It is a guesthouse with five rooms and two cats that is a home away from home. The reviews in the nines are because of the hospitality shown by Howie the manager and the friendliness of those who stay there. It is not a five star hotel but a place to relax and use as a base to get to know Georgetown. You will meet guests from all around the world.

The hosts, Howie and Arthur, are extra friendly and helpful. They also have two cats, Bobby and Garfield, who assist with making Cocoa Mews a home away from home. The facilities are not those of a five star hotel but the very high rating is justified by the super friendly vibe. Cocoa Mews is very centrally located for exploring Georgetown, close to the main bus depot and the ferry to the mainland. It is surrounded by a large variety of eating places. Georgetown, a World Heritage listed site, is a compact collection of a variety of building types and cultures. Cocoa Mews is pretty much in the centre of it. This was my third stay at Cocoa Mews in a little over a year and won't be my last. Ignore most of the travel books and allow more than two days to fully appreciate Georgetown and Penang.

Nothing.

If I could give Cocoa Mews a higher score, I would! It is the most fantastic place with the most excellent hosts. Howie, Art, and Amit are so amazing. We've been travelling for 3 months, and we felt like we'd come home stopping there. Fantastic traditional breakfasts made by Howie. The WhatsApp group - which gave all the places to visit and tips. Howie taught us so much about Malaysia and spent time with us. We really enjoyed the company. We loved the cat theme throughout, and the resident cats Garfield and Bobby totally made our stay great. I miss my cats back home, and it was nice to have a kitty snuggle. I was really sad to leave. I honestly would go back today if I could.

There isn't anything to dislike.

Everything is perfect as an accommodation goes: very clean, great location, friendliness of staff, great value for money, drinkable cold and hot water available for coffee/tea, even cookies!! However and in addition, what really makes this place stand out is that every morning for breakfast you’ll have something local and new to try, which was for me an amazing experience. The area is very rich in culinary traditions and options so having such unique breakfasts offered to you was so fun and educational, as well as delicious of course. Breakfast was vegetarian (to suit all) and recipes explained to you in a WhatsApp group. So thoughtful!! Also the staff is always helpful and generous in providing all possible advice. A special mention goes to Garfield and Bobby, the lovely cats who open their door and hearts to you! Thanks so much Howie, Arthur and Amit for your generosity, kindness and time 🙏 Lori

The place is just the best! Right in the heart of the old town but not noisy ( I wore ear plugs in case) Everything you need is in the small but very comfortable room ( ask for the rooms on the street) if you enjoy looking out ) or in the kitchen /social area. Owners are super friendly and generous. Lots of info via What’s App. Lots of free food available- fruit, tea coffee , breakfast etc. Such characterful cats to keep you company! AC which is easy to regulate Lots of info -maps and tourist info available. I was sad to leave such a homely place

I couldn’t get the hot water to work in the shower but really you don’t need it in lovely warm Penang.

We LOVED this hostel - cant recommend enough! It is in an authentic heritage house which means its a tiny bit worn around the edges but thats all part of it! The staff were amazing, so helpful with recommendations, booking busses ect. Every morning there is toast, jam, milk, all different kinds of teas and coffees, fruit and biscuits! And then even some freshly cooked Malay and Indian dishes for you to try - we woke up the first morning to hot porridge ready for us😍! Theres also hot & cold water, toaster, microwave ect if you wanted to cook basic meals for yourself. The cats are also super cute and friendly. The rooms are comfy and clean. The showers are warm! It is located in little India which is centre of town and amazing if you love Indian food! 100% book this place!

Nothing bad to say ☺️

When it comes to lower budget accommodations in Georgetown, Cocoa Mews rates highly. Understand that old converted Heritage buildings will mean small, sometimes windowless rooms and shared bathrooms. With that in mind, this place is well above average. The host, Arthur, is very nice and provides plenty of extras - breakfast items, toast with numerous spreads, samosas, and fried rice. My room was very clean and comfortable, air-conditioning was good.

Although I like cats, be aware that if you don't or you have any allergies to them, there are a few living there. No bad smells, though.

I don't know what to say. Words cannot describe how welcoming I felt at cocoa. I travel a lot but I never had an host like Arthur and also Howie. He is amazing. He is smiling all the time and puts a lot of effort that the guests have a perfect time in penang. Just a great personality. He knows everything and give you more advice than you able to do in weeks. Every morning there where some local snacks in the kitchen and the description of what it is He send everyone thru WhatsApp. Just amazing. He even gave me advice for my next destination. I surly will come back one day. Its also very very good located and clean. If you have the chance to stay there, don't think twice. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! See you next time!!!

Arthur, Howie and Amit were like fairy godfathers during my stay there. They took care of every little detail during my stay better than any 5-star hotel could. There was always some local, vegetarian-friendly specialty for us to sample in the morning, in addition to bread and hot beverages. They had provided many suggestions of things to do, but they had never tried to sell any tours or packages, so I knew I could trust their recommendations. Filtered water and earplugs were available, the WiFi was strong, the cats were adorable, the property was kept clean, and the location could not have been better. Tourist attractions were within walking distance and public buses were plentiful just a 1-minute walk away.

I was on the upper floor, where there were no bathrooms, so this was a minor inconvenience.

Great place, great value. The host is amazing man, who gives lots of directions around, tips and really wants his guests to feel the town. There were looots of snacks for free around, coffee, tea, cocoa and every morning after 9 complimentary local homemade breakfast. Also lots of free bread and spreads to make toast. Room was clean and comfortable.

There were only 2 toilets and 2 showers for 13 rooms to share - it is a heritage house, so bot surprising, but take into account. Also sexond floor did not have any toilets or showers, had to go all the way downstairs. Also some rooms dont have windows (ours did not) and if it is important to you, check.