort Hua Hin is a very nice kid-friendly hotel. Especially with the little man-made beach section of the swimming pool.
There’s only one large swimming pool for adults and children. The trees in the swimming pool are a nice touch.
Alright, so now that you’ve had a little look around the property, here are the rooms we stayed in at Veranda Resort Hua Hin.
A LOOK AT THE ROOMS
Veranda Hotel & Resort Hua Han has 12 room types. I only have the budget to check out two rooms on this trip to Hua Hin. I was tempted to book the slider pool suite but the price tag was too steep.
We stayed in the:
Veranda Deluxe – Room #210 (44 sq m.)
Veranda Premium Deluxe – Room #602 (66 sq m.)
Even with a pricey buffet breakfast, there were a decent amount of guests having breakfast…
Now, a look at the first room we stayed in, the Veranda Premium Deluxe room.
VERANDA PREMIUM DELUXE ROOM REVIEW
This is the room we stayed in during our first day. As mentioned before my wife has an Accor hotel membership card. Which came with a free one-night upgrade coupon. We upgraded from a Veranda Deluxe room just for one night to check out a premium room.
The premium deluxe rooms are located in a building a short walk from the main hotel lobby.
We were given room #602 which had a decent yet obstructed view of the sea. The room was clean with no funky smells coming from the bathroom. Which is a common thing here in Thailand no matter how fancy the hotel property is.
And the room is well lit with plenty of light fixtures all over the room. Lots of hotels in this category go for a soothing atmosphere, which is what most guests would want for a relaxing holiday.
Veranda Hotel & Resort Hua Hin has struck a good balance of light and relaxation.
Veranda premium deluxe room size is 66 square meters.
Two queen-sized beds with very comfortable mattresses and pillows.
Spacious bathroom with plenty of closet space.Never heard of Thann products but supposed to be fancy.Toothbrush, combs, razor kit, and other little odds and ends.Day bed which can also double as kids’ bed.There’s a spacious balcony with jacuzzi and sunbeds.Jacuzzi and double sun beds to enjoy on the balcony.Finally, a hotel with a working in-room jacuzzi.Not many hotels and resorts I’ve been to have mosquito-repellent incense. Nice touch from Veranda Hotel and Resort Hua Hin.Two bottles of free water on the top bar.Two bottles of free chilled water inside the mini-fridge.Premium deluxe rooms are located inside a separate building.Lobby of premium deluxe rooms.
A BIG ROOM
The room is very big at 66 square meters. A bit of an overkill because there are only two of us staying inside. Even though Veranda’s premium deluxe rooms max capacity is 3 persons this is way too much space. Not that I’m complaining. But we should’ve kept our upgrade coupon for another time if we had known. My wife and I just wanted to be surprised.
This room is perfect if you’re traveling with a child. There’s a separate day bed for children. But the room’s double queen-sized beds are more than enough adequate more.
The bathroom has a shower stall setup with rain shower fixtures. THANN shower products are showcased. I don’t know much about fancy shower products but maybe you do and have heard of them. You can also have a nice bath on the balcony in a jacuzzi.
Veranda Hotel & Resort Hua Hin gets bonus points for hot water on demand. Even their sinks have hot water. Which is important to a guy like me that’s borderline OCD.
However, it would’ve been an extra nice touch if Veranda provided guests with spa salts like we found inside AWA Koh Chang’s bathtubs.
The entrance to the main hotel where our deluxe room awaits.
So my wife and I stayed in this room for one night only. We tried out the jacuzzi and it works great. It’s got the bubbles and water jet which worked well. And there was plenty of hot water running on a constant which makes me think each room is equipped with its water heater.
The air conditioning was quiet and there are a bunch of movie and news channels in English to keep one entertained if they don’t want to venture out. These are nice and comfortable big rooms to relax in after a 3-hour drive from Bangkok.
VERANDA DELUXE ROOM REVIEW
A look inside room #210 a deluxe room at Veranda Hotel & Resort Hua Hin
At first, we thought our deluxe rooms were located in the same building as our premium deluxe room. But when we went back to hand in the keycards for our premium room a friendly hotel reception staff led us to our deluxe room on the main property.
Which is better because we’ll be a lot closer to the swimming pool and the gorgeous beach. We got a room on the second floor room #210.
This is deluxe room #210 on the second floor.
This room faces the inner courtyard or as Veranda calls it garden view. Rooms facing the opposite side of the resort which I think doesn’t have a good view. And I don’t see any price difference between a room with a better view and the ones that don’t.
