Review / The Edison George Town: old-world charm meets modern elegance in Penang’s Unesco-listed capital

Jan 2, 2026

The Edison George Town is housed in a 1906 heritage colonial building in the heart of George Town, capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. Photo: Handout

Set in a heritage colonial building dating back to 1906, the hotel underwent a 4-year restoration to bring it up to contemporary standards of luxury

When Eugene Tan and Rina Teoh opened The Edison George Town in 2016, the capital of Penang Island in Malaysia had yet to become the social media magnet it is today.

The quaint and charming city, which in 2008 was named a Unesco World Heritage site, has always been a top destination among travellers to Southeast Asia, but in recent years it’s been attracting a new cohort of visitors looking for that perfect Instagram post.

From the incredible variety of its food to its vibrant street art and long history influenced by all the different ethnicities that have called it home over the centuries – Chinese, Indians, Arabs, Malays and Europeans, among them – George Town is a melting pot and a wonderful place to get lost in.

The Edison George Town is housed in a heritage colonial building dating back to 1906. Photo: Handout

Like many hotels in the heart of the city, The Edison is housed in a heritage building. Dating back to 1906, the Anglo-colonial structure, designed by architect David Nathaniel, was established as the residence of a wealthy Chinese tycoon, Yeo Wee Gark.

Centred around an open courtyard surrounded by corridors and hallways, the hotel is “a marriage of old and new”, as Teoh explained during a recent visit. After acquiring the property in 2012, she and Tan, who is also her husband, embarked on a four-year restoration, adding a pool under a canopy of tropical trees, an all-day guest lounge, and sprucing up the interiors to cater to the needs of demanding luxury travellers.

Lush vegetation provides natural shade in the pool area. Photo: Handout

While many renovation projects often strip legacy buildings of their souls, The Edison has managed to keep its old-world charm while also providing an impeccable experience for travellers who may be intimidated by the idea of staying in an old mansion. With its green shutters, carved wrought-iron colonnades, colourful tiles and lush vegetation in the outdoor areas, the hotel is a celebration of George Town’s multicultural architecture.

The open-air courtyard at the heart of the hotel is a great place to meet fellow travellers. Photo: Handout

The beautifully appointed rooms are welcoming and warm. Decorated with retro furniture that pays homage to the building’s origins, they’re equipped with comfortable sitting areas and spacious bathrooms.

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Set in a heritage colonial building dating back to 1906, the hotel underwent a 4-year restoration to bring it up to contemporary standards of luxury

Set in a heritage colonial building dating back to 1906, the hotel underwent a 4-year restoration to bring it up to contemporary standards of luxury