Lyf Georgetown Penang makes community its focus

The Ascott Limited recently opened Penang's first Lyf property, bringing its unique social living, experience-led concept to the vibrant city

WORDS
Neda Al-Asedi

There’s always something to do in the vibrant city of George Town in Penang, whether you’re soaking in the art and culture, or tucking into dish after dish of the city’s world-famous food. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has long been drawing visitors thanks to its vibrant and bustling sights that offer something for everyone, and this year onwards, you’ll be able to do that while enjoying a stay in the new Lyf Georgetown Penang.

Lyf, pronounced ‘life’ and an acronym of Live Your Freedom, is a social living concept hotel by The Ascott Limited that focuses on providing places and spaces for guests to interact, engage, and collaborate within its walls. Made with the modern traveller in mind, Lyf redefines the norms of travel by shifting the focus from accommodation to authentic, shared experiences.

“Lyf is different from other hotels or brands that [The Ascott Limited] has, because it’s more about what we call the social experience. So when the guests come and stay with us, they’re not just here to have a normal room. Everyone from our concierge to the crew, the Lyf Champions as we call them, are there to meet and to greet the guests and give them a unique experience,” says Mondi Mecja, the Country General Manager of Ascott Malaysia.

Community makes experience

This opening is the brand’s second property in Malaysia, following the opening of Lyf Chinatown Kuala Lumpur in 2023. But in staying true to the brand’s ethos and values, Lyf Georgetown offers a completely unique experience behind its doors, punctuated by its central location on Lebuh Farquhar. A huge part of the property’s unique charm comes from its community – in particular the stores and sights that can be found right outside.

The hotel is attached to The Garage, a lifestyle shopping area that includes the adjoining Mojo Jojo café, where guests are able to have their inclusive breakfast. Just opposite you’ll find the landmark Eastern & Oriental Hotel (and the sea just a short walk further), while flanking it are a plethora of food and beverage options, including Kenny Hills Baker’s first-in-Penang outlet, as well as Sood by Chef Ton by Bangkok’s celebrated Michelin-starred Chef ThiTid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn of Le Du fame.

The newly officiated hotel isn’t so much a hotel as it is a dynamic co-living space, with rooms and communal areas that are all about prioritising flexibility, collaboration, and cultural engagement – all in a bid to support the creativity and connection of its guests. With the prevalence of digital nomads, remote working and experience-led travelling that’s more about cultural immersion than just scenic locations, it’s no wonder that Lyf has managed to establish itself in the social living space.

Stay at Lyf your way

The Two of A Kind is a two-bedroom apartment-style option perfect for families and friend groups

The Good For One room features a studio layout that's made for solo travellers or couples

If you're planning a girls' trip, the Side By Side Plus is a twin studio option with living area made for chilling and late night gossip sessions

Boasting 144 rooms in five configurations, starting with the simple Good for One studio all the way up to the three-bedroom All Together apartments, Lyf provides spaces for any stay. And though the rooms are thoughtfully designed and comfortable to rest in, the hotel’s true heart lies in its communal spaces, of which there are six signatures.

The first is SAY HI, Lyf’s reception and check-in counter where all guests will make their first contact with the Lyf Champions. Then comes BOND, a fully functional kitchen found in all Lyf properties that allow guests to prepare and share meals with friends and soon-to-be-friends alike. Next are the CONNECT event space and the COLLAB meeting rooms, each offering flexibility and functionality to organise all kinds of events or gatherings, from hands-on workshops or brainstorming sessions too.

For the fitness-first travellers, the BURN social gym is where you’ll love to be, offering equipment to support a range of workout styles. Or if you prefer to swim, the DIP pool is a refreshing place to cool down from Penang’s notorious heat, while giving you the space to unwind and socialise too. Finally, the WASH & HANG, the communal laundry space that isn’t just practical for short or long stays, but also designed to inject a sense of social excitement to what is often a boring chore. These facilities are also open 24/7, allowing greater flexibility to fit your lifestyle and travel schedules too.

The Penang hotel also has an additional lobby lounge that’s not available in all properties, UNWIND, that offers comfy sofas and chairs to relax, while the floor to ceiling windows offer a sun-soaked ambiance to enjoy. Every floor also features CHILL spaces, featuring armchairs, sofas and tables where you can hang out and work, as well as sinks and microwaves so you can enjoy a late-night meal or gossip over snacks.

The moment you step into Lyf, you're invited to engage at SAY HI, the brand's signature reception experience

Craving a home-cooked meal with a side of human connection? That's what you'll get at BOND, the property's social kitchen

After a day of Penang food-hunting, BURN off those calories at Lyf Georgetown's fully-equipped gym

CONNECT is where you can work, meet, and make friends on the daily, as well as doubling as a flexible event space

Whether you're working hard or hardly working, the COLLAB meeting room will transform to fit your needs

Cool off with a DIP in the pool as you enjoy a unique view onto the street and nightlife below

Long stays or short, the WASH & HANG allows for laundry and pressing services at your leisure

A unique Lyf starts in George Town

As for George Town specifically, there couldn’t be a better space to introduce such an energetic property. “George Town is in a very unique position. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are all these different experiences that you can get, whether it’s in F&B or through local retailers. Lyf being here is able to then bring these experiences to our guests,” explains Glenn Koh, who is a Lyf Partner for Brand at the company.

And to make exploring those unique experiences even better, Lyf guests are equipped with some Lyf hacks upon check-in, which includes a neighbourhood guide with insider tips on hidden gems and unmissable eats, as well as cheat sheet to unlocking the best of the property’s facilities and amenities.

All guests can also enjoy exclusive access to the Lyf Perks programme, which offers a range of curated experiences and resident-only discounts through collaborations with local business, restaurants and cafés, and artisans. With these in hand, you’ll be ready to take on the city the moment you arrive, while Lyf’s communal spaces allows for opportunities to learn and share from your fellow guests too.

As Lyf Georgetown Penang is all about social living and community, it’ll be remiss to go without asking Mondi and Glenn to shair their thoughts and experience of Lyf Georgetown. “Georgetown, to me, is a very inspiring location. I think for a lot of guests, whether it’s the first time or a repeat visit, they will always be inspired by the city. For the property itself, creativity is something that we try to spur. With the different partners and guests that we bring in, [creativity] is a natural result. To do that, we focus a lot on community and the spaces that we create is to build this community for our guests,” Mondi starts.

Glenn continues, “And here specifically, it’s also the vibrant culture around this area, and the food, of course. That’s the main reason people love to come to Penang!”

A night in at Lyf Georgetown Penang can be summarised in five words: inspiration, creativity, community, culture, and food – there’s no better way to put it.