Penang offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors. If you want to enjoy Georgetown traditionally and take a trip down the history lane, you must stay at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in the heart of the city. This hotel enjoys a unique location and preserves the city’s history with some of the finest architecture, including the largest dome in Malaysia.
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel sits at the edge of Penang Street, a vibrant hub for nightlife filled with lively bars and clubs. Just steps away from the hotel, you’ll find some of the area’s most popular eateries. For a fun night out, head to hotspots like Le Mois or Slippery Senoritas, where you can enjoy great drinks and live music.
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1 Penang Road has several nice bars and nightclubs. I explored this area on foot, looking for “Line Clear Restaurant” visited by Anthony Bourdain in his travels. Other popular Indian restaurants include Kashmir. Line Clear serves some of the best Nasi Kandar (Arab-Indian food) in Penang. This is a simple, everyday roadside cafe that is very popular with the local crowds.
The architecture of the E&O building gives you a glimpse into the glory of colonial rule in the region. Large hallways with marble flooring and rich decoration include portraits from the colonial period. If luxury and style are your preferences for travelling, this establishment should be on your list.
A beautifully decorated hallway leads to a bar and coffee place, which opens into a nice pool overlooking the ocean. An array of palm trees lines the concrete oceanfront that leads to Batu Ferringhi. Dimming lights from a distance attract the top-of-the-line shopping malls at Gurney Drive and some hidden culinary delights in the late-night food market at the end of the road.
As you stand in the hotel lobby, your voice echoes beneath the grand dome, a subtle reminder of the building’s architectural brilliance. The original entrance, still beautifully preserved, remains just as it was when the hotel first welcomed guests. Nearby, a dedicated area showcases the hotel’s rich history, featuring photographs and memorabilia of distinguished visitors such as Rita Hayworth, Rudyard Kipling, and many other celebrated writers and actors.
Recent renovations to the hotel have added generous parking and lavishly furnished rooms, as well as restaurants. E&O Hotel is a great spot for catching up over coffee, tea, or lunch. Sarkies Restaurant offers an excellent buffet for around RM100, featuring a wide range of local and international dishes.
A shuttle from the hotel can take you to Gurney Drive, which is only 10 minutes away from the hotel. Being located in a central area, you have easy access to all the popular eateries and shopping malls in Georgetown. If you are out on a culinary visit to Penang, its central location will suit your purpose.
I have stayed at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel twice and enjoyed great service and comfort. The help desk staff is very well-informed about the history of the hotel and the region in general and can provide you with recommendations for places to visit and restaurants to explore.
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