Stylish and charming, these boutique hotels distinguish themselves from larger hotel chains with their warmth and unique character. Rooms are kept to a low count here but each is impeccably furnished with distinctive decor that suits the theme of the hotel, elevating them to more than just simple accommodation.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL: 23LoveLane
What makes Penang one of the popular destinations in Southeast Asia is the winning combination of history, culture and culinary choices.
Visitors have a varied selection of accommodation choices but for a truly memorable holiday, staying within the UNESCO heritage zones is a must.
23LoveLane is ideally located in the centre of George Town within the heritage zone and has been gracefully restored with the expertise of a renowned conservationist.
Attention to detail and respect for the building’s past and nuances were at the forefront during the restoration. The result is a fascinating amalgamation of architectural periods from Straits Eclectic to the 1920s and pre-WWII.
Rooms are decorated according to unique themes with beautiful antiques and furnishings. If you’re travelling as a group, the charming Muntri Suites is a three-bedroom pre-war shophouse with a kitchen and living room.
Dine at the hotel’s restaurant, SteakFrites@23, which offers the best medium rare steak in town with fries – just like how the French do it.
23 Love Lane,
George Town, Penang
Tel: 04-262 1323
The Blue Mansion
The Blue Mansion is one of George Town’s most iconic heritage buildings, built by Cheong Fatt Tze, a successful industrialist and politician, during the 19th century. An excellent example of a traditional Chinese mansion, the attention to architectural detail is amazing and it was one of two such buildings of this size found outside China.
14 Leith Street, George Town, Penang
Tel: 04-262 0006
The Edison George Town
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels group, the hotel comprises 35 tastefully decorated rooms and wonderful open spaces. The building was commissioned in 1906 and has been an administrative centre during the Japanese Occupation and a hotel of slightly dubious leanings. All this adds to the hotel’s charm, and it’s now one of the most remarkable places to stay in George Town.
15 Lebuh Leith, George Town, Penang
Tel: 04-262 2990
The Yard Boutique Hotel
With only 11 rooms, this is a boutique hotel in the truest sense of the word. Tucked away in a quiet corner of one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant areas, The Yard really is an oasis in the bustling city. Rooms are cosy and very well priced; and the strategic location makes this a winner in a city where most accommodation is of the hotel chain variety.
623 Jalan Tengkat Tong Shin, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2110 2449
The Ranee
Kuching, the capital of the state of Sarawak, is the premise of a long and colourful history. The Ranee is located in the old part of Kuching and has 24 rooms housed within two refurbished 19th century shophouses. For a real treat, book into one of the five Ranee Suites, which are elegantly furnished and have verandas with views on the river.
6 & 7 Main Bazaar, Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: 082-258 833
