Penang's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Grayish-Green Sea Views at Landmark Merveilles!
Penang's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Grayish-Green Sea Views at Landmark Merveilles!
Penang's Hidden Gem: Landmark Merveilles - My Unfiltered Take (and OMG those Grayish-Green Views!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the teh tarik, considering we're in Penang) on Landmark Merveilles. Forget your polished travel brochures – this is the raw, unedited, "did-I-leave-my-slippers-near-the-poolside-bar?" version. And let me tell you, those "unbelievable grayish-green sea views"? They're not exaggerating. They’re… breathtaking. Seriously.
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Let's dive in, shall we? This review might get a little long; think of it as a well-deserved afternoon lepak (relaxing) session with a friend, spilling the goss over a cup of something delicious.
Getting There & Getting In (Accessibility - Mostly Good!)
Finding Landmark Merveilles was pretty straightforward. The hotel is close enough to the action but just far enough to feel… well, like you’ve actually escaped. Accessibility is decent, but remember that in Malaysia, while improving, it's still not perfect. The elevator was a lifesaver for my tired legs after a day of exploring George Town. Car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] are both available – a definite plus in Penang's often-chaotic parking scene. Airport transfer? Yep, they got that sorted. This means less hassle!
And the check-in/out [express] was a godsend. Honestly, after a flight, the last thing you want to do is stand in line for ages. This was swift and smooth with contactless check-in/out – a great touch in the current climate. But, let's be honest, I'd probably choose a slow, friendly check-in over a rushed fast one. Sometimes I appreciate the human connection.
The Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly, But…)
Okay, the rooms. They are BEAUTIFUL. I went for the sea view (duh!) and honestly, the grayish-green sea views were worth every penny. The floor-to-ceiling windows meant I could practically live in that view. The non-smoking rooms were a must, of course, and the blackout curtains were a game-changer for those much-needed lie-ins.
My room had air conditioning, a desk for work, and a coffee/tea maker. Free bottled water was a welcome touch, especially after a day sweating in the Penang humidity. Speaking of which, a shower with good water pressure is a must. This one delivered. And the slippers? Always a win. The bathtub was also a welcome sight!
BUT… and there’s always a but, isn’t there? While the internet access – wireless and Wi-Fi [free] were a blessing (essential for my Instagram addiction and work), the Wi-Fi, although free, wasn't exactly lightning-fast, and the internet [LAN] was available for faster connections, but I didn’t need it.
The Additional toilet was available in my suite, which was a real luxury!
The bed was comfy, although the pillow's weren't really to my liking, it was just a minor detail.
Food Glorious Food (and Lots of Choices!)
Penang is a foodie paradise, and Landmark Merveilles certainly doesn't disappoint. There's restaurants galore!
- Breakfast [buffet]? Oh yes. I went wild, piling my plate with the usual suspects: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, fresh fruit, and pastries. The coffee/tea in restaurant was decent too.
- The restaurants offered a mix of Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant. I enjoyed exploring the menu, I tried the a la carte in restaurant options, it was a nice experience.
- And when I felt too lazy to dress up, the room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver!
- The poolside bar served some amazing cocktails (happy hour? Yes, please!).
- I noticed the vegetarian restaurant, I had a few meals there and they were pretty tasty.
- Bottle of water was available to go!
- Snack bar available!
- Soup in restaurant was tasty!
- Desserts in restaurant were mouthwatering!
- It was amazing that the breakfast takeaway service available!
- I noticed alternative meal arrangement but didn’t make use of it.
- The bar was perfect for winding down the day.
- The salad in restaurant was a go-to for me!
Relaxation & Rejuvenation – My Personal Therapy Session
This is where Landmark Merveilles really shines. Seriously, I almost moved in permanently.
- Swimming pool? Glorious. And the pool with view? Even more glorious. I spent hours just floating, staring out at that grayish-green sea. Pure bliss. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was such a treat.
- The Spa? A must-do. I opted for a massage – a deep tissue one that kneaded out all the stress from my shoulders. Sigh. Highly recommend.
- I didn’t try the Body scrub or the Body wrap, but I'm regretting not doing so now!
- The Gym/fitness! I didn't go as often as I should have, but it was a nice option to have.
The sauna, the steamroom and the spa/sauna were all inviting!
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe in Their Hands
This is so important, especially these days. Landmark Merveilles put in the extra effort.
- They used anti-viral cleaning products, had daily disinfection in common areas, and used professional-grade sanitizing services.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. I loved that they had individually-wrapped food options for extra safety.
- They had check-in/out [private]
- They implemented physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- The rooms sanitized between stays were a big plus for peace of mind.
