Penang, MalaysiaGeorge Town
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Colonial seafront landmark
George Town Penang, Malaysia
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic LuxeOutside the door
Colonial seafront landmark
George Town's only seafront heritage hotel runs with old-world ceremony, from pith-helmeted doormen to broad lawns overlooking the water.
“The E&O was built in the grand old style by the brothers who built the Raffles in Singapore—the E&O came first.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
The 1885 Sarkies brothers landmark that once hosted Rudyard Kipling and Charlie Chaplin.
Remarkable
Generations gather for daily afternoon tea and sundowners overlooking the Malacca Strait.
Notable
Dedicated butlers attend Heritage Wing suites, alongside private evening cocktails at The Cornwallis.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The long history and classic good looks of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel have rightfully positioned it as the grande dame of George Town.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a five-minute walk away, and the shophouses of Muntri Street sit just beyond.
The rooms
Heritage Wing suites have four-poster beds and hand-painted cabinets. Next door, Victory Annexe balconies look out over the sea.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A garden pool borders the seafront lawn, and the Victory Annexe adds a sixth-floor infinity pool facing the Andaman Sea.
The spa and gym
Spa L'Occitane has ocean-facing soaking tubs for French body rituals, and the fitness centre looks straight out to sea.
Restaurant
Sarkies
Live cooking stations serve Penang char koay teow, and the buffet counters display fresh slipper lobster and crabs on ice.
Behind its imposing white façade are two elegant, all-suite wings in which natural wood floors and elegant furnishings create a sense of place.
At the table
Farquhar's Bar mixes classic cocktails along an oak-and-brass counter, and Planters Lounge looks out across the open sea.
How it began
The name comes from two adjacent properties, the Eastern and the Oriental, which merged to create a single seafront address.
“the property is divided into two complexes: the Heritage Wing (the original tower), which houses 100 suites, while the Victory Annexe, a newer block built in 2013, is home to 122 guestrooms.”
Penang
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.