Eastern & Oriental Hotel: An Historic Gem in Penang's George Town

Eastern and Oriental Hotel, Penang

The Grande Dame of Georgetown Penang

First Impressions

A little Historical Context:

The Eastern & Oriental, popularly known as the ‘E&O’, is an all-suite luxury hotel and the only one with a seafront in the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Widely revered as the grande dame of heritage hotels, the E&O was established in 1885 by the famed Sarkies Brothers whose architectural landmarks include the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and The Strand in Rangoon.

The Heritage Wing is the original site and historical heart of the hotel, characterised by its Moorish minarets and a soaring echo-dome lobby that provide the backdrop for khaki-clad doormen and pith-helmeted bellmen to welcome guests to its 100 elegant suites.

The Victory Annexe is an extended wing that opened in 2013, marking a significant milestone in the E&O’s history. Named after the original Victory Annexe, a magnificent 40-room addition unveiled by Arshak Sarkies in 1923, the new Victory Annexe features 118 Studio Suites and 14 Corner Suites.

Arrival Experience:

Stepping into the Eastern & Oriental Hotel really does feel like travelling back in time to Penang's colonial golden era. The check-in process is steeped in elegance, with staff offering a gracious welcome that embodies the hotel's century-old tradition of hospitality. As I approached the iconic white façade overlooking the Andaman Sea, I was immediately struck by the grandeur that has attracted global travellers for generations. Proud doormen were on-hand to welcome and take instant care of luggage.

Lobby and Decor:

The lobby is a magnificent testament to colonial architectural splendour. High ceilings, marble floors, and meticulously preserved heritage features create an atmosphere of refined sophistication. Vintage photographs and antique furnishings tell stories of the hotel's illustrious past, with famous guests like Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham seemingly still lingering in the air. The space seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort, offering a glimpse into Penang's rich multicultural history.

Accommodations

There have been upgrades to this historic building over the years and both wings offer sumptuous suites with slightly differing styles and outlooks.

Room Type:

My Corner Studio Suite in the Victory Annexe was a spacious 55sqm sanctuary that paid homage to the hotel's storied past. Overlooking the Andaman Sea and George Town's historic skyline, the room was a perfect blend of vintage elegance and contemporary amenities. The room came equipped with:

• King-sized bed with premium linens

• Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

• Mini-bar and tea & coffee making facilities

• Writing desk with sea view

• Private balcony with breathtaking panoramic sea views and overlooking one of the hotel pools

• Safe for valuables, Fluffy Robes, Umbrella, Sarong and Emergency torch

• Twin vanity areas with guest amenities

• Luxury marble-tiled bathroom with standalone claw-foot bathtub and an exquisite rain shower

Comfort Level:

The King bed was super comfortable and ensured a restful night's sleep, with premium linens that spoke of the hotel's commitment to luxury. Despite being in the heart of George Town, the room's soundproofing effectively minimised all street noise, creating a serene urban retreat.

Other Room Types Available

There are multiple suites available, each offering even more luxury and comfort. All room types maintain the hotel's signature blend of historic charm and modern elegance.

Hotel Facilities and Services

Amenities:

The E&O Hotel offers a comprehensive range of facilities:

• 24/7 reception desk

• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property

• Two Swimming pools ( 1 in each wing) overlooking the sea

• Fitness centre

• PanPuri Organic Spa

• Business centre

• Daily housekeeping

The hotel's amenities perfectly balance historic charm with contemporary convenience.

Customer Service:

The staff at the E&O Hotel exemplify Malaysian hospitality. From the concierge to housekeeping, every interaction was marked by professionalism, warmth, and a genuine desire to make guests feel special. Their knowledge of Penang's history and culture added an extra layer of richness to the stay.

Accessibility:

While the heritage building presents some architectural challenges, the hotel has made significant efforts to accommodate guests with mobility needs. Ground floor areas and many facilities are wheelchair accessible, though it's recommended to contact the hotel directly to discuss specific requirements.

Food and Beverage Outlets

Dining Options:

The E&O Hotel offers multiple in-house dining experiences:

• Sarkies Restaurant: All-day dining with international and local cuisine

• Java Tree: Semi-formal dining with classic food dishes

• Farquhars Bar: Vintage cocktail lounge

• Palm Court: Afternoon tea venue with colonial ambiance

• Planters Lounge: Sophisticated dining with sea-views

While the hotel offers multiple dining options, the surrounding area of George Town is a culinary paradise. Nearby dining highlights include:

• Communal Table

• Firewood

• Tek Sen Restaurant

• Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay - Multiple Michelin Guide award winner

• Restaurant Au Jardin

Overall Experience

The dining concept celebrates both the hotel's colonial legacy and Penang's rich culinary heritage, offering guests a good selection of the region's flavours and proved to be an enjoyable experience.

Location and Things to Do

Proximity to Attractions:

The E&O Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring Penang:

• Penang Museum: 5-minute walk

• Khoo Kongsi: 10-minute walk

• Clan Jetties: 10-minute walk

• Fort Cornwallis: 15-minute walk

Transportation Options:

• Rapid Penang Bus Stop: Adjacent to the hotel

• Local taxi services: Readily available

• Grab ride-sharing: Convenient and affordable (We used Grab with ease!)

Local Recommendations:

• Street Art Trail: Explore George Town's famous murals

• Penang Hill: Panoramic views of the island

• Kek Lok Si Temple: Stunning Buddhist temple complex

• Batu Ferringhi Beach: Waterfront entertainment & resorts

• Local Food Markets: Experience Penang's street food culture

Google Maps

Eastern and Oriental Hotel

Conclusion

Overall Experience:

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel offers an unparalleled journey through Penang's history. It successfully preserves the elegance of a bygone era while providing modern comfort and exceptional service.

Recommendation:

Highly recommended for travellers seeking a historic, luxurious experience. Ideal for history buffs, couples, and those wanting to immerse themselves in Penang's rich cultural tapestry. You can consider this one for the bucket-list!

Scores (out of 10):

• Location: 9.5

• Design and Aesthetics: 9.5

• Pool, Spa and Gym: 8.5

• Guest Rooms: 9

• Food & Beverage Outlets: 8.5

• Breakfast: 8.5

• Service Standard: 9.5

• Value for Money: 9

• Overall score: 9.2

Hotel details:

Eastern & Oriental Hotel ★★★★★
Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4-222 2000
Website: E&O Hotel

Booking Page
E & O Hotel

* Tips for Prospective Guests:

1. Book a Sea View Suite for the most spectacular vistas

2. Take time to relax by the hotel pool to escape the bustle of Penang

3. Don't miss afternoon tea at the Palm Court

Affiliate Disclaimer: I stayed as a regular paying customer during this visit and this review reflects my personal experiences and is NOT sponsored by any party. Images used are a mix of personal photography as well as the hotel's used where relevant to showcase different areas.