In Ipoh, I stayed at the Majestic Railway Station Hotel. It's just next to the train station and also a short walk from the bus terminal in Old Ipoh where all coaches depart and arrive, so it's really convenient if you have to arrive there in the wee hours of the morning like I did. It's undergoing renovation, so the price was really good--RM63 per room. Breakfast is included. It's a good value for the money, but I wished there was a remote for the TV.In Penang, I stayed at the White House Hotel. It's not really a hotel but a guesthouse. It's rather old, maybe from the '60s. The rooms have tiled walls and are sparsely furnished, with furniture that looks older than discarded stuff. Hot/cold water and air-conditioning are activated from the lobby. So, although there is an air-conditioning unit in your room, you can't use it unless you inform the operator and pay for it! The bath is en-suite, but the toilet is shared. All rooms come with fans. Most rooms are doubles, and it's about RM40 per room with air-conditioning. So four people can share a room, and each pays only RM10! It costs less if you choose not to have air-conditioning!
The plus point about this guesthouse is that it is squeaky clean and has a fantastic location, and the staff is lovely. Some of the guests are regulars. There were both Asians and Westerners when I was there. The Westerners were there to escape the bitter cold in their countries and had been staying in the guesthouse for some time.
Although I made no prior booking for both destinations, I actually have friends who could not find accommodation in Penang.