Penang is a wonderful place to spend a holiday and has a good supply of hotels in all categories. The good thing is that prices are very reasonable here, even for top of the range places, and you can choose from a number of different environments. Georgetown is the bustling heart and is mainly home to business hotels at the higher end of the hotel spectrum, while the island's beach resorts have more options.

Penang doesn't have that many upscale hotels in the form of five-star luxury. It does, however, have the Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O), close to Georgetown port. This is Penang's most historic hotel. It was originally built by the Sarkies brothers, who also built the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, and has recently been renovated.

There are several other smart hotels in and around Georgetown, including quality business hotels right in the city centre. The swanky Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La is fairly close to Georgetown. You will have more choice out at the main beach resorts for quality accommodation while on Penang. Batu Ferringhi tends to have the most top-end hotels and resorts in one place.

Batu Ferringhi is about 30 minutes away from Georgetown and has many upscale hotel and resort options. Many of the best Batu Ferringhi hotels also come with their own strip of private beach and while the public beaches here are nice, the best parts have been commandeered.

The Grand Plaza Parkroyal is one such resort in Batu Ferringhi, residing as it does on a strip of white sand. It has been totally renovated and is aimed at couples and families.

There are also hotel options out at the airport although tourists rarely stay out here. The Hotel Equatorial Penang is the best quality hotel within reach of Penang Airport. It has the 18-hole international Bukit Jambul Golf Course within its midst.