Jen Penang sits on the mid-budget to premium end and enjoys an excellent central location, positioned right next to KOMTAR and First Avenue Mall. This makes it extremely convenient for shopping, dining, and getting around Penang. The hotel features four elevators, allowing smooth and efficient access between floors even during busy periods.
We stayed in a family room that was well-appointed and thoughtfully designed. The room includes a sofa bed, which is ideal for families travelling with children. The TV is internet-enabled, with access to YouTube and a built-in web browser, making it easy to unwind in the evenings. There are also well-placed power outlets on the bedside tables, which is very practical for charging devices overnight.
Amenities provided include free toothbrushes, toothpaste, and cotton wool. There was no shaver, which was a small disappointment. The room came with three glass-bottled waters and tea amenities, though there were no complimentary beverages in the minibar fridge.
The room offered a pleasant external view, and the blackout curtains are excellent, providing a dark and quiet environment for restful sleep. The swimming pool operates from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, suitable for both morning and evening use.
A buffet breakfast is available at an additional cost and features a solid mix of local favourites, including nasi lemak, curry chicken, curry fish, and fried rice. There is also a wide selection of fresh fruit, including watermelon, grapes, oranges, and even lychees served in jars, along with a freshly baked roti canai service prepared on the spot.
In terms of laundry, there is no self-service laundromat. Instead, the hotel offers a paid laundry service, where clothes are collected via a service request.
Pro tip: While the room has a Do Not Disturb button, housekeeping operates slightly differently here. To have the room refreshed or the bed made up, you need to place a card on the bed to signal the cleaning staff. Otherwise, the standard housekeeping schedule is once every three days, which is good to know if you prefer daily servicing.
Special shout-outs:
A big thank you to the room keeping staff, Ilyana, Rahimi, Waffiy, Husni, and Nabeel, for kindly providing an air mattress when we didn’t have the correct room booking for one of the nights for my parents. A special note of thanks to Husni for his hard work, professionalism, and most of all his kindness, which truly made a difference to our stay.
At the front desk, Hercules, Ranunga, and Jonathan were professional, patient, and helpful throughout our stay.
The concierge service provided by Muhamad was efficient and friendly, making logistics much easier.
Lastly, a warm shout-out to Suresh from the restaurant for his attentive and welcoming service during breakfast.
Overall, Jen Penang delivers a comfortable, family-friendly stay with an excellent location and genuinely caring staff, making it a solid choice for travellers seeking quality accommodation in Penang.
