Rudyard Kipling.
Somerset Maugham. Charlie Chaplin. Noel Coward. Dato’ Michelle Yeoh. They were among
the coterie of famous guests who have graced the iconic Eastern & Oriental
Hotel Penang.
Thus we too had the privilege of living the luxe life, albeit it was only for a weekend, after
the E&O Hotel completed a 9-month meticulous refurbishment programme of its Heritage Wing. Retaining its rarified old-world
charm coupled with newer culinary experiences, the grand
dame of Penang greeted the new decade with aplomb.
Upon entering the spacious
lobby, my Crazy Rich Asians-style staycation experience was triggered. After welcoming
pleasantries, we were instantly escorted to our plush Twin Queen Deluxe Suite. Just
a squiggle of my signature completed the swift and smooth check-in process. Guests
residing at the Heritage Wing also enjoy butler service on request.
Like Alice in
Wonderland, I explored and admired every inch of the tastefully appointed suite.
Soft, muted colours abound, complemented by white and dark wood trimmings, carefully curated framed prints and two
queen-size beds bestowed understated colonial era-inspired elegance. An ornate writing table with
multiple slots and drawers made those who need to catch up on work a complete
breeze.
Founder of Interiors International Sdn Bhd Datin Tham
Oi Wah who restored the Heritage Wing
back to its former glory has done an excellent job overall. For instance, padded armchairs
and a comfy settee turned the adjoining seating area into an inviting lounge for reading, watching the UHD flatscreen TV and rustling up
drinks from the side cupboard. Banks of retro louvre windows opened out to breathtaking
views of blue skies, towering palm trees, aquamarine sea and the Heritage Wing pool surrounded
by potted greenery.
Cocktail hours en-suite
are possible thanks to the provision of glass decanters filled with vodka, gin and whiskey. A mini bar with soft drinks,
bottled juices, soda water and cold towels comes built-in within the side cupboard. It also proffers a Nespresso machine, an array of Harney &
Sons premium tea complete with a tea press, three types of nibbles (handcrafted
pralines and nuts) and daily fresh fruit.
Strolling into the elongated walk-in wardrobe and dressing area, I felt like a pampered
superstar. The
dark wood vanity cum dressing table was splendid for dolling myself up whilst
the ample shelving and storage space ensured our luggage and necessities were
kept in order. Aside from the bathrobes provided, a touch of local culture in
the form of two batik sarong (tying instructions provided) are made available.
I could stay ensconced forever in the luxurious
bathroom with a long bath, signature twin vanities and a separate shower. In the
hotel’s quest to reduce the usage of one-time plastic, amenities such as bamboo toothbrush,
comb and emery board came packed in biodegradable cornstarch material. Instead
of miniature plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, full-size ceramic pump bottles of toiletries are now de rigueur.
Although we were
reluctant to tear ourselves away from the creature comforts of our plush suite,
we went a whirlwind tour of the E&O. The echo dome – an original structure
from the Sarkies management era – reigns overhead in the Heritage Wing lobby. A four-sided upholstered
banquette seat crowned with a cluster of palm fronds makes it a majestic rendezvous point for guests.
At the expansive
reception area, a dark wood key slots cabinet from the heritage
hotel’s halcyon days along with the manually controlled Waygood Otis lift with
a sliding grill – featured in the Crazy Rich Asians movie – remains ship-shape even though
it is no longer in use.
Nearby, groups of retro-designed armchairs and settees with
side tables bearing fresh orchids beckon from strategic
nooks and corners. Along the marbled corridor leading to the Grand Ballroom and Victory Annexe, huge potted
palms and more orchids add touches of vibrancy. By night, the mellow lighting casts a romantic vibe.
“Generations of
guests and visitors alike have chosen the famous Heritage Wing as the backdrop
for their magical moments over its 134-year history” said Alison Fraser, general manager of the E&O Hotel Penang. “Mindful of this
beloved legacy, careful consideration has been taken to ensure we retain
E&O’s treasured style of timeless elegance that is unique to this cherished
heritage landmark.”
