M Social Resort Penang: The seaside resort that blends bold design with Peranakan charm

Nestled along the beachfront of Tanjung Bungah — a vibrant suburb of George Town in Penang — M Social Resort Penang offers a bold new take on the island escape. Formerly known as the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang, the reimagined resort reflects the M Social brand’s playful spirit and creative energy, blending bold design with local heritage and vibrant social experiences.

Inspired by Peranakan culture, the resort’s interiors feature colourful tiles and floral motifs reminiscent of the iconic shophouses found across the city. Spread across two buildings, the 318-room property includes an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and eclectic dining options.

Guests can choose between two distinct wings: the Sunset Bay Wing, which offers four room and suite types with sweeping views of Penang’s northern coastline, and the Azure Wing, ideal for families and groups, with beachfront-facing rooms. Each accommodation is equipped with modern comforts including an Aiello in-room voice assistant, a 55-inch smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more.

Marking the seventh M Social property globally, the resort represents a key milestone in Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ continued expansion across Asia Pacific – bringing its distinctive ethos to one of Malaysia’s most beloved heritage destinations.

The Rooms

After waking up at 5 a.m. to catch my 8 a.m. flight, I crashed straight into bed upon checking in. I’m happy to report that it passed one of my top hotel room must-haves: an extremely comfortable bed. Soft, plush, and perfect for a quick afternoon nap, it was everything I needed. I’m not ashamed to admit that over my three-day stay, I spent a lot of time there.

After that refreshing nap, I began unpacking and exploring my 32-square-metre room. I was given the Social Cosy Room, an ensuite with ample space for suitcases, a spacious bathroom, a little lounge area (where a tingkat of Nonya kueh awaits!), and a balcony to bask in the afternoon sun.

Depending on which side of the hotel you’re staying on, you may be greeted with expansive views of the Andaman Sea. From my room, the view was slightly obscured by nearby houses, but during a hotel tour, we got a peek into the Social Executive Suite and the Social Grand Suite, where the views were truly breathtaking.

No phone? No problem

Have you ever been an unwitting victim of the Gen Z stare? Or maybe you’re a millennial who’d rather silently perish than pick up the phone to make a call. Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about any awkward small talk here.

Instead of a traditional phone, each room comes with the Aiello device, a nifty little AI service that acts as your in-room butler. Throughout your stay, Aiello handles room service requests, functions as a clock and Bluetooth speaker, and even moonlights as your very own Google.

I asked it for nearby things to do, and without missing a beat, Aiello suggested Gurney Drive, Penang’s waterfront promenade, famous for its street food.

The Food

Since sleep and work took precedence on day one, Gurney Drive, sadly, remained a hypothetical excursion. But my FOMO was quickly satisfied when I headed down for dinner at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Beast & Butterflies.

As someone who loves hawker fare but loathes the humidity, I was thrilled to find a spread of authentic Penang cuisine right at my doorstep. I had most of my meals here during my short stay and was spoiled with a literal buffet of options at every sitting. With a daily rotation of international and Penang dishes, it was impossible to settle for just one plate.

While the international offerings – like roasted rack of lamb, grilled fish, and cold seafood – were solid, it was the local fare that truly hit the spot. I piled my plate high with nasi briyani, soup kambing (mutton soup), generous servings of chicken satay, and kueh pie tee.

On some days, chefs manned live stations serving up the very hawker favourites I was too lazy to go out and find, such as hokkien mee, charcoal-toasted kaya toast, roti canai, and oh chien (oyster omelette). The oh chien station was especially popular. Trays were emptied almost as soon as they were refilled.

If lighter bites are more your thing, there’s Breezy Bites, the poolside bar offering snacks and delicious cocktails. We were treated to a Penang Colada, a signature drink created by Boey, co-founder of Round Bar in George Town. The secret twist? A touch of pandan.

Back at the lobby, you’ll find The Social Hub, a cosy corner for pastries, cakes, and coffee. For those on a workcation or attending a conference, it also doubles as a chic WFH nook. I even spotted a few guests tapping away on their laptops.

The Facilities 

While the property is beachfront, the true jewel of the resort is undoubtedly the pool. With unobstructed panoramic views of the island’s northern coastline, this is the scene you’ll find all over Instagram. I predict poolside OOTDs shot against the sunset will become a major draw for the Instagram and TikTok crowd.

If staying active is your thing, the gym is open 24 hours and well-equipped with both strength and cardio machines. And with that kind of view, a 3km run on the treadmill or a set of hammer curls might not feel so bad after all.

The Neighbourhood

With only half a day left to explore Penang before my flight, I decided to take a cab into George Town – just a 30-minute drive away – to soak in some sights. I headed to Hin Bus Depot, an arts and events space that’s home to local ateliers, charming little shops, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant. It was the perfect place to grab a meal, sip on coffee, check out some artwork and curl up with a good book.

The weather was pleasantly cool, and when Google Maps showed that Armenian Street – a vibrant, historic stretch known for its street art, cultural landmarks, and iconic shophouses – was just an 18-minute walk away, I decided to get some steps in. I spent a peaceful afternoon taking in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage charm and admiring the beautifully restored facades before heading back.