Eastern And Oriental Hotel

The Eastern And Oriental Hotel in George Town, Penang, is one of Southeast Asia’s most storied heritage hotels. Its origins date back to 1884 when the Sarkies Brothers established the Eastern Hotel, which became so immensely popular that they opened the Oriental Hotel just a year later, thus becoming the Eastern and Oriental Hotel that we know today. It became the preferred address for officials, travelers, and members of the elite who are drawn to the hotel's seaside location and timeless appeal.

As its reputation grew, so did its structures, with the addition of a large ballroom in 1903 and the 40-room Victory Annexe in 1923 to solidify its position as a social and cultural hub. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel eventually fell into neglect and decline following World War II, and the prestige of the grande dame of heritage hotels had faded. The hotel was acquired by Eastern & Oriental Berhad in 1994, which started a major project to restore its former grandeur.

By 2001, The Eastern And Oriental Hotel reopened its doors, showcasing the beauty of its historic character with the addition of modern amenities. Since then, the hotel has become a symbol of Penang’s heritage, inviting guests to step in and immerse themselves in its colorful history.

The architecture of the Eastern And Oriental Hotel reflects timeless elegance, featuring Colonial architecture with tropical design elements suited to Penang’s climate. It boasts high ceilings, wide verandas, and large shuttered windows for ventilation, allowing the breeze from the Malacca Strait to cool its interiors.

But perhaps the most recognizable part of the hotel is its Heritage Wing, known for its Moorish minarets and an echo-dome lobby with a hundred rooms in its colonial charm. After the restoration project, the wing is equipped for modern comforts and upgraded hotel facilities, like a new restaurant and bar, and a lounge.

Despite retaining its regal atmosphere, the Eastern And Oriental Hotel is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that guests with limited mobility can have a comfortable and memorable stay here.

Dining has been an important part of the Eastern And Oriental Hotel's charm, reflecting its reputation as a gathering place for the well-traveled. That said, the hotel has preserved its colonial-era dining while introducing new culinary concepts.

Palm Court

Palm Court offers a refined setting for à la carte meals, including multi-cultural specialties like Penang, Indian, Malay, Chinese, and other international fare. The restaurant is also known for its traditional afternoon tea service, which is a must for anyone staying at the hotel.

Dress Code: comfortable and smart casual

Operating Hours:
Breakfast: 7:00 am to 11:00 am
A la carte: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm (last order at 10:30 pm)
English Afternoon Tea: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Sarkies

Named after the hotel’s founders, Sarkies is renowned for its lavish buffets that showcase both Western classics and authentic Malaysian delicacies. The restaurant’s high ceilings, elegant decor, and sea-facing views enhance the dining atmosphere, creating a space that feels both opulent and inviting.

Dress Code: Casual

Operating Hours:
Breakfast: 6:30 am to 10:30 am
Lunch buffet: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Dinner buffet: 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Planters Lounge

Planters Lounge offers continental breakfast with views of the Andaman Sea, along with hi-tea, and a smei-buffet lunch and dinner. Its cozy and sophisticated setting makes it a perfect venue for those who want to enjoy good food and equally breathtaking views.

Dress Code: Comfortable to smart casual

Operating Hours:
Breakfast: 7:00 am to 11:30 am
All-day dining: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Beyond its historic charm and wealth of dining options, the Eastern And Oriental Hotel offers a wide range of modern amenities designed to complement the luxury experience. The Pañpuri Organic Spa is one of the hotel's standouts, providing a tranquil retreat where guests can indulge in traditional therapies and modern wellness treatments. With a focus on high-quality and organic products, the spa offers massages, body scrubs, and rejuvenating treatments that reflect Thai and Oriental-influenced healing traditions.

For guests who'd like to break a sweat, there's a fitness center with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment overlooking the beautiful Andaman Sea. Meanwhile, the E&O Gallery offers a blast into the past through photographs, artifacts, and curated exhibits that tell the story of the Sarkies Brothers, the hotel’s famous guests, and its architectural evolution over more than a century.

Guests can also drop by one of the retail shops and bring home local souvenirs, jewelry, and custom-made formal wear. These are perfect mementos that will remind you of your stay at the Eastern And Oriental Hotel.

Outside the hotel, guests can wander through colorful streets, explore the museums, and taste local delicacies. Feel free to ask the concierge for recommendations and itinerary suggestions for a fun-filled day tour around George Town.

The Eastern And Oriental Hotel is a destination for leisure travelers and a prestigious venue for events, conferences, and celebrations. Its combination of colonial-era grandeur and modern facilities makes it an ideal setting for memorable occasions. Between the Heritage Wing and Victory Annexe, there are multiple venues, each with its own capacity and design. For big events, the Grand Ballroom at the Heritage Wing and the Macalister Ballroom at the Victory Annexe offer the perfect setting. For corporate events and smaller gatherings, the suites can comfortably accommodate 10 to 150 guests.

But for more intimate celebrations like birthday or anniversary dinners, feel free to get in touch with the staff for special requests or if you can privatize parts of the restaurant for your celebration.