- Also the hotel provided sanitized kitchen and tableware items!
- The room sanitization opt-out available was perfect!
- Also the hotel did a great job with safe dining setup.
For the Kids & Families
- I noticed the babysitting service, the kids facilities, and kids meal. I didn’t need any of them because I traveled alone, but I can see families definitely enjoying this hotel.
- It was family/child friendly, for sure!
Services & Conveniences – Little Things That Matter
Landmark Merveilles has nailed the little things that make a big difference.
- The concierge was incredibly helpful with local recommendations and booking tours
- They had currency exchange, a cash withdrawal option, and dry cleaning.
- The daily housekeeping was also excellent.
- The laundry service was super important and appreciated!
- I loved the gift/souvenir shop
Business Facilities & Events (If You MUST Work…)
Even though I was on vacation, I noticed they had a full suite of business facilities. The meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, and seminars could come in handy.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Indoor venue for special events
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Meeting stationery
Quirks & Imperfections – Because Life Isn't Perfect
Okay, here’s where I get real:
- The elevators could sometimes be a little slow during peak times. Minor, but noticeable.
- I wish there was a dedicated space for pets. But I was travelling alone, so that's not an issue on my end.
- I wish there was a more varied selection of the essential condiments in the room.
Overall – Would I Go Back? ABSOLUTELY!
Landmark Merveilles is a winner. The grayish-green sea views alone are worth the trip, but the overall experience – the friendly staff, the great food, the amazing spa – make it a truly memorable stay. It's a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, and now that I'm home, I'm already dreaming of returning! Highly recommended. You won't regret it. And don't forget to
Twin Hotel Kampot: Your Cambodian Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is real life, Landmark Grayish Green Merveilles Seaview Penang, Malaysia edition. And let me tell you, it's gonna be… well, it'll be something.
The Utterly Unrealistic Itinerary of Sarah (and Possibly a Few Ghosts, You Never Know) in Penang:
Day 1: Arrival - Chaos, Coconut Water, and Questionable Decisions.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Penang International Airport. Ugh. Airports. The fluorescent lights, the stressed-out families, the lingering smell of stale pretzels… already feeling the existential dread. Find the pre-booked (and probably overpriced) taxi. Pray the driver doesn't try to sell me a timeshare.
- 11:00 AM: Check into The Landmark Grayish Green Merveilles Seaview. Okay, the name’s a mouthful, but the pictures online did promise something… interesting. Hope the "seaview" isn't a strategically angled glimpse of the ocean between two buildings. Greeted by a lobby filled with what seems like a convention of oversized tropical birds and… is that a disco ball? My expectations are officially all over the place.
- 11:30 AM: Room. Finally. Okay, the view… is… present. The promised "lush, spacious room with modern amenities" translates to "slightly faded, but clean-ish, and the AC might work." And that's already a win in my book. Breathe, people, breathe.
- 12:00 PM: The first coconut water of many. Found a dodgy little stall down the street (because, of course, I couldn't resist). The lady selling them had this… look in her eye. Like she'd seen things. Powerful things. Coconut water is ice-cold and life-giving. Immediately feel like I’ve made a good choice.
- 1:00 PM: Lunched. Food! Started at a local coffee shop, because I'm nothing if not adventurous. Ordered something that looked vaguely like noodles and something that looked suspiciously like deep-fried… something. It was… a culinary experience, to say the least. (I'll spare you the details of the post-lunch bathroom situation.)
- 3:00 PM: A wander. Tried to walk to George Town. Got lost. Miserably. Penang heat is not a joke. Sweating like a… sweaty thing. Saw a stunning mural, though, of a girl on a bicycle carrying loaves of bread. Decided maybe I'm not cut out for solo exploration in this heat.
- 4:00 PM: Ducked into a tiny, air-conditioned shop for… souvenirs? A fridge magnet. Of course. Just something to say I was here.
- 5:00 PM: Beach time! Finally. (And by "beach time," I mean sitting on a slightly grubby beach chair with my feet in the sand, judging everyone else's beach attire.) The waves were alright. The sunset was… okay, the sunset was gorgeous. Like, actual tears-welling-up-in-your-eyes gorgeous. Maybe this trip isn't a complete disaster after all.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a seafood place near the hotel that promised "fresh catches." Ended up with something that definitely wasn't fresh. Oh well, at least the view was alright. The conversation with the waiter was great, he insisted on only serving food that wasn't local and said he had some "inside secrets" I should know about.
- 9:00 PM: Crashing. Bed. Exhausted, smelly, and slightly sunburnt. Did I mention the AC? Not working, maybe. I'm not sure. I'm going to sleep. Dreaming of noodles, disco balls, and… secrets?
