It started with a simple tweet. It ended with grand quality time with the family. I posted on twitter that I was craving for Restoran Kapitan’s Chicken Tandoori and Cheese Naan. I was really wishing to grab a bite of that favorite Indian dish and unexpectedly, I received a wonderful response from Hard Rock Hotel Penang. My casual tweet received an extraordinary invite. Hard Rock Hotel Penang replied that my craving’s a good one and they invited me and my family to experience their lavishly unconventional beach front hotel and resort located at the heart of the famous Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia. How could you say no to such offer, when in fact, its location in Batu Ferringhi is so accessible by car or via Rapid Penang Bus # 101 from Weld Quay or jetty in George Town.
Admittedly, I am happy that I gave my nod to the invitation. The entire experience redefined what Penang means to me and my family. The 3D2N staycation in Hard Rock Hotel Penang made us realized that Penang is bigger than being one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, more than being our current work place, larger than having diversities and multicultured communities; it’s actually greater than meets the eye! Penang truly deserves the vast attention it gets from local and foreign tourists. Our short but sweet weekend escapade at Hard Rock Hotel Penang proved that the island is made extra special by having a FAMILY FRIENDLY premiere hotel, a great advantage above the rest.
Let me begin the sharing of our family’s experience and my personal review of Hard Rock Hotel facilities, services and its food and beverages by showcasing one of my favorite shots I took from the balcony of our seaview deluxe room…
Enticing, is it not? 🙂
Simple but lovely touches like this personal note made our stay so special…
My recall of Hard Rock dates back to the Philippines’ HRC in Makati City and our short visit to Las Vegas ages ago. Hard Rock Hotel Penang and its Hard Rock Cafe located at its facade reminded me of those stupendous memories.
We liked how they enshrined the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson ala-Abraham Lincoln right in front of HRC, so cool! 🙂
The iconic Hard Rock logo recreated in this fine drop-light chandelier dominates the entrance to the lobby.
Tina and I love Beatles, who doesn’t? We grew up hearing their songs on air and from my parents’ turntable. Thus, it’s amazing to see Beatles-inspired artworks, sculptures and mosaic-tiled-paintings all over Hard Rock Hotel Penang’s lobby and Hard Rock Cafe.
The sight of the check-in counter with a reception bar concept might be intimidating and discouraging for some guests with families and children, or perhaps to non-alcoholics, but I, myself marveled on the fact that Hard Rock Hotel Penang is absolutely, FAMILY-FRIENDLY bar none. Read and view this entire 2-part-blog-series and I need not convince you.
Few steps from the reception area at the lobby are fascinating memorabilia from music icons of rock and roll and other genres. From a 500-collection of costumes, to musical instruments, awards and whatnot, guests and visitors would surely feel being in one of the most relaxing hotel and resort and at the same time, a funky museum that houses an unparalleled treasure that highlights the wide span of rock and roll era.
Immediately after the staff at the reception handed me the magnetic keys to our room, we went up to 5th floor.
No, we’re not booked at the Rock Star Suite, but there’s always a next time, isn’t it? hahahaha! 😛
We were provided a seaview deluxe room that opens to a private balcony that’s too perfect for watching sunset, reflecting on life’s simple pleasures, meditation, savoring cups of coffee or even to while away time and think of nothing. The room and the view are definitely glorious!
This is one of my favorite corners of the room as it kept me relaxed and at the same time a bit busy in keeping in touch with my virtual world. I don’t think I’ll be at ease when I’m not hooked online. Thankfully, Hard Rock Hotel Penang provides FREE wifi/wireless and wired/broadband with rapid accessibility. The connection’s fast, it made me and my family happier! 🙂
“Rockin’ Rooms : Hard Rock Hotel Penang has 250 tastefully designed rooms including 17 suites. Most rooms are with sea views and private balconies. Lagoon view rooms come with direct pool access. All rooms and suites are well-equipped with DVD/CD players, interactive LCD, TVs, iPod docking stations…”
The size of the seaview deluxe room and the height of the ceiling spell the difference…
While pillows are available in various softness, the bed isn’t too firm nor too soft; it has the right feel to provide utmost comfort. I like the immaculate white sheets too. All in all, my family had restful sleeps for 2 nights in this bedroom.
Flat iron and iron stand, a safety deposit box (not in photo), 2 pairs of slippers, bathrobes are all made available inside the wardrobe. Coffee and tea making facilities, bottles of distilled water are replenished 2x daily.
The toilet and shower also compliments everything in the room. Despite the lack of bath tub (Who needs a bath tub if there’s so much to explore in this resort hotel?), cleanliness, frequent replenishment of toiletries, hand-held and rainfall shower with hot and cold water make every bathroom visits worry-free.
