Time stood still when I was reading the generous invitation of E&O Penang sent via email, to a luxurious 3D2N family staycation at one of the five Corner Suites spanning a whopping 123-square-meters of pure elegance and convenience, with breathtaking view of the Malacca Strait, located at the newly opened wing (barely 2 month old), that houses a total of 122 sea-view suites, the Victory Annexe.
The Lobby, Victory Annexe, E&O
As I was trying my best to recollect my thoughts and bring myself back to my senses, my excitement heightened when my mobile rang, and the voice on the line was asking me if I wanted to stay at E&O with my wife and son for one or two nights. On a trembling tone, I replied, “Two nights!” of course. The next thing I heard on the phone was an invitation to review everything about E&O’s fine dining restaurant, 1885. Date and time of the dinner were set, emails were sent. Heart and pulse rates went haywire.
And just like that, the most unforgettable dinner and an incredibly sophisticated accomodation await us at E&O. We’re very grateful!
Classy and contemporary, yet details reflect the opulence of colonial British era.
“Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang, Malaysia Built : 1885. Historical hospitality giants, the Sarkies brothers are credited wuth founding the iconic hotels including Singapore’s Raffles & Myanmar’s The Strand, but it all started in George Town, Penang back during the Malaysian island’s days as an outpost of the East India Company.
The grand dame of all Sarkies brothers’ hotels was initially two separate accomodations – the Eastern Hotel, built in 1884, and the Oriental Hotel built a year later on an adjacent piece of land.
The hotel simply became known as “Eastern & Oriental” between 1889 and 1990.” sourced via E&O Edition Issue 13.
17 to 19 May, 2013. Tina and I filed a half-day leave from work, days before that memorable Friday, while our kiddo, Gabby left his school before lunch time too with permission from his teachers. After being refreshed at our home in Butterworth, Penang, with our luggage and backpack in tow, we all trooped to George Town in the island via bus and ferry and took a taxi cab to the lobby of E&O.
After a brief but warm reception by the staff at the lobby, we were escorted to our 7th floor-Corner Suite by a butler.
Can you imagine we owned this beautifully oversized space for three days and two nights?
Unbelievable!
My family and I felt so home!
THE CORNER SUITE at VICTORY ANNEXE WING, E&O PENANG
The Living Room. Fantastic, isn’t it?
The most gorgeous mini-bar we saw. To wish for it to be all-complimentary might be too much.
Gabby, the explorer. He initially explored the mini-bar! 
Coffee Making Facility : Lavazza. All day FREE Lavazza Coffee, Twining’s Tea, Milo & canned soda.
The goodies on the woven tray weren’t free as noted on a card by the bar clearly. No worries.
Among the many inclusives at the Corner Suite package, the one that we like the most is the hotel’s complimentary wifi. High-speed wifi broadband connection kept us attached to our social networks and to the rest of the world. I dislike other hotels that charge high rates of wifi access. At E&O, it’s fuss-free!
On our second day, look how sweet our son was! He volunteered to make me and Tina cups of coffee! Moments spent with family were absolutely more precious than anything!
Photos taken by my lovely wife, Tina.
Two complimentary fruit platters were delivered by the butler during our stay. Sweet!
It’s difficult not to admire the details put at every inch of this Corner Suite. We all like the Victorian theme done in a very tame and minimalist way. The fusion of materials used in the fixtures and furnitures was sublime. Expensive wood parquet floors mixed with luscious marble stones, regal carpets, Solihiya-woven chairs that scream Asian, brass and porcelains; every spot looked so delicious!
With utmost humility, my family and I have stayed in a few hotel suites in the Philippines and other countries but I must state that the most spacious and gorgeous to date was E&O’s Corner Suite! If the living room’s more than remarkble, the toilet and bath’s beyond words. I cannot think of superlatives to properly describe the Corner Suite’s banyo; it’s the prettiest we’ve seen! So comfy I think anyone can doze off at the tub effortlessly. Tell me if there’s a word more appropriate than perfect to describe it.
Spotless. Almost sterile.
There’s a separate guests’ washroom tucked strategically between the living room and the main toilet and bath. The bathroom features double vanity counters -somewhat like his and hers with pedestal ceramic basins, a claw and ball long bath with separate unique rainforest showers. Beautiful!!!
Quality bath time it was!
