Eastern & Oriental Hotel

What a beautiful, historic hotel. Occupying a great position in Georgetown near the water the building has a classic facade and timeless charm. Service throughout our 3-night stay was friendly and generous. The breakfasts were great - our favourite was on the terrace in the heritage wing though Sarkies in the Victory annex had lots more choice and a great chef who made roti canai to order which was a real treat! The gym was adequate (although it was steamy hot at times!) and the two pools are gorgeous (my preference was for the one in the heritage wing). Farquhar bar was fun too. Our room - on the third floor of the heritage wing - was expansive, stylish, comfortable and had a beautiful view of the water. The old fashioned bathroom was charming and the shower powerful with loads of hot water. The mini bar was replenished daily and little touches: like a newspaper delivered to the room every morning were quaint and cute. Sleep quality wasn’t great - on two occasions there were weddings downstairs so one time I could hear the disco (although it stopped at 10:30) and the second time rowdy guests in the corridors until 2am. Nonetheless I had a superb stay here and wouldn’t hesitate to return to this wonderful hotel or beautiful Penang.

I was genuinely impressed by this hotel — it exceeded all my expectations. The room was extremely spacious, beautifully designed, and filled with historic charm. The colonial ambience gives it a character that modern hotels simply cannot replicate. The pool area is stunning, especially with the sea view. It was one of the most relaxing parts of my stay. Service was also excellent. The staff were warm, attentive, and very thoughtful. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the room rate includes many special services and extras that I didn’t expect, which made the whole experience even better. I also want to point out that the photos online do not do this hotel justice. They are far from showing how beautiful the property actually is. The real experience — from the rooms to the architecture and overall atmosphere — is much more impressive. Overall, it was a wonderful stay. If you appreciate large rooms, heritage charm, ocean views, and attentive service, this hotel is absolutely worth it. Highly recommended.

We stayed in the Heitage wing for 5 nights and would find it hard to find fault. The room was excellent, the staff very friendly and accommodating and the service very good. Breakfast was also very good - we ate outside in the Heritage wing every day and the selection was very varied. Similarly, the evening canapes and aperitif were excellent. We will certainly return.

Other reviews would have given u descriptions of the room and they are all true. Spacious room, excellent services & quiet environment. Complimentary Cans of soft drinks given & replenished everyday with bottles of water as well. Free parking. The only complaint is their buffet breakfast. If u stay more than a day or 2, u don’t get any changes to the menu! We stayed for 5 nights & the menu is literally the same for the 5 Mornings! I think Kitchen management got to take a look at this. I did point this out to floor manager on my 3rd morning but doubt anything will be done. Simple changes at the soup noodles menu can easily be done. Or their cooked dishes. Big disappointment.

Beautiful hotel. I really enjoyed the grounds and sounds of the ocean at night. I stayed in the original wing and highly recommend it. There are two dining areas, the new wing feels like breakfast in a busy Cafe. The old wing feels is much quieter and relaxed with a smaller breakfast spread and a la carte options. Spacious rooms and antique furnitures with modern amenities like coffee machine. The flipside is it is also a popular wedding location and there aren't restrictions on the noise level. The wedding went on until midnight and then we could hear the wedding party returning to their rooms. Complaints to reception did not go anywhere. It is really unreasonable to not have sound proofing in your events hall yet charge customers a premium for a less than premium experience. There should be discounted rates when there are weddings on to make it fair.

Stayed three nights in the Victory Wing followed by two nights in the Heritage Wing. Victory Wing rooms are far superior to the Heritage Wing rooms. Our Heritage Wing room (no 128) was musty and gloomy with only three out of five lightbulbs working properly on the light over the bed, peeling ceilings and dust and grime across the louvred shutters, bathroom sills and across the light switches by the bedside cabinets. Furthermore the room had no drawer space at all for clothes meaning we lived out of our suitcases. It really did feel as if we had been transported to a barely 3star English country house hotel.||In both rooms only a single bath towel (not large) and hand towel appear to be permitted. In the evening we asked for another bath towel (it’s always very difficult to use just one towel for bath and hair if you have long hair) and the following day the second bath towel was removed by the cleaners even though we had hung it on the hook/rail well away from the bath. Similarly only two coffee capsules provided per room per day. It’s all very mean for a 5 star hotel.||The service is very hit and miss … our laundry ended up in a completely different room and was brought to us by the kind Australian guest who had found my dresses in his wardrobe. We stayed three nights in the victory wing and on the first night in Planters we received a happy hour drink and nibbles … the second night we were charged for our all drinks. All very confusing! The staff in the Heritage Pool, Cornwallis Suite and Farquhars Bar were all excellent as were the chefs in Sarkies and the doormen on both wings. The buffet breakfast and dinners in Sarkies are exceptional. However the reception staff simply seemed to be there to take payment at the end of the stay … there was no asking if our stay had been enjoyable or wishing us a safe journey. The 5 star experience was simply just not there.

