I have to say, I am absolutely in love with all the old heritage mansions in Penang that has been restored to its former glory, and then turned into boutique hotels. One of the latest beauty to land on the scene is The Edison Georgetown (July 2016). Just two weeks into its launch, I had the opportunity to walk through its grand front entrance and experience the hospitality of this small luxury hotel.
Hotel Overview
The Edison Georgetown is situated in central Georgetown, along Leith Street and just opposite the well-known Cheong Fatt Sze Mansion. The building has a very interesting past — it was built in 1906 as a residential mansion for a local Chinese tycoon, Mr. Yeoh Wee Gark; was later used during World War II as an administrative office for the Japanese army; and since the 1950’s, housed the iconic Cathay Hotel — that despite its dilapidated state, was known for its grandeur and character, and perhaps its infamous occupants.
After a long restoration and renovation initiative by hotelier Eddie Tan, the beautiful mansion has been reopened as the luxurious boutique hotel, The Edison Georgetown. Boasting 35 rooms and an all-inclusive service, the hotel is one of the few hotels in Malaysia under the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ status.
The Edison Experience
With its white walls with moss green window shutters, the Anglo-Colonial mansion which houses The Edison Georgetown is truly impressive. With a dragon-themed water fountain in front of the mansion, and the reception area facing the grand entrance; I felt instantly welcomed. After the quick check-in process, I was guided to my room — and I got to further admire of the hotel’s gorgeous architecture and decor while walking pass the hallways and along the corridors.
I was really impressed at how the mansion has been so lovingly restored to its previous magnificence. I felt as if I was almost living in the past — shuttered windows, cast-iron decorative beams, squarish patterned tiles, grand staircases and open-aired courtyards. There’s an old nostalgic charm still hanging in the air, but with a modern simplistic touch. I knew I was going to have a luxurious stay, and a grand time.
The Rooms
During my stay at The Edison Georgetown, I stayed at the Deluxe King room, located on the ground floor of the hotel. My room was wide and spacious — with a lovely blend of the old and the new. It had a big comfortable bed, a couch and a huge bathroom with shower and luxurious bath amenities; and the slight hint of the old-world came from the chequered-tile flooring and the iron window grills behind the blinds. A special turndown service is provided in the evening, and some light refreshments were left in my room.
There are two other rooms types available at the hotel — the Deluxe Premium King rooms and the 2 King Suites. Room rates start from RM550 (~US$140) for the Deluxe to RM850 (~US$210) for the Suites. Prices are nett and all-inclusive.
All-Inclusive Stay
What makes this boutique hotel truly unique is the all-inclusive services they provide. Included in the room rates are almost everything you need for your stay at the hotel — continental breakfast every morning, all day snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and most importantly, wifi access! I could just walk into The Lounge any time of the day and help myself to their whole array of snacks, local desserts, candies, coffee, tea and soft drinks (sometimes I sneak them back to my room too). The Lounge is open to the public as well at certain times of the day.
The hotel also provides other facilities like a library, a pool (which is currently still a water feature), and the spacious outdoor cabana area to lounge in during the day. With everything provided for my comfort (especially the never-ending supply of food), I couldn’t help but feel at home.
End of the Day
I loved wandering along the corridors of The Edison Georgetown, admiring the beautifully designed interior, looking over the central courtyard through the windows on the first floor, and exploring the back open area of the mansion. I was brought for a little tour around the hotel, and it was interesting just listening to the stories and taking a peek at its old secret backdoor pathways. It’s these little things that really intrigue me about staying in restored old heritage mansions — and this one has been built since 1906, so it’s 110 years old!
And did I have a luxurious stay and a grand time? You bet I did!
Gorgeous night view of the Edison Georgetown, housed in a beautiful heritage mansion.
The Edison Georgetown
Where: 15 Lebuh Leith, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Website: www.theedisonhotels.com
Book with AGODA
*She Walks the World visited the Edison Georgetown as a guest; and as always, all opinions stated here are my own.
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Categories: Asia, Boutique, City, Hotels and Resorts, Luxury, Malaysia, Penang, Southeast Asia
