5 Best Hotels in Penang, Malaysia

Indigo-color outer walls of the former home to 19th-century millionaire Cheong Fatt Tze are responsible for this property's well-known nickname, the "Blue Mansion." Each of the 16 theme bedrooms have been given titles as well: Fragrant Poem is a deluxe double, where you will find period antique furniture; and the Old Kitchen is a studio room decked out with old-fashion kitchen tools and a wood-fire cooking station. The mansion's layout is closely based on feng-shui principles, including proverbs inscribed over doorways and a balanced combination of metal, timber, water, fire, and earth evident throughout. Breakfast is included and served alfresco in the charming courtyard. The house even received a UNESO Heritage award thanks to its thoughtful preservation.

The same people responsible for grand hotels like The Raffles in Singapore and The Strand in Yangon established the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in 1885, and upon arrival today, guests feel as if they've stepped through a time machine as they're greeted by doormen in knee-high socks and brimmed hats. The hotel has two wings, the 100-suite historical wing, part of the original hotel, and the 132-suite Victory Annexe, which opened in 2012. Steeped in history and old-world charm, the E & O brings the British colonial era to life. Persian carpets cover teak wooden floors in the sitting rooms, and Egyptian cotton linens cover the four-poster beds. Views from the rooms in the historical wing vary from the Strait of Malacca to the courtyard's manicured lawns. The Victory Annexe suites, which have private balconies and a modern-classic design, overlook the Andaman Sea.

A multimillion ringgit refurbishment converted 15 prewar shop houses into this 45-room boutique hotel, retaining the 1940s features while introducing contemporary aesthetics and amenities. The four choices for accommodation—each featuring a Jacuzzi spa, natural-history prints that relate to Penang, and pieces of antique furniture—include: Clark Terraces, family-friendly two-floor houses with two bedrooms and private gardens; Penaga Suites, a first-floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom; Transfer Suites, which sit above the spa with a sitting room and large bedroom; and Hutton Rooms, with one bedroom and the most affordable rates. Relax in the hotel's spa, which focuses on ancient remedies and treatments inspired by the Malay Peninsula, incorporating several botanical ingredients.

While Lone Pine was one of the first hotels to pop up along Batu Ferringhi (Foreigner's Rock) in 1948, it was a recent refurbishment that made it a top pick along this famous beach. The restored grounds offer a distinct colonial charm; white wooden shutters go well with the ocean-inspired contemporary artwork. The 90 rooms offer a mixture of seafront terraces, balconies, and private courtyards. In addition to dining by the pool at the Bungalow, where the buffet breakfast is served, you can enjoy a meal at Mastu restaurant, which offers a Japanese twist on fresh seafood and can even provide picnic bento boxes to take to the beach. A free shuttle bus runs five times daily between the hotel and Georgetown.

Malihom's name, which translates to "village of the fragrant rice" in Thai, was inspired by the nine traditional rice storage barns brought over from Chiang Mai to serve as this eco-retreat's guestrooms. Set on the southern end of Penang atop high hills, the small eco-hotel has a tranquil setting offering views of the mountains, sea, city, and lush forest valleys. Yoga and spa sessions can be organized, and each barn has a private garden that's a nice perch for bird-watching. The rates include three daily meals made fresh with seasonal produce.