One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. The old wing has an incredible atmosphere — polished wood floors, striped hallways and that classic old-world elegance that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. We stayed in the old building and loved it. The room was spacious, beautifully styled, and even had its own doorbell inside the bedroom — such a unique detail. We also got a newspaper delivered every morning, and the minibar was refilled regularly. Every evening we were invited to complimentary drinks and canapés, which made the stay feel extra special. The staff were warm and welcoming, and some dressed in safari-style uniforms, adding to the hotel’s charming, cinematic vibe. Breakfast was excellent, with three venues to choose from — including an international buffet and à-la-carte egg options. The pool area was calm and relaxing. Overall, a beautiful hotel with character, elegance and soul. Highly recommended.

Our third trip to Penang in three years and E&O Hotel is definitely the draw. Rooms at the Victory Annexe are excellent with a seaview that greets you with a beautiful sunrise. Everyone at this hotel is very pleasant and helpful and you will be spoilt for choice where food is concerned. The buffet breakfast at Sarkies restaurant, that comes with your stay at E&O, is just varied and enormous and you can even have one of the finest Penang 'char kuay teow' in the restaurant without having to leave the hotel. Luxuriate in the experience of enjoying an English High Tea at the Hotel's Palm Court restaurant while looking out at the Andaman sea. We now look forward to our fourth trip!

On a 14 day journey through Malaysia and this was out second hotel stop along the way. The rooms are large with double sided patio fantastic for me as it allow me an opportunity to sit out at night, have a quite moment with a cigar. The design allowed for privacy and did not disturb the neighbors. Double vanities on either side of the bathroom - perfect for a couple needing their individual space. Numerous amenities, coffee, water, cable TV...limited.american TV channels.

Nice view and lots of good food local favorites fish noodles sushi great tuna and salmon The wait staff paid close attention to everything

I stay here every time when in Penang and I love it! why? First - Air conditioning! It works and it's cold. 2. The shower- OMG! Flow restrictive plumbing has not come to the E&O nor has namby pamby temperature control. You want to scald and rip your skin off on this thing? Go to town!!!! But if you like hot showers that drives the sweat and humidity off your body- go here. Did I mention the A/C? 3. the breakfast. Whether you want full on English, Continental, Asian or otherwise- this is the place to be. 4. 6th floor- sit out on the balcony and look out over the bay after a hard day. G&T or a cool beer. Usually a nice breeze. Wondeful. 5. Rooms are spacious, clean and well maintained. Beds are on the hard side 6. Ambiance- you feel like you are still in the Commonwealth.

Very nice hotel with a historic wing and a new high rise section. The new section has very nice rooms with balconies overlooking the ocean. Beds are super comfortable. Bathroom is huge with powerful shower, claw foot bathtub and his/hers sinks (or his/his or hers/hers for that matter). Yes there are in room safes and small fridges stocked with free sodas. There are two pools though I preferred the 6th floor infinity pool it's an L shape giving you about 40 yards to do laps if you want. There are several restaurants on site including two that have all you can eat breakfast buffets included in the price. There is an on site spa as well as many other spas in the neighborhood. So take your pick. It is located on the waterfront adjacent to the colonial district. Lots of great restaurants within an easy walk or grab drive. It is pricy but you get quite a bit of luxury and easy living. Book a stay and enjoy all it has to offer.

What can I say!! This is the best hotel hands down!! Stayed in several hotels in Penang before (won't mention names) but with the E n O, there is no comparison!! The staff, starting from the greeters at the door who are the actual Directors of First Impressions , the reception, dining and the staff who ensures your room is cleaned and perfect!! Management is another story!! They are hands on, meeting and greeting guests as we arrive!! I don't think I have ever been to a hotel where the GM and the OP (Operations Manager) actually show their presence at the lobby!! The dining experience is exceptional!! Truth be told, we have only experienced the breakfast buffet, which is off the hook good!! With a variety of Asian and Western options, there are items to satisfy everyone's palette!! I cannot say enough of the hotel staff!! They are friendly, helpful, and so professional!! Some of the guests can be stiff but the staff makes up for the lack of friendliness from the others. Good job and keep up the good work!! Managment- you know who you are!! Thank you!!

Absolutely dreadful experience from beginning to end. They have a beautiful hotel here that is ruined by rampant homophobia and misogyny by staff. Cultural differences are to be expected, but for the price and in such a culturally diverse city, the staff should not laugh in my face or lie to me or refuse me services. Atrocious amount of money to spend to be insulted. The breakfast buffet is okay but there's nothing else for a vegetarian to eat. The one vegetarian option they present has not been available since our arrival and we've mainly had to survive on French fries and hide in the room. Awful, awful, awful week of my life.

