Happiness Unlocked: Staying in the heart of George Town
Penang has no shortage of places to rest your head after a day of temple-hopping, mural-hunting, and hawker-stall grazing. But few hotels manage to combine an unbeatable address with a breakfast spread genuinely worth setting an alarm for. Citadines Connect Bertam George Town does both — and does them well.
The property occupies a heritage-inspired shophouse-style building just three storeys tall, with lifts on both ends for easy access. There is a comfortable lobby lounge with a 24-hour complimentary coffee station. 
Location: Right in the Middle of Everything
For travelers who plan their itineraries around meals, we highly recommend Citadines Connect Bertam George Town.
Sitting on Jalan Penang directly across from the Komtar building, this Citadines Connect property puts the whole of George Town's UNESCO heritage core within easy walking distance. Macalister New Lane and Kimberley Street — arguably the beating heart of Penang's street food scene — are just minutes away on foot. And our favourite artisanal ice cream shop, Hema Hema, on Campbell Street is less than an 8-min walk away from the hotel.
A bus stop sits right outside, with Komtar's bus terminal across the street, and the free CAT (Central Area Transit) shuttle loops nearby. Hop on the shuttle or walk to Chowrasta Market, Fort Cornwallis, and Little India without needing to hail a ride.
Rooms: Compact, Clean, and Comfortable
As a Citadines Connect property, the emphasis here is on value and style. This differs from Citadines apartment-hotels which usually come with kitchenettes. For anyone planning their holidays around eating your way through George Town, we highly recommend Citadines Connect Bertam George Town.
There are 70 rooms spanning several categories — Studio Twin, Studio Premier, Suite Premier Double, and Two Bedroom Premier. Families will love the option of the Premier Double or Two Bedroom Premier - which can accommodate up to 4 adults.
Writing desks, 50-inch TVs, soundproofed windows, mini fridges, and tea and coffee facilities are standard across room types. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, and the overall room design is contemporary yet minimalist. To allow more space, the room does not have a traditional wardrobe space.
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Filtered water refill stations on every floor are a nice sustainability touch that also happens to be genuinely convenient in Penang's heat.
Facilities
A rooftop pool (16m x 2.5m) and a well-equipped 24-hour gym looking out onto a temple round out the amenities.
Breakfast: The Real Highlight
This is where the hotel truly distinguishes itself — and yes, it starts with free-flow sparkling wine. It's a small touch, but pairing bubbles with a hawker-inspired breakfast spread instantly sets the tone for a leisurely, celebratory morning rather than a rushed one.
Guests are spoilt for choice with four varieties of siew mai — Original, Black Pepper, Tom Yum, and Otak Otak — alongside banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak on the buffet line. A mini salad bar rounds things out with local greens, fresh fruit, and yoghurt for anyone wanting a lighter start.
The undisputed highlight, though, is the juice station. Guests can pick from a curated menu of recommended blends or request a fully custom mix from the fresh fruit selection. We tried the "Calm Mind" blend — carrot, orange, and lemon, marketed as a zesty combination meant to lift the mood and ease tension. Whether or not it delivered on the mindfulness promise, it was genuinely one of the best juices I've had at a hotel breakfast.
There's also a thoughtful à la carte table menu running alongside the buffet, so guests can order freshly prepared staples — eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes, made-to-order omelettes — cooked exactly to preference. For longer stays, a rotating "noodle of the day" ensures there's always something new to try, a small detail that says a lot about the kitchen's attention to guest experience.
The Verdict
Citadines Connect Bertam George Town delivers where it counts: an unmatched location for food lovers. While there are lots of eateries around, we recommend trying the sumptuous breakfast at least once during your trip. The hotel doesn't offer on-site parking, though guests can arrange parking at a nearby temple for a modest daily fee or use the space at the rear of the hotel.
It won't try to be a luxury resort, and it doesn't need to — for travellers who want to be in the thick of George Town's culture and cuisine without overspending, this is one of the smartest bases in town.
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Address: 428, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia