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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Penang and Kuala Lumpur

13 replies

rosbif · 17/01/2009 03:08

Hello Everyone
We are travelling to Malaysia and Thailand this summer and I wondered if any of you had any recommendations for hotels or serviced apartments in Penang and KL. I have been through the archives but the postings are quite old so has anyone been recently? We are taking DT's (who are 6) and DC3 who will be 2. Thanks very much for your words of wisdom {wink]

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stuffitllama · 17/01/2009 06:37

Hi..we have stayed at the Rasa Sayang but it was a while ago. Just giving you a bump as some of the overseas lot should be up and doing over that side of the world and may be able to help more!

ninedragons · 17/01/2009 07:57

The Lone Pine on Batu Ferringhi in Penang is superb.

Original poster

rosbif · 17/01/2009 08:36

Thanks, 9dragons, when did you stay as the Lone Pine has really mixed reviews now on tripadvisor.

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ninedragons · 17/01/2009 22:58

Does it? I'm surprised. What sort of bad reviews?

We went to a wedding there a few years ago (probably about five or six years now) and it was excellent. You could get either a room or a private bungalow with its own little courtyard garden.

It is very old and has been beautifully restored. I love the colonial feel but I can see why you might be disappointed if you were expecting a buffet breakfast, an infinity-edge pool and a swim-up bar.

Penang works to a very slow pace (my best friend comes from there, so I have visited many times). Batu Ferringhi is quite sleepy and at least the last time I went there wasn't much beyond a night market, a brilliant food hawker centre in the evenings and the beach. Georgetown is very interesting to poke around but you'd be better to stay at the beach. I love it, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Sadiesmum · 18/01/2009 09:28

I stayed at the Lone Pine last year and it was beautiful. It's much more low key and relaxed than all the tower block hotels in other parts of Batu Ferringhi. The Suites upstairs are beautiful, with huge shuttered balconies, a really colonial feel. I've also stayed at the Golden Sands, next door. Much more slick and efficient, good facilities for kids (there is a full on play area with huge slides , ball pools etc) but to be honest, you could be in any hotel in the world. The Lone Pine feels like Malaysia. Be warned though that at certain times of the year swimming in the sea i snot recommended because of jellyfish. There is a lovely pool at the Lone Pine.

Sadiesmum · 18/01/2009 09:29

is not....not i snot... obviously

Original poster

rosbif · 18/01/2009 14:22

Thanks so much, I think we go to the Lone Pine, some reviews say it was dated and service not great but I think you are more discerning! Brilliant advice, thanks for helping.

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ninedragons · 18/01/2009 21:55

Glad to hear that it hasn't gone downhill. Sadiesmum is right, it has far more personality and style than the concrete Sheratons.

Dated! Jesus. You do a perfect period renovation, down to sourcing antique brass taps, IIRC, and some bastard calls you "dated" on trip advisor.

Original poster

rosbif · 19/01/2009 07:59

Ha, ha, completely agree! Unfortunately it is closed for renovations from April to November so I'm debating whether to go to Penang or somewhere else now...

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ninedragons · 20/01/2009 00:46

What are you looking for?

If you really fancy seeing colonial Asia, I would recommend Rangoon or Luang Prabang in Laos. Bali is very hard to beat for beachy holidays.

If you're in that part of the world anyway, Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the most amazing place I've ever been. There are hundreds of ruined temples and you will leave your holiday positively reeling with awe. If you do go, email sanpork @ yahoo dot com. He's a tour guide (at least was several years ago when we went) and will make sure you see all the best temples.

CandyQueen · 20/01/2009 06:01

The Ascott Residences in KL are meant to be fantastic for children - we were meant to be going in Feb but have just had to cancel but friends went there and said it was wonderful. Really central too. Enjoy!

Original poster

rosbif · 21/01/2009 13:01

Thanks 9dragons, DS3 will only be 2.5 so we want a relaxing holiday, personally would love to see the temples but feel he is a bit young. Been to Bali and Lombok twice and might well consider going again but not been to Penang so thought we would try but heard very mixed things. Def going back to Khao Lak as adored it. Thanks CandyQueen for the tip, hope you get to go to KL soon.

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Amani · 03/02/2009 14:49

Read this a bit late - but we've been numerous times to Malaysia as my hubby loves it there. In Penang we've stayed at Rasa Sayang and Holiday Inn - both brilliant with stumptous breakfast. KL - we've stayed at Renaissance, Mutiara (called Crown Plaza now I think) and Istana - all brilliant 5* hotels.

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