Tien Hotel Georgetown

The hotel is often described as a hidden gem with a beautiful interior design that surprises guests upon entry, offering a cozy and modern retreat in the heart of George Town. Its prime location on Chulia Street makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and nightlife enthusiasts eager to explore the city's attractions, vibrant food scene, and bustling bars within walking distance. While many guests appreciate the comfortable accommodations and the generally friendly demeanor of the staff, a significant number highlight persistent noise from nearby establishments and the street, particularly at night. This hotel is well-suited for couples seeking a central base for exploration, though light sleepers should be prepared for potential disturbances. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to bring earplugs and, if possible, confirm your booking directly with the hotel, especially if booked through a third party, to avoid potential check-in issues.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a rooftop terrace with a small plunge pool or jacuzzi, which some guests find cozy for relaxation, though many note it is significantly smaller than depicted in photos and occasionally found to be dirty or under maintenance. A highly appreciated amenity is the communal kitchen and pantry area, offering a shared fridge, water dispenser, and coffee/tea making facilities, allowing guests to prepare drinks and store food. While Wi-Fi is available, its performance is often inconsistent, with some guests experiencing sporadic connectivity or slow speeds, particularly within their rooms. Rooms are equipped with smart TVs and an in-room safe. The hotel also boasts charming outdoor areas and courtyard spaces for guests to relax. However, it is important to note that there is no lift, requiring guests to carry luggage up stairs, which can be challenging for some. The hotel also has a policy requiring guests to remove their shoes upon entry.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness is mixed; while many guests describe their rooms as clean, well-maintained, and modern, a notable number reported issues such as dust, hair on floors, stained towels and bedsheets, and even instances of bedbugs, causing significant discomfort. The beds are consistently praised for being exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep for most. Room sizes vary, with some guests finding them spacious, particularly the suites, while others describe them as quite small. A recurring concern is the bathroom design, where many rooms feature only a curtain instead of a door, leading to privacy issues regarding sound and smell. Showers are generally noted for being strong and effective. Noise levels are a significant drawback; guests frequently report disturbances from street noise, loud music from nearby bars and pubs late into the night, and early morning calls to prayer. Additionally, thin walls mean noise from adjacent rooms, such as conversations or hairdryers, can be easily heard. While air conditioning is often strong, some units are described as loud or malfunctioning.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not feature an in-house restaurant or bar, and breakfast is not provided on-site. Despite this, guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional location as a major advantage for dining. Situated in a vibrant area, it offers immediate walking access to an extensive array of local food options, including numerous cafes, diverse restaurants, and popular bakeries. The surrounding streets are also home to bustling hawker stalls and lively night markets, providing an authentic and convenient street food experience. Many guests appreciate the freedom to explore the rich culinary landscape of the area, finding delicious and affordable meals just steps away, making the absence of hotel dining a minor inconvenience given the abundance of external choices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location on Chulia Street is consistently praised as a major highlight, placing guests directly in the heart of George Town. This prime spot allows for easy walking distance to numerous popular attractions, including Love Lane, various street art installations, and many historical sites. The area is also surrounded by an abundance of cafes, bars, and diverse food options, making it incredibly convenient for exploration and nightlife. Public bus transport is readily accessible nearby, facilitating travel to other parts of the city and beyond. However, parking is a significant challenge; despite some advertising, private parking is often unavailable, forcing guests to rely on limited and often paid street parking or nearby commercial lots, which can be a source of frustration upon arrival.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff is notably mixed. Many guests commend the team for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with some highlighting specific individuals for their exceptional hospitality and willingness to assist with local recommendations or luggage. The check-in process is often described as smooth when staff are present. However, a significant number of guests report issues with staff availability, particularly during evening and night hours, as the reception is not always manned, leading to difficulties with late arrivals or urgent requests. Communication can be challenging, with slow responses to calls or messages, and some guests experienced unhelpful attitudes when trying to resolve problems like booking discrepancies or room issues. Housekeeping service is also inconsistent, with some rooms not being made daily or requiring guests to specifically request fresh towels.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's notably rigid cancellation policy, which some reviewers found to be unforgiving, even for immediate cancellation requests, leading to significant frustration and financial loss. There are also recurring reports of booking discrepancies and overbooking, particularly for reservations made through third-party platforms, which can cause considerable inconvenience upon arrival. Some guests noted the absence of a bidet or hand shower in the bathrooms, which may be a consideration for some travelers. Furthermore, there have been instances where local guests experienced tourist tax overcharges, which required clarification and refunds. A deposit is typically required upon check-in. While rooms are equipped with televisions, some guests reported issues with TV functionality or a lack of available channels.