My suggestion is if you book a garden view room make sure you ask for a deluxe room with a better view. I’m sure if one is available you’ll get it.
Deluxe rooms are located in these buildings. The location is closer to the swimming pool and beach.
Our room was inside the building pictured above. The room on the second floor second from the right is where we stayed.
I much prefer this deluxe room to the premium. It’s 44 sq m. overall and for me a lot cozier. Closet space is smaller here in the deluxe rooms. Not that it matters to us as we still keep all our stuff inside our travel bags.
A little reading area by the balcony.
There’s a king-sized bed, a separate shower, and a large bathtub. The toilet however shares the room with the shower. This is the first I’ve seen inside a resort of this quality, but it’s not a big deal. I didn’t have a chance to try out the bathtub on this trip but the showers were good with strong water pressure and constant hot water.
Haven’t tried the bathtub, but it’s full-sized and looks comfortable.THANN bath products are also found inside deluxe room bathrooms.
The real highlight of Veranda Hua Hin’s deluxe rooms is the view and the balcony seating space. With the shade and the nice afternoon breeze coming from the ocean I slept on the balcony sofa for hours like a baby.
Plenty of space on the balcony overlooking the garden.
After staying at our deluxe room we felt we should’ve saved our room upgrade coupon.
We were just as comfortable and there’s a better view. I didn’t even miss the jacuzzi inside the premium deluxe.
Because we were a lot closer to the beach and especially the swimming pool. From the doorstep of our room to the front of the pool it only took us a couple of minutes to get there.
There’s a small man-made beach by the pool for children.
As mentioned already, there are 12 room types at the Veranda Hua Hin. The top room types are Beach Front Pool Villa and Sky Pool Villa.
But I took a look at the rooms in front of the pool and shorter walking distance to the beach called the Veranda @ Sea rooms. I’m interested in checking it out in the future because it looks pretty cool.
The resort provides free internet Wi-Fi and the connection was fast and consistent. You could even get Wi-Fi coverage at the swimming pool and sun chairs in front of the beach.
This is the Veranda @ Sea room type I’m interested in reviewing the next time I come back here.
Veranda Hotel and Resort is a very nice place to relax and enjoy Hua Hin. If you’re planning on visiting Bangkok I think coming to this resort would be a great compliment and contrast from all the noise that is in Bangkok.
My wife and I like this hotel and we can’t wait to go back and check out the other room types.
HOW TO GET THERE:
ADDRESS: 737/12 Mung Talay Road, Cha Am, Petchburi 76120, Thailand
Veranda Resort Hua Hin is 130km from Bangkok, about 3 3-hour drive by car. It is approximately 21km from Hua Hin’s city center.
WHERE TO FIND HOTEL DISCOUNTS AND READ MORE REVIEWS:
Was my Veranda Resort Hua Hin Cha Am review helpful to you? These are affiliate links which means if you make a booking with either company I make a small commission. With no extra cost to you. You will be supporting this blog and also help care for soi dogs (and cats) we come across in Thailand.
When you are visiting Bangkok there’s a very good chance you’ll be popping into MBK Centre (Mahboonkrong) since it is one of the most well known shopping centers in Bangkok.
Mainly because for tourists MBK is easy to find. Right next to MBK is National Stadium BTS Sky Train station. And taxis, tuk tuk know exactly where it is.
Among Bangkok’s selection of malls, MBK is not exactly the poshest. It’s the Thai working classes’ preferred mall. Where prices for clothes and shoes are more acceptable for locals. It is the oldest mall in this particular part of Bangkok. Yet its popularity has withstood the test of time.
Competing against super malls like Siam Square One, Siam Discovery/Centre and Siam Paragon that are a short distance walk.
And it’s also a great place to socialize with friends and family because MBK has a huge bowling alley, ice skate rink and cinema theaters with the latest screen and sound tech.
MBK also has lots of beauty salons where you can get gel manicures and foot spas. But prices for beauty services inside MBK are rather high. So below I’ll let you know where you can find beauty salons where the local Thai ladies go to get themselves beautified.
Where is MBK Centre
You can find this popular shopping centre in central Bangkok, specifically in the Pathuwan District. Not far is the Jim Thompson House, a popular tourist attraction for those wanting to learn about Thailand’s rich silk history.
There are so many restaurants on the streets and especially inside the shopping malls. And of course not only will you find Thai restaurants, there are also many Japanese, Korean and Western restaurants, including Mcdonald’s, Burger King, KFC and even a Taco Bell.
Many hotels in the area as well. You can find some places to stay near MBK Mall near the end of this post.