Perhaps because the suites at Victory Annexe were just new, only 2 months old since it opened to public last March, a few more things, we think are lacking. It would be better if these wardrobe, besides having a safe, 2 sarongs, and several hangers for clothes, would also keep a flat iron and an ironing board, plus a couple of long umbrellas. Those were usual things we spotted in a few suites in Singapore and in the Philippines that we’ve been to.
How edgy and modern to have digital and glass weighing scale and how traditional it is to provide woven slippers in dark chocolate color for Daddy, Mommy and Baby! Cool! :D
Little details with thoughtful impact : Cards with proverbs, wisdom and quotes supplied daily, placed on bedside.
It says, “He who smiles rather than rages is the strongest.” ~ Japanese Wisdom
Inspiring!
If you think the toilet and bath is ethereal, the bedroom is divine!
We love the entire bedroom and all its details! I love this reading lamp! Reminds me to look up the stars at night! Stellar!
After settling in : Riot! Told you, we owned it! 
Seriously, we had restful sleeps for two nights on that bed.
The seafront 270-degree-expansive-private balcony offers a sweeping view of the Malacca Strait, skyline and shoreline of Pulau Pinang. Here are some of my amateurish photos taken at the Corner Suite’s balcony at different times of day. Believe me, these captures don’t do it justice.
Malaysian sunrise from E&O’s Corner Suite last May 18, 2013, Saturday, around 7AM. I missed the sunrise the following day because of that handsome bed. Sue me! lol
An afternoon shot from the balcony. From here, we could see our apartment across the Malacca Strait!
I went down the facade of the hotel before 7PM and the Malaysian sky turned royal blue. #nofilter #nophotoshop #tripod
I wish we could’ve spend more time on this balcony. Who knows, we’ll have another chance to be here again?
The staff of E&O were so thoughtful and generous to provide extra bed for Gabby even before I made the request.
Gallery-themed hallway. Almost museum-like. I love the elegant display of crisp photos that depicts everything about Penang! It’s always excellent to go LOCAL! Kudos, E&O!
Tina, Gabby and I felt very privileged for experiencing not only the Corner Suite reserved for us but for having the opportunity to tour the Heritage Wing, its suites and amenities, and the other facilities of Victory Annexe Wing. We were escorted by a pretty and friendly staff whose name slipped my poor memory. Her name may have been forgotten but her service rendered was memorable. The Heritage Wing and the other facilities and suites on the next post! Moving on…
We were ushered to the gym at Victory Annexe. Modern equipments, simply amazing interiors with the view of the sea await physical buffs at E&O’s newest wing. There’s also another gym at the Heritage Wing.
FITNESS ROOM
Part of the Victory Annexe Experience is the Invigorating Yoga session on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
One of our favorite areas in the Victory Annexe of E&O was the Deck Pool or what we aptly call, Infinity Pool at its 6th level.
Come, let Gabby lead you the way…
THE EXCLUSIVE DECK POOL
Because the swimming pool at the Heritage Wing and the charming bath tubs in the suites are not enough : Infinity Pool at the 6th level of Victory Annexe Wing! Best enjoyed at hours past 3PM, in our opinion. Forget all worries and hassles, stretch out your limbs on the pool chairs and submit yourself into the caress of the cool Malaysian wind and the sea breeze. That’s what we did while we’re here. Although we didn’t take a dip, we truly had a relaxing time here.
Spectacular view, isn’t it?
We could see our apartment across Malacca Strait from the Infinity Pool…
It became our habbit for few days to drop by the Deck Pool either before or after the evening cocktails at its adjacent Planters’ Lounge.
Impressive set of furnitures, isn’t it?
THE EXCLUSIVE PLANTERS’ LOUNGE at Level 6
All guests at the 117 Superior Suites and 5 Corner Suites of E&O Penang’s Victory Annexe have exclusive access to avail of their complimentary breakfast, all-day-coffee-and-tea and evening cocktails from 5PM-7PM at the Planters’ Lounge at the 6th level.
Diners have options of dining inside the airconditioned Planters’ Lounge or al fresco by the sea at its balcony .
Its high ceiling and entire interiors were awe-inspiring.
On our Day 1 : Friday Evening Cocktails, The Planters’ Lounge
Al Fresco Dining Area at the Planter’s Lounge. Again, with priceless view of the Malacca Strait.
On our Day 2 : Saturday Evening Cocktails, The Planters’ Lounge
All guests at Victory Annexe Wing are entitled for complimentary breakfast at either The Planters’ Lounge or at Sarkies. Of course, we sampled both!
