Penang Paradise: 3BR UrbanSuites Oasis Sleeps 8! (UB13A10)
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into Penang Paradise: 3BR UrbanSuites Oasis Sleeps 8! (UB13A10) and frankly, I'm already picturing myself sprawled on a sofa there, eating way too many nasi lemak packs, and maybe finally tackling that book I’ve been promising myself to read.
This review isn't going to be some dry recitation of facts. This is real, unfiltered me, getting you ready for Penang.
First Impressions & Accessibility (and My Existential Dread of Stairs)
Look, let's be honest. The word "Oasis" gets me every time. Visions of turquoise pools and swaying palms dance in my head. But first, accessibility. Important, people! Because while I'm dreaming of cocktails, I'm also thinking about whether Grandma can navigate the place.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: No specific mention of full wheelchair accessibility (like, ramps and all that shebang) is stated.
- Elevator: They have an elevator, praise the heavens! Because my legs and stairs? We have a complicated relationship.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Listed, but no specifics. Best to inquire before booking if you or someone in your party needs detailed accessibility info. It's the responsible thing to do. Don’t just assume. Ask!
- Airport Transfer: Yes! That’s definitely a plus. Especially after a long flight.
Then there's the Internet – Because, You Know, Life Runs on Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms: YES! Major win. Instantly, I'm imagining streaming movies in my PJs after a long day of… well, whatever I get up to on vacation.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Crucial. Gotta stay connected, even while pretending to be blissfully disconnected. And let's be real, pretending is key.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services: All present and accounted for! This place understands the modern traveler.
Cleanliness & Safety- Because, Eew, Germs!
Okay, 2024 is a different beast, and I'm hyper-vigilant about cleanliness. I'm also a germaphobe. The details here are encouraging.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Awesome!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good. Really good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Praise be!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice flexibility.
- Hand sanitizer: Essential these days.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Always a plus.
- Hygiene certification: I'd love to see this!
- Safe dining setup: Vital. Seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – AKA the Food Coma Factor
This is where I get really excited. Penang is food heaven. Let’s see what this place is working with:
- Restaurants: Plural! Good start. I'm hoping for a variety.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Ok, this is beyond promising. Looks like I'll need to pack my elastic-waist pants.
- Poolside bar: YES! Drinks by the pool are non-negotiable.
- Coffee shop: Crucial for morning coffee.
- Room service [24-hour]: Brilliant! For those late-night cravings.
- Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Buffet for the WIN. I’m all in.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Fantastic, especially if you're on a tight schedule for exploring.
- Snack bar: Perfect for mid-afternoon munchies.
- Happy hour: Essential.
- Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Nice touches.
Things to Do – Because Sometimes You Need to Move Beyond the Food Coma
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Yes, yes, and yes. Pool time is critical.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Good for burning off all the delicious food. Though, let’s be honest, I probably won’t use it, but it’s nice to have the option.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: Hello, relaxation central! Now we're talking! That spa sounds heavenly.
Services and Conveniences – The Perks That Make Life Easier
- 24-hour Front Desk, Concierge, Doorman, Luggage storage: Essential.
- Daily housekeeping: Thank goodness.
- Air Conditioning in Public Area, Elevator, Facilities for Disabled Guests: Important and great
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi Service, Valet Parking: Sweet freedom with a car or without. Excellent to have options.
- Business Facilities (Meetings, Xerox/fax in business center, Business facilities): Good if you need to sneak in some work.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Safe deposit boxes: Useful stuff.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: More convenience!
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in Penang!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Not?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: It states this. Parents, do your research as well, as family friendly doesn't always mean what we think it does.
Getting Around - the Nitty Gritty
Getting around will define so much of your trip!
- Airport Transfer: Excellent
- Car Park- Free of charge, on-site, car power charging station, bicycle parking This is a great variety that shows they are thinking of everyone's needs.
In-Room Goodies – Let’s Get Cozy!
