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Offerings include a female-only dorm, (sorry guys, no male or mixed dorms here), along with a selection of private double, twin, and triple rooms with and without ensuite bathrooms. The folks at Ropewalk Guesthouse greeted us with one of the most friendly welcomes we encountered in Penang, and it wasn’t just the staff—other guests seemed happy too.

Street frontage at Ropewalk Guesthouse. Photo: Sally Arnold

A smart renovation was not long complete at the time of research in July 2017 and as well as the rooms and bathrooms getting a makeover, the lightwells throughout the buildings have been transformed to mini garden artworks with plants, ponds and seating to relax and enjoy.

The rooms we viewed, although on the small side, were bright and airy with windows, but we were informed not all of the rooms enjoy natural light, some with internal windows and some none at all, so request a window when booking.

Be sure to swing by. Photo: Sally Arnold

Air-con cooled, the stylish but modest rooms provide comfy beds, a small bedside table and hanging rack, some add a chair, but not much else, however colourful walls and smart linens with coordinated throw cushions and blankets offer a cosy contemporary ambience. Note that the budget twin rooms are not much bigger than a cupboard with bunks rather than two separate single beds and unless you are on a very tight budget, it’s worth paying the extra for a regular twin room.

We were impressed by the spacious six-bed female dorm room with well spaced single beds, no bunks, separated by bedside “dressing” tables with attached mirror and each with power outlet and individual lighting, entirely surrounded by floor to ceiling curtains creating a private space when drawn. We were unable to view rooms with ensuite, but the share bathrooms were clean and plentiful with separate toilets and hot shower cubicles that are outfitted with a small shelf of toiletries and a luggage rack style towel rail with ample space to keep your clothes and towel dry.

Not your typical dorm. Photo: Sally Arnold

Breakfast is not included, but baskets of snack are available to help yourself to anytime including (delicious) homemade cakes. For flashpackers looking for a well located clean sleep, Ropewalk Guesthouse is a good option, and seemed a popular place, so would be wise to book. For a similar style dorm, female travellers may consider the all-girl Queen’s Hostel or for private rooms with a little more heritage feel, consider Moon Tree 47 or Lang Hoose.