” Our goal is to bring back the romance of staying in a hotel and to take care of our guests needs from our recommendations to our personalised service. We would like to be seen as the go-to insider in exploring George Town.” , The Edison George Town

We practically jumped at the chance when the owners of The Edison invited us for a staycation! Having been there only once before, for a jewellery and fashion show by Jonathan Yun a few months back. We have been in awe since. We want to thank the Management and team at The Edison. It was more than what we hoped for, and expericening The Edison first hand left us inspired to review the stay from our heart .

The Edison George Town

Reading up on other previous media and feedback from guests, we weren’t sure if this was a 3 or 4 star establishment. But having experienced the stay for ourselves , we think The Edison deserves at least a 5 star rating for Boutique Hotel. The care and attention to service and stay of guests was priority for them. We felt the genuine concern for comfort and experience.

Here are the 7 reasons why we ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE EDISON. Why 7? Because it’s my favourite number 🙂

#1 Location!Location!Location! Everything is within Walking Distance of The Edison

The best way to discover our little George Town , on Penang Island is to walk the town. Get off the apps and maps and get lost a little. Each part of the day is different ; if you find yourself in Little India a little bit after 8 am, you will witness dancing smoke from prayer incense, its a ritual blessing before shops open for business.

The air is filled sweet earthy smells and tinkles with soft harmonious chants from speakers provided by the shops. Lunch hours will get a little stuffy with hungry walkers scuffling towards their favourite food stalls, cars squeezing through pedestrians while motorbikes wiggle and waddle through shoppers flitting in and out buying supplies. At dusk, the golden hour, the old heritage buildings glow and shine,

vehicles slowly fade away and day stalls pack up to make way for night stalls.

When evening falls, George Town is abuzz again, offering its pedestrians all the colours, tastes and sounds of our night culture and our favourite sport, more eating.

There are Heritage Mansions , temples, mosques, clan houses, art galleries, wet markets, cooking classes, book stores, spice shops all in walking distance. It’s important to take your time, and even after a week mosts guests make a promise to come back to experience more.

#2 Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff & Service

From the entrance at the guard house to the front desk, to the kitchen and floor staff and room service, each personnel are briefed to offer efficient service and clear communication. Understandably, as a visitor you may have many questions on what to do and where to experience it. Each staff have their own personal favourites , and may send you to the other side of the island to taste the best Penang Laksa , or discover hikes

off the beaten track, it is the only way to understand our island and our people.

Penang Local arrived unannounced, wanting to experience the welcome party ourselves. The security at the entrance asked us politely for the purpose of our visit, when we told him we will be checking in, he explained for security reasons that he had to ask. He guided us through with instructions on where to park.

Once parked, the team at reception were already on standby at the entrance to help us with the little luggage that we had. We even asked her to capture the moments of us walking in, being the narcissists that we are 🙂

Checking- in was smooth and brief. That’s the advantage of boutique hotels, with the little number of rooms, we were able to take our time asking questions and oh so pleased that the reception was warm and quick to provide good solutions or suggestions.

We were then handed over to the check-in team who took our bags and walked us to our rooms, while giving us the brief history of the hotel and the architecture.

Everything is personalised, you feel like special guests in someone’s home, instead of an establishment.

#3 Comfortable Spacious Rooms and Honest Architecture Despite It All

Let me explain…originally the building was named after Sir George Alexander William Leith, the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Prince of Wales Island. The structure is located on Lebuh Leith, one of the earliest streets for wealthy Hakka tycoons.

From a residence, commissioned and built in 1906 for a prominent tycoon, the building was then transformed into a hotel after the Second World War. During the Japanese Occupation of Penang, it was used as an administrative centre. It was glamorously designed associated with the wealthy, with open space planning and with extensive use of timber, metal, tile and glass.

In the mid-1940s, the owner converted the building, yet again, into a hotel. As if on a continuous revamp there were more architectural and interior changes made throughout the 1960s. Finally , it was in late 2014 that a complete transformation settled it as a Colonial mansion, known today as The Edison George Town, Penang.

Each room or suite is uniquely designed, with art and furniture pieces and colours of the walls. Sizes vary from a Deluxe 19-33sqm, slightly larger for a Deluxe Premium, and an immense Suite of 58-61sqm room space.

