Penang continues to draw crowds with its world-class culinary fare, warm and friendly people, and carefully maintained historic buildings that are decades – even over a century – old. George Town maintains an old-world charm with modern innovation, resulting in an eclectic mix of potent energy that fully deserves its Unesco World Heritage Site billing.
The latest player to make headlines is The George, a five-star boutique hotel that sports a colonial design and is strategically located right across from Line Clear Nasi Kandar, where traffic from Chulia Street and Penang Road merges at the intersection.
The hotel’s foundations are steeped in history. It once housed an Australian hotel, before playing host to the Teik Bin Chinese Dispensary, followed by the Osakaya Japanese Sundry Shop.
Parking can be scarce in the basement, but this translates to an intimate experience thanks to the relatively low number of rooms compared with other chain hotels. The George boasts 30 suites and 62 rooms spanning five floors, with facilities including a saltwater swimming pool, gymnasium, and steam bath.
The rooms are cosy enough for you to remain indoors the whole day long, even though it is highly recommended you take the opportunity to explore George Town’s historical landmarks in the vicinity. It really is Sophie’s Choice as neither decision will be cause for regret.
If there’s one thing pertaining to each room that cannot receive enough praise, it’s that each bathroom comes with a heated toilet seat that also dries your derriere with warm air after you are done with No. 2! Public washrooms throughout the hotel have the same feature, which is a rarity in Penang, much less Malaysia.
Guests returning for the evening will be pleased to find their rooms readied for a good night’s rest thanks to its turn-down service. Do try to book a Junior Suite as you will face Penang Road, providing you with a bird’s eye view of all that happens below.
The balcony is the perfect place to sit and sip on a cuppa while doing some people-watching. And do not be concerned about traffic noise – the soundproofing is excellent, promising a good night’s sleep despite the hive of activity beyond the hotel’s walls.
The saltwater swimming pool is a highlight. Located on the second floor and nestled between two buildings, there is plenty of natural light, although you won’t be able to get a tan. After your swim, relax on one of the sun loungers with a good book.
Once you are done, head to the steam room on the same floor before taking a shower. Want to burn some calories amassed from all the delectable Penang street food? Head on over to the small but functional gym, which is equipped with a treadmill, recumbent bike, a range of weights, and other basic fitness equipment.
There are two F&B establishments here, both located on the ground floor. You will find the George Bar a quiet enclave nestled to the right of the lobby upon entering, allowing you to imbibe in a cozy setting.
To the left of the main entrance lies Saffron Dining, the all-day venue that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Embracing the concept of going local, it is a nice touch to see a variety of delectable Nyonya kuih and fried mee hoon done Penang-style grace the breakfast buffet line, instead of the usual western-centric fare.
It is also comforting to see Penang kopi-O sachets as part of the room’s coffee-making facilities – a gesture that unabashedly reminds you of where you are!
As The George only just opened its doors recently, floor service at the restaurant leaves much to be desired owing to the staff shortage that plagues the F&B and hotel industry in Malaysia.
The management is aware of the situation and says it is working hard to elevate the dining experience for its guests. Meanwhile, the service rendered at the front desk and housekeeping is generally in line with the hotel’s image.
This is just the first chapter for The George, as there are future expansion plans via an annex building that will add a spa and conference room. Done right, The George has the potential of being a landmark that draws throngs of visitors in the years to come, thanks to its colonial charm.
But there’s a caveat: like many things in Malaysia, one can only hope that the first-world infrastructure will be matched by top-notch service throughout.
Find out more about The George by clicking here.
The George
138, Jalan Penang,
George Town, Penang
This independent review is not sponsored by The George.
Edwin Kee dreamt of being a pro-gamer only to have circumstances mould him into a programmer in a past life. He has since moved on to write about consumer electronics and other topics.