Hey all -- I know nothing, actually less than nothing, about this part of the world. An acquaintance has booked a flight to Langkawi and is struggling on the hotel issue. Everything he's looking at he's finding bad reviews on.

Anyone got any suggestions? Budget is £50-80(ish) per night perhaps, max 100. Staying 8 nights. Bed and breakfast.

Any help greatly appreciated! Trip will be September.

Hmm, September is typhoon season. NBD. i quite like typhoons as they cool off the tropical heat.

I have stayed in Penang, south of Langkawi and not far away, a very funky town.
We had a very nice stay at the fabld E&O (Eastern & Oriental) hotel. It is one of a handful of old lengedary hotels in Asia, like the Strand, Raffles, the Pen in HK, the old Cathay (currently Peace) hotel in S'hai.
Not only do I recommend thsi very affordable hotel, but I recommend that your friend hurry.
Don't expect Swiss (or Bangkok or HK) standard service. Appreciate this type of grande dame, desuete existence that is usually not alllowed to survive in Asia.

Here are some reviews.
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-394990-eastern_oriental_hotel-i

For years it has "threatened" to get refurbished. Refurbishment in Asia usually means makeover for the worse. See the fate of Raffles, or Repulse Bay Hotel of HK.

A little further south there are some lovely old British resorts in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands.

Maria,

I remember Gard on this forum stayed in Langkawi last year. Maybe you can PM him.

Steve