My family will be taking a week's stay in Penang in July. We are considering where to stay, Holidays Inn Resort or Golden Sands. Has anyone stayed in these hotels, any comments.

Where is the night market in Batu Ferranghi ? which hotel is closest to it ?

Are there any public buses from Batu Ferranghi to the city, Georgetown (KOMTAR).

I understand Rasa Sayang/Golden Sands has a free shuttle bus to their other hotel in Georgetown. Is it tru ?

Batu Ferrenghi is quite a small place so don't worry about which hotel is nearest the night market. Have not stayed in either hotel but Golden Sands certainly looks nicer.
Yes there is a free shuttle bus to Georgetown. Taxis are cheap as well. BF is a great place. Be sure to eat outwith the hotel as there are some great little restaurants. Look for the popular ones, the best meals we had were in some very basic looking restaurants.

I visited Penang 2 years ago. There are lots of choices with great bargain. No need to stay near town because Penang is a small place only. Taxi is every where. If you have enough time you should spend some days in Langkawai. Take the ferry (1 hour?), rent a car. A very relaxing place with good food, tax free wine and friendly people.

DO NOT STAY AT THE HOLIDAY INN. We had two nights there and were glad to leave. Our room had been flooded from above, the walls were mouldy and smelling fousty, the lift was next to our room and clanked all night keeping us awake. We were alocated a diferent room for the second night, went out for the day and upon our return we were told that our new room had been given to someone else and that there were no other rooms available.

did you enjoy Batu Ferrenghi? We have booked to go next July( the Golden Sands)