Family Friendly Penang
 

Dear All, we (2 adults, kids 9 & 7) are heading to Penang this August. Other than the big resorts on Ferringhi, can anyone recommend a family friendly hotel?
We need a pool and somewhere we can feel comfortable (i.e. not too formal, somewhere like the E&O would be too formal for example).
Would be happy to self cater, or not, and happy to be beach, city or rainforest/jungle experience which leaves it quite open!
3* minimum (apart from rainforest experience, happy to backpack that if needs be!). Huge thanks.

I would want to be in the Georgetown area, not out at a mediocre beach at Ferringhi. If you want a beach resort, look at the many places on Langkawi.

My favorite place to stay in the world is the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a short walk from the E&O. While there's no pool, it would be a wonderful experience for your children, like stepping into history, even if only for a couple of nights, an opportunity unlike anyplace else you might stay. Highly recommended.
http://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/

I would check out somewhere like 23 Love Lane in Georgetown. Huge rooms/suites at a reasonable price. Check that they can provide extra beds in the room. Like Kathie, I would avoid Batu Ferringi completely - average hotels and below average beaches - I certainly would not be happy letting children swim there.

Penang has amazing food options at all levels so hardly worth considering self catering. AirBNB may have some family friendly options. I have had good experiences with them in South America but never in Asia.

The Cheong Fatt Tze website says there is a pool, or at least certain rooms feature pool access, and there is a picture of a small pool. Not sure if this is helpful....

I was there when it first opened, one wing still being restored. I should have looked more closely at the website. I'm not surprised there have been more additions and upgrades (a pool!) added since then. Thanks, shelemm.

Thanks all for your tips. The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion looks incredible.

I'm finding that the (otherwise fantastic) hotels in Georgetown can't/ won't accommodate 4 in a room so that's proving tricky (or prohibitively expensive with 2 rooms). But will keep looking!

Please let me know if you have any great experiences of things to do on the island. Sadly we can't get over to Langkawi Kathie as are committed to flights in and out of Penang.

Many thanks!