[Updated 6 September 2020]
Penang is easily one of Malaysia's greatest heritage treasures. Given Penang's history that dates back to the colonial era, the city is full of heritage buildings and mansions, many of which have been turned into incredible boutique hotels in Penang.
If you're looking to stay somewhere full of character and old-world charm, we've rounded up these amazing boutique hotels in Penang across various budgets for an Instagram-worthy stay.
Disclaimer: All nightly rates are based on a search in September 2020 (for 2 adults) for booking periods between October and November 2020. Prices are subject to changes especially during peak travel periods and over weekends. We recommend that you do a search before booking.
1. Areca Hotel
Situated within a short walking distance from KOMTAR, Areca Hotel is a boutique hotel in Penang that spans across 12 shophouses. It has been meticulously restored to its former glory after years of renovation, with its historical structure carefully preserved. The common area of the boutique hotel has beautiful natural lighting and is decorated with potted plants, cosy chairs and colourful tiling.
Credit: Areca Hotel Penang on Facebook
With so much character, this area is perfect for you to take Instagram-worthy shots. The hotel houses 48 spacious rooms that exude elegance with vintage-style furniture and golden lighting, giving them a nostalgic charm. You can read more about Areca Hotel Penang here!
Rate: Starts at RM98 on Agoda
Address: 5, Jalan Khoo Sian Ewe, 10500 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604 261 0050
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Carnarvon House
Credit: Carnarvon House on Facebook
Carnarvon House is a boutique hotel located right at the edge of the Heritage Zone. It is housed in a 19th-century Straits Chinese House and within walking distance to all the notable historical attractions. The two-star accommodation offers a stay in a beautifully restored building but without the hefty price tag compared to other heritage boutique hotels in Penang!
Credit: Carnarvon House on Facebook
Guests will love the gorgeous common area where they can hang out. The rooms themselves are simply but stylishly furnished with comfy beds. Do note that not all rooms come with ensuite bathrooms and that the building has no elevator, so do make sure to choose your room accordingly and request for a lower-floor room if you're not a fan of taking the stairs!
Rate: Starts at RM91 on Agoda
Address: 28, Lorong Carnarvon, 10100 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604 226 0449
3. Ren i Tang Heritage Inn
Located in a restored building from the 1800s, the Ren i Tang Heritage Inn is a unique boutique hotel in Penang. A glimpse at the exterior of the building may not reveal the actual identity of the hotel, but you’re in for a treat once you step into the building! Converted from what used to be a Chinese medicine hall, many of the features of the building are preserved.
One of the most noticeable features of this boutique hotel is the air wells, which used to be the area where herbs were transported from the storerooms above to the shop on the ground floor on old pulley systems. There is also a museum in the building which displays tools to process medicinal herbs!
Rooms at Ren i Tang are tastefully-furnished with comfortable beds as well as antique pieces to complement the wooden-shuttered windows. Persian rugs, quirky towel racks and fashionable light fittings in the rooms are proof that modern and heritage characteristics in the hotel are aesthetically blended.
Rate: Starts at RM273 on their website
Address: Lebuh Penang, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +602 250 8383
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Muntri Mews
Muntri Mews has an interesting background - it used to be an area where horse carriages were parked! Comprising a collection of buildings, it has been remade into a stylish boutique hotel in Penang that retains much of the original architecture and interior. Located along Muntri Street, the hotel is just a stone's throw away from popular areas like Little India, Chulia Street and more.
The rooms are spacious with different sizes accommodating between two and six people. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with family and friends, you'll have a comfortable place to rest!
Rate: Starts at RM324 on Agoda
Address: 77, Muntri Street, 10200 Georgetown, Penang
Contact: +604 263 5125
5. Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
Built in the late 1800s, this UNESCO award-winning Cheong Fatt Tze - Blue Mansion has fine interiors and antique furniture. Filled with a tranquil courtyard, louvred windows, gold-carved screens, tall pillars and ceilings, the mansion became super popular after it was featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians.
Rest and relax as you enjoy the experience of staying in the beautiful mansion. Get your cameras clicking to this oh-so-Instagrammable mansion, perfect for your #ootd shots! Better yet, you can relive the Crazy Rich Asian experience by enjoying a blissful Nyonya afternoon tea.
The room boasts of authentic 19th-century furniture throughout and is complemented with modern necessities like HD television, lightning-speed internet connection and a rain shower. It almost feels like you’re transported back in time during your stay at the mansion ?
Rate: Starts at RM405 on Agoda
Address: 14, Lebuh Leith, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604 262 0006
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. 23LoveLane
Nestled in the heart of Love Lane in George Town, 23LoveLane Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel that is worthy of note for its careful heritage restoration. Comprising several heritage buildings built across the 1800s, the hotel houses 10 rooms that are unique and eclectic in their own ways.
The hotel is beautifully decorated with the owner’s private collection of antiques and artwork, aesthetically pleasing to the eyes! After a long day of touring Penang, you’d be delighted to return to a serene oasis to rest and relax ?
Credit: 23LoveLane Hotel, Penang on Facebook
Listen to the birds chirping and the soothing sounds of water flowing from the fountain in the garden as you take in the beauty of this boutique hotel in Penang. The peace that'll surround you is so unbelievable you won’t believe it’s situated in the busy city of George Town!
Get a good night’s rest at the comfortable room which features a high ceiling, full-length shutter windows, fluffy king-size bed and a spacious bathroom in addition to basic necessities like television, safe and bottled water.
Rate: Starts at RM1,175 on Agoda
Address: 23 Lorong Love, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604 262 1323
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. The Edison
For a stay that has all the outward charm and character of Penang's heritage combined with creature comforts and contemporary furnishings, look no further than The Edison.
The beautiful structure was originally the opulent home of a Hakka tycoon before it was converted to a hotel after World War 2. But it was only as recent as 2014 when this boutique hotel in Penang was refurbished, renovated and subsequently rebranded as The Edison. And the hotel today is meant to provide a charming yet luxurious stay for all who visit.
Credit: The Edison George Town, Penang on Facebook
While The Edison upholds and preserves the beautiful heritage of the building, it also provides a stylish stay complete with comfortable amenities. The rooms come inclusive of continental breakfast, personalized concierge service and even all-day snacks and beverages!
Rate: Starts at RM305 on Agoda
Address: 15, Lebuh Leith, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604 262 2990
8. Seven Terraces
Credit: Seven Terraces - Penang on Facebook
At Seven Terraces, honeymooners will appreciate the Terraced Duplex Suite that is made for two. Families, on the other hand, will have a tough time choosing between the Argus or Stewart Apartment that comes with a spacious lounge, sleeping area as well as delicious breakfasts and afternoon teas.
Credit: Seven Terraces - Penang on Facebook
Dramatically outfitted with traditional Chinese architecture, staying the night at Seven Terraces is a dream for many. You’ll be blown away by the beautifully quaint rooms that reside within the 19th-century Anglo-Chinese terrace houses.
#HHWT Tip: Seven Terraces is within walking distance from local attractions such as The Camera Museum, Penang State Museum, and Masjid Kapitan Keling
Rate: Starts at RM555 on Agoda
Address: Stewart Lane, 10200 Georgetown, Penang
Contact: +604 261 8888
Website | Facebook | Instagram
A road trip to Penang is always a good idea! While its amazing halal food and Instagrammable spots promise a great trip, staying at one of these boutique hotels in Penang is bound to take your getaway to the next level. It's time to book a stay for your next vacay!