We already have Space, People, Connectivity which is in favour of Penang properties. What else?
Renewal. After UNESCO Heritage City was awarded to Georgetown, the property prices in the inner city soared. Many dilapidated buildings were bought en-bloc by investors and converted into money generating properties. Many were made into boutique hotels. Some of the famous ones are as below and please bear in mind that if you are thinking of cheap accommodation, none of the below would qualify
We have 1881 Chong Tian Hotel which is located at Jalan Pintal Tali and the building has been around since late 1800s! It’s a living Chinese cultural heritage. A check online showed that the rates start from RM413 and higher. You have to be quick though as there are just 11 rooms in the whole hotel. One special thing you have with this hotel is a museum with a private collection of antiques and chinaware. For those who must have internet, don’t worry, WIFI comes free. 🙂
Another one is YENG KENG hotel located at Jalan Chulia. I love Jalan Chulia as it’s within walking distance to a lot of attractions nearby. According to the hotel, ‘this 19th century building boasts spectacular exterior and interior designs that blend with the historical heart of George Town.’ A check online showed rates starting from RM355 and above. It also houses a famous Hainanese restaurant. This hotel has more rooms than 1881 Chong Tian. It has 20 rooms! 🙂
Next is Muntri Mews. Located at Jalan Muntri. Exclusivity is the word to describe this hotel because there are just 9 suite rooms! A check online showed that it’s FULL. I did not just check for December, I checked also for January and February! All of its suites have spacious sitting areas and it opens out to the verandah upstairs or private tropical gardens downstairs. In terms of location, it is also within easy walking distance to some key heritage landmarks in Georgetown.
And the best part is, there is not just 10 but tens of these newly renewed hotels offering quality and perhaps affordability depending on the country that the tourists came from. To be honest, if any of my friends visits Penang today, I would no longer recommend the usual 5 Star or 4 Star hotels. I would tell them to absorb everything that Georgetown has to offer. After all, there are not that many UNESCO Heritage sites in the world which is just nearby to us, Malaysians.
Suggested next article: Penang property Digest – Nov 2013
