The Edison George Town

The Edison George Town sits on Lebuh Leith, named after Sir George Alexander William Leith, the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Prince of Wales Island. This street is one of the island’s oldest and, back in the day, it was home to wealthy Hakka tycoons. The building itself goes back to 1906, built as a residence for a tycoon named Yeo Wee Gark. The architect behind it, David Nathaniel, was pretty popular at the time, and you can see his touch in the way the building was planned with generous open spaces.

During the Japanese Occupation, the building was used as their administrative center, which adds a bit of history to the walls. In the mid-1940s, the owner decided to turn it into a hotel, while upgrades were made in the 1960s to make it more appealing for guests. But the real transformation didn’t happen until late 2014. That’s when the comprehensive restoration, redesign, and rebranding began, bringing it back to life as The Edison George Town. By mid-July 2016, it had officially been reborn.

The revival also earned the property recognition on the design stage, with awards such as the AHEAD Award for Hotel Renovation & Restoration in 2017, the Singapore Interior Design Award in the Hospitality category in 2016, and the Asia Pacific Interior Design Award for Hotel Space in 2017.

Opening in late 2016 after a two-year renovation by Kuala Lumpur-based Blu Water Studio, The Edison George Town is a 35-key property in the heart of the city’s historic center, originally designed by architect David Nathaniel. The Edison George Town was built to reflect the kind of opulence that belonged to wealthy tycoons in the early 20th century.

The building’s Anglo-Chinese architecture is a standout, with colonial fundamentals like Corinthian columns, arched windows, pediments, and cornices giving way to the unique character of Penang. Over 90 percent of the original structure was retained during restoration, keeping features such as imported ironwork, carved wood panels, and decorative frets intact. At the same time, interiors bring in small but distinctive touches such as jade-inspired accents,turquoise cabinets, velvet chairs, silk rugs, and porcelain blue panels that give the hotel a quietly playful personality and make it feel alive and welcoming today.

At the heart of the hotel is The Lounge, a warm and inviting space where guests can relax over coffee, a book, or work, with snacks and drinks available from self-service counters. The central Courtyard connects the hallways and other areas, with restored cast-iron columns and decorative frescos adding timeless elegance. Nearby, the pool offers a little oasis in the city, while the cabanas provide private corners to unwind. The Edisons’ 35 guestrooms masterfully preserve the building’s historic elegance, with Deluxe and Deluxe Premium rooms offering spacious sophistication and the Suites exuding understated luxury.

Dining at The Edison George Town takes place in The Lounge, a warm and inviting space that serves as both a breakfast venue and a social hub. Guests can enjoy Malaysian snacks, healthy bites, and breakfast classics like nasi lemak and homemade kaya, alongside a variety of international and continental options.

One of the hotel’s little daily treats is the wine and cheese at 6 PM, perfect for winding down. For those wanting to linger even longer, the All Day Pass is a great option. Priced at RM 35 (USD 8), it grants access from 11 AM to 9 PM, letting guests enjoy unlimited local snacks, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages, surf the web, or simply soak in the calm, heritage-inspired ambiance.

Events and Outdoor Experiences

There’s plenty to explore just around The Edison George Town. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, an old clan house with intricate carvings and gilded details showcasing the wealth and craftsmanship of Penang’s Hokkien community, is a must. Armenian Street is full of heritage buildings, quirky shophouses, and iconic street art. It’s perfect for wandering, browsing artisan shops, and soaking up the lively, multicultural atmosphere. For a touch of colonial history, Penang Fort Cornwallis gives a real sense of how the city was defended, with its ramparts, cannons, and open spaces. Together, these spots highlight why George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending history, art, and culture in one walkable area.

For couples, The Edison also offers a pre-wedding photoshoot and enjoy two nights in a Deluxe Premium Guestroom, with the chance to relax and connect over local snacks and drinks at The Lounge. There’s even a Pre-dinner Wine Discovery, personalized concierge service and signature turndown, all designed to make the experience memorable. After a day of exploring, guests can also enjoy George Town’s vibrant nightlife, from lively bars to cozy cafes just minutes away.

Apart from exploring the city, sustainability and community are also at the heart of The Edison. They support Helping Hands Penan, selling handcrafted bags to provide jobs and education for the Penan tribe and also back the George Town Festival’s Arts for Humanity, donating USD 1 per room to promote local and ASEAN artists. Environmentally, they’ve partnered with artisan Arthur Lamon to create the Timeless Timber collection, turning recycled timber into unique, beautiful pieces.

Other Celebrations

The Edison George Town has meeting and banquet facilities that could be used for private celebrations or corporate gatherings. If you’re thinking of something like that, it’s best to get in touch with the staff, and they can let you know what’s possible and help plan the details.