We LOVE travelling with our kids. There’s nothing like showing them the world and getting a whole different perspective on a place when they’re in tow.
However when an opportunity comes up to have some child-free time and do things that you can’t always while holidaying with them – like eating out late, having a few drinks and taking your time to admire a temple for as long as YOU want – you grab it with both hands.
Due to work commitments in Malaysia and willing grandparents (thank you!) we found ourselves able to book 4 nights in Penang, a destination we’d always wanted to visit. And looking for something a little bit different to the usual family hotels we seek out, we decided on the G Hotel Kelawai.
Here’s the lowdown on this stylish hotel, with excellent amenities, conveniently located close to Georgetown and the attractions of Gurney Drive.
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G Hotel Kelawai
The exterior of G Hotel Kelawai
G Hotel Kelawai is one of two G Hotels in Penang, the sister hotel – G Hotel Gurney is situated a couple of hundred metres away. A brilliant feature of G Hotel is that you get access to all amenities and cross-signing privileges at both G Hotels.
The location of the G Hotel is brilliant, right by Gurney Drive with sea views and situated between two big shopping malls the Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon. It’s also a short distance to the famous Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.
Reaching the G Hotel Kelawai from Penang airport is fairly straight forward (about a 20 minute taxi ride) and it’s a short drive into Georgetown with all its foodie delights and heritage sites.
Compare prices and check room availability for G Hotel Kelawai here.
The check-in
Our taxi driver accidentally dropped us off at G Hotel Gurney – but it was absolutely no problem at all. The friendly staff welcomed us in and advised that we could do all check-in formalities there, and when we were ready they would transfer us and our luggage over to the Kelawai in their buggy.
We were promptly served with a delicious welcome ice-cream, two cute little pots of creamy deliciousness which was very welcome after the humidity outside. As Mike commented, a nice change and unique twist on the normal watery cordial welcome drink you get served at some hotels!
G Hotel Kelawai welcome ice-creams
After our ice-creams we jumped in the buggy and rode over to the G Hotel Kelawai. We were instantly in love with the stylish interior in the reception area!
Reception area with comfy sofas at G Hotel Kelawai
The room
We were lucky enough to be staying in an executive room on the 16th floor.
Our room had a number of lovely features which made our stay really special – starting with a super comfy bed and fluffy pillows – however there is a pillow menu to choose one that’s just right for you.
Bed in executive room at G Hotel Kelawai
The room was spacious and perfect for a travelling executive also with a great desk and comfortable chair in the room, and ample lighting.
Gorgeous marble bathroom with bath and power shower.
Complimentary gorgeous smelling soaps, shampoo and body lotion
Another great feature of the Executive Rooms at G Hotel Kelawai is the complimentary mini bar with soft drinks and chocolate treats that gets refilled daily. There’s also a coffee machine to make a morning brew.
Complementary mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities
Shortly after arriving in our room we had a lovely surprise delivered – some nice local fruit and some sweet treats from the in-house patisserie chef.
Welcome fruit platter and sweet treats from Taste cafe.
The pool
The star of the show at G Hotel Kelawai according to us is the wonderful pool located on the 24th floor. It has stunning views out over the sea, the city of Penang and the lush jungle on the surrounding hills. We spent a lot of time just chilling out and relaxing taking in the views by day and night!
The stunning pool at G Hotel Kelawai Penang
Looking out over Penang from the 24th floor pool
Night view from the G Hotel Kelawai
Club floor benefits
Another benefit of staying in an executive room is exclusive access to the Executive Lounge located at Level 24. This includes:
- use of the lounge from 6.30 am to 10.00pm
- complimentary evening canapes, cocktails, wine and beer
- buffet breakfast served in the lounge from 6.30am to 11.00am
The Executive Lounge looking out towards the pool and Gravity bar
Evening canapes at the Executive Lounge
Range of complimentary beverages at the Executive Lounge
An amazing array of canapes on offer at the Executive Lounge.
Gravity Bar
Gravity Bar is the rooftop bar at G Hotel Kelawai and is the perfect place for a late night cocktail. The bar has comfortable outdoor sofas and stunning night views out over Penang.
Gravity Bar
2pm lounge
2pm lounge is the ground floor cafe at G Hotel Kelawai and a lovely spot to grab a cup of coffee or a drink. They do a daily afternoon tea that also looks scrumptious!
The stylish 2pm lounge
The breakfast
Breakfast is included with an executive room and there are options of dining at either the Executive Lounge or Spoon restaurant on the 2nd floor. We ate most mornings at the Executive Lounge mostly so we could enjoy the stunning views!
Breakfast with a view at the Executive Lounge
We did eat one morning at Spoon and found it to have a slightly larger selection however it really isn’t an issue!
Breakfast at Spoon restaurant
There’s a large selection of both Asian and European style breakfast – everything from Malaysia’s signature breakfast dish nasi lemak, to cereal, yoghurt, fruit and pastries.
Delicious pastries and bread selection
Breakfast buffet at the Executive Lounge
Both places have an ‘egg station’ where you can order eggs to your preference such as omelette, scrambled, fried or poached.
In both places the staff were so friendly and attentive.
Delicious nasi lemak
Looking for a special dinner out in Penang? Check out our review of Indigo Restaurant at Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion.
Other amenities
The G Hotel Kelawai also has a great gym that we used a couple of times. Located on the 23rd floor it has – you guessed it – wonderful views out over the lush hills and towards the sea. It sure makes slogging it out on the treadmill a lot more fun!
The gym was really well equipped, very clean and is open 24 hours.
The gym at G Hotel Kelawai
If you’re interested in taking to two wheels to check out Penang, the G Hotel Kelawai also has some bikes that you can borrow. For business guests there is the ‘G Van’ which transports you to Penang Industrial and Trade Zone.
Our verdict
G Hotel Kelawai by night
Stylish interior at G Hotel Kelawai
We absolutely loved our stay at G Hotel Kelawai. It was the perfect place to take a ‘Mum and Dad’ break, and we loved the stylish interior and attention to detail with the little things that made all the difference to our stay. The staff were so friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble.
Our recommendation is to opt for an Executive Room. It’s absolutely worth it, given all the amazing extras and amenities that come with the room. Being able to use the facilities over at the G Hotel Gurney is also an added bonus.
While on this trip we were travelling without the kids, we wouldn’t hesitate to travel there again and bring them along as we saw many families staying at the hotel. We can’t wait to go back!!
Check out prices and book the G Hotel Kelawai here
Contact details
G Hotel Kelawai
2, Persiaran Maktab,
10250, Penang, Malaysia
Disclaimer: Our stay was sponsored by G Hotel Kelawai. However all views are entirely our own.
Flying to Malaysia without the kids? You might also be interested in our Malaysia Airlines Business Class Review.
This blog post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a booking after clicking on one of these links, we might receive a tiny commission, but it won’t cost you anything. Thank you