The natural light also play a role, as it dances through the windows before the sun’s descend. If you like waking up in the dark, notify them in advance and if you love the morning light peeping in, you let them know that too. They will accommodate as best they can with good suggestions.

#4 Besides The Edison’s wholesome breakfast, guests are

properly spoiled with cool drinks, snacks and treats throughout out the stay.

Penang’s warmth is all year long, its important to keep hydrated and rest in the cool in between. The Edison is located central enough that you can pop in for a break on the way to the next attraction.

Snacks, local cakes or pastries and non-alcoholic beverages are served all day long at The Lounge . It is nice to take a break and look over photos taken over the day and maybe even send them over to loved ones at home over free wifi provided for guests.

The Pre-Wine Discovery is between 6-7pm, every evening for in-house guests. While you’re waiting for your partner or friends to gather for dinner, pop down to The Lounge for the house selections of the day.

The owners of The Edison have a wonderful passion for discovering wine and sharing their finds, the staff will will be pleased for your feedback. Relax and nibble the cheese, crackers and fruits while savouring the whites and reds.

#5 Enjoy the day at the pool…

From The Lounge and through The Cabana, you’ll find a perfect little oasis at the pool, lovingly framed by gentle green plants and soft coloured flowers, and water features that complete the ambiance perfectly. We spent more hours here than we should have, just lounging and being at peace with the surroundings. Fresh towels are provided and cool water is served to quench your thirst as you settle your bones on the lounge chairs.

We found ourselves chatting to other happy and chilled out guests who have come from far, AND near. Trading experiences of discovering Penang is always a highlight with tourists staying at The Edison. When you’ve had enough of chatter, take a cool dip or luxuriate with slow laps down the long pool.

6 Complimentary Toiletries by APPELLES

Pronounced AH-PEH-LESS , this eco friendly toiletries series for use and packaging, is from Australia. Each product contain the highest quality of essential oils and selected for their natural benefits.

We love that not only is the focus on the environmental impact and social consciousness but also that it feels so good on the skin , hair and body. The earthy deep smells are pleasant giving us a clean-feel and refreshed after a day outdoors. We are impressed with The Edison’s meticulous choice in detail. Making the stay even more unique and meaningful.

Make sure to ask the staff for a list of the full range, you’ll find the prices are the same as they are online. I found the hand and body lotion invigorating, soothing and so handy to have in my hand bag after a hand wash.

To note: Formulations are all paraben free and not tested on animals.

#7 Take advantage of The Edison’s packages and deals!

Although we found the walk-in rates very reasonable for what we were experiencing, we picked up a couple of offers we really liked, Here are our immediate favourites from Penang Local.

Eat, Drink & Surf All Day, Any Day!

For non-guests @RM 35.00, you can get an All Day Pass valid from 11am to 9pm! Snacks, coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the package while surfing over the internet for work or pleasure.

Malaysia My Second Home 5 day Holiday Survey

The Edison was hand picked to collaborate for this campaign. Designed for travellers who are looking to relocate to another country ; this package offers a comprehensive insight into life on Penang island. a 5 day stay at The Edison with all meals including cocktail at sunset on some nights, food tour, safe and comfortable transport , experience the local culture and attractions, and personal concierge service to assure your experience is unique and memorable. Contact The Team for bookings or enquiries.

For more updates or current packages, we advise you to check their website for more deals!

Must Dos around The Edison:

Penang Local’s Picks:

Take a tour of the famous Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (also known as the Blue Mansion).

Hop across the road to Red Garden Food Court for a fun dinner, sampling Penang’s seafood, local delights over beer and witness roaring performances put on by the locals after 9pm.

Go for sunset cocktails at THREESIXTY REVOLVING RESTAURANT / SKYBAR , you will get the see the most incredible view of George Town, the port, coastline and the goings-on across the island.

Ivan’s (Hotel Manager, The Edison) Picks:

“Datuk Jimmy Choo’s iron caricature just around the corner from us (Muntri Street) , and the shop that he started his apprenticeship.

Food – I would recommend Kong Thai Lai , opposite Bengali Mosque along Leith Street. The late Boon Siew used to hang out in that coffee shop. Famous for their charcoal toasted bread and half boiled egg and also their Char Koay Teow (Penang’s most loved street food).

Drink – I would recommend Mish Mash for one of the best cocktails in town.”

The Edison George Town

Tel: +604 262 2990 wecare-GT@theedisonhotels.com

15 Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.