6 Start Hotel

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel stands majestically along Farquhar Street, in the bustling heart of Penang. The bygone era of a glorious past is seen the minute you catch a glimpse of this imposing white colonial building. Warm lingering feelings of elegance greet you as you drive up the courtyard and walk into the spacious domed lobby.
At a glance, everything about the E&O, from the porter’s uniform to the enchanting ambience sets us down memory lane, to the good old days of Malaya. The E&O proudly retains the old-world charm it has been recognized for, even with the infusion of modernity.
Personalized attentive service standards and high levels of hospitality are the hallmarks of the E&O. This is complemented by our impeccable 24-hour butler service attending to guests’ every need. Each magnificent suite is extravagantly spacious and thoughtfully furnished with modern day amenities and instant access to the wireless world. Its restaurants, cafes and bars, each with its unique aura, tempts with a tantalizing medley of flavours and aromas.
The atmosphere and service provided by the E&O enable guests to pursue their business interests and, as well, to network, to socialize or simply to relax. A magnificent pool with its view across the sea is the focal point for guests seeking to unwind or energise the body, mind and spirit.
On the doorstep is an amazing heritage of art and architecture, festivals and food. The E&O is but a few minutes walk from a myriad of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. And beyond the city, hills and villages, seas and beaches beckon enticingly.
To many travelers, the E&O has become a sanctuary. A place where there is always enough time for the things that really matter.
The Legacy …………..In the beginning ….
Founded by the Armenian Sarkies brothers, the Eastern, a hotel ‘facing the Esplanade’, began its colourful history way back in 1884. So swiftly did this hotel prosper and gain popularity that within the following year, in 1885, the Oriental was established. Both hotels were then combined to form the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang.
It was a move that was impressive and proved to be a success, earning the hotel a place in history as one of the finest hotels of the British Empire. The Eastern & Oriental stood majestically with its Moorish minarets, spacious domed lobby and the endless seafront. In 1927, it was advertised as ‘ The Premier Hotel East of the Suez, boasting more than a hundred rooms, baths with hot and cold running water, individual telephones and the world’s longest sea-front lawn at 842 feet.
The hotel was well patronised by colonial administrators, planters and the local and international elite. Among its more famous guests it has welcomed Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks, Hermann Hesse, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham.
The property has changed hands and endured numerous renovations over the years, and today it has reclaimed its heritage as one of the finest hotels within the Far East.