E&O Penang – Luxury Hotel, Georgetown

E&O Penang – Luxury Colonial Hotel, Eastern & Oriental Georgetown

Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Ha

In a world of fleeting trends and ever-shifting skylines, there’s comfort in knowing that some standards never go out of fashion. We first experienced the Eastern & Oriental’s timeless charm nearly two decades ago (subsequently becoming repeat visitors). Since then, the hotel has undergone various transformations, including adding the Victoria Annexe and fully refurbishing the Heritage Wing. However, despite the passage of time, one thing has remained constant: the warmth of genuine hospitality. Here, amidst the colonial grandeur, every guest is treated as a treasured visitor, whisked away to a bygone era of unparalleled service and elegance.

E&O Penang

Victory Annexe or Heritage Wing?

Guests can choose between the Victory Annexe and Heritage Wing when booking a stay at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Both are committed to impeccable 5-star service, yet they diverge in key aspects. The Heritage Wing, the original colonial structure, emanates historical charm with personalised service and a higher price point reflecting its significance. It also comes with access to Cornwallis, the wing’s club lounge serving refreshments throughout the day, and canapés and cocktails in the evening. When staying in the Heritage Wing, for brekkie, you can take your pick of a continental buffet in Planters Lounge, an international buffet in Sarkies, or a continental breakfast in Palm Court. Furthermore, suites include a complimentary mini-bar and exclusive use of the lovely Heritage Wing pool lined with striped sun loungers and basil-green umbrellas. All in all, it’s a more intimate stay.

In contrast, with its modern design, the Victory Annexe offers larger rooms with contemporary amenities such as balconies. The separate lobby ensures a private arrival experience, and all rooms promise sea views. Victory Annexe provides a slightly more affordable option without compromising luxury. The pool in this wing is on the sixth floor, offering an almost seamless view from its surface to the sea.

Both wings grant guests access to the hotel’s facilities, including the fitness room, spa, restaurants, and bars. Ultimately, the Heritage Wing caters to those seeking historical charm and service and a more intimate experience. At the same time, the Victory Annexe offers a modern, spacious experience with guaranteed views and a slightly more economical stay.

E&O Penang Heritage Wing

We prefer a more private stay and are suckers for the historical details that remain in the E&O’s Heritage Wing. It begins with doormen in old British Army uniforms, featuring khaki two-pieces, knee-high socks, and iconic pith helmets. Through a grand Theophilus revolving door, circa 1988, a timeless scene unfolds. Then there’s the Echo Dome, an enormous cupola where sound reverberates between the dome and the Carrera marble floor. Don’t tell any secrets here as even the softest whisper becomes audible! (Those with patience and a sense of humour could find many smiles taking a seat in the lobby and watching guests who’ve discovered the echo snap, clap and giggle each time they walk under.) Further beyond take a look at the Electric Waygood-Otis, one of the country’s first lifts and only 30 remaining worldwide.

Despite the shift from traditional skeleton keys to electronic cards for modern convenience, a deliberate nod to history is evident at the reception. Within a vintage pigeon-hole cabinet, the polished metal room keys showcased capture the essence of a classic era, which continues into the suites.

Deluxe Suites E&O Penang

Waking up in the Deluxe Suite in the Heritage Wing is like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard. Palm trees sway outside the window, framing the boardwalk and jetty like a miniature seaside stage. The horizon stretches forever, interrupted only by the occasional bobbing fishing boat.

Inside, it’s colonial charm mixed with modern ease. I find something new whenever I return – a delicate palm print on the wallpaper, an antique light switch humming with history. And I’m always appreciative of the bathtub and twin vanities.

The perks are pretty sweet, too – welcome snacks and wine, a fridge stocked with refreshments, and 20% discount in the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Plus, robes softer than a cat’s nap and bath products that make me smell like an aromatic Thai garden with their jasmine and mint fragrance. And then there’s the eco-conscious icing on the cake – wonderfully scented shampoo and lotion in refillable pumps, bamboo toothbrushes and amenities wrapped in paper rather than plastic. We’re hoping they’ll soon find a solution for the plastic water bottles, too.

