Noordin Mews Georgetown, Pet-friendly Hotel Penang

Noordin Mews Georgetown, Pet-friendly Hotel Penang

Monica Tindall

Boasting a heritage boutique hotel feel, Noordin Mews in Georgetown, Penang is also one of the very few pet-friendly hotels in Malaysia. On top of that, it’s centrally located, offers a charming setting, and the staff are professional, kind and friendly.

Noordin Mews Georgetown Boutique Hotel

Noordin Mews, a 1920s Peranakan shophouse turned hotel, has been meticulously restored to retain the charm of the period. The team refers to the hotel as a “living memory of Penang’s colonial architecture.” Originally, the building was used for trishaws and handcarts but was abandoned as the industry faded. Taken over in recent years by a prominent hotelier, the property was given new life, respecting the old but including modern conveniences.

Striking symmetrical patterned floor tiles are accented by dark wooden shutters. Antique furniture is found throughout the hotel along with memorabilia of the time. Look out for lotions and goodies you may have found in stores near a century ago in cabinets and in rooms.

Rooms are simple, no-fuss; ideal for those with pets. We appreciate the team’s efforts in reducing waste by providing refillable water bottles and bath products in pump dispensers. Small touches such as a local treat left on pillows each night, books to borrow and in-room espresso machines further contribute to the boutique hotel feel. And, even though surrounded by objects from 100 years ago, WiFi is fast and stable.

Pet-friendly Hotel Penang

Thanks to limited soft furnishings, Noordin Mews allows pets to stay in the rooms with owners. With cement, tiles and excellent ventilation consequent to its heritage design, the accommodation is easily cleaned. Even for guests, such as ourselves, who don’t own pets, the rooms felt clean and hygienic. My nose can always tell if someone has previously smoked in a room (in the last 10 years with my big schnoz) but I would never have guessed pets had already shared accommodation if I didn’t know otherwise.

Fellow residents with their fur babies were polite and considerate during our stay. Dogs were on leashes when in the common area of the hotel and none barked (amazingly!). I even noticed some wearing diapers in public spaces to avoid urination on common property. I was surprised at just how well behaved the dogs and how thoughtful the owners were.

Noordin Mews Facilities

Noordin Mews has a small restaurant on-site that serves a full breakfast, snacks and beverages. Breakfast is included in most room packages, and orders are taken the evening before. Both western and local dishes are on the menu with fruit, juice, tea or coffee coming with your choice of main. We’re happy with eggs in a variety of forms and muesli. However, the local recipe of the day did look tasty too.

The Peranakan-styled loungeroom provides an alternative place to relax. It’s filled with treasures from the past along with books and board games for borrowing. Where we spend most of our time, though, is the pool. It’s long enough to do laps and excellent refreshment after a day of sightseeing. Sofas by the pool and in a small garden make the space feel welcoming.

Excellent Location for Stays in Georgetown

As welcoming as the hotel is, most guests are in Penang to see, shop and eat. You couldn’t ask for a hotel with better positioning than Noordin Mews. All the key sites and conveniences are easily walkable. In the immediate vicinity are several famous street food areas. Just ask the staff for recommendations, and they’ll set you on the right path.

The fabulous Hin Bus Depot is less than a five-minute walk away. Filled with art, cool food and beverage outlets, and some uber-hip weekend markets, it’s a must on any visit to Penang. The heart of Georgetown, vibrant with hidden bars, street art, boutiques and cafes, is about one kilometre down the road. Additionally, there’s a huge shopping mall a block away, Komtar Tower with its attractions and rooftop views is just two blocks away, and a few doors down you can get a great foot massage (this can also be arranged in-room) or visit the hair salon.

Staff

Times have been tough for the hospitality industry both during and post-pandemic. I hear repeatedly how challenging it is to find staff. We would never have guessed it though, with the team at Noordin Mews. They were professional, warm and friendly in every interaction. Super accommodating, the team truly made our stay comfortable and memorable.

Reasons to stay at Noordin Mews: pet-friendly hotel in Penang; lovely heritage building; pool; central location; friendly and helpful staff.

Noordin Mews
Pet-friendly Hotel Penang
53, Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
+6 04 263 7125
www.noordinmews.com

Find out more about travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.