Experience Colonial Period With A Stay At The Oldest Hotels In Malaysia

The Eastern And Oriental Hotel in George Town stands as a grand testament to timeless elegance and heritage. Established in 1884 by the Sarkies Brothers, the hotel quickly became a haven for travelers, colonial officials, and elites drawn to its seaside location. Today, it offers the best of old and new, with the famous echo-dome lobby of the Heritage Wing and the contemporary Victory Annexe. Guests can indulge in refined dining, unwind at the Pañpuri Organic Spa, or explore history at the E&O Gallery. With elegant ballrooms and versatile event spaces, the E&O is not just a hotel, but a living symbol of Penang’s charm and history.

Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion in George Town is a historic gem built by Cheong Fatt Tze, showcasing traditional Southern Chinese architecture. It was later purchased by conservation enthusiasts, and Malaysian architect Laurence Loh led the restoration efforts to bring it back to its former glory. Since then, it has won numerous accolades, including the prestigious UNESCO Heritage Conservation Award. It has also graced films and television productions, including The Singapore Grip and Indochine. Alongside its cinematic presence, the mansion offers exquisite dining experiences and hosts live performances that bring its cultural spirit to life, while nearby attractions like Kek Lok Si Temple add to the historical experience.

George Town embodies the ideals of a multicultural Malaysia: diverse and prosperous, and made with the overlapping legacies of its people, built atop one another. The Macalister Mansion is one property that epitomizes this. Built as an Indian Chettiar's colonial mansion, it later served as a Chinese generational home until the mid-20th century and was eventually restored and opened as a luxury boutique hotel. It features eight distinctly themed guest suites, set in a lavish Colonial heritage setting. Since its opening, the hotel has won various awards and recognitions, including the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2025 for Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Penang, Malaysia.

The Edison George Town sits on Lebuh Leith, one of George Town’s oldest streets, and was built in 1906 by tycoon Yeo Wee Gark. During the Japanese Occupation, it served as an administrative centre before becoming a hotel in the mid-1940s. It was restored and rebranded in 2016 by Blu Water Studio and won the Asia Pacific Interior Design Award by the Interior Design Association of Hong Kong. The 35 guestrooms retain historic elegance, while the Lounge, pool, and cabanas create relaxing spaces. Guests can explore nearby UNESCO-listed streets, enjoy local and international dining, and soak up the vibrant nightlife. The hotel also focuses on sustainability, supporting the Penan tribe, promoting local and ASEAN artists, and creating environmentally-friendly timber products.

The Cameron Highlands get their name from William Cameron, a British explorer who had surveyed the region in 1885, though the area would not be developed until Sir George Maxwell rediscovered it in 1925. The Highlands soon turned into a prime location not just for vacationing Britons, but also for growing various crops. Its slopes are dotted with beautiful colonial-era homes and flourishing plantations, many of which survive to this day. The Cameron Highlands Resort was one such cottage from the 1930s, expanded into a full-fledged resort in the 1970s. It blends period charm with native traditions, where travelers can relax with magnificent mountain and jungle views, and experience an authentic piece of England while in Malaysia.

Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Malacca, The Majestic Malacca is a living piece of the city’s history. Built as a private mansion, it became a hotspot for British planters and even hosted Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, in 1957. By 2000, The Majestic Malacca had fallen into disrepair before YTL Hotels acquired and restored it in 2006, reopening in 2008. Highlights include the award-winning Spa Village, the world’s only spa based on Peranakan healing traditions. Dining, weddings, and events celebrate Malacca’s culture, and the hotel has also earned multiple accolades, including Top 25 Hotels in Malaysia, ranked 13th by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Declared a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015, the Langkawi archipelago is a tropical paradise loved for its well-preserved natural beauty, peaceful communities, and diverse wildlife. It developed a reputation for being a laid-back, family-friendly destination, making it a prime choice for travelers who prefer to unwind instead of party. One establishment that uses this idyllic atmosphere to its advantage is Temple Tree Resort, a cozy resort estate comprised of relocated and then restored colonial-era houses. Each one offers a themed stay and also its own story to tell. Spend your holiday exploring the mountains, playing at the beaches, and dining at local eateries. This is one trip you won't soon forget, and probably will want a sequel for.

Even before George Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the denizens of the historic town were already working hard to preserve its rich history and legacy. Many ancestral homes were converted into hotels, restaurants, and even museums. Restoration work was also done to civic buildings such as the temples, mosques, and churches. Yeng Keng Hotel is perhaps one of the more standout heritage establishments in the city. The 19th-century Anglo-Indian home has had many owners over the decades, each of them adding their own mark. This made the Yeng Keng Hotel a symbol of George Town's multicultural landscape, where people from all over can come together and revel in diverse and cherished memories.

Muntri Mews is a boutique heritage hotel sitting on one of George Town’s oldest streets. Built in the late 19th century as stables for the grand terrace houses, it was carefully restored by Penang hotelier Chris Ong. Its location is perfect for getting into the heart of George Town’s culture. Street art, local food, and lively nightlife are all just around the corner, and guided city tours make it easy to explore the heritage streets, hidden gems, and enjoy the city’s culinary delights. With attentive service and a warm, heritage-rich atmosphere, Muntri Mews has won an award as one of the Top 10 Small Hotels in Malaysia, making it a great base to experience this UNESCO-listed city.

Before being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, locals in George Town have been preserving and repurposing historic homes and buildings in the city for future generations. Christopher Ong is one of these people, and through his company, George Town Heritage & Hotels, he provides exquisite stays and exciting cultural experiences throughout his home city. Jawi Peranakan Mansion is one of his most recent acquisitions, a 19th-century Anglo-Indian manor that took heavy inspiration from British Colonial and Mughal conventions. From this hotel, guests can explore the city's many historic streets and districts, dining on local delicacies, as well as visiting impressive landmarks, quirky museums, and galleries.