MBK Will Always Be Part of the Bangkok Experience
Every single person I know visiting Bangkok will eventually end up inside MBK. Even if they don’t plan on shopping. Today it’s changed so much since the first time I stepped foot inside nearly 25 years ago.
Don Don Doki, a super popular Japanese store has a multi level shopping center inside. This store is the 8th branch in Bangkok and super popular with Thais because they love all things Japanese. And Don Don Doki gives them a glimpse of the Japan shopping experience as well as purchase Japanese sweet snacks, beauty cosmetics, gadgets and home accessories. And of course all sorts of Japanese style of foods also.
Don Don Doki at MBK Mall Bangkok 2nd Floor Entrance…Many things to buy inside Don Don Doki MBK Mall
Cannabis for Sale in MBK
After Thailand legalized marijuana in June 2022 numerous weed dispensaries started popping up all around the city. There are several shops where you can buy grams of the stickiest of icky inside MBK. Though you can not smoke inside MBK mall. Or practically anywhere in public, especially near schools and temples. If you get caught you’ll get hit with a 20,000B fine.
Safe places to light up in Bangkok are Cannabis Cafes but I recommend calling them up if you want to bring your own stash.
Cannabis dispensary located on 1st floor of MBK Mall…
MBK Mall is Best for Buying Western Size Clothes and Shoes
For budget tourists or just savvy travelers that don’t want to overpay, MBK is the best place to buy clothes at reasonable prices. Because a lot of MBK’s customers are foreigners. So you can find many European and American sized shirt, pant and shoes on the racks at affordable prices
I’m talking about good quality clothing and shoes. Not items with cheap materials. Even though you can find that sold inside MBK too. There are tons of shops selling good quality t-shirts with gimmicky phrases and quirky graphics for as little as 100B when you buy more than one shirt.
MBK Mall in Bangkok has 8 floors
Plus they’ve got one rocking food court with affordable food on the 6th floor. Local Thai dishes like Thai Som Tom and Pad Thai along with Thailand’s famous mango with sticky rice is well represented. Along with international fare such as Hong Kong styled noodles plus a bit of Muslim fare like chicken curry over yellow rice.
Now there really isn’t too much new information to add on top of what has already been written about MBK in numerous travel articles.
But I’d like to share a little bit of what I know about MBK.
And below are my 5 tips that might be useful to you plus 5 hotels that are really close to MBK mall.
One of the best food courts in Bangkok is at MBK mall…
No More Fakes and Counterfeits Inside MBK Mall… But You Can Still Find Knock Offs
One of the primary reasons why MBK Mall became famous is because tourists (and locals) could find knock off designer goods easily. There was a short period of time where brand name knock offs were taken off the shelves, due to pressure from foreign companies.
Today, as or writing, you can find all kinds of knock offs on shelves. Most shops selling wearable fake brand named items are located on floors 3 to 6.
Counterfeit luxury lines of Rolex and Omega watches are still abundant. Though to be honest, it’s probably best to not waste money on knock off watches.
Fake Air Jordans are popular and many foreigners buy with intent to take back to their home country for resale. Plenty of fake Supreme T-Shirts and accessories, Gucci and Louis Vuitton hand bags are sought after too. If you do plan on buying knock offs I recommend paying what you can afford. It’s not worth overspending.
Will the Thai authorities crack down on fakes? Probably, but it’ll be back on the shelves eventually. As long tourists know they can find fake good inside MBK there will be shops selling to make money.
Fake Supreme t-shirts MBK Mall
MBK is One of the Best Malls for Electronics
I’m talking about white label electronics “bordering counterfeit” level of electronics. For example I bought these Apple Airpod Pro for 550B inside a shop called Lemon Telecom. Now the box doesn’t say Apple Airpod Pro. But it doesn’t take a genius to see that the packaging is 98% unmistakably Apple.
White label products are what factories, mainly Chinese factories, call products that wholesalers slap their names on the packaging. And many white label products can be found inside MBK.
Lemon Telecom is located on the 5th floor. Everything inside has price labels which is super important. Because many of the small shops selling same types of electronics items on the 4th floor have NOprices on any of their goods for sale. So you gotta ask for the price. Asking for discounts is expected and how much they go down on price is up to the shop owners.
You will not get discounts inside shops like Lemon Telecom however.
Personally before I bought this Airpod Pro copy I checked around on the 4th floor with several shops. I was quoted 800B to 1300B. And some of those shops have Apple Airpod Pro printed on boxes, which cost more. Funny the more “counterfeited” in appearance the higher the price goes. And you’re paying for the branding rather then actual products.
