Royale Chulan Penang

This is my second visit to this hotel, decided to stay here after excellent experience last year but to my dismay it was not the same this time around. For the positive side, the bellboys, housekeeping staff and the doormen were very friendly and helpful, breakfast buffet was so so as not all food was upto the standards for such an establishment, but still not bad as the spread was ok and staffs were good. Rooms are clean even though sometimes lights not working well at times. Coming to my actual issue which was the attitude of the night manager and front desk staff who helped me to check in that night, I booked 4 standard twin rooms for 4 nights including breakfast and fully paid, once booked I've contacted the hotel earlier before my arrival date to make some adjustments as in adjoining rooms for us since we have elderly parents with medical conditions which will need help at night, it was informed that they will try to accommodate but subject to availability on arrival time but no mention of extra charges of RM 50/night if need adjoined as only available for king type not twin type of room, as I saw online the rate is the same for both types of rooms and last year I had no issue with this, but the manager insisted that if I need adjoining they can arrange but with the additional charges and it seems we will only be informed of this upon arrival only and not when I was asking prior to it, seems like it was being forced on us and after debating for a while he just told the front desk staff something and just left, we found it very rude, later when I wanted to pay total charges for the adjoining rooms the front desk staff just replied that they decided not to take any money from us, in a tone we found not pleasant as thought it was charity, honestly they need proper training and soft skills experience, daily we need to greet first before expecting a reply, we feel the backend staff are more polite and helpful. Have decided not to return to this hotel anymore.

Catatan: The lights in the room were not easy to follow in terms of what switch controlled what lights We requested 2 rooms next to each other- this was not accommodated so the rooms were on separate floors. Not enough staff in the bar area by reception. One employee on their own in the evening to make drinks from a complex drinks menu. We had to wait 40 minutes for 5 drinks including a sprite. The employee working there needed more help and support.

Positif: Excellent location in the heart of the old town, only a couple of blocks from the ferry, and touring around old town. Very easy to get a grab to Seorang tetamu, and other sites. Beds were super comfortable. Pool area was lovely and maintained beautifully. The buffet breakfast each morning was incredible. The chef was out there speaking to everyone. It was a lovely property with very friendly staff and we enjoyed our stay very much.

I am very satisfied with the warm and friendly service at Seorang tetamu Penang. The room was neat, clean, and consistently filled with a pleasant fragrance. Seorang tetamu is definitely becoming one of my favourite hotels. Thank you for the excellent hospitality, as well as the welcome drinks and snack treats.

I was not expecting a heritage building to be so clean and outstanding. Rooms were extra spacious with two sofas, a dressing room and a big washroom. Everything looks so royal and esthetically pleasing. Breakfast spread was big and fresh. Near to little India. I highly recommend it.

I had a pleasant 1-night stay here. The room was very clean, comfortable and nicely maintained. The location is great — there are plenty of food stalls and several cafes within walking distance. Overall, a really good stay and would definitely come back again.