U Hotel

Artsy, Budget Boutique Hotel

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Visited: Aug-2015
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 1
Service: 6
Value for Money: 9
Spent about SGD $54 per person.
- $54 Accomodation 2D1N
- $0 Room Service


Nearby Attractions: Kek Lok Si-Temple of Supreme Bliss, Penang Hill, Penang Botanic Gardens, Amazing Nibong Tebal, Orchid & Hisbiscus & Reptile Garden, Penang Butterfly Farm, Penang Bridge, Snake Temple, War Museum, Tropical Spice Garden, Fort Cornwallis, Toy Museum, Penang Bird Park, Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion, Old Penang City Hall, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Penang Islamic Museum, Penang Peranakan Mansion, Mirrors George Town Street Art, iBox Museum Of Glass, Penang State Museum, Clan Jetties, Gurney Plaza & Gurney Drive, Queensbay Mall, Straits Quay, Prangin Mall, Queen Victoria Clock Tower, Made In Penang Interactive Museum, Amazing World Studios


Hotel Facilities: Business Centre, Free Wi-Fi, Conference Rooms, Cable TV, Airport Transfer Service


Hotel Activities: Internet Surfing, Meetings






Introduction
Located about 10 - 20 minutes drive away from the Bayan Lepas International Airport in Penang, U Hotel is a modern budget boutique hotel, targeted at business travellers, and short stay holiday makers. Located within the Bayan Lepas industrial business hub, and directly surrounded by local restaurants, convenient stores, and services, U Hotel is also rather close to the cultural and historic district of George Town, about 10 - 20 minutes drive away.


Ambience
Ambience at U Hotel is chic and modern. The stylish, colourful, art decor is eye catching, and U Hotel holds an art competition yearly, inviting local Malaysian artists to create murals and artwork which adorns the walls on each level. Take the chance to explore each level of U Hotel, it's almost like walking around a modern art museum!


Room
Rooms at U Hotel are small, but clean and comfortable, with decent amenities. Designed for business travellers, the small space of the Venus Queen room is only suitable for the lone traveller, or couples. There is some space for luggage, and the shelf has enough space for a few clothes, but it's definitely not adequate for staying more than 3 days & 2 nights. The bathroom is a nice size, about 1/3 the overall size of the room, with a shower, and stocked with minimal toiletries, but lacking shampoo. Design is industrial retro, with white walls against wooden furnishings, and retro artwork.


Food
Food at U Hotel isn't available. This 3-star hotel has absolutely no food, or room service offered. However, there are many coffee shops, hawker centres, fast food outlets, and restaurants all within 5 minutes walking distance from U Hotel. Complimentary bottles of water are provided in the room though. Supposedly, there is a cafe within the building, but during my stay, it was under renovation.


Service
Service at U Hotel is decent enough for a budget hotel. The reception staff are friendly, and are able to offer tips / advice on getting around, finding amenities, or loaning umbrellas. Rather efficient as well, especially when many people check-in or check-out at the same time. Baby cots and laundry services are only available upon request. As there's no room service, and no making-up of rooms until you check out, you'll rarely see or interact with staff.


Facilities & Activities
There are no activities within U Hotel, aside from walking around each level to admire the artwork. There is also no gymnasium or swimming pool, though the lobby has a whimsical designed business centre. U Hotel also offers several conference rooms / meeting rooms within the premises. I like that they offer free airport transfers too.