24 hours in Penang with The Edison Hotel, Georgetown

Wah wah wah guys I tell you The Edison Hotel at Georgetown was faaaabulous. 

I think this type of hotel is my type of hotel. I want to go back there again. 

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None of us knew what we were expecting as we drove onto the cobblestoned pathway of the colonial era mansion. What exactly was it that captured our hearts? Was it the sun shining brightly off the waters of the dragon fountain at the front? Maybe it was the simple yet elegant landscaping rounding off the perimeters. I thought it was the cerulean green shutters on the first floor. They gave a nice pop accent for the soft and refined look of the building and perhaps a sign of what was to come - a stay of modern touches with classic hospitality. 

Just beyond the lobby is an airy courtyard. I love these old buildings that invite you in and then let you enjoy the outdoors within a few steps.  

There are 35 rooms altogether in The Edison including suites, each room of varying sizes & fixtures (one of ours had tiled floors, the other had marble). I liked the simple touch of blue-bordered linen in place of the conventional plain white hotel linen - so modern. Notably missing from the rooms were coffee and tea making facilities (as they were available at the lounge) and the usual spread of toiletries - the latter cleverly hidden in a lacquer-like box on the basin countertop which makes for a neater bathroom (there's no bathtub in our Deluxe rooms, but saying toilet sounds wrong here). Toiletries are Appelles from Australia.

There is a small library on the first floor (which is more like a reading room). I liked that there were so many copies of Monocle and Robb Reports. So atas. Just that the library has no fan and is totally shuttered, so it may feel a bit stuffy. 

Move to the hotel lounge at the back of the building instead, because there's all-day snacks and drinks for guests here. There's a nice coffee machine for your latte, some yogurt, fruit juice, canned drinks and local tidbits. Look out for Nyonya kuih served at tea and pre-dinner wine from 6pm to 7pm - value for moneyyyyyy. It's an ideal concept for a hotel in foodie paradise, where guests would want to dine on the local fare instead of hotel food (No complaints on the continental breakfast though - the breads were yummy and selection of Lokal jams like pineapple & cinnamon uniquely tasty). 

There is a very tiny pool (more like a dipping pool) that runs along the length of the hotel. I think it's saltwater. The shrubs on the side provide a nice shade even in a hot afternoon and we enjoyed our short swim here + a "do it for the Gram" photoshoot. 

The hotel's location couldn't be more ideal. It's along a row of heritage mansions (including Cheong Fatt Sze's Blue Mansion just across the road), and only a short drive away from Lebuh Campbell aka cendol place, the boy on bike mural aka near ChinaHouse, etc. There's also a food court right opposite. Plus, I really enjoyed the fact that there are no high rise buildings in front of the hotel, which makes for a refreshing return (you don't feel too crowded or cramped here). 

Overall a very pleasant stay, definitely would return again.

Have you been to The Edison or looking for recommendation in Penang? Drop a comment!