Breakfast at the E&O Penang

Guests staying in a Heritage Wing suite are spoiled for choice for brekkie. Sarkies provides an extensive international buffet and buzzes with guests. Planters Lounge (Victory Annexe) and Palm Court (Heritage Wing) are much quieter affairs with short ala carte menus supported by a continental breakfast selection of fruits, cereals, and salads. I much prefer a la carte and a quieter setting for breakfast, so Palm Court is the obvious choice. Here, eggs made, pancakes, French toast, noodles and nasi lemak are made to order, while guests can top up their selection from fruit, cheese and cold cut platters, cereal, yoghurt, bread and pastries.

Restaurants & Bars

While the vibrant streets of Georgetown await the adventurous foodie, E&O has plenty of restaurants and bars of their own to explore. Whether you crave elegant ambience or casual seafront vibes, E&O’s diverse restaurants and bars satisfy every appetite.

In the Heritage Wing, Java Tree specialises in classic European comfort food. This is your place for a fancy date night accompanied by fine wine and spirits. We squeeze in a quick meal here and are disappointed that we didn’t save more tummy space and time to enjoy a full evening spread. The quality and plating of the meal was exceptional. Han Sen polishes off an expertly prepared Beef Wellington, while I enjoy the Red Snapper Fillet Ala Meuniere. We also share the prettiest Waldorf Salad we’ve ever come across. If we were smarter, we would have allowed more time, exploring the wine list and definitely taking a look at the dessert trolley.

In the adjacent, Palm Court you can savour aromatic curries, succulent roasts, or the iconic E&O high tea . If you’re new to Malaysia and worried about risking your trip due to an upset tummy from street food, the Tiffin Set Lunch at Palm Court is a tasty, and hazard-free alternative. At RM68 per set it’s great value for money. The traditional four-tin carrier holds aloo gobi – potato and cauliflower braised in creamy gravy, steamed fragrant rice and acar jelata (pickled veg) and pappadam. You have a choice of beef, chicken, prawns or lamb for the mains. I choose beef rendang. It’s hard to go wrong with this Malaysian classic – slow-cooked beef slices in turmeric, chilli, coconut milk and palm sugar. The protein portion is very generous. Despite not having eaten for several hours, I could only make it half way through. It could potentially be enough for two smaller tummies to share. Available daily from 12 – 3pm, it’s a quick, easy and delicious midday meal.

Lastly, and right next door, Farquhar’s Bar is a sophisticated haven for handcrafted cocktails and vintage charm. Sink into plush leather sofas amidst antique furnishings or bask in waterfront views with a semi-alfresco seat. With five different versions of Negroni, you know already it was an easy win for me. Try the original with gin, Old Pal with rye whisky, Kingston with rum, Rosita with tequila or my pick, the Aged Negroni (RM 65) featuring the classic recipe of handcrafted gin, Campari and sweet vermouth but aged in an American Oak barrel helping to integrate the flavours and provide a smooth finish.

In the Victory Annexe, Sarkies guarantees no one leaves hungry with buffets brimming with an expansive spread of Malaysian and international delicacies. From fiery rendang to succulent seafood, there’s something to keep the whole family happy here. Six floors above, Planters Lounge serves elegant continental fare with sea views. 

Facilities

To work off those calories, dive into the shimmering waters in one of two swimming pools, including the infinity pool at the Victory Annexe or umbrella-lined luxury in the Heritage Wing. Alternatively, keep inspired by the sea views on the sixth-floor Fitness Centre. Delve into local history at the E&O Gallery before browsing the unique souvenirs and collectibles at the Emporium. For ultimate pampering, the spa awaits with luxurious massages, facials, and other treatments to complete a blissful escape.

E&O Penang Review

Penang is a vibrant island with so much to offer. Still, after a day of exploring, there’s nothing quite like returning to the haven of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. With its attentive staff, luxurious amenities, and timeless charm, the E&O is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to return for our next visit.

Reasons to stay at the E&O Penang: a true sense of place and history; luxury to the max; super convenient location benefiting from both quick access to Georgetown and sea views; Heritage Wing suite for personalised service and an elegant step back in time.

Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel Penang
10, Lebuh Farquhar
10200 Penang, Georgetown, Malaysia
+(6) 04 222 2000
[email protected]
www.eohotels.com

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