[Stay Blog] DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang Stay Review! A Thorough Look at the Superb Breakfast

“DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang” stands at the entrance to Batu Ferringhi on Penang Island, overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Did you know that even though it’s a Hilton-affiliated resort hotel, you can stay relatively affordably?

“No matter how good the value, it’s still a Hilton. Can I really enjoy a resort feel worth the price?”
“It’s a bit far from World Heritage George Town, so is it inconvenient for getting around to the sights?”

To get straight to the conclusion, I recommend it for people who want to enjoy Penang’s resort feel away from George Town.

Especially for anyone who wants to enjoy a breakfast buffet where multinational local foods gather, this hotel is one of the best-value choices on Penang Island.

That said, it’s also true that if you don’t know the circumstances of getting to George Town in advance, there’s a catch that could leave you thinking “this isn’t what I expected.”

In this article, based on my latest stay, I review it with “no-holds-barred candor,” from the famous welcome cookie to the comfort of the pool and beach and the breakfast quality that satisfied me so much.

What Is DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang? (Hotel Features)

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is a resort hotel in the north of Penang Island, Malaysia, hugely popular with families and couples.

Its location is perfect for a greedy kind of trip: you want to enjoy sightseeing in the World Heritage city of George Town, but also soak up the relaxed air of a beach resort.

Its charms are the attentive hospitality unique to the Hilton group, the warm chocolate chip cookie you receive at check-in, and a rich breakfast buffet with a wide variety of superb dishes.

The Delight of “That Cookie” Handed to You at Check-in

When it comes to DoubleTree, the “welcome cookie” handed to you at check-in is a signature treat loved by fans around the world.

Actually trying it, it was even more delicious than I’d imagined.

Crisp outside and moist inside. The flavors of chocolate chips and walnuts come through clearly, creating that special “ah, I’ve come to a DoubleTree” feeling.

Received after a tiring journey, this single cookie is a magic cookie that lifts your impression of the hotel just by itself.

[Stay Report] Reporting from Check-in Through the Hotel Interior

Now, let me report in detail on DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, where I stayed this time!

I traveled to the hotel by Grab.

From the ferry terminal on Penang Island, it took about 30 minutes to arrive at the hotel.

A Refined Resort-Style Lobby and Smooth Check-in

The moment I stepped in, an airy lobby spread out before me.

Bright sunlight pours in through the glass ceiling, lifting the tropical resort mood~.

Stylish lanterns modeled on “birdcages,” which evoke a Malaysian feel, are hung here, making for a refined space.

The front desk is at the back of this stylish lobby, and now it’s finally check-in!!

The floor tiles look Peranakan-style? and are stylish, and the spacious counter gives a resort feel.

Right next to the counter there’s always a doorman, so the suitcases I left with him were safely managed and I felt at ease. Thoughtful touches like this are just what you’d expect from the Hilton group.

At reception, I received a polite explanation of the hotel facilities and rooms.

At first I had booked a room-only plan, but

And here’s the room key I received. It’s a warm wooden (wood-material) card key! A sustainable initiative increasingly seen across the Hilton family lately, but it’s also very stylish in design. It feels gentle in the hand, and from the moment you hold it, it lifts your mood with “I’ve come to a rather nice hotel.”

Having received this stylish key, finally

[Room Review] Double Room Size, Facilities, and Amenities Explained

With the room key in hand, I head to the elevator hall🚶‍♂️✨

Everywhere inside is clean, with art murals that stand out, and even the wait for the elevator feels a little luxurious.

Now, into the elevator and off to the room!

Getting off the elevator, I arrive at the guest room floor.

Stepping into the corridor, a natural, calm design based on wood grain spreads out

The carpet is decorated with a leaf design fitting a tropical resort, which is really stylish🌿🌿

I’ve arrived at Room 804, where I’m staying tonight🔑✨

The wood-grain door, the soft lighting, and the decoration beside the plate are full of Asian resort feel and just lovely!

With a click, I open the door and here we go!

The moment I stepped in, I couldn’t help saying “It’s spacious!”

The wood-look floor feels comfortable even barefoot, and the tile design of the wall decoration is very stylish.

