This very family-friendly hotel is located about 45 minutes from Penang International Airport, in the Batu Ferrenghi beach area of Penang island.

Upon check-in I am given a welcome signature DoubleTree cookie, and told I have been upgraded to a Sea-View Terrace Suite, on the 10th floor. The room is indeed large, with separate bedroom and living area, single bathroom with separate bath and shower (and 2 sinks), and a huge 30 sqm balcony/terrace.

There is a welcome amenity waiting for me and a letter from the hotel manager welcoming me to the resort.

There is no executive lounge, but instead Diamond members are treated to a selection of cocktails and canapes at the Axis bar adjacent to the lobby from 6.00pm to 7.00pm each evening. Our bar tender, Gilbert, is a friendly guy who is happy to concoct anything we ask for. A selection of the day’s special canapes are brought to complement the drinks.

During my stay I only use the pool once as it is infested with screaming kids (and camera-snapping proud parents) but it is after-all – a very kid-friendly hotel with a kid’s club and Teddy Bear museum.

The gym is excellent with a selection of cardio equipment and new state of the art machines, dumb-bells etc.

Breakfast each morning is complimentary as a Diamond member and although the buffet is large, the quality is not on par with other Double Trees in the region such as Sukhumvit, Bangkok. But it is free, so I can’t complain.

Service throughout the hotel is excellent, culminating in a complimentary 4pm late check-out.

So for only 10K Hhonors per night, totalling 30K for 3 nights, my stay is an absolute bargain!