Day 2: George Town - Street Art, Stuffed Bellies, and Near-Death Experiences (Okay, Maybe Not the Last One).
- 8:00 AM: Wake up… late. Blame the jet lag (and the dodgy dinner). Scrounge for breakfast. Found something… edible.
- 9:30 AM: George Town exploration (take two!). This time, armed with a slightly better sense of direction (and Google Maps). Hunted down the street art. The Ernest Zacharevic murals are amazing, especially the one with the kids on the motorbike. The kids in the picture were actually there! Real-life ghosts of Penang.
- 11:00 AM: Food tour! Okay, this was the best decision I’ve made so far. Curry mee, char kway teow, laksa (duh!), and… something that involved a lot of sugar and coconut milk. My stomach is a happy, overstuffed beast. My clothes are… a little snugger. No regrets.
- 1:00 PM: Tried to find the Khoo Kongsi clan house. Got distracted by… everything. A shop selling vintage postcards. A stall with the most amazing, brightly colored scarves. Suddenly, I owned a scarf that was definitely not in my budget.
- 2:00 PM: Finally found the Khoo Kongsi. Stunning architecture. Seriously, breathtaking. Worth getting lost for. And a nice place to sit and be quiet.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee break. Discovered a ridiculously cute cafe with the most amazing pastries. Spent far too much money on a slice of cake that was gone in three bites. Worth it. Every bite.
- 5:00 PM: Cycling. Rented a bike to see more of George Town. The bike was wobbly. Traffic was terrifying. Almost got run over by a trishaw, three scooters, and a taxi. It was a close call. Swore off cycling forever.
- 6:00 PM: Stumbled (literally) across a small, hidden temple that looked like it was about to fall down, but it had the most intricate gold details and some very serious looking guardians. (Maybe they were ghosts, too?)
- 7:30 PM: Dinner in the old town. So much food. My stomach is screaming. I think I might have permanently stretched it.
- 9:00 PM: Late Night at the Hotel bar. They had cocktails with little umbrellas! I really need to find a good book. I don't know what I'd really like to read, but it looks like there are libraries, with lots of books.
Day 3: Relaxation, Reflections, and a Possible Ghostly Encounter.
- 9:00 AM: Managed to get the AC fixed! Total victory. Slept like a baby (or at least, like a slightly sweaty adult).
- 10:00 AM: Spent the morning beach-combing - just as I wanted.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. More food I shouldn't have eaten.
- 1:00 PM: Pool time? Or, you know, the slightly murky pool. Jumped in! Pretty hot and not very refreshing.
- 2:00 PM: Went back to the room to nap again.
- 3:00 PM: Went for a walk - still on the beach.
- 4:00 PM: Maybe a ghostly encounter… I’m not usually one for the paranormal, but something felt… off. I swear I saw a shadowy figure in the hallway… Did I imagine it? Maybe. Or maybe the Grayish Green Merveilles has a few secrets of its own.
- 6:00 PM: The sunset. That gorgeous sunset. Again. Makes everything feel just a little bit magical.
- 7:00 PM: Pack. Ugh. The worst part.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner in the hotel. A final, delicious, slightly melancholic meal. (Because even if you've had a messy trip, you're still a little sad to be leaving.)
- 9:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. More fridge magnets. Because, obvs.
Day 4: Departure - Memories, and a Questionable Future.
- 7:00 AM: Wake up early. The ghost of the hotel (or the jet lag) finally got to me.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the Grayish Green Merveilles. It was… an experience.
- 9:00 AM: Airport. Lines. Security. The usual. Wondering if I'll ever go back to Penang.
- 10:00 AM: On the plane. Still slightly sunburnt. Still slightly full. Still haunted (maybe) by a shadowy figure in a hallway.
- 11:00 AM: Thinking that the imperfect, messy, hilarious, sometimes-terrifying adventure was the best trip I ever did. And already planning my next one.
So there you have it. Penang, in all its chaotic, delicious, and slightly spooky glory. Now go, explore, and maybe… just maybe… keep an eye out for ghosts. You never know.
Escape to Paradise: Seehotel Schlick's Austrian Lakeside Luxury Awaits!
Penang's Hidden Gem: Landmark Merveilles - The Unbelievable Grayish-Green Sea Views (and My Chaotic Thoughts on It!)
Okay, buckle up, because you're about to enter the slightly unhinged world of my experience with Landmark Merveilles. It's not your typical "this is what you should see" tourist brochure. It's more like... "Here's what *I* saw, felt, and maybe got slightly lost in while trying to find a decent Instagram angle." Let's dive into these "Frequently Asked Questions," shall we?