With a relaxing chair by the window, a round table, and the balcony visible at the back, it’s a superb layout where even time spent in the room feels luxurious!

Snapping a photo from the back of the room toward the entrance📷✨

The approach from the entrance to the bed is generous, with plenty of space even if you open a big suitcase.

With a bathrobe hanging on the wall, an open closet, and charging outlets at the side table, the facilities cover every little need and are completely comfortable!

Here’s the bed area seen from the front! The lights and art frames placed symmetrically make a beautifully symmetrical design.

The king-size bed comes with a fluffy mattress and spotless sheets, and the moment you lie down you feel wrapped in comfort!

Night tables and outlets are provided on both sides, so you can charge your phone while you sleep, which is a nice point.

Across from the bed there are a wall-mounted TV and a desk space.

On the left is also a round table, perfect for a bit of work or for eating takeout food, making a layout where you can relax in the room while watching TV!

Beside the bed are a handy side table and a luggage area.

The luggage rack is built low, so even a large suitcase is easy to open quickly, which is a nice point!

On the wall hangs a framed piece of colorful Peranakan tile art that is distinctly Penang, a lovely accent even in the calm interior.

Beyond the Western-style bed area spreads a spacious 6-tatami Japanese-style room space.

I’m Japanese after all: seeing the scent of tatami and the soft texture of the futon relaxes me from the bottom of my heart at once.

Laying out the futon was self-service.

Checking the drink corner☕️✨

Beside the electric kettle, coffee and tea are lined up in rows. And it’s BOH tea, the very thing Malaysia is known for!

Three free bottles of water are also provided, so hydration is covered👍

Open the door under the cabinet and there’s a compact fridge!

It’s the empty type, so you can freely put in the alcohol and juice you bought.

It’s deep enough and has door pockets, so it’s very handy for chilling the free water that’s always provided or drinks you bought while traveling!

The open closet and storage area as a whole.

It’s an open type with no doors, so it doesn’t feel oppressive, and the functional layout lets you see at a glance where everything is!

Everything you need is lined up, starting with the safe, plus an iron, bathrobes, and disposable slippers.

How Clean Is the Plumbing? Washbasin, Toilet, and Shower Booth

The plumbing area is also very beautiful and outstandingly clean✨

A large mirror and a square washbasin bowl make a stylish space.

It’s cleaned in every corner and perfectly clean!
Next to the toilet there’s also the hand shower familiar in Malaysia.

Checking the shower room🚿✨

The mosaic-tile-pattern wall is stylish and chic! There are two types, a handheld shower and a rain shower, so you can use either as you like👍

The shampoo set out in bottles (Crabtree & Evelyn) smells wonderful and leaves you feeling fresh and comfortable after washing!

Avoiding the Sun on the Covered Footbridge for a Beach Stroll

After checking the room, it’s off for a beach walk across the footbridge connected directly to the hotel!

A bridge spans the road right beside the hotel’s big logo sign, so crossing the road is safe too👍

The clear blue sky and refreshing breeze felt great, a wonderful stroll!

The bridge has an arched roof, so you can move comfortably without worrying about the sun.

From both sides of the walkway you can glimpse the lush green trees and the vast ocean beyond them, a superb location!

The shore area across the road is a scenic spot with impressive big round rocks.

It’s not overly touristy and has a calm atmosphere, perfect for strolling slowly along the water’s edge.

With the refreshing sea breeze on your skin, it’s a walking course where you can leisurely enjoy Penang’s nature and beautiful scenery!

There are big rocks scattered all along the beach!

The contrast of blue sea and big rocks is very photogenic, so it’s a recommended photo spot for commemorative pictures👍

An Outdoor Pool Full of Resort Feel, Surrounded by Palm Trees

Next, off to the hotel’s proud pool area🏊‍♂️✨

In the big pool, families and guests alike were enjoying themselves as they pleased, using floats or swimming!

Poolside there are plenty of parasol-shaded seats for relaxing. Cooling off in the water under the tropical sun is pure bliss👍

This is the highlight of the kids’ pool area!

A big bucket installed above keeps filling with water… and the moment it tips over, a huge amount of water rushes down all at once!

