Eastern & Oriental Hotel
1 / 3

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

4.5
·5k reviews·George Town, Malaysia

A legendary colonial-era hotel in George Town, offering timeless elegance, exceptional service, and stunning sea views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter pool and dining

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter pool and dining

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary colonial-era hotel in George Town, offering timeless elegance, exceptional service, and stunning sea views.

4.5
(5k reviews)

"Fabulous hotel in a top location, hard to fault with stress-free days and high standards."

Vertical photo
TIP

Choose Your Wing Wisely

Heritage Wing for history buffs, Victory Annexe for modern sea views. Both offer unique experiences.

Savor the Breakfast

Don't miss the extensive breakfast buffet; it's a highlight for many guests.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 4,851 reviews

Type

Hotel

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Heritage Wing Rooms

Heritage Wing Rooms

Heritage Wing

Step back in time in spacious, well-appointed rooms with colonial charm and historical touches.

Infinity Pool Views

Infinity Pool Views

Victory Annexe

Relax by the infinity pool with stunning sea views, enjoying well-priced snacks and drinks.

Gourmet Breakfast Buffet

Gourmet Breakfast Buffet

Sarkies Restaurant

Indulge in one of Malaysia's best buffet breakfasts, featuring diverse local and international delights.

In-House Museum

In-House Museum

Ground Floor

Discover the rich history of the hotel and Penang through fascinating exhibits.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Heritage Charm

Experience colonial elegance at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Consider the Heritage Wing for historic ambiance, but be aware of potential traffic noise. The Victory Annexe offers modern comfort and sea views. Book in advance, especially for peak seasons, to secure your preferred wing.

Service Excellence & Value

Many guests rave about the exceptional service, with staff going above and beyond. Look for room rates that include valuable inclusions. While a luxury stay, many find the E&O offers great value for the experience and amenities provided.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter pool and dining
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Enjoy sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Cheong Fatt Tze (Blue Mansion) or Eastern and Oriental

Hi! What would be your choice between these two hotels? We have a trip to Penang coming up and we’re struggling to pick between the two. We’re staying for 6 days and plan to spend a lot of time exploring Penang, but we would also like to stay somewhere that has good facilities…

Choose Your Wing Wisely

Heritage Wing for history buffs, Victory Annexe for modern sea views. Both offer unique experiences. Reddit

Savor the Breakfast

Don't miss the extensive breakfast buffet; it's a highlight for many guests. Reddit

reddit.com

Luxury Hotel Recommendation for George Town

Usually I have no problem but there are so many options but alot with mixed reviews I’m struggling to pick and would love any recommendations. I would like somewhere in/near Georgetown so I can walk to places as much as possible Looking for full service, modern luxury style…

reddit.com

Georgetown/Penang Experiences?

My partner and I are planning to go to Malaysia/Singapore for a week in November. We've heard good things about Georgetown/Penang so planning to spend most of the time there (4 days). Planning to stay in the Eastern & Oriental. (We were looking at this vs. the Blue…

Poolside Relaxation

The infinity pool offers great views and reasonably priced refreshments. 🍸

Ask About Inclusions

Many room rates come with great value extras, ask reception for details. :moneybag:

reddit.com

Luxury Hotel Recommendations in George Town

Usually I have no problem but there are so many options but alot with mixed reviews I'm struggling to pick and would love any recommendations. I would like somewhere in/near Georgetown so I can walk to places as much as possible Looking for full service, modern luxury style…

Tips

from all over the internet

Choose Your Wing Wisely

Heritage Wing for history buffs, Victory Annexe for modern sea views. Both offer unique experiences. Reddit

Savor the Breakfast

Don't miss the extensive breakfast buffet; it's a highlight for many guests. Reddit

Poolside Relaxation

The infinity pool offers great views and reasonably priced refreshments. 🍸

Ask About Inclusions

Many room rates come with great value extras, ask reception for details. :moneybag:

Report Concerns Promptly

If you encounter any issues, staff are responsive to fixing them. 🔧

What Travellers Say

4.5
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests consistently praise the Eastern & Oriental Hotel for its stunning colonial architecture, exceptional service, and superb breakfast buffet. The spacious rooms, particularly in the Heritage Wing, and the beautiful infinity pool are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some guests note that certain rooms in the Heritage Wing can be noisy due to traffic, and a few mention minor maintenance issues that detract from the luxury experience.

"A fabulous hotel in a top hotel. Hard to fault. We stayed a week and every day was stress free. Great value inclusions in the room rate. Service and food standards were very high. We stayed in the heritage wind (older part of the hotel precinct) and it was awesome to experience the huge and well-appointed rooms. Pools were in good condition with great service and well-priced pool snacks and drinks."

John Mason

"Our first time. Given rooms 238 and 239 of the HW. The rooms are extremely spacious and comfortable, perfect to host relatives and friends for our long overdue gathering. However, these rooms are right above the driveway of the HW, overlooking Bayview Hotel. It's a bit noisy when traffic gets busy. Two layers of double glazing windows have been installed, and that significantly reduces the noise level. We had good sleep in the room.

We would like to specially thank the following people in E&O for being amazing with what they are there for and going way beyond in their own ways in creating extra value mile to the hotel.

