OLD MEETS NEW AT E&O HOTEL’S VICTORY ANNEXE

A seamless blend of modern luxury and old-world charm is my ideal staycation at The Victory Annexe of The Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O Hotel) in Georgetown, Penang.

On a recent work trip up north, we decided to experience the E&O Hotel’s magnificent new wing which has 128 sea-view and sea-facing suites. Opened in March 2013, our plush but pragmatic 55sqm Studio Suite (one of the 118) is a serene haven with its own private balcony, tastefully reflecting the colonial style of 1900s and discreet Victorian trimmings. Modernity comes in the form of complimentary WiFi access, satellite TV, mini bar with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a mini capsule-coffee machine.

We slept like babies in the cosy, comfy bedroom which includes a dark wood, retro-style writing desk and a reading corner furnished with a wing chair. However, it was the expansive bathroom with twin vanity cum basins, claw-footed long bath and a separate rain shower that left me weak in the knees. I especially like the bath’s vintage design of the taps and handheld shower as well as the seductive scent and lovely lather evoked by the bath amenities.

 

Should you wish to splurge a little, there are 14 Corner Suites available on this Victory Annexe. The 123sqm space comes with a separate living room, dining area and expansive sea views. Even the corridors wending through this wing are spacious and adorned with polished timber flooring, large windows with colonial-style moulding and photographic works.

As guests of the Victory Annexe, we enjoyed exclusive access to the Planters Lounge. We felt instantly at home in the welcoming, warmly lit outpost which boasts wraparound balcony seating, a reading cum dining room and a semi-partitioned long cocktail bar with high stools.

 

We thoroughly relished the more than ample Continental breakfast spread proffered: eggs cooked on request, international cheese board, assorted cold cuts, bread and pastries, cereal, fruits and juices.

Unsurprisingly, evening cocktails proved a major crowd-puller with the Victory Annexe guests. During our visit, the lounge was packed to the rafters with everyone downing copious amount of canapés and house pouring drinks: wines, spirits and liquors laid out. Complimentary coffee and tea is served throughout the day too.

The breezy Poolside Terrace is another fab refuge so we couldn’t help but sneak in a session in the windswept swimming pool. What touched me most is the intuitive gesture of serving water to us by the poolside personnel. It was a first in my hotel sojourns so E&O Hotel definitely earned extra brownie points with this thoughtful gesture. Other guest facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium, a ballroom and five meeting rooms with all the requisite amenities and services.

Owned and managed by the Eastern & Oriental Berhad, the stately E&O Hotel was reopened in 2001 after major refurbishment. Its colourful history harks back to 1884, with two Armenian brothers, Martin and Tigran Sarkies establishing The Eastern hotel. Due to overwhelming popularity, The Oriental was added in 1885. 

A grand hotel with Moorish minarets, a domed lobby and beautifully manicured gardens, the two properties were later combined to become the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Today, an aura of its illustrious historical past and old-world traditions remain evident in the Heritage Wing. Round-the-clock butler service and opulent setting are the norm rather the exception here.

Onsite, the E&O Hotel draw gourmands and guests with Sarkies, 1885 and Farquhar Bar; fine dining outposts serving extensive menus ranging from Penang’s famed local delicacies to fine European fare. (Separate F&B review coming up soon)

For reservations, call Eastern & Oriental Hotel, tel: +604 222 2000. Address: 10 Lebuh Farquhar, Penang. www.eohotels.com

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS THE MAJESTIC WAY

Warm fuzzy mulled wine ensured everyone were kept in high spirits at the special preview of Colonial Café’s Christmas Eve dinner menu.

The aromatic tipple paved the way for a delicate amuse bouche of Salmon with Crème Fraiche and Fresh Dill. Cut into mini dices, the fish’s natural richness coated our tongue, tinged with creamy tanginess and herbaceous accents.

A multiple award-winning Sauvignon Blanc from Huntaway Marlborough, New Zealand heralded the arrival of our starter: Seared Bay Scallops with White Asparagus and Board Beans. 

Brimming with abundant overtones of blackcurrant and gooseberry, the splendid white wine was a match made in heaven with the plump, no-frills scallops.

 

More comforting succour appeared in the form of Australian Red Onion Soup with Gruyere Toasts. Heartily flavourful with the warm sweetness of onions taking centrestage, we relished dipping the melted cheese-laden toasts into the soulful broth.

The Raspberry Sorbet was more than a palate-cleanser. Served in a cocktail glass rimmed with salt, the wine-red cool treat spread much good cheer with delightfully bright berry flavour.

Interestingly, the complete menu priced at RM280 nett per person (RM380 with wine pairing) also features a mid-course of Seared Cod with Baby Vegetables, Peas and Mint Risotto, and Fish Bouillon. In this instance, the wine of choice is Australia’s McLaren Vale Sister’s Run Elephant Shiraz.

Diner celebrating Christmas Eve the Majestic way will have a choice of either Roasted Short Ribs Glazed with Tomato Sauce & Roasted Butternut Squash or Roasted Turkey with Parsnip Mash, Roasted Root Vegetables, Chestnut Stuffing and Giblet Gravy. We had a taste of the latter which came up to scratch when partaken with lots of gravy.

As we wined and dined away, The Solianos jazzed up the evening with their musical repertoire. The Majestic KL also presented us with a compilation CD of the band’s catchy and poignant renditions as a special Christmas gift.

Before we knew it, it was curtains-down time with Orange Parfait with Cinnamon Crumble and Grapefruit Sherbet followed by Petite Fours and Chocolates. We were thankful the dessert wasn’t overly heavy or cloyingly sweet, aptly rounding off the dinner affair on a high note.

On Christmas Day, the special multi-course celebration menu is priced at RM220 per person (RM320 for wine pairing) while on New Year’s Eve, the set goes for RM350 and RM480 respectively.

For reservations, please call Colonial Café at tel: 03-2785 8000. The restaurant is on Level 2, he restaurant is on Level 2, The Majestic Hotel KL, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur.