Hotel Jen Penang is embracing today’s independently-minded travellers, writes Alan Teh Leam Seng
IT is my habit to check the minibar as soon as I enter a hotel room. Usually it is either full of drinks and snacks or empty. I just like the surprises the minibar might spring.
But this time, I am really in for a big surprise. The minibar in my hotel room at Hotel Jen Penang has a transparent container, resembling disposable drink cups, filled to the brim with ice cube-sized fruits. There is even a wooden skewer sticking out of the opening at the top. I immediately shut the refrigerator door.
I sit on the bed and consider my options. After a few minutes, I decide to call housekeeping. I do not elaborate much over the phone and just ask for someone to be in my room as quickly as possible. In less than two minutes, a woman appears. I beckon her towards the fridge and tell her that the previous guest may have left something inside and the housekeeping staff who cleaned the room earlier must have overlooked it.
She takes a quick look, turns towards me and says: “But sir, the fruits are for you”. This must be one of the little secrets or improvements that the hotel has initiated since its rebranding exercise several weeks ago. I sheepishly apologise and, sensing my embarrassment, the woman leaves as quickly as she arrived.
I spend the next few minutes munching the fruits while checking my phone for messages. This is a superbly convenient way of providing guests with fruits compared to the usual fruit basket. I usually leave the whole fruits in the basket untouched as I neither have the time nor the patience to peel them.
FROM TRADERS TO JEN
The Traders Hotel Penang is the first Traders property to rebrand as Hotel Jen in Malaysia. Greg Dogan, president and CEO of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, says: “The opening of Hotel Jen in Malaysia is a significant milestone in our ongoing plans to launch Hotel Jen across the region”.
The Hotel Jen Penang team is embracing the changing demands of today’s independently minded travellers who seek simple pleasures, easy efficiency and the opportunity to indulge in their sense of adventure.
According to Gavin Weightman, general manager of Hotel Jen Penang, the rebranding sets new standards in the hospitality industry. “We want to cater to the changing demands of both the new and ‘millennial’ mind-set and the increasingly socially enabled ‘young-at-heart’.”
Hotel Jen Penang is the fifth Traders property to adopt the new Jen brand by Shangri-La International. The brand will launch 10 Hotel Jens in major cities in Asia Pacific by March 2015. These will include Manila, Maldives, Beijing, Shenyang and Johor Baru.
Gavin says the brand is inspired by the virtual persona Jen who is supposed to be a professional hotelier who loves life, travel and the adventure of discovering new places.
STAYING WITH A FRIEND
Hotel Jen Penang is embracing the “staying with a friend” concept where guests can expect extra touches such as the home-cooking inspired restaurant menu which invites guests to request their own version of a dish.
The hotel staff will be at hand to give unique recommendations, for example, where the best local asam laksa is. Surely this will make guests feel like they are indeed staying with a friend.
Another notable change that I have yet to experience elsewhere is the convenient mobile charging stations throughout the hotel. This, together with the convenience of free WiFi throughout the hotel, is a must for modern day travellers.
Breakfast is a meal that I seldom have time to indulge in due to many reasons. Fortunately, with the coffee and snack-box-to-go options I will never miss my first meal of the day every time I am at Hotel Jen Penang.
The hotel is currently running a room promotion which starts from RM360++. This includes a buffet breakfast in Islander and a two-hour trishaw ride and a comprehensive map to enjoy the historic George Town and its renowned local street art, a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages and one free bag of laundry per stay (wash and fold).
FAST FACTS
HOTEL
Hotel Jen Penang, Magazine Road Penang, Tel: 04-2622 622 Fax: +604 2626 526 Email: hjp@hoteljen.com www.hoteljen.com
GETTING THERE
The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the Penang International Airport and the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone. It is just minutes away from the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal.
MAIN ATTRACTION
Hotel Jen Penang is strategically located. The major shopping areas, business and financial districts and major tourist attractions within the heritage zone are all just a short drive.
FIRST IMPRESSION
Strategically located, comfortable and attentive service.
RATES
Check the website for the latest promotional rates and packages.
OVERALL SERVICE
Efficient, warm and friendly.
ROOMS
All the 443 guest rooms have bay windows which provide breathtaking panoramic views of George Town and the Penang Bridge. I specially like sitting by the window and watching the sky light up in a myriad of colours during sunset.
F&B OUTLETS
The Islander offers a combination of local authentic Baba Nyonya fare and a wide selection of international favourites. My culinary journey in this bright and spacious outlet is made even more memorable when I can actually request for a dish to be prepared specifically to my own diet requirements.
FACILITIES
This must be the first hotel in town to have a vending machine offering a wide selection of items. It is stationed on the fourth floor, between the gym and the swimming pool.
PLACES WITHIN WALKING
DISTANCE
1st Avenue and Prangin Mall together with the newly refurbished Chowrasta Market are all less than five minutes away. I like the latter as it sells nearly all the things in my “to buy” list like fresh nutmeg or tau sar, black bean paste biscuits and salted ikan kurau.