Why heritage is Penang’s new definition of luxury

The latest generation of hotels in Penang is breathing new life into historic buildings, transforming them into stylish stays that draw inspiration from their past and sense of place.

Among them are 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang, which relaunched in April following an extensive refurbishment in collaboration with The Unlimited Collection by Ascott; Qing Suites, housed in the former servants’ quarters of tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion; and Soori Penang, located in the heart of the Khoo Kongsi clan compound.  

Below, we delve into the history, design and experience behind each stay.

1926 Heritage Hotel Penang

Once the living quarters of British colonial immigration officers in Penang in the 1920s, this cluster of 24 two-storey houses – located in the former administrative hub of Jalan Burma – has begun a new life as 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang, a stylish 78-room boutique hotel within a beautifully restored compound. 

Its refurbishment was led by design studio Office Of_, which took a restrained, conservation-led approach, retaining the wooden spiral staircase, timber doors, verandahs, utilitarian façade and mature heritage trees that have come to define the property.

Vibrant impressionist works by Penang-born artist Koay Shao Peng, depicting everyday scenes of the city, line a seemingly endless corridor awash in warm, amber light. The suites are cosy but inviting, with contemporary finishes like a dry bar equipped with a water filter, an open-concept wardrobe, and light fixtures that enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

We recommend dining at Root House by Gen, the hotel’s signature restaurant by celebrity chef Johnson Wong. Inspired by traditional recipes from Penang’s Chinese community, dishes such as wok-fried lotus root with black garlic and jungle black garlic chicken soup are nourishing choices that offer a welcome pick-me-up after a long day of travel. 

Don’t miss: The hotel recently launched the 1926 Centennial Local Discover Series in collaboration with Classic Wheels Signature, which offers a collection of vintage cars for hire. Climb into a sleek Jaguar Mark II for a 30-minute chauffeur-driven tour of George Town’s historic civic and waterfront districts, with the option to dress in traditional attire such as the Peranakan kebaya. 

Cheong Fatt Tze – The Qing Suites

The team behind the iconic Blue Mansion has transformed its former servants’ quarters into an intimate enclave of 13 luxury suites, complete with a spa inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 

Cheong Fatt Tze – The Qing Suites occupies a row of five shophouses built in 1904, directly across from the Blue Mansion on Lebuh Leith. While the façade is a striking cobalt blue reminiscent of the Blue Mansion, the interiors are light, airy and modern, with subtle Art Deco influences.

The open-air courtyard is undoubtedly the property’s pièce de résistance. A handsome marble-topped bar anchors the space, framed by soaring arches and lush greenery. 

The rooms, measuring 44-67.3 sqm, are spacious and decked in wood finishings, tempting one to linger. Breakfast is a made-to-order affair, with choices such as coconut pancakes with kaya and Chantilly cream, and ginseng chicken congee. Be sure to order the herbal duck somen noodles, slow simmered to perfection.

Penang may be a haven for street food, but try to make room for the Afternoon Tea – a spread of delicious finger sandwiches, scones and miniature desserts, paired with the restaurant’s special blend of Chinese teas.  

Don’t miss: Besides indulging in Penang’s street food, save time for a personalised wellness session with the TCM-trained practitioners at Virtue TCM. Following a consultation and pulse diagnosis, recommended treatments may range from tension-relieving body massages to a combination of gua sha, cupping and acupuncture.

Soori Penang

A desire to share a part of his clan heritage inspired award-winning Singaporean architect-turned-hotelier Soo K Chan to bring the latest chapter of his exclusive Soori hospitality brand to Penang.  

Located in the heart of the Khoo Kongsi compound in George Town, Soori Penang occupies a row of 15 restored shophouses that once served as clan residences for members of the Khoo family. Although the luxury boutique hotel sits along a bustling thoroughfare, its one-bedroom suites are tucked away in a private alcove with 24-hour security.

Less is more at Soori Penang, where Chan has designed the long, cavernous space around elements inspired by the Khoo clan temple next door.  

Stone lions and a wall ornament symbolising good fortune are among the discreet details woven into the interiors, while the gentle trickle of water from a small fountain in the light-filled courtyard adds a soothing touch. Byredo bath products and state-of-the-art fixtures provide the finishing touches to the hotel’s understated sense of luxury.

Works are currently underway to transform each one-bedroom shophouse into a two-storey, three-bedroom abode, offering families and larger groups more space to stay together. While the hotel’s in-house restaurant currently serves only Soori guests, a café open to the public is in the works along the main street.  

The Soori team is also working with renowned Penang muralist Ernest Zacharevic to curate a bespoke art experience for guests. 

Don’t miss: Learn about the history of the Khoo Kongsi on the Journey of Clan Houses walking tour, hosted by the hotel’s head of concierge and history buff Azman. Expect fascinating insights into Chinese clan culture, and an intimate look at the history and legacy of the Khoo family, whose influence extends across Southeast Asia.

For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Penang, visit singaporeair.com.