A Splash of Fun at Hard Rock Hotel Penang
My recent escape to Batu Ferringhi from Georgetown led me to a five-star haven I barely need to introduce: the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. My internet sleuthing revealed this iconic spot officially opened its doors on September 1, 2009. I booked a Poolview Deluxe room directly through the hotel's official website for RM457.50, which included breakfast for two. After taxes and service charges, the final bill came to RM539.85.
Arriving around 12:50 PM, I headed straight for check-in. The lobby, an open-air space on the ground floor right by the pool, made for a breezy welcome. The process was swift, though I was asked to relax for a bit as my room wasn't quite ready. I spent the short wait of about ten minutes soaking in the hotel's vibrant atmosphere and snapping some photos. To my delight, I received a complimentary upgrade to a Seaview Deluxe room! The hotel features three elevators and spans six floors.
A Room with a View and More
The hotel boasts a long, sprawling structure, with most rooms offering stunning ocean vistas. My room, a generous 376 square feet, felt quite spacious, partly due to the cleverly designed compact bathroom. Stepping inside, a sliding door wardrobe greeted me on the right, while the bathroom was to the left. Inside the wardrobe, I found ample space for hanging clothes, an iron, and an ironing board. A safe and two plush bathrobes were also provided, along with a mini-fridge and complimentary beverage-making facilities.
Beyond a comfortable king-sized bed, a cozy armchair sat to its left. A compact desk with a reading lamp occupied a corner near the bed. Opposite the foot of the bed, a long cabinet offered plenty of surface area for personal belongings. A 55-inch television was mounted above this cabinet. My Seaview Deluxe room also featured a spacious balcony overlooking the pool and the sea, complete with two chairs and a small round table – perfect for leisurely moments.
Bathroom Bliss and Shower Surprises
The bathroom, though compact, efficiently housed a sink, toilet, and shower area. A sliding glass partition connected it to the main room, offering flexibility. A bidet was conveniently located beside the toilet. The shower enclosure, fully encased in transparent glass, was a tad snug but offered two types of showerheads. The hotel thoughtfully provided a comprehensive set of toiletries.
Pools, Fitness, and Relaxation
The hotel's swimming pools are undoubtedly the star attraction, drawing guests in with their impressive size. Several large pools are available, open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. Nestled within the pool area is a gymnasium, also operating during the same hours. For ultimate relaxation, the spa, situated by the pool, welcomes guests from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the lobby restaurant. While the spread wasn't extensive, the dishes I sampled were rather ordinary to my palate. The restaurant also offers in-room dining, though at a premium – think RM50 for nasi goreng and RM20 for juice. Free Wi-Fi is available, though I didn't test its speed. For mobile connectivity, CelcomDigi clocked in at 465mbps and Tune Talk at 385mbps. The basic TV channels were surprisingly in HD, and a selection of free movies added to the entertainment options. Water pressure in the bathroom was strong, though temperature control was a bit finicky.
A Touch of Nostalgia and Future Promises
While the Hard Rock Hotel Penang is renowned, its true magic, for me, lay in its spectacular pools. Having been operational for some time, certain areas showed signs of age, and a faint, not-so-pleasant odor occasionally wafted through the corridors. The room itself was spacious, but the lighting felt uneven, with some corners falling into shadow due to a lack of lamps. The breakfast experience was, in a word, average, with a limited variety of dishes.
This hotel is an absolute winner for families seeking fun-filled days by the expansive pools. The hotel also has a beachfront, though it's not particularly picturesque. Adjacent to the hotel, Ferringhi Heat offers a cluster of cafes. For those craving local flavors, numerous food stalls are conveniently located across the street. I was informed by staff that the hotel is slated for a significant refurbishment next year.
I've included some photos from my stay. If you're keen to read more of my hotel reviews, feel free to visit my website at https://hanuds.wixsite.com/hanudds or check out my contributions in this group. Thanks for reading!
