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Hotel Review: Amari SPICE Penang

Looking for the perfect business leisure getaway in Penang? We think you may have just found it. During my stay at Amari SPICE Penang, I couldn’t help but be immediately impressed by its seamless blend of business and leisure facilities.

Our review of Amari SPICE Penang

Amari SPICE Penang offers an ideal stay for business travellers seeking some leisure and relaxation on the side, or for leisure travellers who want to stay in a strategic location in dynamic Penang. This five-star gem from the Amari group, known for its luxurious hotels across Asia, is the perfect base for your Penang adventure, whether you’re in town for work or play.

Saltwater swimming pool at Amari SPICE Penang

Let’s get into our comprehensive hotel review of Amari SPICE Penang!

Getting to Amari SPICE Penang & Location

One of the best features of the Amari SPICE Penang is its proximity to the Penang International Airport, as the hotel is just an 8-minute ride away.

Read on to find out how to get to the hotel.

We organised a private shuttle through the hotel, which was really convenient. Our hostess greeted us with a warm smile, and we were whisked away to the hotel in no time. We recommend you do the same by getting into contact directly with the hotel.

You can also opt for a quick taxi or Grab ride (the equivalent of Uber in Malaysia). If you’re wanting to take public transport, simply hop on bus 401E which will take you from the airport to the hotel in around 15 minutes.

Surroundings of the hotel

Being directly connected to the SPICE Convention Centre and Arena, the area around Amari SPICE Penang is a hotspot for business travellers. Interestingly, this venue is the world’s first hybrid solar-powered M.I.C.E complex – pretty impressive! Plus, Amari SPICE Penang offers a variety of meeting rooms and event spaces, so it’s easy to balance work and relaxation here. As someone who loves a good work-play combo, this hotel hits the mark.

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Our Room at Amari SPICE Penang

Beautiful lounge area of our One-Bedroom Suite

Ralph and I stayed in a One-Bedroom Suite, and it was nothing short of spectacular. As one of the tallest buildings in the vicinity, the suite’s 56 square meters of space felt like a luxurious panoramic sanctuary. The room was designed to cater to business travellers with smart workspaces, but it was also a fantastic place to unwind after a busy day.

Enjoying the bedroom of our One-Bedroom Suite at Amari SPICE Penang

The views from the suite were simply breathtaking – just imagine the Penang skyline and mountains greeting you each morning. The bathroom deserves a special mention too, featuring a bathtub, a rain shower, and lighted mirrors. We spent most evenings relaxing in the living room, feeling right at home.

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Dining at Amari SPICE Penang

If I had to pick a highlight of our stay, it would definitely be the dining experience. We spent a lot of time at Amaya Food Gallery, Amari’s signature all-day dining venue. It really is a feast for the senses – vibrant, bustling, and packed with an array of East-meets-West dishes.

Amaya Food Gallery is the hotel’s main dining venue

I particularly enjoyed the Penang and Malaysian specialties, which were always sooo delicious. Some of my favourites during my stay include:

  • Char kway teow

  • Nasi Kandar

  • Nasi Lemak

  • Beef Rendang

  • Chicken satay

  • Teh Tarik

  • Laksa

The buffet was always stocked with delicious Malay food!

Each day, the buffet offered something new, keeping me excited for every meal. At the nearby Amaya Bar, we enjoyed some refreshing mocktails while taking in the surrounding greenery.

Enjoying a mocktail at Amaya Bar

We also passed by Cascade on our way in and out of the hotel. It’s a stylish spot that offers everything from freshly ground barista coffee during the day to cocktails by night. It actually kind of reminds me of the Starfield Library in Seoul, which is definitely a compliment. It quickly became one of my favourite places to stop for a mid-day snack or a pre-dinner drink.

Cascade is the perfect venue for a snack or coffee before heading out.

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Facilities & Hotel Grounds at Amari SPICE Penang

Thanks to its wide range of facilities, Amari SPICE Penang is a fitting choice for both business and leisure guests. Here’s a rundown of some of our favourites:

  • Club Tiffin: The hotel’s executive lounge, on the 25th floor. It was truly a blessing to have access to this executive lounge - it’s the ideal spot for business travellers looking to unwind or conduct informal meetings. I personally loved lounging here with a magazine in hand, taking in the beautiful views.

Reading my business magazine at Club Tiffin 😎

  • FIT Centre: I made sure to visit the fitness centre a few times, especially after indulging in all the local food! 😅 Equipped with cutting-edge cardio and strength training machines, as well as holistic fitness amenities, the gym facility is open 24 hours a day. Whether you're looking for a high-intensity workout or a more relaxed approach to maintaining your health, it has everything you need – plus, an awesome view of the swimming pool.

Amari SPICE Penang’s fitness centre is comprehensively equipped.

  • Swimming Pool: Speaking of the pool - it’s a saltwater pool located on the 5th floor, surrounded by a lush garden. I loved starting my day with a morning swim to beat the Penang heat (it can get pretty bad, so the pool was super handy!). The Aqua Bar nearby is perfect for a refreshing drink or a light snack.

Unwinding at the swimming pool.

  • Breeze Spa: I treated myself to a spa day (actually, maybe a couple of spa days), and it was absolutely worth it. I had the Dreamy Mood Massage and the Signature Muay Thai Massage – both were incredible. The therapist was top-notch, and I walked out feeling completely rejuvenated. The spa uses great products, including some great body scrubs and candles.

The massages at Breeze Spa were so relaxing.

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Staff & Service at Amari SPICE Penang

Ralph enjoying lounging around in our room.

The staff at Amari SPICE Penang truly made our stay special. From the warm welcome at reception to the attentive housekeeping and friendly dining staff, everyone was fantastic. It’s clear that Malaysian hospitality truly shines here. 🧡


Final Verdict – Should I stay at Amari SPICE Penang?

Should you stay at Amari SPICE Penang? Yes!

Absolutely! Whether you’re here for business or leisure, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect stay. The hotel’s proximity to the airport is a major plus, and the combination of luxury, convenience, and local flavour makes it stand out. Plus, being just a short 30-minute car ride from attractions like Georgetown, Kek Lok Siand Penang Hill means you’re never far from Penang’s must-see sights.

We thoroughly recommend staying at Amari SPICE Penang.

Thank you, Amari SPICE Penang, for an unforgettable stay – we can’t wait to come back!

👉For more information about the hotel or to make a booking, check out their Official Website.

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