We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Save
Share
No. 5 Jalan Khoo Sian Ewe, George Town, Penang Island 10050 Malaysia
5 people are viewing this hotel
Expedia.com
US$64
Fully refundable before 10/06/23
Booking.com
US$50
Fully refundable before 10/06/23
Vio.com
US$42
Hotels.comUS$64
PricelineUS$47
Trip.comUS$67
View all 11 deals
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Traveller (436)
Room & Suite (80)
Dining (53)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

About

#9 of 142 hotels in George Town
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Conveniently situated within the UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone and walking distance from the central business district, Areca Hotel offers families and travelers the opportunity to experience the rich history and vibrant culture that George Town and Penang has to offer. Areca Hotel is named after the Areca Palm (Areca Catechu), also known commonly as the Pinang palm and from which Penang island derives its name. Our family hotel features 50 rooms located across twelve newly renovated shop houses in a private enclave along Khoo Sian Ewe Road. The original pre war shop houses (and the land on both sides of Khoo Sian Ewe Road) were once owned by Khoo Sian Ewe, philanthropic businessman, landowner and during his time one of the wealthiest men in Penang. The Majestic Theatre, located directly opposite our hotel, was the first cinema in Penang to screen Chinese sound films. We offer a variety of rooms ranging from spacious family suites, cozy garden rooms to luxurious heritage suites. Modern furnishings provide guests with the comforts of home. Additional facilities in the hotel include a cafe, children’s room, conference/meeting room, library and computer lounge. We invite you to stay with us and enjoy our family-friendly hospitality. Fancy a bowl of Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul but long queue and hot sun? Courtesy from Areca Hotel, in-house guests can now enjoy it when you savour your Complimentary Afternoon Tea with us.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Coffee shop
Patio
Walking tours
Indoor play area for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Car hire
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Bidet
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Show more
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Boutique
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Filipino, Malay
690Reviews14Q+A100Room tips
Traveller rating
  • 508
  • 156
  • 18
  • 7
  • 1
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
Passport47893412107 wrote a review May 2023
1 contribution
Friendly welcoming staff in this boutique hotel (a group of 12 converted shop houses). Faultless service, excellent breakfast and afternoon tea options, fast Wi-Fi, spotlessly clean. Located just off Jalan Penang with easy access to the free CAT bus and UNESCO world heritage listed town.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Walter wrote a review May 2023
12 contributions5 helpful votes
Great experience here in a decent location. Staff was friendly, rooms were clean (despite being vintage) and very spacious. Everything essentially worked. The breakfast was excellent compared to what US hotels offer and the afternoon tea was also great.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 3 days ago
Dear WalterK1293, Thank you for sharing your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience during your stay at our hotel. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back on your next visit. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dzul Faadly O wrote a review May 2023
1 contribution1 helpful vote
Spacious family suite rooms. Excellent service from staff. Nice touch to have breakfast and tea for guests. Near many places of interest. Within walking distance. Well maintained hotel. Lovely decor. Would definitely return in future.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 3 days ago
Dear DzulF, Thank you for choosing to stay with us and the pleasure is ours to have been at your service. We thank you and look forward to welcoming you back again for another great stay soon. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ffchou wrote a review May 2023
Wayne, New Jersey15 contributions26 helpful votes
excellent hotel with fantastic staff; hotel is clean and includes a great coffee shop...located in the middle of Georgetown with access to many types of eating establishment ranging from hawker stands to high end restaurant.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear ffchou, Thank you for choosing to stay at our hotel and for taking the time to share your positive experience with us. We're thrilled to hear that you had a great stay and that you found our facilities and services to be to your liking. Thank you again for your review, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eddy wrote a review May 2023
Jakarta, Indonesia18 contributions20 helpful votes
The title of the review should be self explanatory on the hotel quality. Good and friendly reception and manager on duty. Helpful staff. If you want to find a heritage experience, this is the right place to stay and explore. Local foods ? Only walking distance maximum of 10 minutes. It almost, I repeat, almost, represent the whole malaysian foods around the hotel
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear eddystj, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at our hotel. Thank you for choosing to stay with us, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Francis C wrote a review May 2023
2 contributions
it is in an excellent location with access to a large variety of dining facilities ranging from hawker stands to food courts to high end restaurant. The property is well maintained--AND the staff is both helpful and competent. It has the flavor of Colonial Penang. Good place to stay for vacation.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: bottle water provided and property has a very good cafe...and a beautiful courtyard
