It’s easy to see why there are many mansion hotels in Penang. The heritage district of Georgetown is home to some stunning colonial-era buildings, passed down from wealthy owners of a different time. It’s only natural for some of these gems to be restored and rebranded as chic boutique hotels, and The Edison certainly makes the cut. We explore the reasons why this Penang mansion hotel makes such a splendid addition to Georgetown’s iconic landmarks.
At a glance: Top 3 reasons to stay
Excellent location
The Edison is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown, Penang. It is within walking distance of Penang’s best food spots, famous art murals, and historical temples.
Charming spaces
Admire the beautiful open-ceiling courtyard in the middle of the building. The space is styled with original cast-iron columns and decorative frescos, all warmly lit by natural daylight.
Friendly staff
You’ll be met with lovely smiles and warm service. Staff are willing to go above and beyond. Don’t hesitate to ask for something at reception.
A timeless mansion with a contemporary facelift
The mansion that houses The Edison was built in 1906 as a residence for Chinese business tycoon Yeo Wee Gark. Architect David Nathaniel incorporated many design elements that spoke of wealth and opulence such as open planning spaces, and, indeed, the generous use of materials such as glass, tile, metal, and timber.
The mansion only underwent its transformation into a hotel after the Second World War. In the 1960s, many enhancements were made to the interior. But it wasn’t until the huge transformation planned in late 2014 that the hotel entirely rebranded itself. In 2016, the hotel opened its doors as The Edison.
Preserving heritage features in a modern Penang mansion hotel
A whimsical reflection of colonial design blends with quirky modern takes on Penang’s heritage to form a charming space. Everywhere you look, you’ll find perfect examples of the old world meeting the new.
Admire the open courtyard in the middle of the building, with its atypical lounge space littered with low chairs, cushions, and ottomans. In the daytime, warm light washes across the embellished cast-iron columns and decorative frescos. The courtyard’s location in the heart of the hotel makes it refreshingly accessible to all guests.
The breakfast venue serves as an informal lounge for socialising and a chic setting to have your morning meal. Outside of breakfast hours, The Edison offers guests unlimited access to snacks and beverages from the self-service counters included in the room rate. We particularly liked the daily Happy Hour of free-flow wine and cheese.
The breakfast selection itself is small and light—little parcels of nasi lemak, a small selection of continental offerings, scrambled eggs—but the thing that made breakfast truly memorable for us was the warm conversation that a staff member had with us. Questions like where we felt like going, what we wanted to do in Georgetown; we were offered maps of the surroundings, given directions to the best points of interest.
Adding character to outdoor areas
A small al fresco dining area doubles as a space to catch some sunlight. Just around the corner, the modest hotel pool glistens invitingly under a line of trees.
Today, The Edison is a small luxury boutique hotel at heart, but it retains a deep sense of quiet intimacy and historical character. Georgetown is lucky to have this remarkable gem.
Discover the types of guestrooms you can book at The Edison.
The Edison
15 Lebuh Leith
Georgetown
10200 Penang, Malaysia
theedisonhotels.com
Latest Travel Stories
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa: A boutique property that blends war-era heritage with modern luxuries
Kamakura Summer Guide: Enchanting temples to visit during Japan’s hydrangea season
The Outpost Hotel: What to expect at this cosy adults-only Sentosa Island hideaway
Kyoto’s Best Shrine: Guide to seeing the torii gate tunnels of Fushimi Inari Taisha
Hamilton Island: Where to enjoy the best panoramic views on this slice of paradise
