Hi there, this is a contribution from my friend H.C. who recently traveled to Penang in December 2015.
*Note : Pictures will be uploaded soon
Hotel: Shangrila’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
Date : 5 to 8 December 2015 (4 nights)
Price : RM $988+++ a night *after taxes it works out to be about $1150RM / night
Type of room : Garden Wing Studio Suite
Inclusive : Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Evening cocktails and Canapes – for 2 adults 2 children
We booked the Rasa Sayang Shangri La Resort for a quick jaunt across the border as it was the school holidays and we just wanted to have a break without worrying about an itinerary. We chose Penang for the good food, and the proximity to home as I only had 4 days of leave. Looking for an “all in 1 concept” , the Rasa Sayang delivered it and more, despite its age (almost 40+years since its inception).
On most review sites, the Rasa Sayang rated highly, and having stayed there, I can see why.
We were in late because of a traffic jam from the airport right to the hotel, but once we stepped into the oasis of the Garden Wing hotel lobby, we were transported away into a tranquil and holiday mood. Check in was smooth, and the concierge was helpful and professional, and they provided all of us a quick towel for a perkup and a strange tasting welcome drink that none of us finished. The formalities were quickly done and a porter doubled up as our escort – to bring us to our room and also haul our luggage along.
The room was located in a corner of the Garden Wing on the 3rd floor, giving us a semi-panoramic view of the sea and the swimming pool. The room was a very comfortable 700sft in size. The swimming pool never really got crowded throughout our stay, and any worries about noisy kids can be laid to bed.
We had booked a studio suite as it was more economical for the family to stay together rather then book 2 smaller rooms, and it proved to be a great decision, as the suite allowed :-
- A rollaway bed FOC
- Enjoy breakfast for two at either Feringgi Grill or Spice Market Café
- Have daily afternoon tea and daily cocktails at the Rasa Wing Lounge (up to 2 persons)
- Access the Rasa Wing Pool and Main Pool
- Access to Adventure Zone located with the sister property the Golden Sands a short 5min buggy ride away
Children under 12 are granted complimentary entry/food everywhere within the hotel, so they could join us for the afternoon tea and evening canapes in the lounge. They even had a special family area so that the Rasa Wing guests (who were generally couples on getaways) wouldn’t be disturbed.
The room itself provides spacious accommodation with traditional Malaysian touches. The balcony and the full glass panel doors allowed a commanding view of Batu Feringgi’s coastline and the resort’s swimming pools surrounded by towering century-old raintrees.
The suite was divided into 2 segments, the dining area and the sleeping area. The mini bar was reasonably well stocked with coke, sprite, beer and was complimentary, and a fruit platter was replenished daily. The fruits were fresh and sweet – comprising of bananas, apples, oranges and grapes.
The bathroom has a separate shower cubicle and a deep soaking tub. For those expecting high end luxury amenities, you’ll be disappointed as Shangrila uses an inhouse brand for their toiletries. However the water pressure from the shower head is good and the bathtub fills fairly quickly. Warm water was consistent.
WIFI is freely available throughout the hotel compounds but we arrived on a day when half of Penang had no internet access, but once the internet was restored, WIFI was fast and connection was easy.
Value: 4.5*
Location: 5*
Comfort: 5*
Cleanliness: 5*
Lounge food: 4.5*
That Time Of The Year! 