My old classmates decided that in Year 2025, we should do a girls' trip and meet up in Penang to celebrate our years of friendship. I've been friends with Adeline since kindergarten (that means 45 years ago!) and the rest I've known since Convent Kajang Primary school days. Adeline visits Singapore pretty often, so we last met about 2 years ago while the others, maybe we have not met up since 30 odd years ago? Wow. So excited for this trip!
Nevertheless, I've decided to fly-in earlier to Penang to have a mini solo R&R before joining the girls the next day. Decided to try Ascott Gurney because I wanted to enjoy a bit of sea view.
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| external facade |
It was fairly easy to get a Grab from the Penang airport but do note that the e-hailing pick-up point is at the carpark next to the airport (need to cross the road to the carpark building). The ride from airport to Gurney was around half an hour as the traffic was alright on a weekday morning. Paid about RM27.30 for the ride.
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| hotel lobby |
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| another view |
The staff informed that the room was pending the final checks by the supervisor so I waited for about 10 to 15 minutes before getting the room keycard.
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| looks like need to prebook the shuttle service? |
I've booked a Studio Premier Club to see what's the club benefits are like in Malaysia. The staff mentioned that there's evening cocktails served at the Resident's Lounge at Level 7 from 5pm to 7pm but she wasn't sure if there will be food. Hmm. Breakfast was not included. No issue in obtaining a late check-out for 2pm the next day.
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| Studio Premier Club (44 sqm / 474 sqft) |
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| view from the window |
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| workdesk area and TV |
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| sustainable property |
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| wardrobe area |
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| well-equipped kitchenette |
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| no coffee machine in a 5 star establishment? |
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| I can't reach the top though... |
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| toaster, kettle and water jug |
The drinking water tap is located at the kitchen sink.
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| using Appelles products |
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| nice fluffy towels |
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| shower |
The apartment has a washing machine/dryer but one needs to bring own washing pods/powder.
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| washing machine/dryer |
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| oh oh, it's raining |
The bedroom slippers were ultra comfortable, fluffy and evidently of good quality.
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| complimentary canned drinks and snacks for guest in Club Room, and message from GM |
Though the room was checked by the housekeeping supervisor earlier, I found a note from the housekeeping unit but has someone else's name. Perhaps a souvenir from the previous occupant?
Try as I might, I didn't find any in-room dining menu, be it physical menu or virtual. Perhaps can consider making it easier for guests to access the in-room dining menu?
The Resident's Lounge is at the same level as the swimming pool, gym and The Glass bar.
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| swimming pool |
The gym was well utilized as I observed there were people exercising in there. No one was at the pool because it was raining.
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| The Glass Bar |
Visited The Glass bar at about 530pm, and asked the lone staff in there on what's good. The first thing he said was that the bartender is currently not available and he is unable to serve any drinks. However, he offered to call his colleague, should I need to order any drinks. Hmm, it's ok. Maybe some other time.
Next, I checked out the Resident's Lounge as it was time for evening cocktails. There was not a single soul in there but there were food and drinks available.
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| Residents Lounge |
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| interior |
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| fried rice and pasta |
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| fried rice with prawns |
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| dessert |
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| canapes |
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| tartlet was good |
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| soft drinks, soda, wine |
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| red wine and liquor |
Was it supposed to be a self-service concept? I remembered during check-in earlier in the day, that the staff mentioned that there will be someone stationed at the lounge. Hmm.
Went down to the lobby frontdesk to ask but the staff on duty was also unsure about whether there will be any staff in Resident's Lounge during evening cocktail hours, so he checked with another colleague (who appeared to be slightly upset/frustrated as she had just finished attending to a phone call) and confirmed that indeed, guests can just self-service in the Resident's Lounge. Okay...
Decided to order supper after the rain had stopped. Grab delivery can deliver to the hotel lobby so that was rather convenient.
Ordered kway teow soup and braised chicken feet from Tian Huang Chicken Feet Koay Tew Soup (天皇卤鸡脚 粿条汤) Kimberley Street. It costs around RM21.30 inclusive of delivery fee.
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| fishball |
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| braised chicken feet |
Food portion was good but had expected more umami from the koay teow soup. Plenty of ingredients though. Chicken feet had a somewhat slightly smokey caramelized mellow taste.
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| morning view |
Ordered breakfast from Grab as I wanted to eat the ark tui mee sua 鸭腿面线 (duck drumstick rice vermicelli in herbal soup, one of my childhood food that has gone extinct).
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| I think it is from a famous stall |
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| well packed |
Was quite impressed with this shop as the food was really packed for delivery. There's even a small plastic container for the chilies. Spring onions for garnish was also provided. Very good.
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| duck drumstick, mee sua and herbal broth |
The food arrived hot and it was a simple meal, that brings back good memories related to this dish. Lovely to be having it again.
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| iced hor kar sai |
The meal from Sg Pinang Duck/Chicken Drumstick Noodles from Lebuh Sandilands including the iced-coffee was RM30.80 (incl. of delivery fee).
Turned out I had to check-out by 1230pm as my friends had arrived. So we will be staying at Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang Block B. Stay tuned for the next reunion, and next adventures!
Ascott Gurney Penang
Address: 18, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Website: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-the-residence/malaysia/ascott-gurney-penang
Super Star Koay Teow Soup
Address: 78, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
Closed on Wed.
Thu to Tue - 8 am–11 pm
淡水湘鸭腿面线 Sungai Pinang Duck Drumstick Noodles
Address: 1, Lebuh Sandilands, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Business Hours:
Closed on Wed.
Thu to Tue - 7 am–2 pm
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