Written by Ying Chia |
There is a genuine calm that washes over you, as you step onto The Edison’s compound in the heart of historical Georgetown. The heritage Anglo-Colonial building sits in one of Malaysia’s food capitals, making it an ideal point for exploration and a fantastic representation of how old and new can seamlessly merged for a unique hospitality experience.
Once the grand homestead of Yeo Wee Gark, a Hakka tycoon in the 1800’s, this two-story structure features a resplendent white frontage that’s embellished with soft green louvred windows, intricate plaster detailing, columns and arches. The mansion was commissioned in 1906, living multiple lives; home to a multi-generational Chinese family, as an administrative centre used by occupying Japanese forces during the Second World War and a bed-and-breakfast before its 2016 renovation into the boutique property of The Edison.
The opportunity to stay here for a wedding event also proved a welcome excuse to see how it would function for commercial purposes — a centre open-air courtyard that normally house their lounge seating ideal for book reading and lolling about, was transformed into a wonderfully intimate venue with enough space for important group photos! It’s certainly a place I would consider coming back to with family or friends.
True to The Edison’s motto to ‘Experience the Exceptional‘, founder Eugene Tan hopes to make you fall in love with the charm of hotel stays again, as evidenced by their turn-down service — a hospitality marker long forgotten in favour of quick transactions. It is the thoughtfulness of small gestures like this that permeated my experience at The Edison. It’s no wonder that they are also part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World Group. Modern amenities like the in-room yoga mat, WiFi and all-important air-conditioning, complement the hotel’s excellent service for a most comfortable stay. Staff are personable and will happily answer important questions, like where to find the best street food or cafes to fuel up on.
Guest are encouraged to explore the food city and so in place of room service, you’ll find a 24-hour lounge bar that has snacks and light bites galore. Designed to emulate being in someone’s kitchen, The Lounge is a wonderful place to relax or meet fellow travellers, and the founder’s passion for wine means there are plenty of interesting varieties to try in their daily Wine Discovery program. Need something light to start the day with before venturing out? The Edison’s continental breakfast menu is a clever nod to celebrating their city’s rich culinary reputation, and you can even get your coffees to go if you wish!
The development group behind The Edison spent years of careful design and planning, leaving much of the original structures and fixtures in place for 35 rooms split into a variety of sizes and suites, whist adopting modern necessities. High ceilings, cast iron pillars and curlicue metal grills, original tiling and door frames, act as small windows into history, amongst a host of sleek interiors and furnishings like modern ambient lighting, rain showers and plus bedding that is perfect for a dreamy night of sleep after a long day of ‘cari-cari makan’ (looking for food) around the surrounding heritage area.
Georgetown is a hop and skip away from the property and walkable sites includes the Blue Mansion (Chong Fatt Tze) made famous in the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ film and the Pinang Peranakan Museum. where you can immerse into the colourful heritage of Penang city. There’s even a hawker centre directly across from the entrance of the hotel that opens late into the night so you don’t have far to go at all if you’re craving some more Char Kway Teow or a cool beverage. If it’s your lucky night, there’s even karaoke.