This is the most important part. I need to know about the room itself.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Internet access – wireless, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and oh my god I'm starting to get sleepy, and the fact that there's a Window that opens, oh yes!
My Overall Vibe and the "So, Should You Book It?" Question:
Okay, am I sold? Pretty much. This place seems to be ticking all the right boxes for me. The space, the amenities, the food options… it speaks to my soul. Is it perfect? Probably not. Nothing is. But the core components – the location, the cleanliness, the comfort – are all there and that's really what matters.
My Honest Anecdote and Imperfection Alert:
This is where things get real. My last vacation? It was a disaster. We booked a place that claimed to be spacious, but was basically a glorified broom closet. The "free Wi-Fi" was a joke. And don't even get me started on the "continental breakfast." So, I'm especially sensitive now.
Recommendation:
Penang Paradise: 3BR UrbanSuites Oasis Sleeps 8! (UB13A10) - Book it! (With a caveat or two)!
- Get a detailed breakdown of accessibility if it's necessary
- If you're a huge stickler for a specific thing, call and ask.
Remember, It's Your Vacation!
This is my personal take. Your needs and preferences might be different. But based on what I know, and what I value in a vacation, this place looks pretty darn good.
Have a blast! And send me a postcard (with a photo of the pool, please!).
Escape to Paradise: Bader's Modern Blaichach Retreat Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your meticulously planned, color-coded travel guide. This is… well, let's just say it's my version of a Penang adventure. Prepare for chaos, questionable decision-making, and a whole lotta delicious food. We're talking Chillaxation Cove 3BR@UrbanSuites 8paxUB13A10 WL N Penang, here we come!
Penang Pandemonium: A Very Unofficial Itinerary (Oh God, Please Work)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Scramble (aka, Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- Morning (or, more accurately, whenever we finally drag ourselves out of bed with the help of about five alarms and a prayer): Arrive at Penang International Airport (PEN). Honestly, the flight was… a blur. Did I even sleep? Probably not. Grab a Grab (that's Southeast Asian Uber for you rookies) to Chillaxation Cove. This place better be as good as the photos, because I'm already envisioning pristine white walls and… oh, wait, just read the reviews and it's okay, it isn't a huge mansion, but it’s a nice, clean place.
- Mid-Morning: Unpack (or, more accurately, throw everything haphazardly onto a bed). Survey the damage. Realize I forgot my favorite travel pillow. Cue mini-meltdown. Okay, deep breaths. We can survive without a neck pillow.
- Lunch (the most crucial meal of the day, obviously): Get. Noodles. Immediately. The goal is to hit up a local hawker stall. I was told to try the Char Kway Teow. My stomach is already rumbling in anticipation. Finding the perfect stall… That's where the fun begins. I am not a map person. I walk in circles. I get distracted by shiny objects. I question every decision I've ever made. Expect a full-blown existential crisis while trying to order. Maybe I will just stand and stare at the noodles and think.
- Anecdote: Last time in Malaysia, I swore I was ordering a refreshing iced tea. Instead, I got some sort of thick, overly sweet concoction that tasted vaguely of cough syrup. I drank it anyway because I was parched and didn't want to offend the vendor. This time, I'm bringing a translation app. Pray for me.
- Afternoon: Explore Georgetown! I said "explore". In reality, I'm probably going to wander aimlessly, get hopelessly lost in a maze of charmingly dilapidated streets, and take approximately 100 pictures of street art. Someone, please tell me how to find the famous murals. Maybe I will make it a game.
- Quirky Observation: The weather here… is hot. Like, really hot. Like, "sweating in places you didn't know you could sweat" hot. I'm already questioning my choice of clothing.
- Evening: Dinner at a proper restaurant. Let's aim for something authentic. I'm picturing a table overflowing with deliciousness, and a satisfied grin on my face. Maybe some Laksa. Just thinking about it makes my stomach do a happy dance.
