Old World Charm on the Eastern & Oriental – Beyond the Little Red Dot

I’ve visited the Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) in Penang earlier than however by no means stayed there. But, final 12 months I received the possibility to take pleasure in a few nights at E&O. While there are many lodging choices in Penang starting from cozy homestays to luxurious resorts, if you’re on the lookout for a style of luxurious whereas reminiscing the island’s colonial previous, the E&O is the place to be.

The E&O is the sister resort to the long-lasting Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Both resorts had been constructed by the Sarkies brothers who hailed from Armenia. After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, journey from Europe to Asia was a lot simpler, and with this got here wealthy vacationers and enterprising enterprise males who appeared to discover the unique East for pleasure and riches. With the arrival of such prosperous vacationers there was a necessity for resorts which might cater to their consolation. The E&O was established in 1885 and Raffles Hotel was established a number of years later in 1887 to cater to such prosperous vacationers.

Located in Penang’s capital of Georgetown, the E&O is constructed alongside the northern shores of town. It’s central location additionally serves as base to discover Georgetown and Penang island. Amid the hustle and bustle of town, the resort itself is an oasis of tranquility. It is very nice to return again after a busy day of exploring Penang after which end up stress-free in quiet contentment listening to the lullaby of waves crashing onto the shore.

Located alongside the northern coast of Georgetown, you gained’t miss the distinctive facade of the E&O Hotel.

The primary foyer is graced with a big copula. If you stand beneath the copula and communicate you’ll be able to hear your voice echoing across the foyer. Sometimes you’ll be able to hear somebody talking from the opposite aspect of the foyer. I’m wondering if the acoustics was meant to be like that or was it simply one thing surprising.

A hall that results in Farquhar’s Bar. An eclectic mixture of antiquities, and varied odds and ends line the edges of this hall as you stroll previous beckoning you to discover additional.

The E&O has hosted royalty, politicians, and vacationers all through its historical past. There is a photograph wall alongside this hall the place you’ll be able to view outdated images of well-known individuals who graced this resort.

I used to be captivated by this summary view of a stairwell and chandelier.

The E&O boasts one of many longest sea fronts of any resort. You can discover a number of outdated cannons from the previous standing guard right here.

The Heritage Wing is the place to remain if you wish to expertise historical past. This is mirrored within the room decor and structure. The newer Victory Annexe was accomplished in 2013 and boasts a tower block with unblocked views of the ocean and metropolis.