Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown: Top Hotel Pick for Penang

Penang has never been short on places to sleep. However, if picking a hotel that is brilliantly located, affordable and has an outstanding breakfast, look no further. I highly recommend Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang, located directly opposite the Komtar building.

Below, I have reviewed the hotel, but more importantly, this post provides an introduction to the variety of properties under the Ascott portfolio of brands.

Choosing an Ascott property in Penang was a practical way to maximise my Ascott Star Rewards (ASR). However, with The Ascott Group’s surprisingly large portfolio in Penang, picking the perfect spot was a challenge. I spent some time narrowing it down, ultimately prioritising a location that would allow me to explore Georgetown’s main attractions easily on foot.

Citadines Connect – Centrally located hotels

At the start, I was confused about the difference between a Citadines vs Citadines Connect property. Turns out, the primary difference lies in the service model and guest experience.

Citadines properties are aparthotels designed for longer stays. Typically, rooms come equipped with kitchenettes and separate living areas.

Citadines Connect is a sub-brand for value-seeking travellers. These properties are typically hotels that have compact yet stylish rooms without kitchenettes.

Different Brands: Ascott, Citadines Connect, lyf, Crest Collection and more

There is Ascott Gurney Penang, located along the famous Gurney Drive waterfront. The property has 277 spacious serviced apartments with views of the sea. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens and facilities include an infinity pool and a yoga room.

Pet-lovers would enjoy their stay at Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang, a pet-friendly hotel. The property has 143 rooms and is divided into two distinct blocks: Block A and Block B. Catering to family groups, there are two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to four guests. Other room types include Standard and Executive Rooms, and Studio rooms, some with windowless configurations.

The hotel on Noordin Street is within walking distance of the iconic Cecil Street Market Hawker Centre, also known amongst locals as the 7th Street Market (七条路巴刹).

Fun Fact: the market is exactly seven streets away from Komtar Tower.

Citadines Connect Cecil Georgetown Penang was a hotel I considered booking. It is located in a preserved pre-war building opposite the Cecil Street Market. I thought it was a clever way to show consideration for guests to exclude breakfast at the hotel. This demonstrated that they knew guests would prefer to opt for the local delights that could easily be enjoyed just around the neighbourhood.

Plus, it was just a short 7-min walk from the popular Hin Bus Depot weekend market. The market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Saturdays: Feature rotating themed markets, including a Makers Market every third Sunday of the month.
Sundays: The signature Hin Sunday Market, known for its largest gathering of local vendors, live music, and family-friendly atmosphere.

For something more social and contemporary, lyf Georgetown Penang offered 144 units designed for the next-generation traveller. And then there was The George Penang by the Crest Collection, a distinguished 5-star hotel with an enviable address on Jalan Penang. 

Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown (Hotel Review)

★★★★★ — Exceptional Location (Foodie Central)
★★★★★ — Hotel Breakfast (probably the only hotel in Penang with free-flow sparkling wine served at breakfast)

One of the greatest luxuries of this property is its proximity to the “Holy Grail” of street food. Being in the heart of the heritage district means you’re always just minutes away from a legendary meal. I also love the blend of modern-day amenities and the heritage shophouse design with an indoor air-conditioned walkway. The double-room suites are located on the ground floor across from the hotel reception, and despite just being. three storeys high, there are lifts located on both sides of the hotel.

An indulgent breakfast spread

Guests are truly spoilt for choice with four different varieties of siew mai (Original, Black Pepper, Tom Yum, Otak Otak). And of course, there was the banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak at the buffet line. There is a mini salad bar with local greens and fresh fruits and yoghurt.

My breakfast highlight was the juice station offering a refreshing level of customisation. Guests can either select from a curated menu of recommended juice blends or request a signature blend from their selection of fresh fruits. I ended up loving their “Calm Mind” juice blend, a combination of Carrot, Orange and Lemon (described as a zesty mix to uplift one’s mood and ease tension).

I loved the thoughtful touch of an à la carte table menu alongside the spread. It’s a clever way to ensure guests can enjoy freshly prepared staples like Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Pancakes, or omelettes customised exactly to their liking. To keep things interesting for longer stays, they even feature a “noodle of the day”—a small but significant detail that guarantees a genuine rotation of variety each morning.

One morning, I opted for the Mee Soto, and I was genuinely impressed by the portion size—they definitely didn’t skimp on the shredded chicken! The highlight, however, was the accompanying sambal kicap; it packed a powerful, authentic punch of spiciness.

Rooms: Modern and Comfortable

Step inside the guest rooms and the aesthetic immediately signals that someone put serious thought into this place. The design leans into contemporary minimalism — bright, uncluttered, and easy on the eyes. A thoughtful and sustainable touch were the filtered water refill stations located on every floor.

Each room includes a writing desk, a 50-inch TV screen, soundproofed windows, a mini fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

The hotel offers 70 rooms and apartments across several categories, including Studio Twin, Studio Premier, Suite Premier Room Double, and Two Bedroom Premier options — giving it flexibility for solo travellers, couples, and families alike.

Facilities: Pool, Gym, and More

The hotel features a rooftop pool (16m × 2.5m) and a well-equipped gym. For a boutique hotel of this size, it’s an impressive offering. The rooftop pool in particular has drawn praise from guests who appreciated the ability to unwind after long days of sightseeing.

The Verdict

Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown ia a hotel that delivers on the basics — clean rooms, great location, reliable Wi-Fi . And of course, a breakfast worth waking up for. However, if you’re keen to try all the different hawker food in Penang, a foodie tip would be to book rooms without breakfast, and opt to dine-in for one morning for breakfast. Citadines Bertam Georgetown is offering a RM 50 nett F&B Credit Per Stay, redeemable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This allows you to get the best of both worlds.

A bus stop sits right at the front door, with KOMTAR’s bus station just across the street. The bus stop outside also has a Rapid Penang bus service, Route 204, which takes you to Penang Hill. Although be warned, timings for the bus can be over 30 mins, so Grab rides can be an easy alternative.

The hotel does not offer complimentary on-site parking. Guests can park at the temple next door for a guaranteed spot at around RM20 a day, with additional parking options at the back of the hotel.

Foodie Finds near Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown

• Macalister New Lane & Kimberley Street: These food streets are just a short walk away. Whether you’re hunting for the famed char kway teow or enjoying the hawker delights on Kimberley Street (the Duck Kway Chap is a must), you can get your fix and be back in your room before the food coma fully sets in.
• Hema Hema Ice Cream: Just around the corner on Lebuh Campbell. Don’t let the queue deter you; their Burnt Butter and Pistachio scoops are the perfect mid-afternoon reward.

• Chowrasta Market: A 10-minute stroll takes you to Penang’s oldest market. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible—from the scent of pickled nutmeg to the hidden second-hand book treasures upstairs.

Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown
Address: 428, Jalan Penang, Georgetown, 10000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Getting Around Georgetown: The hotel is 250 m away from Wisma MCA bus stop. There is a Free CAT (Central Area Transit) shuttle. that loops through the UNESCO Heritage zone. It stops at major sights like Chowrasta Market, The Blue Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, and Little India.

A special thanks to The Ascott for allowing me to visit a few of their properties across Georgetown. It was helpful to see how each property tailors its offerings to different types of travellers. What is impressive is how they manage to maintain that signature reliability I’ve come to expect from The Ascott.