Eastern & Oriental, Penang

A brainchild of the Armenian Sarkies brothers, the Eastern began its colorful history back in 1884. The hotel gained overwhelming popularity almost overnight and a year later, in 1885, the Oriental was established. Both hotels then combined to form the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang. By 1927, the hotel was advertised as "the premier hotel east of the Suez". While being visited and revisited by those who sought tranquility, seclusion and inspiration, it was also patronized by colonial administrators, planters and the wealthy local elite. Following the Second World War, this exclusive hotel changed hands a number of times with subsequent renovation works and redevelopment proposals. These proposals did not eventuate until mid 1996 when the Eastern & Oriental was closed for a major refurbishment and restoration program. Re-opening at the dawn of the new millennium, the Eastern & Oriental is ready to reclaim its heritage as "the premier hotel east of the Suez".

There are 101 suites in all and they are furnished with timber floors, exquisite bone china, bed linen of the finest Egyptian cotton and Persian carpets. The especially large bathrooms offering English toiletries, lend opulence to this luxury hotel of the British Empire. Guests can also look forward to a fresh daily supply of chocolates, petit fours, fruits and exotic orchids.

At your service, as you wish... a butler is at your disposal any time of the day and night to take care of your needs from checking in, unpacking and packing suitcases, arranging room service, shining shoes, making travel arrangements to checking out.

For health enthusiasts, the hotel's exercise room has a fully equipped gymnasium and sauna. Take a stroll along the beautifully landscaped garden overlooking the sea, or sunbathe by the pool.

The hotel also provides concierge, babysitting, secretarial, limousine, airline and hotel reservations services for your added convenience. A gift shop, florist, barber-shop, tailor and Foreign Currency Exchange are located within the hotel grounds.