Golden Sands Resort Penang by Shangri-La

An old hotel that’s been kept fairly well on the inside. Probably a 3 star hotel. So many kind and friendly people work here but many seemingly untrained in hospitality work, in particular keeping common areas clean. Possibly a large part of the issue is the guest demographic. Many mainland Chinese tourists who come down to breakfast in pyjamas and hair rollers, diligently recording everything on their phones, pushing others out of their way, total lack of self awareness or respect for others. Breakfast itself is fine, a lot of choice, kids buffet offering lots of sugary treats. Staff are constantly clearing tables and refilling but it is a bit of a bunfight. Pool area is hectic, lifeguards blowing whistles constantly, tables not cleared, food and litter scattered across the grass and the tables. Families openly eating McDs from across the road and leaving litter. Pool toilets are disgustingly, it smells bad, bins overflowing and there was a massive smear of poo on the floor in the ladies loo which no one thought to report and staff failed to notice. Many people clearly walked through it and straight into the pool. The boys thought the massive lizards in the pool were fun to watch… Happy hour is good for sunset, beer is cold and the waitress was very sweet and helpful. Check in was efficient as was housekeeping, although towels were replaced every day unnecessarily. The two singers in the Lounge bar - they tried their best. Tommy’s massage tent by Sigi’s is recommended. Cheaper than the ladies who will massage your feet on the loungers. The beach has nearly been washed away and there’s broken concrete, sandbags and old tyres trying to shore it up.. Not a pretty sight, the sea in Penang is not for swimming. Batu F itself is looking very very sad neglected, run down, dirty, empty and uncared for. We ate at Barracuda Grill by Ferringhi Bay (loved it) and Andrew’s Kampung (pretty good, friendly). Would recommend both. On the whole, an average hotel, busy, chaotic pool area, reasonably priced. Batu F is not what it used to be and it’s sad to see the government seemingly not doing g anything about it. No one seems to care about the rubbish. Wasted opportunity for an iconic Malaysian holiday destination.

Beautiful hotel that ticked all of the boxes for our stay , close to restaurants /bars and water activities .. the breakfast was great and offered all types of food happy hour was great too!

Fantastic! 2 girls have 6 bottle cocktails! The night was amazing! The drinks were amazing! And the songs and environment were absolutely amazing! Also the service here! Thanks all for that amazing night!