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.

I could not recommend this place more! The staff are absolutely phenomenal, so helpful, sending recommendations all the time including daily events that are happening. Though the accommodation is not “breakfast included”, it may as well be as snacks are provided in the morning as well as there always being a contrast access to bread, spreads, biscuits, ice cream and more! Drinking water is provided as well as milks and other juices. The rooms themselves are clean and comfortable, and the shared bathroom is great, also clean and tidy! The cats are so friendly and will sneak into your room if you let them (which was a highlight!) so make sure you are a cat fan! We ended up extending our stay it was that wonderful and would recommend this stay to anyone! Thank you to all at Cocoa Mews for making our stay so excellent! This is definitely the best place I have EVER stayed in.

Nothing at all!

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.

What a difference a staff that actually cares can make. This is a small place with only a few rooms that has not been renovated to cram as many beds as possible in tiny box rooms for maximum profit, but a very chill home with a great vibe and staff that make you feel like part of the family. King Arthur was so helpful and sweet during our stay. The free breakfast changed everyday and always some great local food, not just butter/toast/jam (which is also available 24/7) And of course the cats were sweet and nice to play with, and if you let them, they will sleep in your room with you to enjoy the AC. They had a groupchat to let everyone know what events were happening in town and recommendations for food or day trips. And as many would like to know, soft comfortable mattress and hot water!

Our room was on the top floor and bathhrooms were on the lower. Our room faced towards the mosque that can of course wake you if you're a light sleeper.

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.

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.

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 ☺️

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!!!