A new art colonnade
situated along the hallway outside The Cornwallis does double duty as a showcase of artworks by local talents. The artistic collection changes periodically, promoting different homegrown
artists' creative efforts to the E&O Hotel guests from around the world.
Strolling along the
verdant seafront lawn, we saw a lovely garden wedding set-up. More
elaborate banquets and formal affairs are usually held at the gilded Grand Ballroom
which oozes class and discernment.
History buffs can
refer to the beautifully produced map provided in their suite, listing
interesting historical elements found onsite the hotel. For instance, three
decommissioned cannons from Fort Cornwallis remain in place at the seafront
facing the Andaman Sea – important testaments of not only to the historical significance of the E&O and its guests but also that of Penang.
Our walk ended at the
232-suite Victory Annexe where Emporium – the hotel’s retail shop is located. Stocked
with a treasure trove of keepsakes such as "The E&O Hotel – Pearl of Penang" coffee table book by
Ilsa Sharp, unique artisanal souvenirs, framed landmark photographs of
Penang, eclectic semi-precious stones and silver designer jewellery,
delicately beaded cheongsam dresses, batik stoles and sarong, Emporium is bound to keep avid shopaholics happy. To replicate the E&O’s restorative bath
experience, Emporium also offers organic spa accoutrements by Panpuri,
essential oils, plush E&O bath towels and robes.
Sunset saw us
venturing into The Cornwallis lounge for complimentary cocktails and canapes from 6pm
to 7pm. Tempting nibbles of lamb meatballs with a zingy sauce, baby potato
halves topped with sour cream and chopped streaky beef, roti jala with chicken
curry, crudites, a cheese board with assorted nuts and fruits, and tropical
sliced fruits whetted our appetite.
Thirst-quenchers include house white or red wine, beer, juices or soft drinks. Otherwise, the resident mixologist will readily whip up
a classic cocktail or inventive mocktail on request nightly. Conceived with an integrated
seating and dining area, the convivial lounge looks out to the Heritage Wing swimming pool.
As
guests of the
Heritage Wing, we had the privilege of having breakfast at the
Cornwallis,
Planters Lounge (Level 6, Victory Annexe) or Sarkies. Our first morning
was spent admiring the seaview vista from the spacious balcony of
Planters Lounge (the alternative is air-conditioned comfort inside the
lounge).
Rarely did we revel
in the tropical balmy weather but somehow the luxury of having breakfast prepared
to our liking made it a distinct experience. Thanks to the cordial and attentive service, I relished every
bite of my White Only Omelette with Spinach and Tomato while my other half
tackled his Breakfast Steak and Eggs, and for my girl, Cured Salmon and Eggs
Benedict.
The following
morning our Continental breakfast at The Cornwallis was equally on-point. Laid out for
guests to help themselves were yoghurt, fruits, muesli and cereals, pastries and
bread. Our omelette and scrambled eggs came up to expectations. Again, service was impeccable and left no room for complaint.
Whether you’re
staying in a Superior, Deluxe, George Town, Premier, Straits, Writers, Pinang Suite
or the ultimate E&O Suite at the Heritage Wing, the courtesies accorded
will include all the privileges we had experienced, complimentary in-suite WiFi access, complimentary local newspaper (Chinese, English or Malay), and laundry
and pressing service of 3 garments per stay.
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| Views from Pinang Suite | |
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| Premier Suite | |
When it comes to food & beverage, the E&O Hotel Penang will leave discerning gourmands spoiled for choice. That's another story best told on another day in another blogpost.
For your own Crazy Rich Asians staycation or more
information, visit the E&O Hotel Penang website https://www.eohotels.com/suites/
Coming soon: Reviews on the dining options available at the E&O Hotel Penang: Palm Court and Java Tree.
