Georgetown, Penang Cititel Hotel

The Penang Cititel Hotel is a marvellous, typical Malaysian four star hotel. It's a little out of place where it is on the island as most of the 'posh' hotels have beach access, but as this is aimed more towards the business centre of Georgetown than the beach-side, it kind of falls between the two stalls. However it's still typical Malaysian high quality at a reasonable price.

But don't get me wrong the Hotel itself is an amazing place. Fully air-conditioned, superb facilities, wonderful food and top-class service.

My room was a double even though I paid for a single, the standard of cleanliness was faultless, the bed was soft but not horrible, the TV had a few English-speaking channels and the bathroom was a delight in Marble!!! All the rooms have stunning view whether it's of the town, the hills behind Georgetown or the harbour area.

Rooms rates are about 130Ringgit which is about £25, up to 280Ringgit - about £45, which compared to how much we have to pay in the UK is an absolute steal!!!

You get breakfast included with the higher price rooms but access to the health suite is open to all. The excellent facilities extend to the pool gym and sauna/steam rooms - they are without fault.

The restaurants inside the hotel are, again typical for Malaysia, excellent food at entirely reasonable prices. But if you want a taste of the real island then just hop along the road towards the town centre - there are literally hundreds of restuarants, ask the Concierge for advice. If you arrive late as I did on my first night then don't hestitate to use the spectacular room service - I ordered Chicken Satay, Chefs Salad, Meat and Cheese selection and Fresh Pineapple with Lime Sorbet to finish, all for about £6!!!

But if you fancy some traditional Malaysian fare then try the restaurants - both the Main Street Cafe and the Zhonghua are well worth a visit.

If you feel the need to lay out in the sun or take a dip in the gorgeously-clear waters than you can do no better than taking a trip to the reknown Batu Feringhi beach - but beware some of it is private for hotels only.

Georgetown itself has much to offer the sightseer - from ornate mosques and temples to the colonial Fort Cornwalis. Majestic archietecture and traditional malaysian buildings make Georgetown, and the whole of Penang for that matter, a well worthy place to visit.

Overall the Hotel is great value and I would definitely stay there again if I wanted to be closer to town than the beach.