Golden Sands Resort By Shangri-La

( 2 stars , Penang , Malaysia )

The Golden Sands does not live up to the standard of other Shangri La resorts that we have used. The resort is 30 years old and the rooms smell musty, the carpet and furnishings are in need of a good clean and are very very old. Whilst it has a kids club, it's location is at the back of the resort down an alley way between a walkway for staff and the staff carpark and the room has no windows. We did not feel comfortable with the security and our children did not want to stay unlike other clubs. The trees or access to umbrellas is very limited for those that wish to sit outside but not in full sun. Our room was just above the Muslim Mosque, so you are woken early to chanting via a speaker system less than 10 m from the resort. The beach activities, night markets and close proximity to outside restaurants and shops is the only thing that this resort has going for it. It is in need of a major upgrade for the money you pay for the room and services.

I stayed at this hotel in November 2007. The hotel is very good but could use a little upgrade in the future. The rooms are large and the breakfast is better than most hotels. A great buffet and plenty of tables. The pool area is excellent and this hotel is the only one that has plenty of sun to get a tan. More than enough chairs for sunbathing and the beach is excellent. Plenty of beach fun to be had. The beer is expensive but you can get great food across the street and the beer is half price. Music on Friday night across the street and the vendors come out each night about sundown. About a 45 minute taxi from the air port. I will go there again for sure. The best place on the beach. I travel a lot around the world and me and my wife will recommend this place. O Johnson American

I stayed here a few years back and I am looking to return to Penang, but my memory of not being able to sleep because the bed and pillows were too hard is still at the forefront of my mind. Is it still the same? Otherwise I loved it, but I will definitely not return if they still have this problem.

grounds were great. There were 2 pools that were nice. U couldn't really swim in the ocean as there were multiply signs warning ppl about jelly fish. i never really saw any but who wants to take a chance on there holiday. what really annoyed me about the beach also was that u couldn't go for a walk without being hasseled by people from outside the hotel trying to persuade you to go jetskying, parasailing etc for a fee of course.. The room was good. but much smaller than what i expected. The night markets were right outside the hotel street which was great. Food at the hotel i found pricey but good thing was there were plenty of other places to eat outside the hotel. i would recommend this hotel more to families and couples. its kinda boring social wise if ur a young bunch of ppl wanting to have fun

We keep returning so we must enjoy! The local hawker food is great, go to the lone star cafe you will have a great time people so friendly the place is buzzing & full of color.

I stayed here for the first month of my now 1 year work assignment in Penang..... I got spoiled here... first rate everything.... other places I have stayed do not even come close to equalling the positive experience I had here.... my kids were with me for that first month and the staff were awesome in helping them feel at home with all the activities etc. Beach activities are not governed by the hotel (ie: jetski, parasailing etc) so bargaining is the main theme for those ventures... but the hotel has alot they do put on regarding activities to keep everyone active and enjoying themselves.... I cannot say enough good about the staff and look forward to an opportunity to stay here again. Night market out front of the property is the best on the island and with good negotiating skills.... best prices even though it is in the heart of the most dense tourist region of the island

Our four day stay at Golden Sands Resort went well, except for a breach of contract by hotel management. The facilities initially included in our rate were withdrawn after check-in resulting in my family having to pay extra. The hotel management's attitude was one of "Take it or leave it". I made the effort to make the CEO of the Shangri-La Int. resorts aware of , but to no avail. I got the same attitude; it seems to be a common trait. Obliviously business is just too good. So if you are planning to stay in any Shangri-La hotel best get everything in writing prior to departure.

Not quite Shangri-La This is one of those Shangri-La resorts which doesn’t match up to the standard of the hotel brand. It is nice enough...just not a 4 star hotel. On the other hand, the Shangri-La Spa next door is exactly what you expect from the name and I’d pay a few dollars more to stay there. Traveler's tip on dining See the other reviewers comments on the food and beverage. We found a really nice little bar across the street with a great crowd and also a more upscale place in the larger building to the left across the street. The food court to the right down the block is fun too.

Lovely hotel, only problem is that if you do not pay extra and get a sea view then very noisy due to main road and a mosque in the car park that regularly calls to prayer through a loud speaker

The Golden Sands is a great resort for family's, couples, and people traveling on their own. It is a safe comfortable environment with friendly staff and great services. The restaurants are all excellent and the service is great. I have stayed at the Golden Sands three times and have no complaints.