Host with the most
The newly-renovated Hotel Jen Penang gives Alan Teh Leam Seng the opportunity to see firsthand the many positive changes
ATTENTION to detail. I notice this the moment I step into my room at the newly-renovated Hotel Jen Penang. Munching on fresh tropical cut fruits thoughtfully placed in the mini fridge just prior to my arrival, I begin to explore my room which is equipped with useful amenities for the discerning modern traveller.
The strategically-placed USB charging ports catches my eyes just as I am about to start looking for my phone adapter. I heave a sigh of relief. For once, I can dispense with the entire rigmarole of having to search the depths of my luggage bag for the elusive device.
Another pleasant surprise greets me when I try to log onto the hotel’s complimentary WiFi service. Usually, this is the part I dread most as I am easily confused by the user name and room number requirements.
More often than not, I have to make at least one phone call to the reception for assistance before achieving success. So imagine my joy when my phone logs onto the high speed Internet without hassle. Phew! What a relief!
The other new additions in the room highlight the hotel’s connection with Penang’s rich multicultural history. Admiring the quaint Straits Chinese inspired floor tiles in the bathroom, it becomes obvious to me that in spite of all the modern upgrades, the hotel has successfully remained true to its Penang roots.
The pre-war shophouse facade-themed wallpaper, complete with images of vintage windows, creates the feeling of living in a century old building. This playful design which creates a sense of spaciousness looks so real that I feel tempted to reach out, push the shutters open and peek down at the imaginary street below!
This creative wall decoration suddenly calls to mind the hotel’s lobby area. While checking in earlier, I was drawn to the reception area’s backdrop which features an attractive interpretation of grille gates that are prevalent in the area. Noticing my interest, the helpful reception staff told me that apart from the design featuring traditional louvred shutters like the one in my
The Club Lounge is located on the 16th floor.
The lobby area is bright and breezy.
room, the rooms also showcase two other Penang heritage identities — the iconic trishaw and colourful Peranakan wall tiles.
I finish the remainder of the fruits while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of George Town from my bay window. The sea of century old red-tiled roofs down below reminds me of the hotel’s strategic location within the city’s Unesco World Heritage enclave. At the same time, I also get to see Komtar, Penang’s tallest building and the two iconic bridges in the distance.
I quickly leave my room to check out the rest of the interesting changes in the hotel. The top three on my list are the Club Lounge, lobby area and the all day dining outlet, Cafe Jen.
This 17-storey landmark hotel’s recent US$14 million (RM57 million) renovation encompasses a complete revamp of all its 443 rooms and suites. This includes the introduction of two new room categories — the family room and apartment. Guests staying on the Club Floor get to enjoy rooms that are tastefully decorated with dark wood panels while having easy access to the Club Lounge located on the 16th floor. Here, guests get to relax in alcoves and bar-style seating while enjoying breakfast or evening canapes and drinks.
In keeping with the Jen Hotel’s brand promise of #LeaveBoringBehind, the lobby area is a constant hive of activity. Like the rest of the hotel, its wood-themed decor transforms this bright and breezy area into a cosy space, suitable for gatherings and meetings. I particularly like the subtle use of Peranakan-styled decorative turquoise tiles and statement making hanging rattan sofas. The latter is almost always occupied and I had to be quick on my feet to get the chance to try one out.
Then just as I am about to return to my room, I notice several families in beach wear waiting by the entrance. I soon find out that there is a complimentary scheduled shuttle service for Hotel Jen Penang guests who wish to visit its sister properties, Golden Sands Resort and ShangriLa’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Batu Feringgi.
Realising that there is still time, I rush back to my room to get ready for a few hours of sun, sand and beach. This unexpected advantage certainly makes my stay at Hotel Jen Penang all the more fulfilling. I am sure the next few days will be nothing short of amazing!
Check out Cafe Jen’s interesting buffet spread during the weekends.