Knowing you’ll get to head back to a cosy space for some shut-eye after a long day of frolicking in a city is a gratifying thought. In the beating heart of Penang, a few accommodations fit the bill.
Enter the newly opened lyf Georgetown Penang. Standing amid the hectic roads and action of see-and-be-seen George Town, the lodging’s prime location is already a strong pull. But its bold concept – a dynamic co-living space with chic amenities – will appeal to travellers from near and far, who crave authentic shared experiences when staying in the city.
A new co-living hotel in George Town
Forget the prim and proper, or the moody and modish. lyf Georgetown’s vibe perfectly reflects the island’s vivacious personality. It is equal parts stylish and spunky, with quirky designs and motifs in an orange-centric palette, accompanied by bold glowing displays and snug furnishings.
The hotel’s staff, aptly dubbed “lyf guards”, will warmly greet you in the lobby and lounge areas, assuring you that assistance is always on hand – sans that feeling of being watched intently like you’re at a straight-laced establishment.
Tastefully decorated corners throughout the establishment act as great backdrops for personal photoshoots – there are also fun, gleaming quotes and sayings hanging around, which never fail to incite chuckles from guests.
A quirky quote displayed on the ceiling of the elevator.
Over 100 stylish rooms that accommodate solo and group travellers
On the hotel’s upper floors are 144 studios and rooms that span the second to fifth floors. While each accommodation features different sizes and layouts, the theme and aesthetic is kept consistent.
The furnishings are wrapped in blonde wood and the bathrooms are aesthetically tiled. The walls are bedecked with vivid wallpapers that add a bit of spunk to the rooms, already bright and airy as a result of natural light flooding in from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Solo travellers can opt for the Good for One Studio (~RM277/night), while couples may find the One of a Kind Studio (~RM305/night) a tad bit roomier.
Guests can request sea-view rooms if waking up to the sight of the island’s azure waters is on their travel checklist.
Families and larger groups will be well accommodated in the larger twin studio, the Side by Side Plus (~RM373/night). Alternatively, they can dive straight into the bedroom options which include the 2-bedroom Two of a Kind (~RM577) or 3-bedroom All Together (~RM712/night).
A swanky pool, a social kitchen, and a gym
On Level 2 of the hotel, guests will find an impressive revelation in the form of a swanky pool sanctuary with a sleek and chic lounging area, fittingly named DIP. While the pool itself isn’t huge, it makes up for it in the ambience department – a panoramic view of the city forms the backdrop for relaxing dips here.
Adjacent to this is BURN, a fun-sized gym with workout equipment and encouraging quotes to motivate you during your sweat sesh – in a Penang way of course, with one that cheekily reads “Burn for more char koay teow”.
The rooms at lyf Georgetown are already comfortable, but their UNWIND Lounge is where you’ll want to hang out most of the time. The hotel calls it their “secret” lepak spot dedicated to all sorts of events, from casual movie hangouts to meetings-over-coffee sessions.
Food is Penang, Penang is food. So it is only right that lyf’s branch in the food haven has a community area called BOND. At the social kitchen, guests can make themselves at home – whip up meals, re-heat tapau-ed hawker food, brew a good cuppa, and essentially, bond over delicious eats like what Penangites do best.
Downstairs at Level 1, an artsy launderette – the WASH & HANG – is complete with multiple washing machines splashed in all colours of the rainbow. Other neat amenities to help save you on luggage space include ironing and drying equipment.
There’s also the COLLAB Meeting Room, equipped with projectors and plug points for business meetings or conference calls. For more casual functions, the CONNECT Room acts as a co-working and event space for workshops, product launches, and even live shows.
An unabashedly orange corner by the hotel’s lobby showcases packaged souvenirs, such as Penang snack and coffee brands, as well as the lyf brand’s very own range of merchandise.
lyf Georgetown Penang welcomes guests to its vibrant abode
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the street food heaven or a local craving an inner-city staycation, lyf Georgetown Penang’s promises comfort, hospitality, convenience, experiences, and community – basically all there is to make your stay in the city a memorable one.
Address: No.2A, Jalan Penang, Seksyen 14, 10000 George Town, Penang
Contact: 04-373 9910 | lyf Georgetown Penang website | Instagram
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Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Jia-Ju.