We stayed two nights at Summer Tree Hotel Penang during our trip to Penang.
One of the main reasons I chose this hotel was its location — right in the heart of Georgetown near Komtar, which makes it very convenient for getting around. It also offers parking, which is a big plus in this area. Another reason was the late check-in option, as I was having dinner with a friend in Nibong Tebal, which is quite a distance away. The pricing was also reasonable, making it an attractive choice overall.
Upon arrival, however, parking was already full. I had to park at a space right in front of the hotel where delivery trucks usually arrive in the morning. This made me slightly anxious, as I was worried I might be asked to move my car early the next day.
The lobby is simple but modern, with a creative, slightly hipster and artistic vibe — almost like a small modern art space. There are vending machines offering snacks, drinks, and essentials for travelers. At the back, there are toilets and also a laundry area with washing machines. A small coffee corner and even an old-school arcade game machine add a nice nostalgic touch, which was a pleasant surprise.
However, the room itself was quite disappointing.
While the room is basic and small — which I don’t mind — the flooring under the carpet felt severely damaged. Walking on it felt uneven and almost “soft,” as if the ground beneath had deteriorated. It gave a very uncomfortable and unsettling feeling, possibly due to moisture or termite damage underneath.
Another concern was the bathroom design. There is an elevated step at the entrance, which becomes a clear trip hazard. I actually tripped once when entering. Even after that, I had to be very cautious because the floor just outside the bathroom is extremely slippery. Every entry and exit required full attention.
There is also no proper shelf or platform inside the shower area to place shampoo or shower gel. We had to repeatedly open and close the glass door just to access toiletries during showering, which was inconvenient. Only basic amenities like shower gel and liquid hand soap were provided.
The room was also advertised with a decent view, but the window was covered with a mesh, and since we were on the first floor, there was very little to see.
On the positive side, the water dispenser outside the room was very convenient.
The next day, parking was still full, so we had to park at a private area nearby. Since it was raining, the walk back to the hotel was quite inconvenient as well.
Overall, while the location and concept of the hotel are strong, the room condition and safety design issues need serious attention. I would strongly recommend replacing the carpet flooring with vinyl wood flooring for durability and hygiene. As for the bathroom layout, improvements may be limited due to structure, but safety enhancements like anti-slip flooring would make a big difference.
