WHAT’S IT LIKE? The lounge music playing in the background at the hotel’s high-ceilinged and spacious lobby creates a pulsating vibe, setting the tone of this cool and trendy hotel, which attracts holidaymakers and business travellers alike. The name G stands for Gurney Drive, the hotel’s seafront location. The hotel opened in 2007 and was designed by Singapore-based K2LD Architects.
Its light-infused lobby is decorated with bespoke designer furniture such as the Spoon chair by Kartell’s Antonio Citterio and Marc Newson’s Capellini Felt chair, as well as low comfy sofas and a big free-standing mirror that gives the illusion of space, lots of it.
WHERE IS IT? G is located at sea-facing Gurney Drive in Unesco-listed Georgetown. It is just next to the seventh-floor Gurney Plaza anchored by Parkson mall, featuring a new wing that opened in November 2008. Altogether, more than 300 specialty shops are offered. Gurney Drive is dotted with local eateries, perfect for foodies. Penang Adventist Hospital is nearby for guests wanting a quick check up, but the airport is 30 minutes away.
ROOM FACILITIES There are 304 guestrooms including 143 Standard Rooms, 36 Superior Rooms, 18 Deluxe Rooms, 48 Executive Floor Rooms, 30 Suites (four of which are Duplexes) and 29 Serviced Apartments. Ensuite bathrooms are stocked with amenities, except toothbrush and toothpaste, but these can be requested from housekeeping staff.
Guests of the G Executive Floors (levels 14 to 19) enjoy complimentary local calls and shoe shine service, daily one-hour use of a meeting room, check out at 2pm, and access to a 24-hour lounge (on the level 15) for breakfast, drinks and use of workstations.
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS Seventy percent of the 304 guestrooms are sea-facing. All guests enjoy complimentary wired and wireless internet, and free drinks from the minibar (replenished daily). Executive Floor guests can also enjoy 24-hour dining at the Executive Lounge.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS On the ground floor is G Café, which is open 24 hours and serves an international buffet and local food, while G Lounge is the lobby bar that runs 14m long – touted as Penang’s longest bar – and operates from 10am to 1am.
One level up is G Spot offering live jazz music, liquor and cocktails from 8pm onwards; and Sesame + Soy, a modern bistro (open 6.30pm-10.30pm) and a restaurant serving Asian dishes for lunch and dinner (the Soft Shell Crabs drizzled with home-made XO sauce is an all-time favourite and has been served since day one). The G Pool Bar is on level three and is open from 10.30am to 8pm.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The grand ballroom measures 723sqm and caters for up to 500 people, in addition to two ballrooms of 354sqm and 356sqm for up to 230 and 210 people respectively. Five function rooms range from 63sqm to 95sqm and can accommodate 20 to 130 banquet style, and 15 to 54 in the classroom layout. The business centre on the ground floor is staffed from 9am to 5pm.
LEISURE FACILITIES A gym with sea views and Technogym equipment, a spa, a salon and an outdoor infinity pool with Jacuzzi are all located on level three. Guests wanting to explore the city can rent mountain bikes, safety hat and vest for free.
PRICE Internet rates for a stay in December started from MYR295 (US$86) for a 38sqm Standard Room.
CONTACT 168A Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang, tel 60 4 238 0000, www.ghotel.com.my
VERDICT The hotel boasts an excellent location and foodies will appreciate having hawker fare within close proximity.
Julian Tan
