Penang offers plenty of accommodation options for visitors. If you want to enjoy Georgetown in the traditional way and take a trip down the history lane, you must stay at Eastern & Oriental Hotels in the heart of the city. This hotel enjoys a unique location and preserves the history of the city with some of the finest architecture including the largest dome in Malaysia.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel is located at the tip of Penang street which is a hub of nightlife with nice bars and clubs. Some of the famous eat out in the region are also located a stone throw away from the premises. Le Mois and Slippery Senoritas are great spots to enjoy drinks and live music at night.
Useful Links for travellers to Penang
1 Penang Road has a number of nice bars and nightclubs. I explored this area on foot looking for "Line Clear Restaurant" visited by Anthony Bourdain in his travel. Other popular Indian restaurants include Kashmir. Line Clear serves some of the best Nasi Kandhar (Arab-Indian food) in the Penang. This is a simple everyday roadside cafe and 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. If luxury and style is your preference for travelling this establishment should definitely 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 the distance attracts to the top of the line the Shopping Malls at Gurney Drive and some hidden culinary delights in the late-night food market at the end of the road.
The beautiful architecture of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Biggest dome in Malaysia in Eastern and Oriental Hotel
Standing in the hotel lobby if you speak aloud, you can hear yourself from the echo generated by the dome. The original entrance to the hotel is preserved in the same manner when it opened to the public.
One section of the hotel near the lobby area is dedicated to historical memorabilia including pictures of notables who visited the hotel. These prominent names include Rita Hayworth, Rudyard Kipling and many other famous actors and writers.
Jetty at Eastern and Oriental Hotel
Recent renovations to the hotel have added generous parking and lavishly furnished rooms and restaurants. E & O Hotel is a great spot for catching up for coffee, tea or lunch. Sarkies Restaurant offers an excellent buffet for around RM 100 with a wide range of local and intercontinental dishes.
Buffer Dinner at Sarkies at Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Relax and enjoy coffee or drinks in a Colonial Styled Bar & Cafe
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 location you have easy access to all the popular eat-out and shopping malls located in Georgetown. If you are out on a culinary visit to Penang, its central location will suit your purpose.
I have stayed at Eastern & Oriental Hotel twice and enjoyed great service and comfort. The help desk staff is very well informed on the history of the hotel and region in general and can provide you with recommendations for places to visit and restaurants to explore.
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