Our Day 2 : Breakfast at Sarkies, Ground floor, Victory Annexe Wing
Live Cooking Stations for Noodles and Dim Sums. There are also stations for Omelette, local flavors like Roti Canai, etc.
There were free-flowing juices and coffee and…
fresh fruit juices, coffee and even local teh tarik (pulled tea) and mixed beverages upon request.
Bakery Corner with lotsa bread, muffins, cupcakes and pastries
The Live Cooking Station where I requested my noodle dish. I remember I cannot decide between types of noodles so I had them both and the result was textured and delicious!
Must have detail shot! Sedap! Sarap! Delicious!
Our favorites: Chicken Ham, Beef Pastrami and Norwegian Salmon!
Photo by Tina, plate by Tina!
Roti Canai and Dahl Curry. Malaysian favorite! Our favorite! Gabby had two plates of this!
Having assorted dims sums and dumplings for breakfast doesn’t happen on a daily basis for us because of work and school. So we indulged!
I requested one of the chefs to cook my most favorite Malaysian dish….
Spicy Char Koay Teow! I LIKE!!!! I LOVE!!!
Fruits. Indubitably healthy! Mandatory!
Ending the awesome breakfast with coffee!
Our Day 3 : Breakfast at Planters’ Lounge
Chicken Ham, Beef Pastrami, Norwegian Salmon, Sushi! Rerun of everything scrumptious!
Round 2! lol
Over and beyond great food and incredibly pleasant ambiance, is Planters’ Lounge at E&O’s warm and friendliest service. We observed how Ms. Izzie, or Nurul Izzreen, the Assistant Manager of F&B at E&O, attended to her guests with courtesy, fast and flawless service. It was so nice of her to spend time with almost all diners, table per table, making sure everyone’s having a great time. She even shared a personal bits and pieces of her life to us, making us more comfortable and welcomed at E&O. Hats off to her and to E&O’s remarkable service! Bravo!
My family with Ms. Izzie, Assistant Manager, F&B at E&O.
Fresh fruit juices (orange, watermelon, honey dew) and soya milk for the three of us to complement, rather to maximize the breakfast experience!
We’re all full and satiated when Ms. Izzie asked us if we want hot or cold chocolate drink for Gabby and coffee or tea for Tina and me. We were weak to resist. One more round of drinks before we head back to the swimming pool area to unwind.
Gabby working with his pot of hot choco prepared by the wonderful people of E&O.
We could have availed of E&O’s complimentary Shuttle Service to explore more of Penang, from E&O to Straits Quay to Lone Pine Hotel and return, as the gracious staff emailed me the schedule upon request (also available at the concierge), but since we’re also currently based here, my family and I opted to stay inside our suite and savored every second of it!
Incredibly beautiful interiors,
world-class amenities,
unparalleled customer service
in a heritage hotel with illustrious history,
all these make E&O Penang
greatly different from the rest.
Malaysia and her people must be so proud to have E&O!
Thank you very much for adding memories to cherish to our days here in Penang! We love you, E&O! We will remain eternally grateful!
This E&O Penang Blog Series includes :
- 1885 : E&O Hotel Penang’s Fine Dining Restaurant
- stay tuned for more!
1885 | Eastern & Oriental Hotel | 10 Lebuh Farquhar, 102oo Penang, Malaysia | Operating hours : 2PM-11PM (daily), English Afternoon Tea is served from 2PM to 5PM | website : http://e-o-hotel.com/1885/
Special thanks to E&O Hotel Penang, to Ms. Eileen Chong and Mr. Criz Lai.
PS : If you must know, E&O provides a guide map of the Heritage Trail of one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites, George Town, and it’s conveniently located at the reading nook at the suite, but you can also read my blog post, My Mini Guide to George Town Penang. Thanks!
*While this is a sponsored blog post, the words are all mine unless quoted, and were never influenced by anyone.
What I remembered from the invite they sent in pdf via email and a printout form was the phrase that made me smile ear to ear : “if you wish, you may order other stuff.” I forgot to memorize the phrase that came before it (“After the platter,” ) toinks!!! We came earlier at Hard Rock Cafe that Saturday evening than our fellow blogger-buddies, thus my family and I were done with the last meal of the day earlier too. I immediately emailed Ms. Danielle Fung of HRHP to explain and verify everything after our sumptuous dinner. And I must say, they’re really generous. Everything’s waived and we didn’t pay a single ringgit. 
OPINION COUNTS…