Marriott International Inc is bringing Courtyard by Marriott to Penang through the planned opening of Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City in December 2026, strengthening its Malaysian footprint and partnership with Iconic Group.
The 196-room hotel will be created through the rebranding and phased transformation of the existing Iconic Hotel Penang within the four-hectare Icon City integrated commercial development in Bukit Mertajam.
The conversion will begin with upgrades to the hotel’s public areas, restaurants, recreational facilities and guestrooms.
The property will also receive expanded fitness and wellness amenities as part of the phased transformation.
Once completed, the hotel is expected to feature an all-day dining restaurant, café, bar, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre equipped with sauna and steam rooms.
For corporate functions and social events, it will offer a 640-square-metre divisible ballroom and two additional meeting rooms.
Positioned near major industrial hubs and transport links, the property is expected to cater to growing business, leisure and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions demand across Penang Mainland.
Courtyard by Marriott Penang Icon City will have direct access to the North-South Expressway and be within reach of Penang International Airport.
Its location places it close to major economic centres, including the Prai Free Industrial Zone, Penang Science Park, Batu Kawan Industrial Park and Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
These established industrial corridors continue to drive year-round corporate travel and support the region’s expanding MICE sector.
Iconic Group chairman Datuk Seri Tan Kean Tet said the latest partnership reflected the group’s confidence in the continued growth of Penang Mainland.
“We look forward to introducing the Courtyard by Marriott brand to Icon City and delivering a hospitality experience backed by Marriott’s globally recognised standards while meeting the evolving needs of both business and leisure travellers,” he said.
Commenting further, Marriott International vice-president of hotel development for Asia-Pacific excluding China Andree Susilo said Malaysia remained an important growth market for the global hospitality group.
“This signing reflects our commitment to expanding in destinations where strong economic fundamentals and evolving travel demand create long-term opportunities for our owners and our brands,” he said.
Susilo said the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott to Icon City would bring one of the group’s globally recognised brands to a fast-growing commercial destination.
Meanwhile, the agreement expands Marriott’s relationship with Iconic Group following their collaboration on Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