Whatever you plan on buying, I recommend going to a store like Lemon Telecom on the 5th floor and take a look at their prices. Then head down to the 4th floor below and check prices amongst the smaller shops. This way you get some idea about prices.
Not exactly Apple Airpod Pros, but really close…Lemon Telecom 5th floor MBK Mall
But First You’re Going to Need Thai Baht, Right? I’ll Show You Where to Get the Best Currency Exchange Rates in Bangkok
If you’re going to shop hard you’re going to need plenty of Thai Baht in your pockets. So if you’ve got yourself a fist full of your home currency and need to exchange them with better than bank rates then head to the 2nd floor of MBK where you’ll find a Super Rich money exchange branch.
I personally use Super Rich’s services. When you compare them to Thai bank conversion rates Super Rich gives you better exchange rates. They’re now located in a lot of major tourists areas in Bangkok. But Super Rich’s MBK branch is very convenient.
I highly recommend bringing in your local currency and exchange them for Baht. Because Thai ATM fees are very high charging a minimum of 280THB per withdrawal with foreign accounts.
Now that you’re armed with fresh Thai Baht and ready for shopping here are my 5 Shopping Tips for MBK:
1. My Favorite Areas Inside MBK Mall
As you will see once you’re inside MBK it is a massive mall. But where do you go find some nice Thai souvenirs at decent prices?
For me, I always recommend heading to the 6th floor. It’s less crowded and the prices for Thai made products are very reasonable. This area is newly renovated and filled with made in Thailand products. No problem finding fakes here too.
I recommend heading up to the 6th floor Thai made products…
If you want the best prices for t-shirts and other souvenirs, look for made in Thailand products. I find that Thai manufactured slippers and flip flops are really good quality and priced inexpensive.
If your goal is buying bulk at wholesale prices, MBK is not the right place. For that you should go to Sampeng Market in Bangkok’s Chinatown district.
Any creative products made with Thai rubber, coconuts and hemp materials are nicely made and so affordable and unique to Thailand. It’s where I tell my visiting friends to shop for souvenirs.
I find that MBK’s 6th floor has the most Thai made products inside the mall. There are plenty of Thai made products sold elsewhere inside MBK but cost slightly higher.
2. Find Brand Name Clothes at Outlet Prices
I’m a big guy and sometimes here in Bangkok for me it is tough to find the right size. I wear XL size for shirts. And I am shaped like a gorilla. Normally XL labeled clothing for Thais are still small because it was originally made for the Thai market.
So I like going to this shop called Export shop. You can find 2 inside MBK Mall. One on the 2nd floor and the other on the 3rd floor.
Back in the States we have these outlet malls where you can find brand name clothes for cheap. Well, the Export shops stock up on brand name clothing themselves. From Gap, Dockers, Ralph Polo, American Eagle and sometimes J. Crew and Banana Republic. They even have these 511 Tactical shirts and pants for sale on the racks.
Other export shops selling similar brands but different styles are called XL for Men and 71 Imports.
Because so many big name clothing companies use factories in Southeast Asia to produce their clothing line. A lot of the overage ends up in shops like these. Keep in mind, some of the clothing have slight defects. But nothing so major that it’s unwearable or noticeable.
My favorite clothing shop inside MBK
If you are looking for sporting goods and wear it is worthwhile to check out Super Sports Factory Outlet on the 3rd floor. It is worth checking out because it can be a hit or miss.
Because a lot of the really good in demand items are quickly picked up by lucky tourists and enterprising Thais looking to quickly resell online for profit. Though keep in mind these are factory outlet grade items. Which means that there could be slight defects. Give the items a quality check before forking over your hard earned cash.
The discounts are quite considerable but if you are not there at the right time, and find something you like, the size you want might not be available. In any case, deals can be found on original Nike, Adidas, North Face, Asics, New Balance and so on.
Super Sports Factory Outlet inside MBK Mall 3rd floor…
3. MBK’s Camera Shops
I’m a camera geek. So I love checking out the latest camera toys.
To me the prices of cameras are expensive in Thailand. Though prices for camera gears are very reasonable like tripods, camera bags and sometimes lenses. I think the better deals for the actual camera itself is back in the States.
Anyways, if you lost your camera somehow and you need to buy a new one, I recommend heading to the ground floor of MBK near zone B. It’s the one pictured below. I know it looks like a hole in the wall but they’ve been there for the longest time and quite reputable.
You can get a Tourist Vat Refund also when you buy something there. So you can save a bit of cash as well. I believe you get back about 7% back at the airport.
