Many know that Georgetown was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, but do not fully appreciate the fact that this town, together with Melaka, are without parallel in East and Southeast Asia in terms of its one-of-a-kind architectural and cultural townscape.
While many of their heritage buildings are used as residences or as restaurants, some of them have been converted into beautiful hotels to give you a memorable stay. Here’s our picks:
Yeng Keng Hotel
This 19-room residence will put you right in the midst of lively Chulia Street with its buzzing nightlife scene, which has bars, hawker eats, and cafes to take your pick from. This accommodation is an 19th century Anglo-Indian residence that has been beautifully preserved and outfitted with wooden panel flooring and tasteful vintage furniture. It is one of the oldest surviving and intact buildings from the 1800s in Georgetown and was once owned by Shaik Eusoffe bin Shaik Latiff and his Indian-Muslim family. You can even dine at Yeng Keng Hotel’s Cafe & Bar to enjoy its old-time charm and elegant furnishings on top of fantastic a menu of Hainanese and Western dishes.
Address: 362, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Seven Terraces
This place will truly feel like you’ve been transported back in time as the splendor of the Peranakan Chinese era is reflected through the interior within including gilded wooden doors and mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture. The founder is a fifth-generation Penang-born baba who wanted to pay homage to his heritage. The hotel is set within a row of seven Anglo-Chinese houses that were built in the 1800s, with open air spaces that keep the buildings naturally cool despite our tropical climate. International hotelier Chris Ong also has a few other heritage hotels under his belt including the ‘Jawi Peranakan Mansion and ‘Muntri Mews’.
Address: Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
The Edison
Leith Street was named after the first Lieutenant Governor of the then Prince of Wales Island, Sir George Alexander William Leith. Most will be familiar with the ‘Cheong Fatt Tze or The Blue Mansion’ which is known for its distinctive hue and holds daily tours for tourists on the same street. Affluent Hakka tycoons eventually set up their homes here and you can feel like a tycoon for a night too at this hotel.
Those seeking for more privacy in comparison to ‘The Blue Mansion’ can opt for ‘The Edison’, which has gone through multiple transformations since it was first built in 1906 to become the magnificent mansion it is today.
In front of the grounds of the grand white building is a tinkling fountain with an eye-catching dragon, but within is a contemporary space of 35 rooms with refined touches. The building also has an airy and spacious center courtyard space you can lounge at which can be seen at many other heritage mansions such as the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. The hotel is also within walking distance of many attractions in Georgetown including the waterfront Esplanade area.
Address: 15, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Loke Thye Kee Residences
This shophouse from the 1900s has all the comforts and beauty of modern architecture and design. Five suites, each with a lush garden and an intimate private balcony are decorated with custom art pieces by local talent Ch’ng Kiah Kiean. Enjoy luxurious nights at the spacious suite which includes a living area and a fully equipped kitchenette. This hotel is the recipient of several design awards including BCI Asia Interior Design 2017 for Best Hotel, Malaysia.
Address: 326, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Image source: @yengkenghotelpenang, @engclau, @seven_terraces_hotel, @imfirstclassmag, milkanddust.com, @theedisongeorgetown, @beaucygne, @asma.nasa
While you're there, hit up these spots in Penang too: