St Giles Wembley, Penang

We visited Penang in August as part of our yearly obligation trip with the grannies.

Here's our first post on Kidland Penang, a similar educational playground concept as Kidzania and BabyBoss in Taipei.

Today, we are going to share about the hotel we picked for this trip. While I very much preferred a resort at Batu Ferringhi, where we can just "nua" and "lepak" all day. But, we know the grannies will get bored. So, a city hotel in Georgetown was the choice.

The criteria included, it must be near the street food and shopping mall all at the same time, so the man and I can go exploring at night.

The shortlist came down to two hotels; Hotel Jen (formerly Traders) and the very much newer St Giles Wembley. Despite reading about the impeccable service at Hotel Jen, I picked St Giles, for one reason.... I like new hotels! So here's how our stay went:

The lobby and front desk, looking quite like a setting from a 5-star hotel. There's drinks free for all, but.... nothing to rave about. They also have a popcorn machine if you can see from the picture on the right. J had lots to eat from there.

The superior room, with a choice of either twin beds or queen. Not huge, about 24 sqm. However, comfy enough for a few nights stay. There 's also the option of connecting rooms. Best part is, the furnishings are new.

The other amenities in the room. Good enough, and nothing fancy. Would have loved to see an international electric socket though, something that a lot of hotels are moving into. WIFI is free for 2 devices and they do track. Signal is not that fantastic though.

Loved the view from the room. We are just across the road from Traders Hotel (as seen from the picture on the left) and 1st Avenue shopping mall. Pragnin Mall where Kidland is, is just behind 1st Avenue. Komtar is also right next to Tradera Hotel, across the street from where we were. It is really convenience at one place. Street art is a walking distance away.

Breakfast is superb. So much variety, and menu changes slightly everyday. My pics don't even do them justice. Their Penang char kway teow can even be compared to the roadside stalls.

Our experience at St Giles Wembley has been more than pleasant. If you are just looking for somewhere comfy, in town, and near amenities, this is definitely someplace to consider.

They have a gym and infinity rooftop pool (although I don't think the pool is any good for kids. Just for dipping is fine. )