Raia Inn Penang

The hotel environment is beautiful, and the cabin-style architecture is unique. Our group of 16 spent three days here. The beach is right outside the lobby. The kids had a blast playing in the water and collecting seashells. They even kept some live creatures they found.

This hotel is right next to the airport. When you check in, just mention to the front desk that you need airport transfer service, and they'll help you arrange it. The area around the hotel is quite sparse, with not much to explore. You can take a taxi to Queensbay Mall if you want to go shopping. The breakfast buffet is 35 MYR per person and is generally decent, though it's a shame they don't have coffee available. Getting around mainly relies on taxis. Fortunately, taxi fares in Penang aren't too high. However, be aware that traffic can get quite congested during morning and evening rush hours, so it's a good idea to allow for some extra travel time.

The hotel is a bit old, but the overall environment is decent. There's also a pool on the first floor, and the service is good. Plus, no extra deposit is required.

The air conditioning in the room wasn't cool at all, not cool at all, not cool at all. I can't quite remember which room it was, but it's really important to mention that! The room itself was quite spacious, and we stayed there because we had an early morning flight, so its proximity to the airport was a big plus.

The family room I booked was quite spacious, but the facilities were a bit dated, and the towels provided by the hotel were worn out. The hotel building has an industrial design, and there's no air conditioning in the hallways. My kids really enjoyed the children's splash pool, and the water quality was quite clean. The hotel service was good, and there was a diverse selection of restaurants. They also offered a free shuttle to the airport in the morning, which was very convenient for guests catching early flights.

The hotel is relatively close to the airport, but they don't offer airport shuttle service. The hygiene is just okay, and the facilities are a bit old. If you have an early flight and want to get a little more sleep, this hotel could still be a good option.