Re-opened after a major restoration and refurbishment programme that cost RM75 million, the Eastern & Oriental retains the old-world charm that it was widely recognised for - while incorporating modern-day facilities, necessary in this new millennium. Personalised services and the highest level of hospitality was and will always be the hallmarks of the Eastern & Oriental. 

Take a stroll along the promenade and drink in the sight of the Straits that was once filled with vessels from all over the world. Let the salty breeze wash over you and listen to the palm trees whisper their stories. Walk down the staircase or step into the oldest Otis lift in Malaysia and let it carry you back in time to the days of the British Empire, where the Eastern & Oriental was the social playground for scores of upper class echelons.

Stand under the spacious domed lobby or watch the sun set while you dine. You hear wineglasses clinking, laughter filling the air and music wafting across the lawn. You see people dancing and parading in their pretty dresses and handsome coats. It becomes so real that it isn't merely reminiscences anymore. It is happening all over again at the Eastern & Oriental.

The Legacy
Conceived out of love. Withstood the test of time due to perseverance. 

A brainchild of the Armenian Sarkies brothers, the Eastern began its colourful history back in 1884. The hotel gained overwhelming popularity almost overnight and a year later, in 1885, the Oriental was established. Both hotels then combined to form the Eastern & Oriental Hotels, Penang. 

Needless to say, the combination of both hotels proved to be a success, earning its place in history as one of the finest hotels of the British Empire. The Eastern & Oriental stood majestically with its Moorish minarets, spacious domed lobby and endless seafront. By 1927, the hotel was advertised as "the premier hotel east of the Suez" and acknowledged as having the longest seafront lawn in the world at 842 feet. 

While being visited and revisited by those who sought tranquility, seclusion and inspiration, it was also patronised by colonial administrators, planters and the wealthy local elite. Among its more famous guests are Sir Noel Coward, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Hermann Hesse.

The hotel suffered tremendously during the Second World War and Japanese Occupation. This exclusive hotel survived but changed hands a number of times with subsequent renovation works and redevelopment proposals. These proposals did not eventuate until mid 1996 when the Eastern & Oriental was closed for a major refurbishment and restoration programme.

Re-opening at the dawn of the new millennium, the Eastern & Oriental is ready to reclaim its heritage as "the premier hotel east of the Suez".

Location
Situated in Georgetown at the intersection of Farquhar Road and Penang Road, the Eastern & Oriental is 20 kilometres from the Bayan Lepas International Airport and a stone's throw from the food havens, shopping complexes and entertainment outlets of downtown Georgetown.

Take a walk to Fort Cornwallis, the City Hall and the Penang State Museum. Browse the shops, bazaars and restaurants for great bargains and delicious treats, and discover temples, mosques and churches in quiet little corners. Penang offers a mixture of sights and sounds you will never forget.

Hailing a taxi or trishaw is fairly easy; otherwise limousine services (hourly and daily rental rates) are available for those who wish to explore the Island. The hotel also arranges for transfers to Lone Pine Hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Penang International Airport and Butterworth Railway Station.

Accommodation
It was the premier hotel during its time, boasting more than one hundred rooms, baths with hot and cold water, and individual telephone lines. It was a luxury that only a few had the privilege to enjoy.

Today, the Eastern & Oriental offers 101 suites with either the sea or city view. Each suite is tastefully and thoughtfully furnished from the whirling ceiling fan, ornate writing desk right down to the doorknob. The especially spacious bathroom, offering imported English toiletries, lends opulence to this luxury hotel. A fresh daily supply of chocolates specially made by the Pastry Chef, fruits and exotic flowers are yours to enjoy. Walk on Persian carpets and retire under bedcovers made from the finest Egyptian cotton.

