Penang Major Hotels with Convention Halls — SPICE & Straits Quay Convention Hubs
Penang, Malaysia’s island of heritage and innovation, is not only famed for its UNESCO-listed streets and culinary culture but also as a growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Among its top business hubs are SPICE Convention Centre and Straits Quay Convention Centre, each surrounded by world-class hotels equipped with grand ballrooms, business facilities, and easy access to Penang International Airport and major attractions.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | SPICE Convention Centre & Straits Quay Convention Centre |
| Location | SPICE: Relau, Bayan Lepas, Penang; Straits Quay: Tanjung Tokong, Penang |
| Year Opened | SPICE (2017), Straits Quay (2011) |
| Ownership/Management | SPICE: Setia SPICE / SP Setia Berhad; Straits Quay: Eastern & Oriental Berhad |
| Accolades | Malaysia’s first hybrid solar-powered convention centre (SPICE); coastal luxury event hub (Straits Quay) |
| Significance | Key Penang MICE hubs integrating hospitality, retail, and recreation; preferred venues for regional and international conferences |
Facilities and Event Spaces
SPICE Convention Centre
- Grand Ballroom: Accommodates up to 8,000 guests theatre-style, one of Malaysia’s largest pillarless ballrooms.
- Meeting Rooms: Multiple flexible spaces with advanced AV systems and acoustic control.
- Banquet & Exhibition Halls: Perfect for trade fairs, exhibitions, and gala dinners.
- Technology: Equipped with solar panels, LED lighting, smart climate control, and digital AV systems.
- Amenities: Direct access to Amari SPICE Penang Hotel, wellness facilities, parking for 3,000 cars, and landscaped gardens.
Straits Quay Convention Centre
- Event Hall: Spacious 25,300 sq ft column-free hall ideal for corporate events and conventions.
- Conference Rooms: Configurable spaces with natural lighting overlooking the marina.
- Technology: High-speed internet, integrated sound systems, and customizable lighting.
- Banquet & Outdoor Venues: Marina-side banquet and cocktail setups available for up to 1,000 guests.
- Amenities: Connected to Straits Quay Retail Marina, serviced apartments, and nearby G Hotels.
Accessibility
From Penang International Airport
- To SPICE Convention Centre: ~10 minutes via Jalan Tun Dr. Awang.
- To Straits Quay Convention Centre: ~40 minutes by car via Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway.
Public Transport
- Rapid Penang buses serve both SPICE (Routes 401, 306) and Straits Quay (Route 104).
- Taxis and Grab ride-hailing widely available.
Parking
- Multi-storey parking at both venues with EV charging points at SPICE.
Nearby Amenities and Attractions
Near SPICE Convention Centre
- Queensbay Mall – Penang’s largest shopping destination.
- Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre & Arena – leisure and sports facilities.
- Bukit Jambul Hill & Penang Golf Club – recreational and golfing options.
Near Straits Quay Convention Centre
- Gurney Plaza & Gurney Paragon Mall – premium retail hubs.
- Penang Avatar Secret Garden – a stunning illuminated attraction.
- Tanjung Bungah Beach – coastal relaxation just minutes away.
Dining Options
SPICE Area
- Amaya Food Gallery (Amari SPICE Penang) – vibrant all-day dining showcasing Asian flavours.
- Nearby Choices: The Glasshouse Café, Kayu Nasi Kandar, and Queensbay eateries.
- Catering: In-house catering and customizable banquet menus for events.
Straits Quay Area
- Healy Mac’s Irish Bar & Restaurant – marina-view dining.
- Starz Diner (Hard Rock Hotel Penang) – short drive away for casual dining.
- Catering: Onsite event catering with bespoke menu design by E&O hospitality team.
Things to Explore Nearby
- George Town UNESCO Heritage Zone: Murals, clan houses, and heritage architecture (20–30 min from both venues).
- Penang Hill: Panoramic views and nature trails.
- Kek Lok Si Temple: Malaysia’s grandest Buddhist temple complex.
- Batu Ferringhi Beach: A resort-lined coastline ideal for post-conference leisure.
How to Reach
- By Air: Penang International Airport serves flights from major Asian cities including Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.
- By Land: Connected via Penang Bridge (E36) and Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (E28) for road travellers.
- By Sea: Ferry terminals at Swettenham Pier welcome cruise passengers.
- Local Transfers: Shuttle buses and taxis connect major hotels, malls, and convention venues efficiently.
Contact Information
SPICE Convention Centre
Address: Jalan Tun Dr. Awang, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4-630 1111
Website: https://setiaspice.com
Straits Quay Convention Centre
Address: Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4-890 8650
Website: https://www.straitsquay.com
FAQ
Q1: Are the convention centres suitable for hybrid or virtual events?
Yes, both SPICE and Straits Quay support hybrid setups with high-speed internet and audiovisual systems.
Q2: Which hotels are directly connected to these convention centres?
SPICE connects to Amari SPICE Penang, while Straits Quay is near G Hotel Gurney, G Hotel Kelawai, and E&O Hotel.
Q3: Are these venues near tourist attractions?
Yes — both are within easy reach of George Town, Batu Ferringhi, and cultural landmarks.
Q4: Can I host private banquets or weddings here?
Absolutely. Both centres offer elegant banquet halls and customizable decor for weddings and private functions.
Conclusion
Penang’s SPICE Convention Centre and Straits Quay Convention Centre represent the island’s modern MICE excellence, seamlessly combining tropical charm with cutting-edge facilities. Whether you’re attending a global summit, launching a product, or hosting a wedding, these venues promise exceptional service, convenience, and an inspiring coastal atmosphere. For international visitors, they’re the perfect gateways to combine business, leisure, and the unforgettable spirit of Penang.
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