I will be in Penang with my husband next month and we'd love some assistance since it's our first trip there.

We are staying five nights and not sure of the best part of town to stay. We live in Phnom Penh and are not interested in touristy areas as we want to get a feel of the country. We're over 40 so we don't want to do the backpacker thing and would like to pay less than $40 for a room (with AC) in a nice part of town with access to fun stuff to see and do (local markets, restaurants, neighbourhoods, etc.)

I'm considering booking a place for a couple of nights then exploring the region and wondering if there are buses to places that may be fun to visit from Penang? Not sure if 5 nights is too much and/or if there's something else we should be doing while we're in the area.

Many thanks for any suggestions anyone can offer (hotel suggestions would be most welcomed, too).

Cheers!

We stayed at Hutton Lodge but could only get a room with shared bathrom (but they do have ensuites). A great little guest house in a superb location close to everything. he rooms with private facilities go for 90 ringits. We found some of the best food in Asia in Penang (search under Kathies posts for a comprehensive report). The bus services from Penang are very efficient or you could get the fast ferry out to another island - say langkawi. Check out or blog on our time there

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...6180/tpod.html

hi,
You are saying USD40 per night? You can get some nice hotels around the range in Georgetown. If you like to experience a bit of the beach, the hotels in Tg Bungah is cheaper than Batu Ferringi. Do read the recent reviews by folks who stayed in those hotels.

For things to do, you wish to checkout this blog:
http://velvetescape.com/blog/2010/09...-do-in-penang/

Hope above info is of help to you. If you need more detailed info, just ask.

Thanks for the feedback. So what area do you recommend to stay in for a nice and not too touristy experience of Penang>
Georgetown, Tg Bungah or Batu Ferringi?

Definitely Georgetown

Georgetown.

The beach areas of Penang are not attractive.

Very helpful! thanks.
Other than the Hutton Lodge, does anyone have any recommendations for a reasonably priced nice place to stay in Georgetown?

Cheers