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear U2479GTftancisc, Thank you for your recent stay at our hotel and for taking the time to share your positive feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our excellent location and great to know that you found our property well-maintained and our staff helpful and competent. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tony A wrote a review May 2023
1 contribution
Location-wise, Areca Hotel is a winner. The colonial interior of the hotel is cozy and exceeded my expectation. The room size for Garden Room is just right. Housekeeping does a good job with the cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel. The staff are friendly, helpful and accommodating. Breakfast was a surprise - taste and presentation was way up there.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear tonyaT2282MC, Thank you for choosing to stay with us and the pleasure is ours to have been at your service. We thank you and look forward to welcoming you back again for another great stay soon. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
22Senior_travels wrote a review May 2023
Australia389 contributions86 helpful votes
The lobby had a high ceiling and was cool and beautiful. T The layout of the hotel is such that there is excellent airflow, and a feeling of space and greenery all around. The building was very well maintained, both outside and inside. Room (and ensuite) were comfortable and clean (I had the garden room) with a window (covered with netting and not to be opened). Excellent linen and toiletries. At checkin (3pm) the hotel provided vouchers for their High Tea. A wonderful idea, but it would have been better if there was some explanation of the plated food items! I had to ask and check on the internet what local delicacy I’d been served! From memory, it was a slice of savoury seafood roll, seashell shaped biscuits, and banana porridge, with tea / coffee. I thought I could walk (18minutes said Google) to this hotel but I hadn’t reckoned on the heat and humidity, the traffic, and roads that were not pedestrian friendly. I had to take a Grab (9MYR) and was very happy that I did. Reception had to be reminded to return my cash deposit- first time it happened in my travels. I'm glad I remembered (and didn't have a senior moment as I can sometimes!).
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear 22Senior_travels, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at our hotel. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the the hotel's layout, which provided ample airflow and greenery. We appreciate your feedback regarding the High Tea vouchers and will ensure that we provide better explanations of the food items in the future and We apologize for the inconvenience caused by our reception team's oversight regarding the return of your cash deposit. Thank you again for your valuable feedback, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to our hotel in the future. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Passenger56234952281 wrote a review May 2023
United Kingdom1 contribution
Very nice authentic boutique hotel. Peaceful quiet and friendly. Exceptionally clean. Free afternoon tea every day... savoury dumpling, cakes, biscuits and tea or coffee. Excellent location, very near China Town. We'll be back.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Passenger56234952281, Thank you for choosing to stay with us and the pleasure is ours to have been at your service. We thank you and look forward to welcoming you back again for another great stay soon. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SimonRedfern wrote a review Apr 2023
Cambridge, United Kingdom73 contributions11 helpful votes
+1
Areca staff went the extra mile for us when we left some important items in the room by mistake on our last morning - very grateful. Very helpful staff and wonderful heritage building and furnishings. Breakfast at the stall by the end of the hotel is excellent.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Areca Hotel, General Manager at Areca Hotel Penang
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear SimonRedfern, Thank you for writing us a lovely feedback following your recent stay with us. We are delighted to know that you had an excellent time with us. We thank you very much for your patronage and look forward to having you back with us soon. Best Regards, Wah Eng Hong General Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Previous
123456
PRICE RANGE
US$46 - US$71 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
MalaysiaPenangPenang IslandGeorge Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
48
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

ARECA HOTEL PENANG (R̶M̶ ̶3̶6̶9̶) RM 226: UPDATED 2023 Reviews, Price Comparison and 486 Photos - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Areca Hotel Penang
Which popular attractions are close to Areca Hotel Penang?
Nearby attractions include Penang House of Music (0.4 km), Tech Dome Penang (0.4 km), and Upside Down Museum (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Areca Hotel Penang?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a business centre.
Which room amenities are available at Areca Hotel Penang?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Areca Hotel Penang?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, breakfast, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at Areca Hotel Penang?
Yes, street parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Areca Hotel Penang?
Conveniently located restaurants include Laksalicious, Il Bacaro, and Tai Tong Restaurant.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Areca Hotel Penang?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Malay, and Filipino.
Are there any historical sites close to Areca Hotel Penang?
Many travellers enjoy visiting George Town (0.8 km), Armenian Street (0.7 km), and Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion (0.7 km).
Is Areca Hotel Penang accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.