Five-star, 221 suites
10 Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Penang
Tel: +60 4 222 2000
email: luxury@eohotels.com
www.eohotels.com
First, a quick history. The Sarkies brothers built the 100-room Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O Hotel), Penang in 1885 and, in 1922, extended the property with 40 more rooms in The Victory Annexe. The Heritage Wing reopened in 2001 after a major refurbishment, while The Victory Annexe reopened last year with thrice the number of rooms (122 suites). It was here that I checked in, after a mere 20-minute drive from the airport. The hotel is located in the heart of George Town and is the only one in this UNESCO World Heritage Site that fronts the Andaman Sea.
Rooms
I stayed in a Corner Suite. At 123m2, it’s wonderfully spacious, with many touches of the colonial era – the claw-footed long bath on black-and-white Victorian floor tiles, white plantation shutters that open to sea views while you luxuriate in the bath, pedestal ceramic basins, lazy ceiling fans, a two-poster bed and many other features. Very charming.
Meeting facilities
The Sarkies knew the value of MICE. They added a grand ballroom to the hotel in 1903 and soon it became the venue for the island’s major official functions, weddings and banquets. With such an illustrious MICE history, I was expecting a lot by way of MICE facilities. I was not disappointed.
The new Victory Annexe offers a ballroom that seats 300 pax for banquets and five meeting rooms that can accommodate 16-150 pax. What I like is they are all sea-facing, with modern, elegant decor. Many of the meeting rooms were occupied that day. In the evening, the hotel was also hosting a festival opening. Big cars were pulling up on its cavernous porch, in them dignitaries and other Who’s Who. Little has changed from the days of the Sarkies.
I took a peek at the grand ballroom in the Heritage Wing which the Sarkies built. It has been renovated of course but the royal boxes, gallery and full stage are still there. Imagine a colonial theme dinner party here, with a few gentlemen and ladies in Victorian costumes fanning themselves away in the royal boxes! The grand ballroom seats 400 pax for banquets. There are also six function rooms accommodating 15-180 pax in the Heritage Wing.
F&B My favourite time of the day was 5pm, when cocktails and canapes are served at The Planters Lounge to guests staying at The Victory Annexe. It’s everyone’s favourite time too, for we were all there in the terrace enjoying wine and sea breezes. The poolside terrace close by offers a lot of privacy and spectacular views of the sunset and the Andaman Sea, a fantastic area for a cocktail party.
No Asian group would not want to miss dining at Sarkies, one of Penang’s best-loved eateries featuring local and international buffet, which has made its new home in The Victory Annexe. An outdoor setting in the gardens on a lovely day or evening would be equally delightful.
For something more elegant and formal, head for 1885 in the Heritage Wing.
If you want to impress a small group of C level executives, do a private, exclusive cocktail/dinner in the expansive balcony of any of the four Corner Suites of The Victory Annexe. The balcony offers a 270-degree view of the sea.