Five star hotel in my book (although it helped that I didn't have to pay to stay here because my fiancé was here for work and his work paid for the room). FRONT: has a roundabout to make it easy to drive in and out especially getting picked up or dropped off by taxis. They ask if you are in the old or new wing of the hotel so be sure you know that when you stay here so taxis know where to drop you off. Fancy cars parked by valet in front. LOBBY: is ice cold the ac is like a freezer but feels great when coming in from the hot muggy outside. Whole lobby and hotel in general has a historic plantation type decor and feel to it. Rich plantation of course. Medium wood color finishes marble floors. Front desk has one of those old rotary circle dial phones. You can exchange money here for RM ringgit but not coins so be sure to use up your change. BAR: bar in hotel is nice more for an older generation with wood tables and chairs. Bar looks nicely stocked even have liquor bottles on tap. At least it looks like it how they have them upside down with taps. Two TVs and live singer every night. FOOD: Sarkeys is the name of their dining area indoors and outdoors seating. Be careful sitting outside I left my food and a guy told me a bird came by and took my half boiled egg! Buffet breakfast included is such a nicely laid out spread. Favs was the noodle station they heat up the soup for you the broth is so yummy and clean tasting. Pancake waffle omelette station or if you just want scrambled eggs but they made mine runny I should've asked for well done scrambled. Fresh fruit, yogurt, dim sum behind the noodle station you have to ask for. Fresh squeezed juice wow so good I miss it! Fav was the pink guava I think it is. Came for dinner buffet was yummy too the duck was so good. POOL: almost looks like an infinity pool because the ocean water is right next to it but you can't actually go in the ocean water. See my photos. They bring you ice cold water if you're sitting by the pool. And towels on the side you can use. ROOMS: have a sitting area and a bedroom area and a huge bathroom area complete with tub shower toilet and two sinks. Temperature kept room really cold if you wanted it to. TV and bottled water provided everyday. Fruit provided on table too. I was really comfortable in the room so much room and like you're in a mini apartment studio flat plantation historic style. Beds are on the firm side for sure and pillows are super soft like your head sinks in total opposites. OVERALL: if you can afford to stay here then you should. It's walking to the Red Garden food court. Taxi ride to Gurney plaza and street food or walk it is 20 min. Gas station across the street if you need something. Small bar crawl street across the street too. Not many kids here which I enjoyed just because it made it a quiet experience and relaxing and peaceful without loud kids around. Also have Bayview Hotel on the next block with a revolving 360 degree roof top restaurant you can check out and a massage service on the 4th floor I think it was.

Best place in Penang for buffet lunch hands down! Great customer service, wonderful ambience, and a wide spread of dishes from BBQ duck to salmon and tuna sashimi to grilled lamb chops to local Penang cuisine. Reservations necessary as they are typically fully booked so walk-ins run a risk of not being able to get seated. Beautiful gardens surround the hotel. Colonial style hotel with a a lot of attention placed in their decor including their washrooms. Lovely place to come to even for locals! A must for me every time I come to Penang!

Don't believe the Asian hype - it's a poor man's shell of a Holiday Inn back in the States. The service, specifically the men, is straight-up awful. Yes the building is gorgeous - but misused, like your dirty blind aunt's home. Look at The Seven Terraces or The Blue House, both have lovely, culturally relevant settings and better, happier service. Trip Advisor misses those two other establishments: Best Accommodations in the area.

We've stayed in many hotels throughout Malaysia and the E&W met our expectations almost on every level. The service was top notch, cleaningless so much better than most 5 stars hotel in Malaysia, the view from both pools old wing and new was breathtaking. Hose were the moments I was completely sold on this hotel. We had 2 kids 5 and 3 and tho most family w kids stayed at the Hard Rock in Penang, we did not feel the E&W lacked in entertaining our kids. They equally enjoyed the infinity pool at the new and old wing. The only thing I felt was average was the food although the decadent chocolate tart dessert blew me away. We will definitely returned to one of our favorite hotel in Penang again. It was truly a relaxed vacation for us thanks to beautiful E&W

Great ambiance. Big room with welcome bouquet of flowers, bottle of wine, basket of fruits. Big old style tub. His and hers sinks. Included breakfast was very good. Afternoon coffee and tea is a great addition to the free amenities of our stay. The view from our balcony includes the sea walk, the ships plying the historic Melaka Strait. Historic Georgetown is walking distance. Visit the gift shop and learn about the brothers who founded E&O and iconic Raffles in Singapore too.