Saturday, January 15, 2022

The Edison, Georgetown Penang

Have you ever felt like living in a mansion? Of course, owning one can be a daunting feat if you are not one of the 'atas' citizens.

I have never aspired to own a mansion but staying in one is another story. What better way to experience the life of the past wealthy society other than being a guest at one of Penang's heritage hotel, The Edison in Georgetown? 

The moment we drove up to the mansion gates, I immediately fell in love with the building colonial architecture. The whitewashed outer wall adorned with olive green louver windows stood majestically against the blue sky. A fountain laid in front of the building and the topiary plants adds to the grandeur of the beautiful mansion. I can almost picture an European antique car driving up to drop off a family member at the grand entrance during those days. As the sun disappeared over the horizon, the whole building is bathed in golden lights, appearing more elegant and proud.

The Edison mansion

We arrived at 10am, hoping to store our luggage at the concierge while we went about on our sightseeing agenda. The front desk staff in-charge helpfully checked us in even though we arrived a few hours earlier than the designated check-in time, and told us that he will help to send our luggage to our room once our room was ready. 

The lobby area where we checked in

After checking us in, he brought us around for a tour of the mansion. During this tour, we learnt of the building's colourful history. The mansion used to belong to a Chinese tycoon back in early 19th century, where he stayed with his family. He had many children and each had their own room. Tragically after he passed away, one of his sons who was a heavy gambler gambled on the mansion and lost. The house then passed hands to outsiders. In 1940s, during the Japanese occupation, the mansion briefly served as the Japanese army's administrative building.

Spacious open-air courtyard past the lobby

View looking up from The Courtyard

Staircase leading up to the first floor

When we came back much much later that evening, the same staff warmly greeted us and told us that our luggages were already sent to our room ready to be unpacked. It was welcoming to step into the room with the aircond already turned on and the room has been cooled before our arrival. After making sure that we were comfortably settled in, the staff informed that we could help ourselves to cold juice and canned beverages in The Lounge and some snacks if we were feeling peckish. Our girls were excited and made several trips getting fruit juice, Coke and crisps from The Lounge as if they were at home!

Deluxe Room

I couldn't help but gush when I first entered the room because the 33sqm-room was spacious enough to accommodate two king beds. The kids had great fun chilling and watching cartoon from the iPad on the carpet while we lounged on the bed after a tiring day trip.

Closet & bathroom area

The bathroom was separated by a thick heavy curtain for privacy. I was attracted to a beautiful woven handbag in the closet which the hotel provides for guests to use and could purchase if they want to bring it home. There is also another handwoven basket on the floor under the sink that serves as laundry basket.

Standard hotel toiletries are provided

 

Shower area is separated from the toilet by a glass screen

Perhaps due to its tiny space the shower area was without enclosure, which I found bothersome because my younger child tends to splash water everywhere, therefore soaking the bath mat and the area beyond the shower. 

Comfortable bed draped in rich linen to ensure guests get a good night sleep

The room also comes with complimentary Wi-Fi should you need to quickly check your email or do some work.

The next day, we woke up early for complimentary breakfast that came with the room package. Breakfast is served at the Lounge, an inviting and exclusive space for socializing which also serves as breakfast venue. A waiter greeted us and showed us seating area that fit our large party of eight people. We chose to have our breakfast at The Cabanas, the outdoor area of The Lounge nearby the pool because our kids wanted to go for a swim while the adults enjoyed a leisure breakfast. While the tables could fit the eight of us nicely, occasionally we had to swat the mosquitos that were trying their luck to have us for their breakfast.

We were served continental breakfast with choice of scrambled / omelette eggs, bread, butter, kaya & marmalade.

Coffee machine is also available in the room

Breakfast section

After breakfast, while the kids swam to their heart's content, we strolled around the tastefully decorated outer area. Sofas, chairs and chaise were plentiful for guests to lounge about either to work / surf internet / read a book.

The Cabanas

The recreational pool is located on a strip of land next to the building, where guests can enjoy sunbathing or reading books on the deck chairs by the pool, or take a dip in the cool water on hot sunny days.

Swimming pool

After the kids were done swimming, I decided to roam inside the mansion and take more photos. Everywhere the combination of old and new design elements awed me, from the checkered small tiles on the floor, to the bright and colourful Chinese vases on display, to the unique chandeliers hanging off wood beam ceiling, to the elegant staircase and beautiful print canvas arts on the wall - every single thing was carefully curated to present an elegant enclave worthy of photoshoots.

In front of the Lounge

Elegant European design staircases with wainscoted banisters

Going to the first floor, I came across more picture-perfect sections of the mansion. While the ground floor was mostly tiled, the first floor almost entirely used wood flooring, perhaps from its original structure. I can only imagine the hard work to preserve the polished look of the flooring.

I like the subtle use of rich colours contrasting with the whitewashed walls in the hotel, such as the yellow shuttered door and the deep green panels with the room numbers. It highlights and brighten the areas without being overpowering.

Yellow louver door decoration painted in bright yellow

The hallway

I took a lot of photos and these were my favourites:

French windows overlooking the courtyard below

Scene overlooking the staircase and the reading room

Another angle of the staircase

First floor common seating area with this interesting shape rattan sofa

Courtyard view from the French windows above

Another angle of the staircase

Everything about The Edison charmed me, from the warm and personalised hospitality shown by the staff to the elegant luxurious designs throughout the mansion and down to the all day snacks and beverages provided by the hotel - it was a delightful experience that I look forward to being a repeat guest of the Edison when we are in Penang again. Perhaps the next time we are here, I would make sure that we spend the day just enjoying the hospitality of The Edison.

Rating: 10/10