In a search for Malaysia's legendary hotels, Penang makes David Bowden stay longer to check into its collection of grand, historic hotels.
WELCOME to the world of legendary hotels in Penang! These are the hotels that indelibly etched into travellers' memories through their notoriety as landmark properties.
In many cases; they're prestigious and keenly sought after by travellers. Novels have been written about and in them, and most attract celebrities.
Few remain in their original state as contemporary travellers couldn't survive cold-water showers, ceiling fans rather than air conditioning and toilets down the hallway as was the case when these hotels opened. Most have been restored; some sympathetically, some controversially.
Some hotels have attained legendary status and are tourist destinations in their own right. For example, a visit to Penang once meant staying at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel.
Part 2 of the story has a collection of top 5 grand hotels in Penang.
BELLEVUE THE PENANG HILL HOTEL, PENANG
While Malaysia has several well-known hill stations (Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands), the mountain retreat on Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is considered the world's first hill station. Heat-weary colonialists sought comfort in its cooler temperatures on the 800m-high summit. Bungalows were erected and one of these was converted to the Bellevue Hotel. What the hotel lacks in comfort it makes up for in tranquillity, natural surroundings and views. The Bellevue is for history buffs who could become immersed in its cool surroundings while reading an intriguing novel.
EASTERN AND ORIENTAL HOTEL, PENANG
Once billed as the finest hotel east of the Suez Canal, the E&O, built in 1885, has undergone several sympathetic restorations and additions. There are two wings - the original Heritage Wing and the Victory Annexe added in 2013. Guests are greeted by staff in khaki shorts and pith hats. An expansive lobby of marble and a domed ceiling warrants distraction - stand in the middle, make a discrete sound and wait for the reverberations. Not surprisingly, with little competition, the E&O was the preferred hotel for travellers, especially those on a grand global tour during the 19th century. Writers, playwrights, musicians and dancers chose the property. Now, all suites are gracious, spacious and decorated with period furniture and subtly incorporate contemporary facilities. Relax in the pool, savour English afternoon teas, sip sundowners in Farquhar's Bar and move on to dinner in the plush surrounds of Sarkies or Palm Court.
LONE PINE RESORT, PENANG
Located at Batu Feringghi, Lone Pine Resort started life in the late 1940's when the original beachfront bungalow was converted to a ten-room family-owned hotel. Its near-deserted seaside location appealed to expats working in the country and in the 1950s, it was extended with two additional accommodation blocks. More rooms were added in 2010 but there's always a sense of space with just 90 rooms overlooking extensive gardens and whispering beachside casuarinas. While there's a gym, spa, restaurant, bar and pool, many returnees love the heritage architecture, serene seafront, soothing gardens and personalised service.
HOTEL PENAGA, PENANG
Hotel Penaga occupies what was once a row of double-storey 1920s terrace houses. Now repurposed as a petite heritage hotel in the heart of George Town's Unesco zone, its handful of rooms provide refuges that skillfully blend luxurious contemporary facilities with elements of Penang's rich heritage. Despite being in an urban setting, Penaga has a small pool set within tropical gardens and a spa. There's a restaurant and its Tanglung Bar is a place to reminisce about bygone days.
THE EDISON GEORGE TOWN, PENANG
Located along historic Leith Street, The Edison was originally built in 1906 as a colonial mansion and was repurposed as the Cathay Hotel after World War II. Located in George Town's UNESCO heritage zone, a 2016 revitalisation of the Edison combines colonial charm with contemporary chic. It offers indulgent luxury such as a pool, cabanas, communal lounge and courtyard with significant heritage elements.