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Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Penang • George Town • OPTIMIZE

avg. $205 / night

Includes $11 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

An 1885 Sarkies brothers landmark in George Town with Victorian architecture, seafront views, and period interiors.

Best for: Colonial history enthusiasts and architecture travelers

Highlights:

  • 1885 Sarkies brothers landmark with preserved Victorian facades
  • Seafront pool terrace overlooking the Strait of Malacca
  • Period interiors: four-poster beds, botanical wallpapers, herringbone parquet
Colonial-romanticserene

PB hotel design editorial

Few addresses in Southeast Asian hospitality carry the biographical weight of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town — founded in 1885 by the Sarkies brothers, the Armenian hoteliers who also gave the world Raffles in Singapore and The Strand in Rangoon. The white-rendered colonial facades facing the Strait of Malacca belong to the original Victorian-era building, its arched fenestration, terracotta-tiled roof ridges, and ornate porte-cochère canopy on wrought-iron columns preserved through a major restoration completed in 2001 that added the Heritage Wing to the property's existing 101 suites. The Moorish-inflected plasterwork along the roofline and the symmetrical motor court composition visible in the exterior image place the building firmly within the tradition of late British colonial institutional architecture that defined the Straits Settlements. Inside, the interiors strike a balance between period atmosphere and quiet contemporary comfort — dark-stained four-poster beds with upholstered headboards set against botanical-print wallcoverings in silver and gold, honey-toned timber floors, and crystal chandeliers that keep the scale domestic rather than ceremonial. The all-day lounge is the hotel's social heart: herringbone parquet, glazed mahogany display cabinets, rattan-armed club chairs on Persian-style rugs, and a brass tea trolley that makes the ritual of afternoon tea feel entirely uncontrived. The pool terrace, running directly along the seafront with green-striped loungers and cast-stone urns framing the reflective water, gives the property its most quietly cinematic moment at dusk.

Travel notes

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About

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel is the embodiment of both a special time and a special place. For well over a century, this remarkable hotel - known simply as 'The E&O' to generations of travellers - has stood as a testament to the grand elegance of the British colonial era. In many ways, it has also come to represent Penang itself; its story inextricably woven into the island's history, its traditions an indelible part of many a traveller's treasured memory, its name synonymous with the magical island once known as The Pearl Of the Orient.

Amenities

Pool

Room service

Restaurant

Fitness center

Business center

Free Parking

Suites

Shuttle Bus Service

Wheelchair Access

Bar/Lounge

Eastern & Oriental Hotel Reviews

5,313 reviews

"The E&O Hotel was a fantastic hotel and catered to all of our needs as a family. The location, room and all facilities were fantastic! Staff: 5/5 - You’re greeted with a smile. All the staff around the hotel are welcoming, warm, friendly and will go above and beyond for you. The doormen and reception staff were great. Food and catering staff: 5/5 - As we were travelling with our 1yr old who has a strict diet, the head chef catered to her every need for lunch and dinner and treated her like his own (without fail!). The chef was fantastic. A very big thank you from us. - All staff were extremely helpful and attentive. - The food was also very good. There's a large selection of multiple cuisines. Hotel & rooms: 5/5 - there was nothing to complain about. - The large king sea-facing room was spacious and comfortable. The bathroom was huge and all amenities required were available. - The hotel pool was nice, however lacked a proper drinks menu with cocktails. You also could not take any drinks into the pool. It would have been better to provide plastic glasses so you could enjoy a drink in the pool overlooking the sea. Overall I loved staying here. The staff and hotel amenities were great."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 29, 2026

"I was lured to the Eastern and Oriental for its history and luxury. It is relatively inexpensive to the Raffles in Singapore. The hotel is split into two wings, the historic Heritage Wing and the more affordable Victory Annexe. We booked into the Heritage Wing which is more expensive but comes with more benefits including complimentary evening canapes, more places to eat breakfast, and I got a complimentary bottle of wine. The room was a twin deluxe room (room 013) which had access to the garden and the hotel grounds. It's a large room, largely spotless, and quiet. We had an initial minor problems with insects but that was resolved very quicky and efficiently. Being a historic hotel from the 19th century, there is a colonial atmosphere with the furnishings and down to the floors as well. Another high spot is the overall service at the hotel, the staff are friendly, professional, and efficient. Hotel is very photogenic and is a tourist attraction by itself. Be sure to check out the emporium in the Victory Annexe, as they sell unique branded items with the E&O logo on it. I had a splendid stay at the E&O and was the perfect way to cap off my vacation in Malaysia. Staying in that lap of luxury and level of service will always provide enduring memories of the hotel and Malaysia. Tip - spend the extra and stay in the Heritage Wing."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 18, 2026

"This is a seriously lovely hotel. The decor is gorgeous - reminiscent of 'old raj' style - even some of the porters dress up in safari suits to add to the atmosphere. We stayed 4 nights in a King Georgetown Suite in the Heritage wing, which had its own sitting room, beautiful bathroom (even a bath!) and a gorgeous, huge and comfy bed. We really felt spoiled. The hotel is in a great location to explore Georgetown - take a walk to the old fort, explore the old shop houses in the heritage district(in the evenings when its cooler to the haunting sounds of the call to prayer), or wander through the old cemetery down the road from the hotel- truly marvellous.. The staff were attentive, the breakfast buffet in Sarkies was incredible ( recommend this rather than the ala carte!) and the happy hour drinks and finger food were exceptional. 25 years ago, when we were on our honeymoon, we walked past the E&O, hoping to one day stay there, and we now have, and it was awesome. The E&O has a soul that you can feel - It truly is a very special place."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 13, 2026

"One of the best hotels where we ever stayed, and that is saying a lot, after just having checked out out of another perfect hotel, the four seasons kuala lumpur. But the e&o has of course the grand colonial agatha christie feeling. Unbeatable. Do stay in the old wing, gives you nice extras"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 02, 2026

"It stands out not only as a Landmark of Penang Island but also as a trademark of great service, fabulous food and a great location. The people at the hotel are extremely professional. Breakfast is yummy and rooms are amazing. We will be back."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 12, 2026

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