I wanted accomodation away from the crowded, busy beaches (e.g. Pantai Cenang), towns. Motorcycle rental is expensive (40 RM/day or 240 RM/week vs. 25 RM/day in Penang), so I rented a bicycle (~90 RM/week). Central location of hotel on W coast facilitates bicycle access to Padang Matsirat (various diverse, cheap food options, night market), airport (dutyfree booze, Ramadan night market and reliable, free WiFi), Pantai Cenang (crowded beach, bars), Pantai Kok (quiet, less developed beach), Oriental Village, Geopark and 'Seven Wells' waterfalls, etc. 55 RM/night gets you a spacious (more than big enough for me, my backpack and a rented bicycle) twin bed room. Stayed 3 weeks, they sent/drove me across the street each morning to their sister hotel the 5* Langawi Lagoon Resort for a wonderful deluxe buffet breakfast. No movie channels, but sufficient English language TV programs to keep me entertained. WiFi poor, unreliable, subscribed to a cell phone data plan and used airport Wifi.
Will return to see the rest of the island (rented car, motorcycle) and enjoy that excellent buffet.