1. Hotel Penaga in George Town, Penang
Located at the corner lot of Jalan Hutton and Lebuh Clarke in George Town, Penang, Hotel Penaga’s unique art deco terraces surely catch the eye of passersby.
2. lobby & reception counter
Constructed in the early 1920s, this building was originally a three-row, cluster of fifteen double-storey block with terraced houses and shops.
Many locals would remember this property as being left vacant for many years and left in disrepair, until it was acquired by the husband-and-wife couple of Hijjas Kasturi & Angela in 2008.
3. decorated corridor
Long story short, the block of buildings were restored and converted into a forty-five room heritage boutique hotel, using traditional architectural methods and original furniture.
The timber and lumber used at Penaga were recovered and repurposed from demolished colonial buildings within the island.
4. garden in the city
Mr. Kasturi, an architect and Angela, an environmentalist, have jointly put their heart and soul into the hotel; let’s not forget the investment of time and money.
About five years ago, Hotel Penaga opened its doors to their first guests.
5. cosy corner outside of two suites
If you have wondered what “Penaga” means, the hotel is named after Tanjung Penaga, or the Cape of Penaga, a species of trees that grew here, and was used as a name for the first settlement in Penang where George Town sits.
6. Penaga Spa
As soon as I set foot past the door of Hotel Penaga, I was transported back in time to the era of my great-grandparents.
Away from the hustle and bustle that is George Town, Hotel Penaga offers a cosy retreat to guests, until they are once again ready to explore the cultural heritage city again, as it is strategically situated within UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of George Town.
7. Penaga Spa
During my stay at Hotel Penaga, I had the opportunity to check out some of the rooms. The hotel offers four categories of accommodation: Hutton Deluxe, Clarke Terraces, Transfer Suites and Penaga Suites, to cater to the different needs of guests.
8. Hutton Suite, where the stairs lead to the attic-like bedroom
Each each room or suite boasts a unique style and I was hard pressed to look for one that was furnished the same.
Yes, guests would never go bored even if they put up at Hotel Penaga multiple times as every room or unit is laid out with its own distinctive theme.
9. Hutton Suite
Hutton Deluxe
Finely appointed, Hutton Deluxe, although the lowest category of rooms of Penaga, are reconstructed with Chinese antique furniture, restored timber flooring and individual art pieces.
Each unit is equipped with a hot tub, and some have balconies. The unit that I was assigned to had a staircase that led up to an attic-like open concept bedroom.
10. Hutton Deluxe
Clarke Terraces
Named after the street that it fronts, these are terrace houses, which make a perfect fit for families or those travelling as a group.
Not only are Clarke Terraces spacious, they provide privacy as well. Again, the units have been furnished with beautiful reconstructed antique furniture.
11. Clarke Terraces
Transfer Suites
With only eight Transfer Suites, these are of course very popular among larger family groups, although they may not be suitable for the elderly as they are only accessible by stairs.
Some are with balcony and some without, so do specify what you require when you make a reservation.
12. Transfer Suite – the top two and bottom two photos are from different bedrooms
13. Transfer Suite
Penaga Suites
These are corner units with a larger floor space of 60sq. m. The two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room are great for large family groups, and the good news is that no climbing is necessary.
Looking through my photos, you will see that Hotel Penaga gives off a homely feel. Indeed, I felt very at ease during my stay and had considered extending my holiday, if only I did not have commitments in Ipoh!
14. fine dining at The Cinnamon
Besides accommodation, other in-house facilities include a restaurant (The Cinnamon), lounge (The Tanglung Bar), business centre, spa (Penaga Spa) and lap pool.
15. lap pool
Oh, another plus point of Hotel Penaga would be that it was the first heritage restoration project in the country to be awarded a Gold Rating by the Green Building Index.
What is the Green Building Index?
The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s industry recognised green rating tool for buildings to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, contractors and the public about environmental issues and our responsibility to the future generations.
The GBI rating tool provides an opportunity for developers and building owners to design and construct green, sustainable buildings that can provide energy savings, water savings, a healthier indoor environment, better connectivity to public transport and the adoption of recycling and greenery for their projects and reduce our impact on the environment.
Hotel Penaga
Add: Corner of Jalan Hutton & Lebuh Clarke 10050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 04-291 3201
Web: http://hotelpenaga.com/
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