Lonely Planet Review

Batu Ferringhi's original hotel, established in 1948 still feels like a 1950s holiday camp (remember Dirty Dancing?). In contrast to the nearby megaresorts, it's a relatively small, low-rise hotel, with only 50 rooms; even though it does retain old world ambience, it's been completely renovated. Rooms are enormous but have an institutional feel, mostly due to the greying, speckled tiles. Bathrooms are a step up from a standard public restroom.

A big draw are the balconies or terraces with seaviews and the shady, pine-forested lawn just off the excellent stretch of beach. There's a pool but it's 'L' shaped, so not much good for anything besides lazy laps.