PEARL OF PENANG EASTERN & ORIENTAL
OVERVIEW
A destination that had been on my bucket list for a considerable time was Penang, Malaysia. The name EASTERN AND ORIENTAL came up in conversation during my travels as the place to be. From its foundation by the Sarkies brothers in 1885, the E&O has been patronized by colonial administrators, planters as well as the local and international elite. Among its more famous guests are Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks, Hermann Hesse, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. Today, it is still the choice for many of the world’s most discerning travellers.
This UNESCO world heritage site sits right on the sea in the NORTH EASTERN REGION of the island in the city of Georgetown. You can hear the waves lapping up on shore as you rest on the balcony of your suite. Although the front wing of the hotel, which would later be known as the “Heritage Wing”, received restoration work, the rest of the hotel, including the easternmost 1929 “New Wing”, was either gutted and refurbished or completely reconstructed in the style of the hotel’s older architectural design. The “Heritage Wing” is currently under going more restoration as of this post in 2019 and in 2013 the old Victory Annex was demolished and replaced by a new, 132-room tower of the same name.
THE HOTEL AND ROOMS
From check-in through turn down the one nuance that resonates is the attentive staff and managers throughout the hotel. This was only my first visit, however, you would never have known it if you were witnessing my arrival as not only did the Hotel Manager and Room Divisions Manager come out to greet me but, they were joined by the General Manager of the E&O Penang. Outstanding! Everyone was warm and friendly and would do all they could to ensure your needs are met.
I viewed the rooms in the Victory Annex which consisted of two categories for selection; The Studio suites at 55 sq. meters and the Corner Suites at 123 sq. meters. The Studio is a nice standard room with King bed and the Corner suite is large and sports a huge wrap around terrace outside. The Corner suite is perfect for a romantic get away featuring a tub with a view along with his and hers shower heads or a large family.
SARKIES
Sarkies is the beautiful buffet styled restaurant in the Victory Annex and has a dedicated staff serving up excellent cuisine and it deserves a section on this post all to its own. One of the biggest spreads I’ve seen at any hotel, it offers up a wide variety of international and local dishes. The chef (pictured below) whipped up a new local dish for me almost everyday of my stay. This complementary breakfast was not to be missed and the service from the staff was impeccable.
PLANTER’S LOUNGE
Planters is an upscale business and dining lounge located on the 6th floor in the Victory annex of the Eastern and Oriental and accessible to all guests staying in that wing. It’s a great place to work and meet at or just to relax in. It’s great for those really hot and humid days which the area is known for. Penang is just 5 degrees north of the equator and it feels like it most days. There were a lot of kids running around yelling and screaming most days which did ruin the ambience of what should be a tranquil place to converse or conduct business. The lounge serves a complimentary continental breakfast for those who prefer to avoid the crowds in Sarkies and, a traditional afternoon tea is also provided, as is canapés and drinks at 5PM. Lunch and dinner are also available.
POOL AND GYM
There is a beautiful pool area on the 6th floor adjacent to Planters Lounge for guests of the Eastern and Oriental to lounge in during the day. A large seating and reclining section is part of the green space next to the entrance and wading portion of the pool as well as the hot tub.
Also on the 6th floor is a medium sized gym which has adequate equipment for a good standard workout and the cardio gear is by the window for great sea views while you exercise.
THE DEBRIEF
Georgetown has many hotels to offer and a half dozen of them are classified 5 star properties but, if you’re searching for something right on the sea water with a colonial heritage that wreaks of history, the Eastern and Oriental (simply known as’The E&O’) is the place to stay for you. Can’t say enough good things about the Management and staff who are simply splendid and will make your stay a delight. No stay in this part of the world would be complete without spending at least a few nights here.