Camera Center on the 5th floor camera prices are not too shabby either if you really need to pick up cameras in Bangkok. They also offer a VAT refund as well.
Many big camera shops on 5th floorA camera shop at MBK with decent prices…
4. Don’t Forget to Check MBK’s Ground Floor
The ground floor has a lot of good deals too. Many tourists neglect the ground floor because most of them enter the shopping mall from the 2nd and 3rd floor. That’s where the Sky Train walkway leads to the BTS National Stadium train station and Siam Discovery Mall.
But the ground floor is where a lot of discounted clothes and accessories can be found too. So be sure to explore around the ground floor. You just might end up with better discounts for clothes and other knick knacks.
MBK has a total of 7 seven floors and you can check out the mall directory here.
Be sure to walk around the ground floor of MBK, plenty of discounts too…
5. Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Eyelash Extensions and Eyebrow Tattoos
Chances are if you’re staying over in Bangkok for a week or longer, you might be interested in checking out the many varieties of salons for pampering women.
MBK’s got all kinds of beauty salons located mainly on the third floor. But some are spread out on the upper floors too.
Okay so I can’t make any direct recommendations of the salon services located inside MBK Mall.
And there are 2 reasons why:
I go to the cheap places near where I live in Bangkok to cut my hair. For 80THB I get a cut and shave.
As her youngest son, my mother would have a heart attack if she saw me with eyelash extensions and painted nails
However this blogger’s post recommends Goree Salon on the third floor. And she seems quite happy.
I should mention that MBK salon prices to local Thais are not exactly affordable. I’m not suggesting salons inside MBK are overcharging tourists. From a business standpoint, renting space inside one of the most popular malls in Bangkok isn’t cheap.
For local Thais if they want to get their nails done at prices they can afford, they go to nail salon like Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon. It’s a nail salon my Thai lady friends tell me is really good. Or Union Mall for hair salons with services priced just right for Thais working hard for their money.
Need Someplace to Keep Your Luggage While You Shop?
If you checked out of your hotel early and decided to drop by MBK for last minute souvenir shopping, there is a luggage drop off service center on the 6th floor in Zone B, right next to Food Island Food Court.
This service is provided by Airportels.com and they’ll hold your luggage for 4 hours FREE of charge. After that, it’s 100THB per bag. The counter is open from 10am to 10pm everyday.
Consider Booking a Hotel Near MBK Mall
MBK is a fun place to hide, chill out and get away from the city’s heat for awhile. The mall officially opens at 10am but a lot of the smaller stalls open a little later. Closing time is 10pm.
It’s located right in central Bangkok, in a lively area called Siam Square. So it’s also a really good idea to find a hotel in that area because it’s right next to a Sky Train station called National Stadium.
Because MBK is right by Siam Paragon, Siam Square, Siam Discovery and Center the area is totally family friendly and away from the red light districts.
Below are names of 5 hotels near MBK in the 3 to 5 star range I would like to recommend:
Ibis Hotel is one of the best hotels near MBK Mall. It’s right across and next to National Stadium BTS station…
Conclusion
I’ve had visiting friends stay in all of those hotels so I know they’re all very good choices in a prime area of Bangkok. Plus those hotels have plenty of good reviews already.
Out of the list of five, if you have the money, I recommend Pathumwan Princess Hotel. It’s attached right on top of MBK. So you won’t even have to step outside.
On a budget? Lub D has a popular chain of hostels in Bangkok and this particular one on Siam Square has really affordable rooms and perfect for families.
So that’s my five tips on visiting MBK. Plus five hotels near a bunch of Bangkok’s best shopping centers that are perfect for exploring popular sections of central Bangkok.
5 Best Areas in Bangkok for First Time Visitors – With Recommended Bangkok Hotels 2025
If you’ve never traveled to Thailand before and want to know where are the best areas to stay in Bangkok (กรุงเทพมหานคร) for your first visit then you’ve come to the right place.
With a decade of experience in Bangkok under my belt, I’ll point out the best locations to stay in Bangkok for sightseeing, shopping, eating and of course for partying.
Bangkok is a big city with lots of distinct neighborhoods. And deciding the right location with the right hotel can make your head spin. I know how you feel. I always feel the same way whenever I’m researching hotels in places I’ve never traveled to.
Which is why I’m going to point out only 5 areas in Bangkok you should focus on for your first epic visit! By the end of this post, you’ll learn all you need to know about these 5 popular neighborhoods and have an idea on hotel cost, location and the reasons why you should be staying there for your first visit to Bangkok as a solo traveler, or with friends and family.