Mr. JASON YAP (PRM)
Mr. MOHD FIRDAUS (Reception)
Mdm. NAGESH (Conceige)
Mr. ALFRED (redeployed from Palm Court from Sarkies)
Ms. Ayu (Sarkies)
The Chinese bar lady (Cornwallis)
The technician is very responsive and prompt in fixing problems in the room.
The housekeepers did a wonderful job, too.
They are truly extraordinary in their own ways quietly.

All in all, thank you for the great experience. Would love to return again due to the people who had made it right for us. :)"

Chun Khim Lim

"An impressive colonial style hotel situated close to the main heritage areas of Georgetown.

Our room was spacious and offered excellent ocean views from the balcony. Qibla direction is specified on the ceiling (which, are at least 3.5m high).

Breakfast was probably the best of the buffet breakfasts we've had in Malaysia. It included fresh roti, egg, and noodle stations as well as a wide variety of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and Western spreads. You could also enjoy fresh char kway teow.

The architectural design of the building and the rooms set this hotel apart from other places we've stayed at. Lots of fine touches that made our stay feel luxurious.

We stayed with our toddler and infant. I would call this hotel kid friendly for the fact that the room was very spacious, and they could splash around the pool, but it doesn't necessarily have much in the way of kids club/activities - we knew not to expect in the first place."

Shakif Shakur

What People Like

Exceptional service
Colonial charm
Amazing breakfast buffet

What People Dislike

Heritage Wing noise
Minor maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at Penang International Airport (PEN) and will take you directly to the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Pre-booking a private transfer can also be arranged through the hotel for added convenience. Reddit

Yes, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel is ideally located in George Town, making it a perfect base for exploring heritage sites on foot. Many attractions, including Khoo Kongsi and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, are just a short stroll away. Reddit

The hotel offers parking facilities for guests. It's advisable to check with the hotel directly for specific details regarding valet services or self-parking availability and any associated fees. 🚗

While George Town is very walkable, local buses and taxis are accessible nearby for exploring further afield. The hotel concierge can assist with directions and booking transportation. 🚌

The hotel is well-signposted in George Town. Using a GPS navigation system with the hotel's address will ensure a smooth arrival. :round_pushpin:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You do not need tickets to enter the hotel premises. However, booking your room in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and potentially secure better rates. Reddit

Standard check-in time is typically from 3:00 PM, and check-out time is around 12:00 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm these times directly with the hotel when making your reservation. :clock1:

Access to the hotel's swimming pools and fitness center is complimentary for in-house guests. You can enjoy these amenities as part of your stay. :swimmer:

Generally, guests must be at least 18 years old to book a room at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Identification may be required upon check-in. 💼

The hotel features an in-house museum showcasing its history. While guided tours might not be formally scheduled, you can explore the museum at your leisure. Inquire at the concierge for any available historical insights. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many guests praise the spaciousness and colonial charm of the Heritage Wing rooms. For sea views and modern amenities, the Victory Annexe rooms are highly recommended. Consider rooms with balconies for enhanced enjoyment. Reddit

The infinity pool in the Victory Annexe offers stunning sea views. You can enjoy well-priced pool snacks and drinks, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. Reddit

The hotel is spacious and the pool is great for kids to splash around in. While there isn't a dedicated kids' club, the ample room space and pool make it a comfortable stay for families. Reddit

Smart casual attire is generally recommended for the hotel's restaurants, especially for dinner. Beachwear is usually not permitted. Check with the specific restaurant for their exact dress code. :tshirt:

Yes, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel features a round-the-clock fitness room, allowing guests to maintain their workout routine at any time. 💪

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The hotel boasts three restaurants, including Sarkies for its renowned breakfast buffet, and offers a variety of culinary experiences. Room service is also available. Reddit

Absolutely! The breakfast buffet at Sarkies is frequently cited as one of the best in Malaysia, featuring a wide array of local and international dishes, including live cooking stations. Reddit

The diverse breakfast buffet usually includes a good selection of vegetarian options. For specific dietary needs at other dining times, it's best to inform the restaurant staff in advance, as they are generally accommodating. :leafy_green:

Dining at the hotel is in the mid-to-high range, reflecting its luxury status. However, many guests find the quality and experience justify the cost, especially for the breakfast buffet. 💵

Yes, the hotel offers 24-hour room service, allowing you to enjoy meals in the comfort of your room at any hour. 🍕

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the colonial architecture, the infinity pool with sea views, and the elegant interiors. The Heritage Wing's grand hallways and rooms are particularly photogenic. Instagram

Yes, guests are welcome to take photos within their own rooms to capture the unique ambiance and design. Be mindful of other guests' privacy if photographing common areas. :camerawithflash:

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, professional photoshoots or filming may require prior permission from the hotel management. Always be respectful of other guests. :iphone:

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Mid-day can be good for capturing the vibrant blues of the pool, while evenings provide a romantic ambiance. :sunriseovermountains:

Yes, the in-house museum displays historical artifacts that are great for photography. Ensure you follow any specific signage regarding flash photography within the museum. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Eastern & Oriental Hotel (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide