Muntri Grove

Muntri Grove started out as a row of ten simple 19th-century houses for the workers of the big Muntri Street mansions. The tenth house on the corner got destroyed during World War II and was later rebuilt. Tucked down a narrow laneway, it sits right in the heart of the UNESCO zone, just a short walk from all the action on Muntri Street and Love Lane.

The area has its own story too. It is just off Leith Street, where the first Jimmy Cho* shop started, and it is lined with big Hakka mansions showing off the wealth from back in the era. When George Town became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, local hotelier Christopher Ong, who runs the George Town Heritage Hotels group, got inspired to restore more old buildings, including Muntri Grove in 2013. The restoration stuck to the original architecture, with only small changes to make the structures stronger. It was not just about fixing up a building; it was about keeping a piece of George Town’s history alive while giving Muntri Grove new life as a boutique hotel.

All these heritage preservation efforts paid off, with Muntri Grove earning recognition as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Service in Malaysia, and also ranking 11th in the Top 25 Hotels for Romance in Malaysia.

Muntri Grove is a restored collection of 19th-century workers’ homes that keeps a lot of its original character while feeling fresh. Ten houses were turned into eight units, each with separate upstairs and downstairs rooms. The tenth house was severely damaged during World War II, so it now houses reception on the ground floor and a pool with a breakfast nook above.

The rooms mix clean, contemporary lines with lots of natural light. Ground floor rooms have terrazzo floors from the 1950s, bright whites, and colorful accents, with entrances through the original front doors. Upstairs rooms have high timber ceilings, hardwood floors, and textiles with bird and plant motifs that make you feel like you’re in a sunny tropical forest. Original roof trusses, windows, and doors were kept or carefully restored, and first-floor rooms open onto a 130-foot-long veranda at the back.

The furnishings add to the character, beds from recycled wood, 1940s teak dressing tables and chairs, and original artworks inspired by tropical prints. Outside, there’s a private oasis with gardens in front and a lush backyard lined with old dragon jars. Each unit was split into two spacious rooms, giving guests plenty of room to relax.

Although Muntri Grove doesn’t have a full-fledged restaurant of its own, each morning, breakfast is served by the pool. Beyond that, there are plenty of dining options just a short stroll away. Chino Restaurant Live House serves a mix of Asian and Western dishes in a casual, modern setting. Mystery Village Cafe & Pub is perfect if you’re after a relaxed café vibe with comfort food and drinks, while Sri Wangi Selera Ibunda is a local favorite for traditional Malaysian home-style meals.

Nearby, there’s also Teksen for authentic Penang cuisine, Pinwheel Resto Cafe for fusion flavors, Halab Penang for Middle Eastern dishes, Wheeler’s for burgers, and Nasi Kandar Line Clear for the local classic. With so many cafes, hawker stalls, and casual spots all easily reachable on foot, exploring George Town’s food scene couldn’t be easier.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At Muntri Grove, you can enjoy full relaxation with massage services available upon request. The hotel also has a tour desk that can help you plan and explore nearby attractions. For a taste of local culture, start with the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, less than a kilometer away, to see the lifestyle, antiques, and architecture of the Straits Chinese community. Not far from there is Khoo Kongsi, one of Penang’s most famous clan houses, known for its ornate carvings and fascinating history. A short walk will also bring you to Fort Cornwallis, the British-built fort that played a key role in the city’s colonial past.

If you want to explore further, the hotel’s central location makes it easy to wander George Town’s famous street art, hidden laneways, and local cafés. You can mix heritage sightseeing with casual exploration, discovering the city at your own pace.

Other Celebrations

If you want to celebrate something at Muntri Grove, they might be able to help set up a private event, like an intimate gathering, a family reunion, or even a corporate get-together. It’s best to get in touch with the hotel directly to see what’s possible and how they can help tailor it to your needs.