Staying at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel in Penang is like stepping back in time to days of colonial finery and really is a must for anyone visiting Penang or traveling in Malaysia. If you can get to Penang, at least a night or two in the Eastern and Oriental is a must for a taste of the stunning colonial architecture, old-world glamour and exceptional service from one of the finest hotels in South East Asia.
From its white façade and bellmen who greet you dressed in khaki uniforms and pith helmets, to the keys hanging behind recepton as they did back in the day, the old lifts and the stunning long corridors full of heritage photos and memories – the E&O is a destination in itself.
But its most stunning features are the waterfront pool and Heritage Wing rooms. Do make sure to book a Heritage Wing room – this is the orginal (restored) hotel and the rooms are simply incredible. Staying in the Heritage Wing also gives you access to both the Heritage Wing and Annex Wing swimming pools (if you stay in the Annex Wing you can’t access the Heritage Wing pool).
Elegant, pristine and with touches that will take you back in time – like the switch to call the butler – and make you wish you were a guest here 100 years ago.
While there is so much to explore in Penang, you will need time by the pool to lay and gaze over the water to peninsular Malaysia. To recline under green umbrellas on lounges and order cocktails. To soak up the cool sea breeze after a day exploring George Town.
A stay at the E&O Hotel in George Town is an absolute must. You can check prices here.
Before you go
Before you travel there are a few things I recommend:
- Travel insurance – we use CoverMore.
- A VPN to protect your data. Get up to 49% off here (it’s around $13 a month for multiple devices) and read why you need one here
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- Travel with carry on only – here’s our guide and what I packed for 10 days in Malaysia carry on only.
Malaysia has so many incredible places to visit and it’s so easy and affordable to travel there and to get around. Some of our favourite placed include Melaka, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo and Mulu National Park in Sarawak. And if you’re keen for more beach make sure to visit Rawa Island.
About the E&O Hotel
The E&O Hotel was built in 1885 by the Amenian Sarkies Brothers. You may have heard of them as following the success of the E&O they also built Raffles in Singapore, home of the Singapore Sling, and the Strand Hotel in Yangon – Emmie and I enjoyed high tea here back in 2020 and it was fabulous.
Back in the day the rich and adventurous would tour South East Asia and only stay at the finest hotels on their travels. The Eastern & Oriental was the only hotel that everyone would stay at in Penang, with its sea breezes, beautifully appointed rooms and stunning architecture. I would definitely book here if you’re traveling to Penang – check prices and book here.
The suites at the E&O Hotel
My suite in the Heritage Wing was simply stunning. It was on the second floor (room 207) with windows that opened out to a view over the pool and harbour. On entry I walked into a sitting room with a lounge and low table, drawers and TV.
The bedroom was through sliding doors, and further onward another set of doors led to the stunning bathroom with its black and white floor, huge tub with brass and silver hardware and matching basins. Lovely toiletries were provided and if, like me, you often stuggle with the haircare provided in hotels I can assure you the E&O shampoo and conditioner is top notch.
Electricity switches are the three rectangle pronged, and there is a USB port at the bedside table.
My suite included the minibar and a bottle of wine and snacks, replenished daily. There is also cocktail and canapé hour daily from 6pm to 7pm.
The window of my E&O suite
The E&O Hotel breakfast
The Eastern and Oriental Hotel breakfast is one of the best in Penang. Guests have a choice of a continental breakfast in Sarkies in the Heritage Wing, or a buffet in the Annex Wing. This buffet was incredible with delicious roti chennai and curry chicken and beef, western dishes, Asian dishes and so much more. It is elegant dining with an extensive selection as well as delicious barista coffee or Teh Tarik if you’re drinking your morning brew the Malay way. You can sit inside or out on the terrace overlooking the water.
The E&O Hotel pool
Absolutely exquisite. The E&O Hotel pool is just divine, from the gardens and palms that surround it, to the view overlooking the water and the umbrellas and pool lounges that surround it. And it’s quiet. It’s hushed and peaceful. You can order meals and drinks – surprisingly affordable starting from $10 and cocktails for around $13+.
It’s divine. And while I suggest exploring as much of George Town and Batu Ferringhi as you can, you also must schedule pool time.
Recommendation
I 100% recommend a stay here, even if it will blow your budget (although it’s defintely affordable for a luxury hotel such as this) it will be absolutely worth it for the beauty of the hotel, the vibe and the step back in time to Penang’s colonial era. Book your room here.
I suggest a two – three day stay here and then moving to Batu Ferringhi for time at the beach, visiting the adventure parks and other activities only 30 minutes north. We love the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang – you can read our review here.