Copthorne Orchid Hotel

I spend up to 4 months a year travelling both for business and holiday and have stayed in the past in several places in Penang over many years including the Copthorne.
STAFF…. There is no question regards the friendliness and dedication of both staff and management in trying to make your stay one that is both memorable and a reason to return. From the moment you arrive you are greeted with a smile and attention to your needs, the bell boys are quick to respond and will also help and give advice regards free shuttle buses, taxis and places of interest. You can also ask any staff member and they will also respond with friendly, honest assistance. There is also a dedicated reception desk and staff specifically to assist regards tours etc. Reception continue the friendliness but also provide the professionalism you want for both a speedy check-in and a fuss free checkout. Room cleaning is also done without intrusion upon your time and it is refreshing to return to a well-made bed and a room that has been properly cleaned and updated with free soaps, shampoos etc. The restaurant staff are always attentive but not obtrusive with a genuine smile and the dedicated egg chefs invariably remember your preferences, making breakfast, which is varied every day, a time for peace and planning and the restaurant also includes an ongoing lunch and dinner menu at all hours of the day. Pool cleaning is an important ritual every day as is also the maintenance of the beach. Most importantly management are on call at any time and do not hide away when you do have a problem or require assistance because of airline schedule changes or other issues you may have.
LOCATION….This is unquestionably the best spot to be……only a free shuttle bus, cheap taxi or local bus trip of a short 5 minutes and you are at Ferrengi for the famous night stalls but far enough away during the day to avoid the lesser pleasant parts……and you are closer to town with the choice again of free daily shuttles etc. to the shopping malls and many scenic and tourist locations. Being centralised this location is a blessing in disguise as you will also save the inconvenience of lost and wasted time having to travel around as also any taxi fares you may pay. The ongoing problem of rip-off taxi fares is also lessened by being here. For all the grown up kid in us and for our children there is the World’s largest toy and doll museum adjoining. Across the road is an extensive local food market with a choice of multicultural fares as also a food strip with a number of exceptional international restaurants to choose from with varying budgets to suite. There is also a mini shopping precinct with fresh breads and buns, local stores, international health foods, spas [also available in the hotel] and a pharmacy and nearby medical facilities. Tailors [genuine, reasonable and honest quality and cost]are also available without the constant harassment of touting for business as in Ferrengi.
All rooms have an ocean view and in many cases a generous balcony to relax on. You are also as mentioned away from the undesirable elements of Penang.
THE BEACH ….. this is a small but private clean sandy beach with many deckchairs, lawn and a place to relax away from the pool which is directly adjacent to and just a step away from a choice of 2 lifts, the advantage of location is that you are private and away from the ongoing, annoying and inconsiderate jet ski noise and spray yet close enough to be able to partake in these activities if you so desire.
Hey I forgot, they have a gym and free Wi-Fi internet around the pool and Coffee House as well ....it just gets better
DO I RECOMMEND AND WOULD I RETURN….absolutely yes,
Staff alone are a good reason, these are individuals you will leave as friends
LOCATION ….again yes, if you want a holiday to enjoy and relax and be away from the noise yet be close to all that you need including restaurants, shopping and tourist adventures to remember then this is the spot. Ferrengi is great but unfortunately is being spoiled by an undesirable few so being here[yet so close] is a blessing.
YES ………WE WILL RETURN