Me and my friends booked this hotel because we were looking for a budget hotel. We were able to get the family room that can accommodate 5 for cheap, with a free breakfast as part of the deal.

The good:
Another reason why I chose this hotel over the other many cheap hotels in Penang is because it's like reliving history. Old buildings are part of the Penang charm, and staying in one makes the experience even better. This used to be the residence of British officials, and that's reason enough for any history buff to stay here.
For the price that we paid (just over 130SGD a night for a family room with 2 doubles and 1 single), it's definitely fantastic value. Please there's breakfast that is served daily in the cafe beside the lobby. Don't expect to much from breakfast though! It's nothing fantastic, just some Malaysia basics, coffee, and some juice.
The pool is a nice addition, and we were able to use it on the last day. Plus, there's free parking for our rental car!

The not-so-good:
Since the building is very old, it would be expected that the interiors are a little worn out. The beds smell a little musty, but fortunately, no bed bugs! Also, the toilet is not up to my standards. The aircon was also a little weak in the room we stayed in, probably because it's a large room.

I would probably stay here again when I return to Penang. Yes, it's old - the name of the hotel is 1926, so that's expected! And yes, there are some misses, like the room smell and the breakfast. But, it's such great value that I don't mind. Also, the novelty of staying in a small, historic hotel in a small, history city cannot be beaten. Would choose this over soul-less international chains.

We had booked this hotel months previously, we booked a heritage room and it was not what we expected. It had everything it said it would only it was very shabby. The bed was comfy, the fridge was great, air con very necessary, a great balcony overlooking the pool. Maid came every day and made bed changed sheets regular and clean towels every day. The towels were small and threadbare for first 2 days and then we got new large bath towels, next day back to the threadbare grey things, then I asked the maid for big towels and got them from then on in. We were here for 10 days and it was after a few days I noticed that the bed and towels were really all that was getting done, the toilet and sink were cleaned by me. Breakfast was a bit of a hit or miss, we asked for eggs and toast, got eggs ,toast and cold mashed potatos? Took a while but eventually got the mash taken off. A busy weekend with lots of asians, we were told breakfast was curry or noodles, told them not for us so we got only one egg instead of usual 2, after that only got 1 egg anyway. I cannot fault the reception staff, whatever we asked for was done, they helped with wake up calls taxis etc and on out last day woke us up with 8 yes 8 slices of toast but no tea or coffee? We enjoyed our stay and did not complain as it had good and bad points, the pool was great and we had it mostly to ourseleves except for the busy weekend.

Not a bad place to stay. The staff were all very friendly - in fact the breakfast boys were apt to get in the way, constantly ''hovering'' and bringing unasked for coffee and juice. Quite sweet really, and not really a bad thing, except that i'm a misery in the morning!!! The rooms were OK , the only problem being every other rooms Air Con vibrated a bit through the walls. The pool was OK but some more comfortable seats would help. I'd stay again.