Iconic Glory Restored: The E&O Heritage Wing
FEW HOTELS CAN CLAIM THAT THEY ARE WORLD-FAMOUS AND WITH A RECENTLY COMPLETED RENOVATION OF ITS HERITAGE WING, THE EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL PENANG IS POISED TO ADD EVEN MORE PANACHE TO THE NAME AS STEFAN PERTZ DISCOVERS.
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang, located in Georgetown, has been an icon for a long time and it is certainly a place that many know. If not just by reputation, then by staying there. Established on 15 April 1884 by the Sarkies Brothers, who are also behind the equally fabled Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the hotel has seen a lot: From movie stars to famous writers and statesman to lavish parties, war and financial troubles.
THE TIME WAS RIGHT
Following a renovation in 2019, the Heritage Wing reopened in December with an even more stunning and luxurious offering. General Manager Alison Fraser recalls not just how she made the transition back to running a luxury hotel after a 10year hiatus but also how the restoration of the property came about.
What happened during the 10-month closure of the
Heritage Wing was a renovation that, according to the
GM, was important for several reasons. One was that the heritage of the hotel needed to be preserved and kept for many more years to come. At the same time, the property was showing signs of aging; the last major renovation took place 19 years ago. RM 45 million was spent this time around.
REFRESHED AND REFINED
When entering the lobby, the initial thought could be that there hasn’t been much change. This is in line with the intention to maintain the heritage and the renovation was by no means an exercise in changing the appearance or style, it was to freshen up. Materials such as wood panels, tiles or furniture has either been repaired and restored or replaced where needed. Some of the items sprinkled throughout the heritage wing are genuine antiques. They
needed to be preserved and kept as part of the hotel’s rich heritage. Much of that heritage may rest in the memories of the staff, some of whom have served decades in the E&O.
Check-in is where the experience shows a different approach. Fraser explained that during the renovation the team worked very hard on improving the way the experience is delivered. The 400 staff are now ready to welcome discerning travellers. Check-in takes place inside the guest room, where a butler will pour a welcome drink. The stay has been elevated by the offer of a coffee machine, free alcoholic beverages and a fully stocked fridge including a variety of snacks on a complimentary basis.
RESHUFFLED FOR BETTER EXPERIENCE
Part of the renovation was a re-allocation of spaces in the Heritage Wing to accommodate guests who are typically repeat visitors, who surprisingly oftentimes opt to stay for extended periods of time, some even staying longer than a month. Offering them a revived experience in the Heritage Wing, they can now choose between three outlets to consume their breakfasts. What used to be the Farquhar’s Bar has been converted into a club lounge, The Cornwalllis, is now exclusive to patrons of the Heritage Wing and the Corner Suite Guests of the Victory Annexe.
Also relocated was the Farquhar’s Bar, that has been transformed from something that was described as a dark and uninspiring place into a bar that has truly come alive yet maintains the overall experience of the E&O.
EXPLORE THE HISTORY
The pool is an icon itself, which is also exclusive to Corner Suite Guests and is now protected by an improved seawall. One of the main components of the renovation was the enhancement of the seawall, which proved difficult as work schedules had to follow the tides.
Fraser urges tourists and locals to explore more of Penang’s rich history, of which the E&O is part of. A good starting point would be the high tea and the Nyonya-styled tasting menu that has been added to the long list of things to discover.
STEPPING BACK IN TIME
A relaxing affair, the high tea served in the Palm Court is something not to be missed. Sinking into the cosy sofas and chairs, delectable scones, finger sandwiches and cakes are perfectly matched with a variety of aromatic teas to match the palate of the patron. It takes only a little bit of imagination to feel transported into the time when ladies dressed up to meet their friends for a chat and businessmen joined to discuss business in the E&O.
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel is one place where it is also possible to check-in and not leave the premises for your entire stay, thanks to the facilities, and of course the rooms.
And the rooms are something else, just like the rest of the E&O. Overlooking the sea, the suites are cosy and sparkle in a refined luxury. With an emphasis on the heritage, the décor is refined in the style of old grandeur. Maybe one should not be too shy, but I did not make use of the button to summon the butler, although the vintage fitting looked tempting.
DINNER IS SERVED
Traversing from Farquhar’s Bar to Java Tree, one can get a taste of the rich and tasteful Nyonya cuisine that is hailed by many as among the best cooking styles in Malaysia. Nyonya food is a unique blend of Chinese, Malay and other Southeast Asian cultures. It originates from Chinese immigrants, who in the 15th century moved to the regions that are now Malaysia and Singapore and Indonesia, blending influences and cooking traditions. A dinner for two should comprise of the Nyonya tasting set and some of its Western cousins added to it. As it is customary in Southeast Asia, the food has to be shared to be fully enjoyed!
TOP OF THE LIST
Good things come to those who wait and summing it up, Fraser said her decision to take up the offer was motivated by the opportunity to oversee the renovation, the honour of being given the once-in-life-time chance to be at the helm of this iconic brand and to be the guardian of its heritage and culture. “Now, a year later, I can say that this is the best thing I could have done.”
If you haven’t yet, then staying in the renovated Heritage Wing should be on your bucket list as it will be surely one of the best things you can treat yourself to.