Your own private pool, king-sized beds and fun all-day activities — Hanna Hussein is thoroughly impressed with Lexis Suites Penang
THE weekend road trip to Penang is my sister’s first visit to the island. Naturally, she is excited. She has been looking forward to it ever since we started planning it a month ago.
It’s just us girls — my sister, my friend and I — making the trip. To make it extra special, I book a stay at the only hotel in Penang that offers a private pool in each room — the Lexis Suites Penang.
Located in Teluk Kumbar, the beachside hotel overlooks the Straits of Malacca. It’s an ideal choice.
Though located slightly away from George Town, I feel like the girls will appreciate the serene location.
Driving across the Second Penang Bridge, we reach the island after almost three hours on the road from Kuala Lumpur.
Google Maps estimates we have another 15 minutes before we arrive at our destination.
PERFECT FOR FOUR
“We’re here!,” I announce. We head straight to the multi-storey carpark. It’s still half empty, probably because we’re early.
After unloading our baggage from the boot, we head straight to the elevator to get to the lobby located on the ground floor.
There, I ask the girls to take a seat at the lounge while I check in, hoping that our room is ready. It is, and we eagerly go to check out the Premium Pool Suite, where we will be staying for two nights.
“You’ll love this room,” I tell the girls. Upon entering, my sister happily rushes in. The first thing she sees are the huge comfy king-sized beds — two of them!
Yes, each room in Lexis Suites Penang has king-sized beds, which can fit up to four adults comfortably.
My sister turns to the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to the beach-facing private balcony, complete with a private pool.
“Oh my, there’s a steam room too?” she excitedly notices.
The 968 sq ft suites offer a spacious bathroom with shower and modern bathtub, spacious walk-in closet and a separate toilet.
On top of that, the room is lavishly equipped with quality furnishings and amenities.
The minibar is stocked with complimentary snacks and soft drinks. There’s coffee- and tea-making facilities are a given.
There’s free wireless Internet, flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels, bespoke bath amenities and more.
FAMILY’S CHOICE
Besides our private pool and sauna, there are plenty of activities we can do such as beach sports and an island-hopping boat ride to explore the islets of Pulau Aman and Pulau Kendi (which cost RM50 for in-house guests). One can also rent fishing rods.
If you want to escape the island sun, head to LexSpa, an award-winning spa that offers an array of massage and beauty treatments.
The spa is currently having the Soothing Aromatic Therapy promotions from as low as RM268 for a two-hour body treatment†indulgence.
On the same floor, there are few other facilities such as Starzkaraoke and a Games Room offering plenty of fun activities for all ages.
There’s also the Kidz World for the young ones to play and socialise in a visually stimulating environment.
Oh, and although each room has a private pool, the hotel also has a huge outdoor pool. The best part is, you can rent cute floats. Not only fun but Instagramable too!
DINING OPTIONS
For breakfast, we head to Roselle Coffee House, a lively, vibrant and chic all-day dining outlet featuring a cosmopolitan mix of mouth-watering culinary offerings.
The breakfast options are amazing. There are a few items that go beyond my expectations like soft tau fu fah, fresh hot soy drink and Japanese options.
Oh, every Saturday, Roselle Coffee House offers Ocean’s Delight, a seafood all-you-can-eat buffet dinner for just RM120 (per adult).
The hotel also boasts a Japanese restaurant, the Umi Restaurant, that features an avant-garde setting. The menu includes tempura, sashimi, teppanyaki and other seasonal specialties. On Sunday, Japanese buffet lunch is priced at just RM120 per adult.
Perched on the top floor or the hotel is the Sky Lite Bar, which has a breathtaking view of the sea. It’s a great place to chill and have a drink with the girls in the evening while enjoying the live entertainment.