Nestled in Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage site, George Town, and surrounded by old shophouses once occupied by the city’s colonial masters, wealthy Chinese tycoons and pretty mistresses (not altogether under one roof though!) is a mansion that is The Edison George Town.
At its peak, the conserved mansion was home to a wealthy tycoon and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Its glory days were brought back to life with careful conservation of its doors, marble floors, printed floor tiles, main stairs that connected guests between the two stories and wooden floorboards in guestrooms. Despite the conservation efforts, The Edison does not feel dated; its interior is chic with two brightly painted chairs in the reception area and a courtyard where guests could laze about on modern rattan lounges.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Edison is one of the newest hotels to open in the conservation enclave. While it appeals mostly to leisure travellers, its small size and refined interiors allow The Edison to be a canvas on which to design a private corporate gathering.
Rooms The Edison offers 35 rooms in three categories – Deluxe, Deluxe Premium and Suite – across two floors.
My 36m2 Deluxe Premium Room on the second floor adopts a modern décor. While it isn’t opulent, it satisfies one’s expectations of a five-star guestroom – a spacious work desk, plush bedding, spacious ensuite bathroom with branded toiletries and a comfortable couch are part of the furnishing.
MICE facilities The Edison was not built with business events in mind, but it is open to private hire and groups can utilise its courtyard, The Lounge, and two cabanas for meetings and social gatherings. Without full hotel hire, residential corporate groups are also welcome to use the cabanas – good for 12 pax each, seated – which draw a venue rental fee and separate F&B package charges.
Other facilities The Edison is an all-inclusive hotel where all-day refreshments, breakfast and occasional hot snacks are offered free to hotel guests in The Lounge. Built to resemble a homely kitchen with a 10-seat high dining table and cosy couches at the sides, I found The Lounge to be a soothing space for reading and writing, and for striking up conversations with fellow guests about the best eats in the vicinity.
The lack of restaurants in the hotel is understandable – the surrounding streets of Jalan Muntri, Leith Street and Love Lane are home to local food hawkers, chic wine bars and quirky cafes. Guests are encouraged to head out and explore.
Room count 35
Star rating Five
Contact
Tel (604) 262 2990
