New Hotel in Penang - AC Hotel by Marriott Penang - Crisp of Life

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to stay in one of the newest hotel in Penang - AC Hotel by Marriott in Bukit Jambul. Perhaps the hotel's location rings the memories of some Penangites.

Yes, previously it was known as Vistana Hotel but has now refurbished into AC Hotel by Marriott. It is one of the three AC Hotels in the YTL Hotels portfolio in Malaysia, Personally, I like the new touch of the AC Hotel by Marriott as it offers sense of modern minimalism, complemented by nice lighting that gives the room a comfortable feel.

On top of that, I enjoyed the sofa bed much as it allows me to unwind myself when back to the room after a long day. Even my kids enjoy the spacious sofa bed.

New Hotel in Penang - AC Hotel by Marriott Penang

Location and Facilities

In terms of location, AC Hotel by Marriott is located strategically near the Bayan Lepas Industrial Free Zone and Setia SPICE Convention Centre. Although it may be a distance from Georgetown but business travelers here will appreciate its close proximity to the factory.

The hotel is also connected to Jalan Yeap Chor Ee, which provides seamless connectivity to either Jalan Tun Dr Awang and Jalan Masjid Negeri to let you go Bayan Lepas or town area.

AC Hotel by Marriott is also equipped with a swimming pool and gym room, and the fact that the gym room is open 24 hours is definitely an added advantage! Sometimes I just like to sweat out in early morning or late at night after dinner.

Dining

Breakfast

The breakfast in AC Marriott Hotel Penang is staple and provided at the sole restaurant on the ground floor. Conventional breakfast menu are offered, including noodles, flatbread, croissants, eggs and etc.

However we observed the hotel did try to make a little difference by adding a few unique items on the breakfast menu, such as Spanish Egg in the Omelette station and Spanish coffee.

AC Lounge

Next to the check-in counter at the hotel is a AC Lounge, where you can order some food, snacks and drinks to unwind yourself.

Over here, they serve their signature cocktail - The ACGT (A Custom Gin Tonic). It evokes the Spanish herritage of AC Hotels, and comes with Tanqueray gin, tonic water, club soda garnished with orange peel and lime wheel.

As of food, AC Lounge offers waffles, chicken fricasse, lamb casserole, pizza, sandwich, soup and more. The signature here is their Chartecurie, which has hand sliced cured lamb prosciutto, a special dry cured by AC groups chef Willie of The Starhill Dining.

For guests on the go, you may order the 24/7 grab and go self service.

Banquet Chinese Cantonese Inspired Dishes

Recently, the banquet menu also underwent an upgrade with the tutoring by Master Chef Ng Wing Lum, a highly respected Hong Kong chef who is in his 70s. He purposely fly to Penang and work with Group Banquet Chinese Chef Ryan Cheow, curating various Chinese Cantonese dishes that set to entice your palate.

We managed to sample a few of the newly curated dishes and among the exemplary dishes we tried were baked salted chicken Hong Kong style, wok-fried prawns with cashew nut sauce and golden fried rice with diced chicken and pumpkin.

The banquet can be organised at the pillarless ballroom that can accomodate up to 400 people.

Rooms

You can have a look at the newly refurbished rooms in AC Marriott Hotel Penang as below pictures. If you are planning for a long stay, the other building of the hotel also offer studio unit thet comes with a living room and a kitchen.