Muntri Mews

Muntri Mews sits on Muntri Street, one of George Town’s oldest roads. The street was also home to guilds, temples, and associations, but over time it fell into decline before being revived as a heritage quarter.

The building that became Muntri Mews was originally the mews for those grand terrace houses. The ground floor was stables for horse carriages, and upstairs housed the drivers and syce. The long verandah linking the rooms gave it a real communal feel, with shared kitchens and bathrooms. When Chris Ong, a Penang-based hotelier known for restoring heritage buildings, took on the project in 2009, it was shortly after George Town was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. He kept these historic touches while turning it into a boutique stay.

Since reopening, Muntri Mews has picked up awards, including Top 10 Small Hotels in Malaysia – 3rd Place and Top 25 Hotel for Service in Malaysia – 6th Place, showing it’s a heritage stay that really lives up to the hype.

Muntri Mews is a Grade II heritage building that blends Edwardian-era architecture with a boutique stay. Original features such as wooden windows, doors, and roof trusses remain, complemented by salvaged marble flooring and timber sourced from old houses, schools, and even a hospital. Interiors are kept simple yet warm, with vintage photographs, enamel trays, patterned rugs, and Peranakan-inspired touches like vibrant cushions and carved furnishings. Look closely and you’ll spot subtle nods to its past, including horse saddles, harnesses, and carriage wheels tucked into the décor.

Outside, lush gardens and three pavilions soften the historic architecture with a tropical resort feel. The property now offers five categories of accommodation, from cozy Mews Standard Rooms to spacious residences that can host up to 20 guests, blending heritage design with contemporary amenities.

Right at the entrance of the property, you’ll find Mews Café. It has a laidback vibe, and is just as popular with locals as it is with hotel guests. The food is all about Malaysian comfort classics, but done with a little twist, hearty, flavorful, and paired with coffee that’s actually worth lingering over. The nasi lemak is a must-try. They serve it on a traditional dulang with fragrant rice, all the condiments, and sides, and the prawn sambal with saba fish really lifts it. The beef rendang is another favorite, slow-cooked, tender, rich, and just the right mix of homely and indulgent.

If you’re in the mood for something different, nearby Holy Guacamole serves amazing Mexican food, especially their guac. For cocktails, head to Mish Mash, also close by, where inventive drinks and a relaxed vibe make it perfect to unwind.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Muntri Mews is perfectly located for guests who want to explore George Town. There are plenty of cultural attractions just a short distance away, like Chinatown Penang, the Ghost Museum, the Jurassic Research Center, Cheong Fatt Tze- The Blue Mansion, Lim Jetty, and many more. One of the more quirky stops is the Penang Wonderfood Museum. Everyone comes to Penang for the amazing local food, but here you get to play around with it instead. Giant replicas of roti canai, assam laksa, and other Malaysian classics make for fun 3D photos. Best visited with friends or family, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.

For nightlife, Love Lane is the place to be for night owls. Bars and cafes line the street, and Micke’s Place is perfect for live music. If you prefer a more guided experience, there are several city tours available that can show you George Town’s heritage streets and local hotspots, perfect for getting to know the city with a local’s insight.

Other Celebrations

Muntri Mews is also a welcoming venue for smaller milestones, from birthdays and anniversaries to family reunions. The team can tailor menus and setups, whether you prefer a sit-down dinner or a relaxed garden gathering. For enquiries or arrangements, guests are encouraged to get in touch with the property directly.