Hotels in Penang: Muntri Mews Hotel & Residence

I love checking out hotels in Penang. If you know where to look, they can turn up to be very storied properties! 

Located in the heart of Muntri Lane, just around the corner from the iconic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, was our stay for the night, Muntri Mews. We checked in at a long, double storey shoplot at Muntri Mews’ lobby, a small area accessed via their somewhat cramped dining area. Once done, we were informed that our room was actually not in that building, but across the road in an old shoplot! 

Pushing the heavy doors to the building, we were greeted by a dining room-like space adorned with antique cabinets and mirrors, as well as a strong, damp and musky scent - the unmistakable scent of old houses and old things. As much as I loved the vintage stuff, I wasn’t a big fan of the smell. Luckily the area just after this was an air well and another sitting area, and a flight of stairs to our room.

Our room was just above the entrance. First impressions: Large, bright, beautiful. I love the super tall ceilings, which made the room feel airy even though it had quite a few pieces of furniture and trunks lying around. Unique things in this room: beautiful rugs, batik-inspired bedsheets and a bright orange settee. Soft touches like the water dispenser and vintage glasses, the old-school cafe chairs and a room divider (likely salvaged wooden windows) gave it the unmistakable, signature Muntri Mews experience.

Toilet is separate from the shower, all very Pinterest-y (hexagon tiles, copper shower head, white walls etc). Hair and body shampoo are in large, refillable dispensers.

We all agreed the building was very large for just a few guests (there were at least 3 sitting areas downstairs) but we enjoyed the privacy and the quietness very much.

Breakfast is cooked upon order, from a selection of one-dish meals like nasi lemak, sandwiches or toast and sausages. Most value for money (nevermind that breakfast was included in room rate) is definitely the nasi lemak (which Kenneth had). It came with 2 medium prawns, a piece of grilled mackarel and a beautiful poached egg along with condiments.

The location is as central as I liked it to be. We walked to the Blue Mansion (and joined their 3.30pm tour), to Line Clear Nasi Kandar, and even further to Chowrasta Market and the Cendol lane. Very ideal. Overall, while location is fine and amenities are decent, I would personally prefer to be at The Edison Hotel down the road just because it's more of my vibe (granted both are different types of stays).

I enjoyed our stay at Muntri Mews though, it definitely has a more local vibe to it (similar to our stay at East Indies Mansion - review coming soon). If you're an out of towner visiting Penang for the first time with a large group, MM is worth to consider :) 

Muntri Mews is part of the George Town Heritage & Hotel, which is also behind the storied and restored properties like Seven Terraces, Muntri Grove and Jawi Peranakan Mansion.

More hotel reviews:
The Edison Hotel, Penang