Words by Malavika Bhattacharya
Driving up to The Edison feels like arriving at someone’s opulent home. An elaborate water feature with dragons stands at the entrance of a striking two-storeyed Chinese-colonial style building, where a white façade is embellished with pale green louvred windows, plaster detailing, columns and arches.
Before this building was a hotel it was, in fact, the lavish private residence of a Chinese business tycoon named Yeo Wee Gark. The mansion was commissioned in 1906, and since then, it has been through many iterations: home to a multi-generational Chinese family, an administrative centre used by occupying Japanese forces during the Second World War, a bed-and-breakfast and, finally, from 2016, a charming boutique hotel called The Edison.
Hotel
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Edison is a stylish boutique property on the fringes of George Town’s heritage quarter. The hotel has a winning location that’s close to all of George Town’s attractions while being just far enough from the noise and bustle of its touristy stretches.
Years of careful restoration went into making the hotel what it is today – a real reflection of George Town’s cohesive blend of the historic and the contemporary. While the hotel boasts all the modern amenities required of a luxury stay today, there’s a strong focus on retaining local character.
Stepping into this heritage mansion, you’ll notice that much of the building’s original detailing is retained: cast iron pillars and door frames dating back to the early 1900s, high ceilings and intricate metal grills. Old-world touches dot the space, but the vibe is sleek. Sunlight streams into an open-to-the-sky courtyard right behind the front desk, where comfy couches are shaded by towering plants.
With marble-tiled floors and chandeliers, sweeping staircases and mirrored walls, the contemporary interiors offer many photo-worthy spots. There’s a sense of light and openness in all the common areas, and plenty of outdoor spaces to relax in if you’re looking for some fresh air.
Room
The 35 smartly appointed rooms and suites are spacious and minimalistic in style, with high ceilings and mod-cons like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and work desks.
Rooms sizes range from 19 to 61 sqm across the deluxe, deluxe twin, deluxe premium, and suite categories. Unique in-room touches include a showcase of Malaysian crafts: roomy baskets hand-woven by the Penan tribe are available for guests to use during their stay, and there are wooden trays and stationery boxes made with recycled timber.
Food and drink
Penang is undoubtedly Malaysia’s food capital and staff at The Edison encourage guests to go out and experience the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. They’ll provide helpful recommendations and even hand out a food map. To this end, there’s no onsite restaurant at the hotel, but there is a lovely 24-hour self-service lounge for light bites.
Breakfast is served at The Lounge – a cheery space flooded with natural light and stocked with all manner of goodies. For the first meal of the day, choose from a continental plate with eggs, toast and salad, or try a local option like nasi lemak. Throughout the day, you can help yourself to endless cups of juice, tea or coffee, snack on fruit or local specialities like chicken biscuits. If you’re hankering for a bite at midnight, The Lounge is where you can load up on crackers, candies and a soothing green tea.
To do
The Edison is perfectly poised to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, located within a stone’s throw of grand Chinese mansions and British colonial houses, famed wire art and Penang’s famous street food.
Luxury takes many forms, and what really stands out at The Edison is the high degree of personalised service. Staff go out of their way to engage with guests and offer recommendations based on their individual preferences. Take their advice, and you’ll go well off the tourist trail whether you’re after the best local food or seeking something interesting to do.
After a long day, unwind with a relaxing swim in a lovely shaded pool set amidst greenery. Every evening, guests are invited to come together for a complimentary wine hour, where you can enjoy a glass and some light nibbles in the breezy outdoor courtyard or in the lounge.
In a nutshell
The Edison blends old-world nostalgia with modern comforts, offering a cocoon to retreat to after hot and hectic days spent in the streets of George Town.
Factbox
Getting there – Fly in to Penang International Airport and drive 20 kilometres to the capital George Town, where The Edison is located.
Rooms can be booked from £153 per night
Address: 15 Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +604 262 2990
Email: stay-GT@theedisonhotels.com
Website: theedisonhotels.com