There’s a peek-a-boo-sliding divider from the toilet that to me, appears as a necessity in times of emergency. Oh well, others would consider it sexy; I don’t have problem with that too. 😉
As I first saw the huge mirror inside the toilet, I didn’t notice the framed black and white painting…
The rock and roll theme’s spontaneous! Hail to the King! There’s Elvis!!! 😀
I think it’s the first photo that I posted on my facebook as a teaser to this blog series on Hard Rock Hotel Penang. I even captioned it as “I wanted it as a takeaway freebie, LOL!” 😛
We left our room to meet few people from Hard Rock Hotel Penang and the other Malaysian bloggers invited. Tina, Gabby and I also checked out the hotel and resort’s facilities and amenities. Man, we were blown away! My personal expectations were met, even exceeded. I never imagined Hard Rock Hotel to have the most kid-friendly swimming pool that we’ve seen to date! It has the largest free-form swimming pool in Penang at 26,000 sqft. The kiddie swimming pool is a playplace cum swimming pool with both sand and tiled floors for children’s preference! Tina and Gabby were greatly satisfied and happy too! We felt so blessed to have experienced and enjoyed Hard Rock Hotel Penang! I am overwhelemed by the fact that my family and I got to spend quality time in this beautiful resort. At this point, let my photos do the talking…
The joy that Tina and I felt when we’re watching Gabby savoring his time in the pool and its playplace was priceless!
I also had a fair share of my own me-time. 🙂 I think it’s healthy and far from being greedy to observe quality time too for ourselves, don’t you think?
The premises of Hard Rock Hotel Penang ends just before the public beach nonetheless, its guests and visitors can delight themselves in the sand, sun and waters. To some, particularly foreigners who haven’t seen our country yet, the public beach of Batu Ferringhi, Penang is already a paradise and I cannot contest on that. But for Filipinos like us, who have high standards when it comes to beaches (read: the Philippines, if you must know, is an archipelago of 7,107 islands), I must be honest enough that we’ve seen far better shorelines in our country (Boracay alone is Nirvana to sun beach and sun worshippers). At least the location of Hard Rock Hotel is a beach front one, it gives its clients options to dive into the pool or bask under the Malaysian sun. Watersports like jetskiing, parasailing, banana boat ride, boat rides to nearby islands and other fun outdoor activities are also available from operators stationed in the public beach.
Gabby also enjoyed his time in the sand… and I mean literally in the sand! 😀
My family also availed of the Rock Spa’s foot and leg massage for half an hour (the other option included in the package’s neck massage). After strolling in the beach, dipping in the pool and taking aimless walks around the hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Penang really knows how to retune and pamper their guests like rockstars! 🙂
Special thanks to the very warm and friendly staff of Rock Spa, Amy, Fifi and Niniya. It’s a pleasure meeting you! 🙂
HRHP also has Body Rock gym that offers a soothing sight of the pool and lush greens for those health buff hotel guests.
Family friendliness doesn’t stop at the kiddie swimming pool and playplace. Little ones can have their own fun time at Li’l Rock…
While our almost 8-year-old-kiddo who’s in his awkward age (not a kid anymore but not yet a teenages) fits the Teen’s Club to tee!
When dusk falls upon us…
Rockin’ and rollin’ of the live band perks up the night and puts everyone at the lobby to the beat!
Live band music, ultimately relaxing and chill out ambiance, what more can you ask for? 😛
We cannot let the day pass without buying a memento. Luckily, Rock Shops, the souvenir stores of Hard Rock Hotel Penang had their Tshirts and other merchandise at 50% off during that weekend!
I’d like to echo the words from one of the brochures of Hard Rock Hotel Penang,“It’s all about first class entertainment, impeccable service and center stage attention. It’s an ultimate rock retreat!”
My family and I cannot agree more. Everything in Hard Rock Hotel Penang is an epitome of colossal excellence! 😀
Hard Rock Hotel Penang | Batu Ferringhi Beach | 111oo Penang, Malaysia
http://penang.hardrockhotels.net/
Take the Hard Rock Hotel Penang VIRTUAL TOUR HERE! 🙂
————
Up Next : Food & Beverages at Hard Rock Hotel Penang!
Buka Puasa at Starz | Starz Diner | Mondat to Thursday | 6:30PM till 10:30PM | RM 60++
Great American Buffet With A Twist | Starz Diner | Friday & Saturday | 6:30PM till 10:30PM | RM108++
Buka Puasa & Hari Raya Barefoot BBQ | Pizzeria | Sunday | 6:30PM to 10PM | RM60++
For reservations call +604 8811 711 ext 8703 or email fb.penang@hardrockhotels.net
————
*Thank you to Ms. Danielle Fung of Hard Rock Hotel Penang for making this grand family weekend experience possible.
beyond toxicity @ docgelo.com 
I know right! It was so awesome that I don’t wanna leave!
we’re missing the experience already! waaaaah 😦
seriously, it’s one of our merriest!
Looks like you had one rockin’ weekend Doc! 😉
you bet, nina!
i cannot wait to share what we feasted.
food porn of epic proportion, coming up! hahaha! 😀
wow doc! ang ganda. i like that they have a sort of exhibition sa lobby. something to entertain while wating for your check-in or checkout process to be finished. i’m not really a fan of beatles, pero gusto mga murals and artwork nila dyan.
and i love those big seats while watching the band. san kaya nakakabili nyan!
a tweet on food naging stay sa hotel? i am setting up a twitter account! haha!
thanks, grace!
c’mmon, put up your own twitter account! follow @docgelo #selfpromotion 🙂
Is Gabby a good swimmer now? Just curious.
hi again, bert!
guess what? like daddy like son, LOL!
gabby has not started swimming lessons yet.
he’s content frolicking in the pool and on the sand for now.
wow it sure looks like you enjoyed your time in the hotel! haha, sometimes it’s true, we come across a resort so appealing we forgot to explore the destination itself too 🙂