Superior Suites: Four spacious suites with either city or courtyard views.
Deluxe Suites: Sixty Luxury suites all with sea views. 
Georgetown Suites: Eight larger suites incorporating three spacious areas: lounge, bedroom and bathroom, two complete with adjoining studies.
Premier Suites: All sixteen suites are sea facing with either their own balcony or garden terrace.
Straits Suites: The Tanjung, Mutiara and Penaga suites each with two bay windows, writing desk and dining table overlooking the Straits of Penang.
Writers Suites: Named after famous guests: Sir Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling and Herman Hesse. All four suites are each appointed with separate dining, lounge with bar, guest toilet and sea facing balcony.
Pinang Suite 
Situated on the second floor and overlooking the sea, this suite has two bedrooms, a large lounge, a dining room complete with antique furnishings, bar, kitchenette and a large balcony compliment this luxurious suite. 
Eastern & Oriental Suite 
Magnificant in its splendour, its opulance rivals many of the worlds leading suites. Three bedrooms, study, formal and in formal lounges with separate male and female guest toilets, dining room for up to 22 guests supported by a bar and kitchen. The master bedroom with a walk in dressing room and his and her gilt edged appointed bathroom complete with spa bath and television. All rooms with stunning views of the Straits of Penang.

Facilities & Services
Butler Service 
At your service, when you wish. A butler is available any time of the day and night from checking in, unpacking and packing suitcases, arranging for room service, shining shoes, making travel arrangements to checking out. Even if it's just to ask for more chocolates or fruits, ring the bell next to your bed and everything will be taken care of. The Eastern & Oriental prides itself for its high level of hospitality and treats every guest like royalty.

Sports & Recreation
For health enthusiasts, the hotel's exercise room has a small gymnasium and sauna. Take a stroll along the beautifully landscaped garden overlooking the sea, or sunbathe by the pool. 

Additional Services & Facilities 
The hotel also provides concierge, babysitting, secretarial, limousine, airline and hotel reservation services for your added convenience. A fishing rod and telescope are available if you fancy a bit of fishing or ship watching. A gift shop, florist, and foreign currency exchange will be located within the hotel grounds. 

Restaurants & Bars
Sarkies Corner
A typical colonial coffee shop setting, this place offers all-day dining and celebrates Penang's diverse cultural heritage. Choose from a wide selection of delicious local fare, international cuisine and spectacular buffets. Fresh local and imported seafood should not be missed. Seats 150.
Operating hours from 6.30 am - 11.00 pm (Daily) 
Breakfast from 6.30 am - 10.30 am (Daily) 
All-Day Dining from 10.30 am - 11.00 pm (Daily)

The 1885 
A classic restaurant serving contemporary and traditional cuisine with a superb selection of wines from all over the world. Seats 60. 
Operating hours from 6.30 pm - 10.30 pm        (Closed on Tuesdays) 

The Bakery 
The "Meeting Place" of the hotel, this little shop specialises in gateau, tarts, pastries, chocolates and breads. All of these are homemade and while you are here, enjoy a cup or two of freshly brewed coffee or tea. 
Operating hours from 10.00 am - 10.00 pm (Daily) 

Farquhar's Bar
A little piece of colonial Malaya, this bar pours an excellent range of tap beers and serves great pub fare. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Straits while you try the tasty tapas, and other European and local tit-bits. A great place to relax after work. Seats 50.
Operating hours from 5 pm to 12 am weekdays and 1.00 pm - 12.30 am weekends. 

Palm Court
Situated under the hotel's legendary dome, it serves a fine selection of teas, scones with cream and Scottish jams, pastries and petit cakes.
Operating hours from 12 noon - 8 pm (Daily)

Verandah 
The terrace on the promenade offers alfresco dining amidst breathtaking views of the tropical garden and sea. Breakfast here during sunrise is a must. 
Operating hours from 6.30 am - 11.00 pm (Daily) 

The Deck
Situated by the pool, it serves snacks and drinks.

Conferences & Banquets
The 400-seat Grand Ballroom, complete with a stage, royal box and gallery, was once the venue for grand occasions such as St. George's Day Ball, Christmas Dinners and many a society wedding. Newly renovated, this place holds promise for the success of any event, be it a theatre dinner, wedding, theme party or corporate function. A fully equipped business centre with modern facilities and seven smaller function suites are also at your disposal. We tailor make to suite your needs and budget.