The eight-year-old G Hotel Gurney, an icon on Gurney Drive, recently spent a whopping 35 million ringgit (US$8.6 million) on renovations, completed in February this year. The end result is an ultra-chic and unmistakably stylish 18-floor property, discovers S Puvaneswary
Location
G Hotel Gurney, as well as its sister establishment G Hotel Kelawai, are both located on Gurney Drive, within walking distance from each other as well as the famed Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. The proximity has enabled the management to allow guests in one hotel to utilise the facilities at the other property.
Retail options also abound for guests with Gurney Plaza shopping centre and Gurney Paragon Mall, the latest mall to open in Penang, both located nearby.
Room
I stayed in an executive suite on the topmost floor, which boasts panoramic views of Gurney Drive and the Straits of Malacca. The room was unrecognisable from when I first saw it back in 2013. It has a more modern aesthetic now, with cream coloured wallpapers and wood panelling. The carpeting is also more plush.
A wall separates the living room from the bedroom, which I would definitely have appreciated the privacy it brings if I wasn’t staying alone. As this was a business trip and I had to do a lot of work in the living area, I also truly appreciated the Herman Miller work chair which provided great back support.
My three nights of sleep there were pleasant thanks to the comfortable bedding and pillows that felt just right.
Facilities
I enjoyed a speedy check-in at the executive reception on level 15. Being on the executive floor, I also enjoyed indulgences such as complimentary ice-cream, evening cocktails at the lounge, free shoe shine service and complimentary local city calls.
The infinity pool on level three is inviting and the gym, which opens 24/7, was much appreciated for when I want to use it after a full day of feasting on Penang’s well-known delicacies.
F&B
As for the in-house F&B options, Taste Café, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, has extensive options and which took me two days to fully appreciate all its offerings. Sitting near the open kitchen area allowed me to eat while feasting my eyes on the chefs at work. Guests can choose to be seated outdoors as well, bringing them closer to nature.
There is also Tree Bar, an alfresco bar which I discovered is a great place to chill out and people watch as Gurney Plaza shoppers walk by. The bar also probably got its name from the majestic 80-year-old tree, ringed by a customised table, standing tall in the middle of the joint.
Service
This is where G Hotel Gurney manages to stand out. Its staff are friendly, warm and ever so helpful, which made me feel right at home.
Verdict
It has both the hardware and the software to make for a truly unforgettable holiday.
No. of Rooms 312 guest rooms
Rates From 400 ringgit (US$98)
Contact details
Tel: (60) 4 238 0000
Email: g4u@ghotel.com.my
Website: www.ghotel.com.my