- Night: Collapse in bed. Attempt to fight off the jet lag. Probably fail. Stay up all night reading, and eating snacks that weren't part of the diet.
Day 2: Temples, Temples Everywhere (and a Near-Death Experience with Curry)
- Morning: Visit Kek Lok Si Temple. This is apparently a big deal. I'm a sucker for temples. They're beautiful, serene, and usually involve a near-death experience on a steep flight of stairs.
- Messy Structure: I'm already exhausted just thinking about it. I can't even deal with the stairs. I hope there is a nice, flat path up to the top. And I really hope I don't embarrass myself by accidentally walking in front of a prayer ceremony.
- Mid-Morning: More temple exploring. Maybe the Snake Temple? Apparently, it's full of… well, snakes. I have mixed feelings about this. I'm fascinated, yet terrified. Proceed with caution (and a healthy dose of adrenaline).
- Lunch: Attempt to eat curry. Attempt. Penang curry is supposed to be legendary. I’m also a delicate flower when it comes to spicy food. Last time I tried something remotely spicy, I broke out in a full-body sweat and resembled a fire hydrant. This time, I'm bringing a mountain of napkins and a gallon of water. Let's do this.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The curry. Oh. My. God. It was magnificent. The flavors exploded in my mouth. A little bit of sweat, but nothing that can't be tamed.
- Doubling Down: Okay, so it was the best curry I've ever had. The rich, creamy sauce, the tender meat, the perfect balance of spices… I'm already planning a return trip, possibly later this afternoon. I've never felt this way about a meal.
- Afternoon: Beach time! Yes, please. Time to relax and soak up some sun. Pack the sunscreen (this is a must, I will get burned).
- Evening: Night Market adventure, looking for souvenirs, something I probably won't use.
- Night: More Laksa! It is so good!
Day 3: Departure (and the inevitable post-vacation blues)
- Morning: One last breakfast of noodles, of course. Need to savor every last bite. Before packing my bags, revisit my favorite place.
- Mid-Morning: Scramble to pack. Realize I've bought approximately 17 t-shirts that I probably don't need.
- Lunch: One last, desperate attempt to eat a dish I didn't get to try.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. Say goodbye to Penang (sniff, sniff).
- Final Thoughts: Penang, you beautiful, chaotic, delicious place. I love you. I hate you. I can't wait to come back.
- Post-Vacation: Spend the next week dreaming about noodles, Penang curry, and the questionable decisions I made. Begin planning the next adventure.
This is my Penang. It's not perfect, it's messy, and it's probably going to involve a whole lot of eating. But it's mine. And that's what makes it perfect. Now, wish me luck! I’m going to need it.
Escape to Sylt: Your Dream Seafront Holiday Home Awaits!
Penang Paradise: 3BR UrbanSuites Oasis Sleeps 8! (UB13A10) - The Truth (and Possibly Some Lies) You NEED to Know!
Okay, Okay, Let's Be Honest: What's the REALLY important stuff? Is it *really* an "Oasis"?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. "Oasis?" Depends on your definition. If your oasis is a place with aircon that actually WORKS (thank GOD), a decent pool (kinda small, but hey, it's there!), and comfy beds… then YES. My kids, bless their sugar-fueled souls, called it "The Bestest Place Ever!!" (And they're brutal critics, trust me. Remember that time we went to that Michelin-starred restaurant...? Let's just say it involved breadsticks being flung across the table.)
So, the location? Pretty good. Close enough to the action in Georgetown to be convenient, but far enough away to… well, *try* and escape the insane traffic. Emphasis on *try*. I swear, navigating Penang traffic is like playing Frogger on steroids. And the noise? Oh, the noise! Plan on earplugs, especially if you're a light sleeper. My husband, he snored louder than the passing motorcycles anyway, so I was used to it!
Eight People? Seriously? Is this place a sardine can?