1. Is the sea *really* that grayish-green? Or is it just clever Instagram filters?
Alright, truth time. The filters *help*. Okay, they *massively* help. But here's the thing: yes. The sea *is* a genuinely unique color at Landmark Merveilles. It's not the vibrant turquoise you'd expect. It’s… well, as close to a grayish-green as you can get without just calling it "muddy." It's the kind of color that makes you go, "Huh. That's… interesting."
Look, I’m a creature of the bright blue ocean. The classic. But after staring at this view for a while, I found myself oddly mesmerized. There’s something strangely calming about it. It’s almost… melancholic. Like a washed-out postcard from a dream. My brain was like, "This is not correct. But it's... beautiful?" It's the kind of beauty that’s a *little* unsettling. In a good way, mostly.
2. What's the best time to visit to see this glorious grayish-greenness?
Okay, here's the insider secret – and it's a bit of a pain in the butt. Based on my slightly obsessive stalking of weather apps and Instagram posts (don't judge!), the sweet spot seems to be… *drumroll*… during the shoulder seasons. Essentially, when it's *not* peak monsoon season where it looks like you're staring into a vat of chocolate milk. Aim for the transitions between seasons. You want some cloud cover to diffuse the sunlight, but not a torrential downpour that will make everything look like a blurry, grey nightmare. Basically, you’re playing a guessing game with the weather gods. Good luck!
I went once during a "partly cloudy" forecast, and it *still* poured down rain about 30 seconds after I took a selfie. My hair looked like a damp poodle. The view? Still pretty, but mostly of rain. I swear I saw a seagull judge me.
3. How do I *actually* get to Landmark Merveilles? And is it worth the effort?
Getting there is… an adventure. Let's just say it’s not exactly the most obvious location. You'll likely need a car or a Grab. I'm pretty sure I saw a sign for a "lost souls" parking area. (Okay, I made that up, but it *felt* that way.)
And is it worth it? Ugh, that depends. On your personality. On your tolerance for potential wrong turns. On how much you *really* like grayscale-adjacent ocean views. For me? YES. But not for everyone. I mean, I got lost in Penang for an hour before arriving. I passed a durian stand that made me want to cry (I love durian, but the thought of that smell clinging to my car...shudder). I saw a cat that gave me the stink eye. Still, totally worth it.
If you're the type who needs pristine beaches and Instagram-perfect shots, maybe it's not your jam. But if you're up for something a little offbeat, a little raw? Absolutely. Take a risk. Go. Get a bit lost. And then, in the midst of that grayish-green expanse, tell me if you find yourself strangely… captivated, too.
4. Is there anything *else* to do there besides stare at the sea?
Okay, truth time. There isn't a whole *lot* going on besides the view. There's some… well, let's call it *rustic* infrastructure. A few benches. Maybe a little bit of crumbling concrete. Don't expect fancy cafes or souvenir shops.
But *here's* the kicker. This is where my experience took a turn. I brought a book. A *really good* book. And I sat. And I read. And the wind whipped my hair around. I felt the sun on my skin and the subtle sound of the waves. I lost myself in the story and stopped thinking about my to-do list or the emails I hadn't answered. For a while, all I was doing was existing, quietly, with that oddly wonderful view. It was a type of… peace I haven’t found in a long, long time. (And, yes, I cried a little. Don't judge! It was a *good* story!).
So, if you're looking for a place to escape the hustle? To just… be? Landmark Merveilles. It might be the perfect place. You might even find you leave with something more than just a few photos.
5. What if I'm disappointed by the grayish-green? Should I just... give up?
Look, I'm not going to lie. It's *possible* you'll arrive and think, "Meh. It's just… murky." And that's okay! Everyone's tastes differ. But don't immediately write it off. Spend a little time there. Sit. Breathe. Observe the way the light plays on the water. See if you can find the beauty in the unconventional. The magic might take a while to appear.
I think I’d give it 30 minutes minimum to even begin to appreciate the nuances of the view. Because, look, here’s something that’s even a little embarrassing to admit, But the first time I went, I wasn't *impressed*. I saw gray-green. Took a photo. Left. It wasn’t until I came back a *second*time, and, in a moment of pure, unfiltered serendipity, I sat down and just *watched* the world unfold in front of me. That’s when I truly, deeply, got it.
So yeah. Go back. Or, perhaps, just take a different road. The point is: keep searching, keep looking for your own little moment of… well, whatever this is. Because, even if it ends up not being the grayish-green sea of your dreams, you might unexpectedly find something else entirely. And that, my friends, is always worth it.
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