Having stayed at many different hotels in Penang over several years we thought we would try the E&O for our 20th wedding anniversary. The hotel is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year (2010) and displays it's history with the coriidors and rooms filled with antiques, teak wood flooring and carpets. The four poster bed was nice but a bit on the hard side and a bit creaky! The service is excellent with free car valet parking and welcome drink and cold towels on arrival. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. There's also a butler service to unpack clothes, bring more tea etc but we didn't feel the need to use this service. I marked down the Hotel facilities in the ratings as it doen't have that many - a relatively small rectangular swimming pool, a small gym & sauna and a couple of dozen books in a library (the gift shop and bakery were being refurbished during our visit). Ambience is impacted by the large number of people roaming around attending various functions in the 10 or so meeting rooms available for hire. Having booked a carvery meal in Sarkies Corner for Sunday night we were shell shocked by the volume of noise and general melee from what appeared to be several bus loads of asian tourists complete with babies and children screaming - the table offered was in the middle of the stampede to the buffet - not ideal for a cosy meal for 2 - needless to say we didn't stay and went outside the hotel to eat. (For the record I have nothing against children but the idea of the weekend was to get away from ours!). The hotel is located in downtown George Town, close to the centre of town, but lacks the nightlife (night markets, bars) and beaches associated with the hotels on Batu Feringhi. This was OK for us but may not suit everyone. In terms of value for money we didn't get much change out of RM 1500 for 2 nights accommodation with breakfast. For a romantic break without kids in a historical setting the E&O was perfect. We had a great time and would recommend anyone to stay there at least once.

Really enjoyed my 8 day stay it's worth a visit for the Old World charm
Rooms are very large it would be difficult to beat in a modern hotel
Food excellent enjoyed the wine and dine at weekends also traditional afternoon English tea is a must
Staff excellent enjoyed the swimming pool experience a nice Gent serves you iced water at your sun lounger
Really is worth a visit Dave & Elspeth Aberdeen Scotland

Comment on Holiday city tour, voucher I received said Holiday City would charge my credit card for entire stay but hotel make me pay when I checked out for the entire stay?

ab fab Wonderful view