SPLASH!! Drenched from head to toe, the kids’ cheers rang out. Even adults get excited just watching👍

Work Up a Sweat Even While Traveling! The Fitness Gym

The hotel also has a fitness gym available to guests.

The room has big mirrors on the walls, an open and clean space!

With various weight machines and strength-training equipment, the appeal is that you can keep up your daily workout even while traveling or on business.

A Premium Healing Space! The Quiet, Calm Spa Area

Wandering around the hotel, I found a lovely spa reception area.

Menus and pamphlets are placed on the counter, and it feels easy to consult the staff.

From the spa reception I was shown to a treatment room full of private feel.

The wood-look floor and calm lighting create a comfortable space.

The bed cover is accented with vivid green, which heightened the resort mood!

At the back are a washbasin, restroom, and shower booth, so getting ready before and after treatment goes smoothly.

Breakfast Buffet! The Main Restaurant “Makan Kitchen”

The hotel’s main restaurant “Makan Kitchen.”

It’s an all-day dining restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of dishes throughout the day, from the breakfast buffet to lunch and dinner.

The area around the entrance has a refined, modern design, and it’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The digital signage shows the day’s special menu and buffet information, so be sure to check it before you go in!

Inside, a stylish, spotlessly clean buffet counter accented with green tiles spread out before me!!

The lineup is wide, from Malay dishes to Chinese, Indian, and Western food, so varied that your eyes wander! It’s just really big…

The salad area, essential for breakfast, is also worth checking🥗

Artificial turf is laid inside the refrigerated case, making a natural, cute display👍

With fresh cut vegetables and whole apples, you can eat plenty of crisp vegetables and start the day full of energy!

Carefully arranged cold cuts of sliced chicken are lined up.

Chicken being provided instead of pork is a thoughtful touch unique to Malaysian hotels.

Found SMOKE TENGGIRI (smoked Spanish mackerel).

It’s a smoked version of tenggiri, a white fish popular in Southeast Asia, and the savory smoky aroma whets the appetite👍

What really catches the eye is this colorful donut board (donut wall).

Picking donuts off the board yourself looks like an unforgettable memory for kids, too.

One of the hot dishes I wanted to try is Fried Bi Tai Bak.

A local noodle dish made from rice flour, with thick, translucent noodles known for their slippery texture and distinctive chewiness.

Stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and a savory soy sauce-based seasoning, it’s finished with a mouthwatering taste with the umami well coated!

This is the “PASTA NAPOLITANA” packed with the richness of tomato. It comes in a vivid orange pot and looks really delicious👍

The penne pasta is easy to eat, so it was perfect to add a little at a time to the plate and enjoy with other dishes!

In the hot dish corner I found an appetizing potato dish! It’s the “LYONNAISE POTATO.”

The sliced potatoes are sauteed to a golden brown and look delicious at a glance👍

The aroma of herbs and the sweetness of onion really come through, and the seasoning was addictive enough to keep eating as a morning side dish!

Here’s a close-up of my breakfast plate! Seeing it actually set out on the table, I realized again the charm of “Makan Kitchen,” where you can enjoy multinational dishes all at once.

The perfectly half-cooked fried egg, savory potatoes, and chewy local noodles were all high quality and very satisfying.

The spicy, piping-hot soup noodles stimulated my appetite, and I enjoyed a leisurely, luxurious morning, even with after-meal coffee!

A close-up of my breakfast plate!

Looking at the plate up close, you can really see the high quality of the buffet dishes.

Crisp, savory potatoes, sweet roasted cauliflower, stir-fried noodles to eat coated in yolk, and sliced chicken: every dish was perfectly seasoned.

I fully enjoyed the real pleasure of a buffet, where you can enjoy a little of what you like!

Impressions of Staying, Learned from Actually Staying at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang

Loading my luggage at the entrance, I checked out of the hotel feeling reluctant to leave.

In the quiet environment of Tanjung Bungah, it was a superb stay that combined the openness of a resort with the reassurance unique to the Hilton brand.

Access to sightseeing is good, and the hotel facilities and food exceeded expectations. It was a memorable, wonderful hotel stay that made my Penang Island trip memories even better!