The grand dame of Penang, Cititel Penang welcomes guests with a newly refurbished look, writes Alan Teh Leam Seng.
A friend reacts in disbelief when told that the stunning photographs just posted in our WhatsApp conversation were those featuring Cititel Penang.
Still sceptical that such an established hotel could look so new, he remains hesitant to acknowledge the fact until our conversation switches to video mode.
With perceptions taking an about turn, he goes on to express amazement at the 25-year old hotel's astounding ability to retain allure.
Established back in 1997, Cititel Penang is among one of the earliest to offer upper-mid-range accommodation in George Town.
Renowned as Penang Road's Grand Dame, Cititel Penang always comes up for consideration whenever out-of-towners visit this historic Unesco recognised city.
Despite celebrating its silver anniversary this year, Cititel Penang remains one of the top hotels in George Town, thanks to its strategic location and regular no-cost-spared refurbishment exercises.
The management was shrewd enough to take full advantage of the pandemic-induced lull over the past two years to embark on major renovations.
SAME HOTEL, NEW LOOK
With Covid-19 restrictions markedly relaxed now, Cititel Penang is in pole position to welcome back guests with spanking new rooms, improved facilities and exciting revamped dining menus.
My newly renovated deluxe room on the 15th floor comes complete with all the necessary amenities to make it a comfortable home away from home for the next two days.
Thanks to its well positioned vantage point, unparalleled views of the heritage buildings with their trademark red terracotta roof tiles, the distant Penang Hill as well as the Straits of Melaka help to provide a sense of direction before venturing out to explore the city later in the afternoon.
After a refreshing bath, surfacing hunger pangs indicate time for that much anticipated sashimi and Penang buffet lunch at Cititel Penang's lobby level Main Street Cafe.
Available on Sundays, this popular three-hour long offering highlights a good selection of fresh Japanese seafood cuts as well as a comprehensive popular local spread.
While savouring a piping hot bowl of Asam Laksa and a platter of succulent tuna and salmon slices, it becomes obvious that late comers to the buffet can cast aside concerns about missing out on the best choices as every dish is regularly replenished by the attentive serve staff.
The satisfying lunch comes to a close after plates of roast duck, grilled lamb and sago with gula melaka dessert are washed down with cups of warm frothy Teh Tarik.
Here, temptation effortless trumps self-restraint as there are so many delicious options to tempt taste buds.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Unlike those in most other hotels, the Level 3 pool and its adjacent jacuzzi area are well shielded from the sweltering afternoon heat and provide guests with hours of fun while waiting for the mercury to get considerably lower before heading out into the streets.
Thanks to its strategic location, leaving the car behind is a no-brainer. With all the best spots within the heritage enclave just a hop and a skip away, the evening turns out to be a fulfilling adventure discovering the many sights and wonders of this centuries-old city.
Highlights include visits to antique shops, perusing metal caricature installations and meeting street vendors selling a variety of traditional cakes and snacks along the sheltered five-foot way of pre-war shophouses.
After a Nasi Kandar meal near Masjid Kapitan Keling, the walkabout comes full circle after stepping back into Cititel Penang's warm embrace.
Serving as a reminder of its early beginnings when space constraint was never a concern, the huge lobby area with its imposing high ceiling chandelier conjures a lasting welcoming effect on everyone present.
While quenching thirst with cups of complimentary ice cold nutmeg juice from the drinks dispenser located just by the service counter, thought reverts to plans for the next day.
Going by today's activity-filled schedule, tomorrow's plan which includes visits to the flea market and antique shops will definitely prove to be just as good if not better.
FAST FACTS
Cititel Penang
66, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
TEL 04-291 1188
FAX 04-370 2288
EMAIL resvn@cititelpenang.com
WEBSITE www.cititelpenang.com
STAY A total of 451 newly renovated rooms consisting of standard, superior, deluxe and executive suite categories with sea-facing or heritage-view choices. Recent refurbishments have given the rooms a totally new contemporary look with warm colours and thoughtful amenities. In the run up to Hari Raya, take advantage of the Jom! Balik Kampung package which starts at RM230 nett which includes Sajian Warisan Buffet Dinner and sahur.
EAT Apart from the Sunday lunch buffet, Main Street Cafe is also renowned for its three-hour long Seafood Buffet Dinner. Available every Saturday, this popular dining option boasts of regularly replenished shucked oysters, mussels, crabs and prawns together with other tempting selections like chicken and beef satay, sashimi, pan seared lamb and local desserts. In conjunction with the current festive period, check out the Sajian Warisan Buffet which takes place daily from now until Apr 30.
DO Take advantage of the fully equipped gymnasium.
GO Enjoy a leisurely walkabout within George Town's Unesco World Heritage area to fully appreciate captivating street art installations while making regular stops to savour snacks and drinks at traditional coffee shops and trendy cafes dotting the route. Look out for traditional tradesmen weaving rattan baskets, making songkok, engraving tombstones and sewing dainty Nyonya beaded shoes.
HIGHS Strategic location with most interesting places of attraction just a short walk away. A little further away is Komtar, Penang's tallest building, as well as key shopping destinations at 1st Avenue and Prangin Malls.
LOWS Cannot think of any!