While we’ve already shared our picks for best boutique hotels in Kuala Lumpur and the Desaru Coast, wonderful Malaysia has so much more to offer. And if you’re Penang-bound, don’t miss a trip to colourful George Town. We recently stayed at The Edison George Town and fell in love with the exquisite heritage property and stellar service.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own

Review of The Edison George Town

The Edison George Town Penang Malaysia facade
The property finds its home in a heritage private mansion

Tucked away on a quiet side street in the heart of George Town, The Edison is a charming boutique hotel that perfectly blends colonial charm with contemporary comfort. Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion, this intimate property delivers exceptional service, gracious hospitality, and luxurious rooms. During my recent two-night stay, I was continually impressed by the attention to detail and efforts to immerse guests in local Penang culture.

From the moment I arrived, The Edison staff went above and beyond to make me feel at home. After a friendly check-in, I was shown to my pleasant room and introduced to the hotel’s unique amenities. One highlight is the 24-hour snack lounge, filled with local Malaysian childhood snacks and fresh fruit. This was a massive hit with my husband, who loved the robust coffee machine and selection of treats.

The design

The Edison George Town lounge
Mingle with other guests or spend some time relaxing in the lounge

From the lush tropical plants in the lobby to the original architectural features meticulously restored and seamlessly blended with modern conveniences, Edison’s design thoughtfully nods to its Malaysian surroundings and 1906 roots.

The Edison Hotel is situated at 15 Lehuh Leith Street, named in honour of Penang’s first Lieutenant-Governor. The owner explained to me that initially this remarkable building was the house of one wealthy Chinese family; during the war, it was used as a communications base, transitioning through several usages. Today, it’s the location of note for many travellers, offering exceptional hospitality and class, all while still having a unique approach that allowed me to feel as though I was a guest in a restored traditional home rather than a standard hotel.

The room

The Edison George Town Penang guest room
Our room was quietly understated and elegant

Our room was incredibly spacious, with soaring ceilings, a rainfall shower, and a calm, relaxing vibe. Chic touches like a yoga mat, market bag, and bathrobes made it feel extra homey.

For all its old-world charm, The Edison doesn’t skimp on luxuries like air conditioning, luxury toiletries, and high-tech amenities. There is complimentary Wi-Fi, TVs, and coffee machines all in the rooms.

The pristine outdoor pool is perfect for doing some early morning energising laps if that’s your vibe, with plush sun loungers surrounded by tropical greenery, while the thoughtful staff deliver some hot coffee poolside. Overall, it’s a perfect balance of historic elegance and contemporary comfort.

All the extras

The Edison George Town swimming pool
Be sure to make some time for lazy hours at the pool

The staff were attentive to our every need, from recommending local restaurants to booking a taxi to the airport. While The Edison doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, there is a complimentary wine and cheese hour each evening. This was the perfect chance to unwind after a day exploring George Town. You can sip on a glass of white or red wine while grazing on a selection of cheese and nuts–the perfect pre-dinner treat.

Breakfast each morning was a delight, with made-to-order eggs in your chosen style, fresh tropical fruits, and local specialities like kaya jam.

Out and about

One of the best parts of staying at The Edison is its prime location in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel sits on the edge of all the action spots like Little India and Love Lane, putting us steps away from bustling markets, decorated temples, and fantastic street food.

George Town is a food lover’s paradise known as the “food capital of Malaysia,” dishing up fiery curries, tender satay, and mouthwatering hawker eats. Most restaurants are around 10-15 mins walk away or just a quick taxi ride; downloading the Grab app was helpful for ordering cars.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the county’s traditional designs, there are two great options for historical mansions. One of them is Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which is just a 13-minute walk away. Inside, you can walk through many rooms filled with traditional ornaments; it’s part museum and part recreated rooms.

Closer to base, across the road, is the Blue Mansion. It’s bright indigo blue, making it hard to miss. The mansion offers chic and curated guest rooms, daily tours at 11am and 2pm, along with a charming cafe.

The verdict

I wholeheartedly recommend The Edison George Town for travellers seeking an authentic Malaysian experience paired with understated luxury. The cosy boutique hotel excels at making you feel at home.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Malaysia or a seasoned Asia traveller, The Edison offers an outstanding base for exploring cosmopolitan George Town. The hotel’s blend of historical charm, contemporary amenities, warm service, and local flavour is an unbeatable introduction to one of Asia’s most vibrant destinations.

Learn more about The Edison George Town

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