I’ll point out the best family friendly hotels in Bangkok. Where there’s something for the young and old. Whether your Thai holiday is focused on shopping, sightseeing or for eating!
And for those that want to know where is the best area and hotels to stay near Bangkok’s crazy nightlife, well you’re going to find names of cool party hotels near Bangkok’s red light districts.
But before we go any further, please familiarize yourself with these 3 tips for booking hotel rooms in Bangkok.
At the Chao Praya River with Wat Arun in the background…
3 Quick Tips for your Bangkok Hotel Search
The most important tip I can dispense here is to book your hotels near a Sky Train (BTS) station or an MRT (subway) station. The areas of Chid Lom/Ploenchit, Siam Square, Sukhumvit and Silom all within central Bangkok have train lines nearby. Most of the areas I recommend below have train stations near the recommended hotels, just a short walk.
Most 3 star Thai owned hotels are just as good as international owned hotels in Bangkok. Plus Thai hotels are usually cheaper and the service is just as good. Although I have listed some foreign-owned luxury hotels below only because their room rates are affordable compared to Western luxury hotel rates.
You do not need to book your hotel room far in advanced thinking you’ll get the best hotel rates. Today, you can find many discounted hotel deals even just a few days before arrival into Bangkok.
When I’m asked about where to stay in Bangkok my response is typically “How much you wanna spend?”
From my experience, you can find a lot of good quality hotels in Bangkok in tourists friendly areas for as low as $40USD.
I’m not kidding, for $40USD you can get a decent 3-star hotel room in a decent area of Bangkok.
The rule is if you can spend $60 to $80USD there could be marginal differences in terms of quality compared to hotels in the $100USD price range.
There’s a Lot of Affordable 3 to 5 Star Hotels in Central Bangkok
Though this rule is not set in stone because there are so many hotels in Bangkok that a lot of them are competing fiercely to get you into their rooms.
Which is why I always say even if you see a hotel in Bangkok with a 4 to 5 star rating go ahead and check the hotel’s rates. You might be surprised how affordable it really is to stay in Bangkok for your first ever visit to Thailand.
Before settling down in Thailand I stayed in plenty of hotels in Bangkok…
There are many distinct districts, or neighborhoods in Bangkok with hotels from cheap to expensive. Finding a nice comfortable hotel room to rest after a long day of sightseeing, shopping or eating is not an impossible task. And location is key.
I’ve broken down these 5 best districts to stay in Bangkok all for you.
Let’s get started!
5 Best Places to Stay in Bangkok for First Time Visitors:
First of all, you want to focus staying in Central Bangkok. That’s the sweet spot you should only focus on and nothing else. Which part of Bangkok is central? The answers are right below:
Chidlom/Ploen Chit – Though you don’t see both areas on the map these areas border Siam Square and where Sukhumvit Road begins. So you’re right between two of the best areas in Bangkok especially for traveling families. It can’t get better than that.
Siam Square – The nerve center of Bangkok. At least to me. Siam Square has it all, shopping malls and restaurants. MBK Centre is right in Siam Square. Plus it’s also the BTS Sky Train’s main hub station. Other major malls in this area is Siam Paragon and Siam Square One.
Sukhumvit – Within Sukhumvit are distinct neighborhoods; Nana, Asoke, Phrom Phong, and Ekkamai/Thonglor. All these neighborhoods are the best areas to stay for checking out Bangkok’s nightlife and red light districts.
Silom – Silom is the city’s financial center. But there are also many good hotels in the area. And not as busy as Sukhumvit. It’s also a nightlife hotspot mixed with a popular albeit expensive Patpong night market/red light district.
Rattanakosin– This historic area of the city borders Khao San Road, Bangkok’s popular hangout for backpackers and budget travelers. Best to book a hotel right on the river for tranquility and a wonderful view of the sunset over the Chao Praya River.
The first four neighborhoods are connected by Bangkok’s MRT subway train and BTS Sky Train network. The last area, Rattanakosin doesn’t have a train system yet.
However, Rattanakosin is one of the quietest and historical areas of Central Bangkok. But not a convenient area to travel around and explore the rest of Bangkok. So you’ll have to rely on metered taxis if you choose to stay at a hotel in Rattanakosin.
If you’re planning on staying in Rattanakosin be sure to download Grab taxi service app as a backup when you can’t find a metered taxi. I’ve only added Rattanakosin because I truly believe that it’s one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok for new visitors who want to experience the old essence of Bangkok,
Because the city is growing fast with high rise buildings, condos and shopping centers getting pumped out. Experience the old charms of Bangkok while you still can.
But if the old doesn’t interest you, then you’ll love staying in Chit Lom or Phloenchit!
1. Chit Lom (ชิดลม) and Ploenchit (เพลินจิต)
Hotel Price Ranges: $50USD to $200+USD Train Line: Chit Lom BTS and Ploen Chit BTS Why Stay in Chit Lom and Ploenchit: Close to Bangkok’s major retail shopping centers with the best business and tourist-classed hotels. This is the best area to stay for first-timers in Bangkok looking to shop and explore.
Chit Lom (also spelled Chidlom) has a lot of affordable 4 and 5-star hotels. In the West and East Asia hotels with that amount of stars have higher price tags. Not so in Bangkok. You can book a hotel room in one of Chit Lom or Ploenchit’s high-end hotels for about $150USD.
There are a few posh luxury brand-name malls plus the Central Group’s flagship shopping center Central World.
The hotels I recommend in this area are near Chit Lom BTS Sky Train station. Ploenchit also has a station just one very short stop from Chit Lom. Central Embassy Mall is the nearest luxury goods mall to Ploenchit with lots of good restaurants in the area.
These four hotels are not cheap compared to the rest of Bangkok. Chit Lom is considered an upscale locale that warrants higher hotel rates.
However, I highly recommend just checking prices for 4 or 5-star international hotels in Bangkok because you’d be surprised you just might find a hotel price tag you can handle.
However, if you want a high-quality hotel, but reasonable rates in Chit Lom, I highly recommend Grande Center Point Ratchadamri on this short list of popular upscale hotels in Chit Lom.
2. Siam Square (สยามสแควร์)
Hotel Price Ranges: $80USD to $200+USD Train Line: Siam BTS and National Stadium BTS Why Stay in Siam Square: Recommended for families as there’s something for everyone of all ages. Siam Square is also the best area for shopping and sightseeing for first-time visitors to Bangkok. With down-to-earth hotel prices in most instances.
Siam Square has the most family-friendly hotels. There are so many shopping centers, particularly Bangkok’s famous MBK Centre and Siam Paragon. Your kids will have a chance to shop at stores that appeal to them. And the same for the adults.
I also recommend staying in Siam Square if you have kids because there are also a lot of international restaurant chains with foods that will be familiar to your young ones. We all know how fickle children can be when it comes to eating something they don’t recognize.
Plus Siam Square is the BTS Sky Train’s main train hub that connects the Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line. This is why Siam Square is a very convenient location and why I recommend families to book hotels because you can travel around Bangkok a lot easier.
Hotels within the Siam Square area cost between $80USD to $200USD. There are many new hotels in Siam Square built just a few years ago and some are listed below for consideration.
Siam Square is great because you’ll be close to everything and ideal for exploring the rest of Bangkok. MBK Shopping Center, Siam Discovery Mall, Siam Paragon Mall plus the brand new Siam Square One Center itself have a family fun atmosphere and are perfect for young and old traveling together.
3. Sukhumvit (สุขุมวิท)
Hotel Price Ranges: $40USD to $200+USD Subway Line: Nana BTS, Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stations Why Stay in Sukhumvit: Bangkok’s central nightlife and red light district. Sukhumvit is the best area to stay for the nightlife.
Ladies, if you don’t trust your guys it’s probably best not to stay in Sukhumvit. Kidding of course. Sukhumvit is the home of two of Bangkok’s red-light districts, Nana and Soi Cowboy. Though it’s still a family-friendly area as well not so much as Siam Square.
So if you are traveling with adults with no kids in tow it’s best to book a hotel near Nana or Soi Cowboy red light districts in Sukhumvit. That is if you want to truly experience Bangkok’s insane nightlife.
Sukhumvit area hotels are newer too and the quality is good with hotel rates ranging from $40USD to $200+USD. Which is not so expensive considering the central locality.
These hotel selections are in Sukhumvit’s prime location close to nightlife as well as Bangkok’s efficient, if not crowded at times MRT subway and BTS Sky Train systems.
But if you ask me to make a specific recommendation for a hotel in Sukhumvit I would pick Grande Centre Point T21. It is attached to Terminal 21 mall with lots of restaurants and shops. Plus the MRT and BTS train systems are right outside the hotel’s doors.
4. Silom (สีลม)
Hotel Price Ranges: $30USD to $200+USD Train Line: Sala Daeng BTS and Silom MRT Why Stay in Silom: Has a smaller red light and nightlife district too but also the best area in Bangkok for sightseeing near Chao Praya River.
