Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang

Joanne Loh

Nicely maintained resort, good service Cons: 1) We specifically asked for a quiet room before check-in, but they put us right next to the beach bar where drunk wedding guests were singing up till 3 am. The hotel reservations team needs to be better trained, and the security team needs to know how to handle rowdy guests. 2) Breakfast at Spice Market is well-presented, but like many other reviewers have said, lacks oomph. Likely catered to Western tastes. The Grill has a nicer view, but similar issues.

Phil Denholm

A fantastic stay in this amazing 5 star resort. We stayed 2 nights in the Rassa wing with club lounge access and it was simply superb. After a week exploring KL and George Town a couple of days relaxation was just what we needed before heading off to KL again. The lounge gains you afternoon tea, evening drinks and nibbles and the option of breakfast in the Ferengie grill. Food was all really good, free drinks round the pool was also really good, the pool it's self was really quiet when we visited (easter Sunday and Monday) but other reviews say about it being very busy so I guess it's about the type of crowd during your stay. The grounds are immaculate just don't expect a beach, if you want sand you have to go further along the coast, the sea is full of jellyfish so beat staying in the pool anyway. I would 100% recommend this place and we will hopefully be back soon.

Ruth Murphy

Just back from a week in Penang and 4 nights at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang. One of the best, if not the best hotel experiences I've had. From the moment we arrived I felt relaxed. The staff are warm and friendly at all times, never felt intrusive, just there in the background and available when needed. I felt like I was living my best White Lotus life - lounging by the pool, swanning around the tropical gardens and setting my watch for cocktail hour in the evening. The day spa was also divine and again, one of the best massages I've had. We met a number of other guests who are repeat visitors and it's easy to see why. We stayed in the Rasa wing and the guests are more mature (this is not a party hotel), the garden wing is more suited to families. But if you're looking for a calm and relaxing break with some luxury touches, this is the spot.

Lydia Tye

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here . The staff are friendly , helpful , and always take initiative to make our trip pleasant and memorable . Breakfast is good with a great variety of choices . The gardens and surrounding are peaceful and calm. We have been coming back year after year , and have stayed in this resort more than 15 times (lost count ) and we always feel welcome by the kind hospitality ! Special thanks to Vijay for the special cup of lemon honey drink to sooth my throat 😊

Amit Chippa

I recently booked a stay at this hotel with my family for a luxury staycation, expecting an experience as grand and refined as the reputation suggests. Unfortunately, the reality fell short of expectations. Room Experience – Rasa Wing: We stayed in the Rasa Wing, which is marketed as the premium wing of the property. Naturally, we anticipated top-tier rooms and amenities. However, the experience didn’t reflect that standard. Pillows: The pillows provided were extremely flat, so we decided to try the extra ones kept in the wardrobe. To our surprise, the pillowcases were covered in dust, indicating they hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. We then ordered pillows from the Pillow Menu, which were cleaner but noticeably smaller and not very comfortable. It’s unclear why the sizing was inconsistent. Coffee Table & Amenities: The coffee table drawers were dusty, and the instant coffee and tea sachets stored inside were also covered in dust. Even if they haven’t been used, basic cleanliness should be maintained—especially in a hotel of this caliber. Cleanliness & Hygiene: One night, we stepped out of our room and were shocked to see a small mouse running along the corridor, attempting to enter various rooms. While we understand the hotel is surrounded by nature, this is not something guests expect to encounter in a five-star environment. We understand the presence of reptiles/insects in the garden but not in the corridor of the rooms. High Tea Experience: The high-tea offering was quite underwhelming. The quality and selection of food were below average compared to similar offerings elsewhere. The set included beef sandwiches, which we don’t consume, so we inquired about a substitute. We were told that dietary requests needed to be made in advance—however, no menu was provided at the time of booking, so we had no way of knowing this. Additionally, the coffee served was basic machine-made coffee, not barista-crafted as one would expect in such a setting. Breakfast: The breakfast experience was much the same—lackluster in both variety and quality. In fact, we’ve experienced significantly better breakfasts at hotels that charge a fraction of this price. Overall Impression: Rasa Sayang simply does not deliver on the promise of a luxury experience. For the premium rates they charge, one expects far better standards in food quality, room upkeep, and overall service. There’s a lot of potential here, but considerable improvements are needed to justify the pricing and the brand image the hotel aims to uphold.