The Southern Boutique Hotel, Penang

I’d usually just book the 1st night or 2, to see if I like the hotel. If I do, I’d rebook. If not, then I’d go somewhere else. And I was glad that I only booked for 2 nights at this hotel. The standard room was VERY tiny, even for a solo man like me. You can’t turn around and not having the door hit you in the face. There was no space to put the luggage, left alone to unpack. I talked with the front desk if they could give me a bigger room. If they do then I’d book for the rest of my stay, total 5 nights. But they refused. I got no choice but to pay extra to get the bigger room. They ran my credit card and it went through. They proceded writing down my credit card info. on the signed receipt but I stopped them, to protect my privacy. They also demand CASH for hotel tax. Now a day, all hotels accept credit card for all transaction. Even at the smallest town in Malaysia like Miri. The bigger room was right next to the sidewalk. I can hear traffic noise, people talking/walking on the sidewalk. It was hard to get any rest. All the rooms are BARE. They only offer toothbrush and bottles water, that’s it. Don’t expect, cotton stick, lotion, hand soap, tissue and even down to the basic like a glass for drinking water. They are really trying everything and anything save the cost and to make money, to the point that it is really uncomfortable for travellers.

Very nice and clean hotel. Staff are very friendly. Basic amenities. Convenient location for food with a big food court and good restaurants nearby. There's a 24hrs convenient store right beside the hotel. However, light sleeper might have problem as sound insulation is very bad. The room gets very noisy at night due to the life band from the food court, and also vehicles sound passing by during midnight. Tips: For guests driving, park at roadside parking lot where parking ticket is required except on Sunday. Or opposite car park RM 6 per day. The superior room is quite small if you have a big luggage.

Negatives: We stayed in a family room for 3 persons. Shower area has no barricade to prevent floor in the whole bathroom area from getting wet. No hooks to hang towels & clothes in bathroom area - no privacy for changing clothes. We had to dress in the bedroom. Positives: 5 min walk to the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion. Walking distance to the stop for Hop On Hop off bus. Available parking opposite the hotel for $6 per day & a refundable deposit of $50 after you return the parking access card. Reception staff friendly & gave recommendations for nearby eateries.

The Southern Boutique hotel was fantastic for its price and location As a solo female traveller, I really appreciated how thoughtful and helpful the staff were in recommending places to eat and visit. The rooms are small but well designed so no space was wasted. The bathroom was great, it is a tad annoying how the shower gets water all over the bathroom, but it wasn't a deal-breaker by any means. I highly recommend the hotel and would stay there again.

It's modern, clean and very small room. Perfect for a solo traveller. A couple could stay there but they really have to be close. Think of it as almost a cabin hotel you can stand up, with a queen sized bed, and private bathroom. There are no dressers or closet, just 2 coat hangers on the wall. I liked it.