Speaking of first epic visits, Silom was the first neighborhood in Bangkok I stayed in for my first visit to Thailand. That was decades ago. So I’ll always have a soft spot for Silom.
Anyway, Silom is great because it’s near the Chao Praya River. Or at least a few trains stop on the BTS exactly. But you won’t have to pay for the big hotel prices.
Silom also has a small red-light district called Patpong with many affordable hotels. Matter of fact Silom has the most inexpensive quality hotels.
Hotel rates in Silom range from $30USD to $200+USD. Hotels in Silom tend to be older. However, many smaller boutique hotels and hostels have been sprouting all over the neighborhood.
Silom has a lot of fine dining options available as well with many international restaurants. There’s even a small Japanese town called Soi Thaniya where many Japanese go for traditional sushi.
A walk through Patpong Night Market after dinner could be a memorable experience as well. Its go-go bar lights will dazzle you while touts tempt you to a sex show.
Silom is often crowded especially during night time as the lanes are smaller and compact. But still, a fun area to stay in Bangkok.
5. Rattanakosin (โกสินทร์)
Hotel Price Ranges: $30USD to $80+USD Why Stay in Rattanakosin: Bangkok’s old historic district, recommended if you prefer a peaceful area in hectic Bangkok. This is the best area you’ll find for sightseeing especially if plan to visit Sampeng Market in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Rattanakosin is Bangkok’s historic district. Filled with quiet lanes and many small businesses run by the same family for generations and usually by Chinese immigrants.
Staying at a hotel in Rattanakosin you’ll have easy access to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, and of course Khao San Road, famous for backpacking crowds of tourists.
Hotels around Khao San Road tend to be cheaper, with many guesthouses throughout Rattanokosin. You can easily find hotels in this area for about $30USD to $80USD.
Rattanakosin is certainly a lot less hectic compared to the other neighborhoods I recommend. And you won’t have any access to public train systems. So you’ll mainly have to rely on public taxis.
But luckily today, Uber and Grab Taxi are very good options as taxi rates are still reasonably priced in Thailand. So make sure you have an Uber and Grab Taxi app set up on your smartphones.
Bonus: Affordable Hotels along Bangkok’s Chao Praya River
Hey, I love Khao San Road too! But just like Rattanakosin, there’s no public train transport. Though staying in the Khao San Road area you’ll have some benefits because it’s one of the best places to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors for partying and sightseeing.
However, if you twisted my arm enough I will recommend a few choice hotels near Khao San Road for you:
Navalai River Resort – This little 3-star boutique hotel is located right on the Chao Praya River with a great view of Wat Arun. Get a room with a view of the river and watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel – If you want an excellent 4-star hotel but do not pay the same expensive rates as the luxury hotels down the river then Riva is one you’ll enjoy by the Chao Praya River.
Both of these excellent highly recommended Rattankosin hotels are near Phra Athit Pier. To get to central Bangkok, hop on an express boat and alight on Sathon Pier where you’ll find BTS Saphan Taksin station just a short distance away.
Both cost more than the typical hotels in Khao San Road but you’ll enjoy the quality as well as the view of the Chao Phraya River. And they are very good hotel options for all traveler types and especially for first-time tourists to Bangkok.
The Takeaway
So there you have it. Five areas in Bangkok where you should be staying for an epic holiday in Bangkok for your very first time in Thailand.
But here are 5 tips to remember before you book your hotel in Bangkok:
Don’t be tempted to book hotels in Bangkok in poor locations because it’s cheaper. You’ll be spending money on metered taxis and most likely waste time getting stuck in traffic.
Travel mostly by BTS Sky Trains and MRT subway trains. So best to pick a hotel that is within easy walking distance of your chosen hotel.
Booking a hotel room from online travel agencies like Agoda.com is better. In most cases, they can offer lower hotel rates than the actual hotel.
Breakfast or no breakfast? If it’s a 4-star hotel go ahead and book that room with breakfast even though it costs more. Usually, cheaper hotels offering breakfast with limited choices are not worth the extra cost.
Want a room upgrade? Who doesn’t? If you can, dress to impress. But most importantly, be nice! And you’ll increase your chances of getting a room upgrade in Bangkok. I know this one is kind of hard to do if you’re on vacation but you don’t need to be dressed in a tuxedo. Even though it helps!
So there you have it, the best places to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors looking for that epic first-time experience in Thailand, the Land of Smiles.
Where did you stay in Bangkok for your first visit? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
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