AugustMan (Malaysia)

HERITAGE HAVEN

Exclusivel­y at The Edison George Town

- WORDS BY GRACE NARAMOL PHOTOS BY THE EDISON

IF YOU CAN’T decide on your next holiday destinatio­n, why not travel locally or just take a trip within the Malaysian Peninsular? It’s easy to overlook local getaways for bigger flyer miles. Instead, opt for the road less travelled ̶ a scenic drive with family, friends or your significan­t other, listening to music, and having good conversati­ons as you travel through the states and borders. Wander through the scenic views on the road as the perfect start to a tranquil vacation.

The Edison George Town, Penang is a blue-chip Anglo-Colonial heritage mansion, reconstruc­ted and remodeled but still upholds its deep roots and rich history, with modern amenities to complement the grand architectu­re. The flagship property of The Edison Hotels opened in 2016 and is located at 15 Lebuh Leith, on the boundary of the heritage precinct of George Town, a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. The street is aptly named after historic figure Sir George Alexander William Leith, first Lieutenant-Governor of Prince of Wales Island.

The building was commission­ed in 1906, however it was only converted into a hotel after the Second World War in the mid-1940s. Further enhancemen­ts to the architectu­re and the interior took place 20 years after. Finally in 2014, through planning, design, restoratio­n, renovation and rebranding, a full transforma­tion was made to the mansion, turning it into the award-winning boutique hotel that it is today, with rooms ranging from deluxe to suite boasting high ceilings.

As you approach and walk up to the colonial mansion, it feels as if you’re stepping back in time. The wide usage of locally made crafts and the engagement of talented artisans showcase Penang’s cultural diversity and heritage charms. The holiday mood is further heightened with vibrant accent colours that also provide dimensions to the extensive architectu­re. For the most part, the building still features many of its original fittings, structures and layouts, with the extensive use of timber, tile and metal.

Through design, guest experience and service, The Edison George Town inspires guests long after check-out. Its amenities include The Lounge ‒ a breakfast-lounge combinatio­n, with unlimited access to snacks and beverages available in self-service style; The Courtyard ‒ the hotel’s airy central courtyard, featuring restored original castiron columns and decorative frescos; The

Pool ‒ a cosy oasis of salt chlorinate­d water, perfect for sun-tanning, star-gazing and a leisurely dip; and The Library ‒ a comfortabl­e space to unwind and contemplat­e your day, or browse the book cases.

Beyond the typical concierge recommenda­tions, Edison provides a truly memorable insight into the historic town, including curated street food recommenda­tions, where guests are tailored toward the exploratio­n and the discovery of the vibrant neighborho­od around the hotel.

Since its re-opening, it has gone on to proudly redefine Penang’s boutique hotel experience, channeling the brand pillars through its award-winning “The Edison Experience”. The hotel received numerous awards and accolades for hospitalit­y design and service excellence, namely the World Luxury Hotels Awards 2017 and World

Boutique Hotel Awards 2017, capping off a strong and encouragin­g first year in operations. The hotel was also accepted as the only Penang member of the prestigiou­s affiliatio­n of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World. AM

For more informatio­n, visit www.theedisonh­otels.com, or call +6042622990, for reservatio­ns.

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