Lone Pine, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Resort is an upscale boutique hotel on the Batu Ferringhi strip, on Penang's north coast. With 90 rooms it is much smaller than the neighbouring beach resorts, and it keeps a more personal feel, with a garden, a terrace, a library and a pool with sun loungers set among the greenery. The beach is a two-minute walk away and the night market is about a nine-minute walk, so you can swim, eat out and shop without a taxi. The on-site restaurant, Bungalow, serves breakfast and al fresco dining, a coffee shop and bar sit alongside, and the spa has four treatment rooms, including one for couples. It suits couples and travellers who want an atmospheric, easy beach stay without a large resort.
Location and getting around
Batu Ferringhi is Penang's seaside district, around 50 minutes from the airport and a little under an hour from George Town by road. The hotel is in the entertainment district of the strip, close to the night market, restaurants and bars, so evenings are lively.
The Teluk Bahang attractions, including the Tropical Spice Garden and Entopia, are a short drive. Free self parking is available, and a shopping centre shuttle runs for a fee. For George Town, use a taxi or ride-hailing and agree on the return trip, since late-night availability can be patchy.
Rooms
There are ten room types, mostly at 45 to 50 square metres. Deluxe rooms with a balcony and sea-facing outlooks come with king or twin beds at about 45 square metres, Premier rooms with garden or courtyard views are around 50 to 52 square metres, and the Deluxe Suite is roughly 63 square metres and sleeps four, with a king bed and a twin bed.
Premier Courtyard rooms open onto the pool with a patio, a good choice for guests who want to step straight into the water. Sea-facing rooms cost more. Rooms are air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, and several can accommodate three or four guests, which suits small families.
Dining and extras
The Bungalow restaurant offers breakfast and open-air dinners, with cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee, so check what your rate includes. There is a coffee shop and a bar and lounge. The spa offers massage, aromatherapy, facials and body scrubs; booking ahead is needed. The hotel also has a gym, an arcade and game room, a library and billiards, and a children's pool next to the main pool. Babysitting can be arranged for a surcharge. Business facilities include conference space, which means the hotel is sometimes busy with groups on weekdays.
Who it suits and good to know: couples, friends and independent travellers who like a boutique atmosphere, with the beach, the market and the restaurants close at hand. Families with older children will find it comfortable too, but small children may prefer a resort with a waterslide and a children's club.
It sits on a busy road, so ask for a garden or courtyard room if you are a light sleeper. Check-in is in the afternoon and check-out is at noon, and the minimum check-in age is 18. Penang's beaches are not crystal clear, so treat the pool as the main swim.
Why stay here
- ✓Two-minute walk to Ferringhi Beach
- ✓Outdoor pool and children's pool
- ✓Spa with a couples room
- ✓Bungalow restaurant with al fresco dining
- ✓Coffee shop and bar
- ✓Gym, library and game room
- ✓Garden and terrace
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and free parking
Good questions
How close is Lone Pine to the beach?+
About a two-minute walk to Ferringhi Beach, and about nine minutes on foot to the Batu Ferringhi night market.
Is there a spa?+
Yes, a full-service spa with four treatment rooms, including a couples room. Reservations are required.
Is it a good base for George Town?+
It is about an hour by road, so it suits a beach stay better than a sightseeing base. Many guests combine it with a few nights in the old town.