Eight! Uh, yes. Technically. Look, we *did* manage eight. It was… cozy. VERY cozy. The main bedroom is decent, the other two bedrooms? Let's just say the last person in gets the short straw and the (slightly) smaller bed. Think strategically. We had the grandparents in the master (bragging rights!), the kids in another, and the poor, unsuspecting cousins in the last one.
The living room? That's where the magic happens! Or, you know, where suitcases get strewn and the kids build forts out of pillows. We might have brought an air mattress - just to be on the safe side. And the bathroom situation? Well, that's where the *real* logistical challenges begin. Schedule those showers, people! And bring extra deodorant. Seriously.
The Kitchen: Can I actually cook something more ambitious than instant noodles? Asking for a friend (that friend is me).
Okay, the kitchen. It's… adequate. It *has* a stove. It *has* a fridge. It *has*… some questionable cookware. Let's just say I'd recommend sticking to simple meals. We attempted a stir-fry one night. Ended up setting off the smoke alarm (twice!). The kids thought it was hilarious. My husband, less so (mostly because he was the one frantically waving a towel at the blaring alarm).
Pro-tip: If you're planning on cooking anything remotely elaborate, bring your own decent knife. The ones provided looked like they'd been battling a particularly stubborn pineapple for centuries. And maybe some tupperware. The storage situation is… limited.
And the tap water? I had to ask the cleaning lady if it was safe to drink (it was).
Pool Time! Spill the beans. Is it as advertised? Is it packed with screaming children?
The pool. Ah, the pool! Beautiful, in the pictures. In reality? Well, it's a pool. It's clean(ish). It's smallish. And, yes, there were children. A LOT of children. Our children. Other people’s children. Children, children everywhere!
It's not Olympic-sized; think more like a glorified bathtub. But it's refreshing after a day of trekking around Georgetown in the heat. We spent a large portion of the trip *in* the pool if I am being truthful.
It was also a great place for the kids to make new friends from all over the world. I even made a new friend that shared some awesome local tips. Score!
Let's talk about the "Urban" part. Am I going to be staring at a brick wall all day? (Important: I'm a nature person)
"UrbanSuites" nailed the "Urban" part. You're IN the city. Expect city views (buildings, mostly). Expect city sounds (traffic, mostly). You *might* see a stray cat or two. Don't expect rolling hills and babbling brooks. Penang IS a vibrant, bustling place, but if you crave nature, you’ll need to make an effort.
We managed to find a nice park nearby with green spaces . It was nice break from the concrete jungle.
What are the MAJOR downsides I need to be prepared for - and not just fluffy marketing crap?
Okay, real talk time. Here's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (or at least MOSTLY the truth):
- Noise: Did I mention the noise? Prepare for it. Bring earplugs. Accept it. Embrace it. It's part of the Penang charm. (Said with a sigh and a wistful look toward the quiet of my home).
- Space: While it sleeps 8, it's not a mansion. Be prepared to Tetris your luggage and potentially trip over a rogue suitcase.
- Kitchen Equipment: Don't expect gourmet cooking. Stick to simple meals, or plan to eat out (Penang has AMAZING food, so not a huge loss, right?)
- The Elevator Saga: The elevators can be a bit… temperamental. We faced a few waits (and the occasional heart-stopping moment), especially during peak times. Be patient, or, you know, walk up the stairs if you're feeling brave.
- Cleaning.: This place could have been cleaner. Let's be frank. It's not filthy, mind you, but I found a few stray hairs that weren't mine. (Ew.)
Would you stay there again? Be honest! It's important.
Honestly? For the price? Yeah, I'd probably stay there again. The location is good, it's FAMILY-FRIENDLY (and that's a HUGE win), and the aircon worked. Did I mention the aircon? Essential. It's not the lap of luxury, but it's a solid base for exploring a fantastic place.
Penang itself? Absolutely I would go back. The food is incredible (hello, Char Kway Teow!), the culture is fascinating, and the people are lovely. Next time, though, I'm bringing my own kitchen knife and possibly buying stock in earplug manufacturers.
