Tall modern skyscrapers of The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang rise dramatically under a partly cloudy sky, with a sleek black sign at the entrance reading “THE GRANITE LUXURY HOTEL” in gold lettering. Vertical garden vines trail up the side of the entrance structure, adding a touch of greenery to the urban setting.

The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang: Review of a 5 night family stay

ByGayle Updated on

When we started planning our trip to Penang, we knew we wanted to stay somewhere central, family-friendly, and with a pool. Enter the Granite Luxury Hotel Penang—a modern high-rise tucked into the heart of Georgetown, just across from Komtar. We stayed for five nights in January, during the lead-up to Chinese New Year, and it proved to be a great base for exploring the city.

Two people relax at the edge of a rooftop infinity pool at The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang, gazing out at the city skyline with the towering Komtar building directly ahead. The view stretches across George Town’s mix of modern and heritage architecture, with the ocean visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Location, Location, Location

Let’s start with the biggest win: location. The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang is directly opposite Komtar (Penang’s central bus station and a key landmark), which made it incredibly easy to get around by foot, Grab, or bus.

Historic George Town is just a short walk away, with popular spots like Armenian Street, the Rainbow Skywalk, and the Wonderfood Museum all within easy reach. Two major shopping centres (1st Avenue Mall and Prangin Mall) are just across the road, handy for meals and snacks (particularly as many places were closed during Chinese New Year).

We’ve had several discussions around where we would stay if we visit again, and it really is hard to beat the Granite Luxury Hotel. It was easy to duck back to the hotel between outings, and being on a main road meant Grab rides were quick and straightforward.

Room Type: The Razzle Two-Bedroom Suite

Stylish dining area inside the Razzle Suite at The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang, featuring a square wooden table set for four with white cushioned chairs, wine and water bottles, and modern tableware. The room has grey walls, a decorative white fireplace with a backlit round mirror above it, wood flooring, and a black-and-white cityscape photo for a chic, contemporary vibe.
Image via Booking.com

We stayed in the Razzle Two-Bedroom Suite, which offered generous space for our family of three. The layout included two bedrooms, a bathroom and a central dining area. It was clean, modern, and decorated in a neutral style.

The room our son stayed in was the living area though the sofa bed was converted into a sleeping area and it had a door that closed it off to the rest of the room, which was handy for his early nights. He also loved having the TV in his room – he could wake and watch TV while we had a little sleep in!

The suite also included a kitchenette—super handy! We made a simple breakfast most mornings and kept snacks and drinks chilled in the full-sized fridge. That said, if you prefer hotel-style service with an on-site breakfast buffet, it’s worth noting that the hotel doesn’t currently offer food service. We didn’t mind, but it’s something to factor in. I believe they now offer a shuttle bus service in the mornings to take you to various breakfast locations.

Spacious suite at The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang featuring a dining area with a black tablecloth-covered table set for four, a kitchenette with appliances, and views into a cozy bedroom and lounge area. Warm lighting, wood flooring, and swan towel art on the bed add a welcoming, homely feel to the modern decor.
Image via Booking.com

What Worked Well

  • Space: The suite gave us plenty of room to spread out. Our son loved having his own space (although we turned the living area into his bedroom, which meant we didn’t have a shared lounging space in the evenings).
  • Comfort: Beds were very comfy, and we appreciated the high-quality linens and soft pillows. Showers had strong water pressure, and the bathrooms felt luxe.
  • Kitchenette: Having a microwave, kettle, fridge, and basic utensils meant we could do simple meals and snacks easily.
  • Wi-Fi & Tech: TVs, air-con, and coffee machines worked well.
  • Parking: If you’re driving, there’s free on-site parking and a very cool automated parking system for getting your car up into the multi storey stack carpark.
  • Friendly staff: Front desk and concierge were polite, helpful, and more than happy to arrange taxis or assist with Grab pick-ups.

What Could Be Improved

While overall we had a great stay, there were a few things worth noting to help set expectations:

  • Noise: Our room overlooked a popular nightlife spot, and even from the upper floors, the sound carried up at night. Our son struggled to get to sleep on the noisier weekend evenings in particular. The windows didn’t seem to have any soundproofing so if you are sensitive to noise, request a room facing away from the street.
  • Sofa bed setup: It wasn’t initially made up, and the hotel was hesitant to provide extra bedding. After some persistence, they came through, but it did feel like more effort than necessary. There is an extra charge for this also (as is the case in many accommodations)
  • No lounging area: Once the dining area was converted into a bed, there wasn’t really a shared spot for us to relax together in the evening—we ended up lounging on beds instead.
  • A little rough around the edges: Think “Malaysia charming”—beautifully decorated but not always perfectly finished. Some fixtures felt a little worn, and hallways had a few leftover signs of renovation.
Nighttime view from a Granite Luxury Hotel Penang room window overlooking a lively bar area with multiple outdoor seating sections, string lights, and a rooftop deck bustling with people. The scene includes shaded tables, a glowing blue-lit feature, and surrounding buildings adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
View of the busy bar from bedroom window – great for watching, less so for sleeping!

Facilities: Pool, Rooftop Bar & More

The pool at the Granite Luxury Hotel Penang is a standout feature. Perched 14 storeys above the city, it’s Malaysia’s highest acrylic-bottom swimming pool and part of the Malaysia Book of Records. It’s not heated (and in January it was absolutely freezing, which blows my mind in such hot, humid weather!), but the views made it worth a dip. I wasn’t brave enough to swim over the clear bottom pool. There are also some lounges by the pool and towels are available.

Up on the top floor is the Glaz Sky Bar, a rooftop bar with a spectacular view over the city in all directions. There is a small food and drinks menu so we did pop up there a few times for a pre-dinner snack before heading out.

The hotel also has a gym, though we’ll be honest—we’re better at getting our steps through exploring, so we didn’t test it out ourselves.

View of the busy streets of Penang from the infinity pool

Pricing

At the time we booked, Granite Luxury Hotel Penang had only recently opened. We booked through Booking.com about a month before arriving.

The total cost for 5 nights in January, over Chinese New Year, was MYR 2710 – or $970 AUD.

Final Thoughts: Would We Recommend It?

Absolutely—especially for families who want a roomy, central base in Georgetown at a very reasonable price point. The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang isn’t a resort, and it’s not trying to be. But it offers solid comfort, good space, and unbeatable convenience for city exploration.

If you’re okay with a few quirks (and the lack of hotel breakfast), this is a fantastic option for families.

Book it for: Easy access to Penang’s top attractions, a fun rooftop pool, and a clean, spacious suite that works for families.

Skip it if: You’re looking for total quiet, a restaurant / room service options or full-service luxury.

Overall, we left with great memories and would happily return!

Rooftop pool area at The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang lit up at dusk, featuring a sleek blue-tiled infinity pool alongside a lounge area with white sunbeds and ambient lighting. The ceiling inside glows with a cascade of fiber-optic-style lights in rainbow hues, adding a modern, luxurious vibe to the evening atmosphere.
Image via Booking.com

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