Penang Beachfront Resort, The Pine Hotel, a Premium Choice

In addition to the small town and murals, Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also has rainforests and the sea at the foot of the northwestern mountains. This paradise is known as Batu Ferringhi Beach, with clear skies, white sandy beaches, and more than a dozen resort hotels along the coastline. This time, I specifically traveled north to check into The Pine Hotel, a premium choice under the Marriott brand. Through a casual chat with the fluent Chinese-speaking front desk lady, I learned that not many Marriott members come here, so the hotel treats Titanium members with great respect and generosity. They directly upgraded me to a sea-view suite, provided homemade welcome drinks and snacks, and allowed me to enjoy the afternoon happy hour at the highly aesthetic members' club on the second floor of the restaurant. Although there were only soft drinks, tea, and snacks, the environment was beautiful, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The most commendable aspect of the hotel is its perfect grasp of the vacation vibe. From the gaps between the lush old trees, you can see the endless sea and sky. The pure white wooden shutters filter the sunlight, casting dappled shadows. The gently swaying banana leaves, the empty poolside loungers, the mosaic tiles, and the peacock blue wooden doors—all create a serene and idyllic scene. My room was located in a corner of a two-story building full of tropical charm. The interior was spacious and transparent, with a balcony in the front and a bathtub in the back. However, the facilities were somewhat old and rickety, making me worry that they might break with the slightest mishap. There are also several unique public spaces on the first and second floors of the main building, including a café, library, billiard room, and fitness center, which are mostly for personal use during the day. The sea-facing corridor is breezy, and several seats serve as natural photo frames, offering beautiful views in all weather conditions. The restaurant also boasts a high aesthetic, facing the sea and adjacent to the pool. However, the food quality is poor, even worse than that of budget hotels in China. The variety is limited, and the replenishment is extremely slow. The fewer the guests, the more they worry about taking too much, and the dining area was almost empty halfway through the meal. It was an unprecedented experience. Overall, if you have ample time in Penang, it might be worth spending a day or two relaxing by the sea. However, it seems more suitable for taking photos than sleeping to the sound of the waves. Finally, I stayed in Penang for eight days, switching between five different international chain hotels, including three Marriott, one Hilton, and one IHG. Each had its unique style, but the overall standard was mediocre and incomparable to similar hotels in China. If I return to Penang, The Pine Hotel might be the only one I would consider staying at again. Room Details: Room Number: 818 Official Name: Prestige Suite Area: 77 sqm Mattress: Serta Living Room TV: Samsung Bedroom TV: Samsung Shower and Metal Fixtures: TOTO Sink and Bathtub: TOTO Toilet: Manual TOTO Hair Dryer: Panasonic Amenities: Small Bottles of Equilibrium Electric Kettle: Khind Coffee Machine: Nespresso Coffee Capsules: Nespresso (4 capsules) Instant Coffee: Nescafé Tea Bags: BOH Tea Cups: Mikasa Bottled Water: Custom Pine Hotel Mini Bar: Free