The Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Hotel officially announces the much-anticipated re-opening of its Heritage Wing following an extensive refurbishment exercise which began in March 2019.
Widely regarded as the grande dame of hospitality in Penang, this milestone event heralds an exciting new chapter in this heritage landmark’s rich legacy.
Maintaining its historical grandeur, key elements such as the echo dome, which has become part of the E&O’s identity is maintained while upgrading works were carried out to offer better hospitality experience for guests.
The newly refurbished suites now feature a brighter concept with more natural light and a softer colour scheme while retaining the signature twin vanities and long bath.
Renowned for its timeless hospitality, the Heritage Wing now provides a more personalised experience with pre-arrival services, in suite check-in and round-the-clock butler service.
Guests are also entitled to exclusive privileges such as access to The Cornwallis - a private lounge offering breakfast and complimentary evening canapes and cocktails, the Heritage Wing pool as well as an in-suite decanters with premium selected beverages and snacks that will be replenished daily.
Hotel general manager Alison Fraser said the team aimed to provide guests with a new level of luxury experience when they stay with them.
“Beloved by the people of Penang as well as a global audience, the E&O Hotel has an appeal and affection beyond being a beacon for travellers to this beautiful island.
“Generations of guests and visitors alike have chosen the famous Heritage Wing as the backdrop for their magical moments over its 134-year history.
“Mindful of this beloved legacy, careful consideration has been taken to ensure we retain E&O’s treasured style of timeless elegance that is unique to this cherished heritage landmark,” she said.
Press members attending the reopening of the Heritage Wing were brought on a hotel tour by Fraser, who showed them the new suites, dining outlets and an E&O exhibition at the Francis and Martina suite.
Fraser also unveiled the new art colonnade situated along the hallway outside The Cornwallis, showcasing artworks by local photographer Howard Tan from now until end of January 2020.
With the reopening of the Heritage Wing, the hotel is also introducing new culinary experiences as it celebrates both classic and heritage flavours with three new dining outlets - Java Tree, Palm Court and Farquhar’s Bar.
Helming the renovation of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) Heritage Wing is the founder of Interiors International Sdn Bhd Datin Tham Oi Wah.
Besides overlooking the refurbishment of the Heritage Wing, Tham was also involved in most of the E&O Group’s projects including the hotel’s Victory Annexe which opened its door in 2013.
She and her team now embarked on another challenge - to restore the Heritage Wing back to its former glory whilst retaining the timeless essence of the hotel to transport guests back to the heyday of the Sarkies Brothers, the hotel’s founding members.
“The historical structure and location of the Heritage Wing are the most ideal inspiration for our work, and it has helped me in coming up with the perfect concept and design for its new look.
“We strive to evoke the elegant charm of the early period of the hotel when prominent figures like Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling passed through the doors of the Grande Dame,” Tham explained.
Although physical works only began in March this year, there were already much deliberations and preparations following the opening of the Victory Annexe.
“It is quite challenging as we have to maintain the historic integrity of the 19th century structure while upgrading its amenities to the 21st century,” Tham said.
With the Heritage Wing recognised as a historical building, Tham emphasised that they had to be very careful and strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on the dos and don’ts.
“Structural challenges might also arise throughout the refurbishment which our team of architects, contractors and designers must solve with a high degree of flexibility and capability,” said Tham.
The E&O Group hopes that when the doors of the grande dame reopen in December with fully refreshed suites and new dining concepts, it would represent a new level of hospitality that would make the Sarkies Brothers proud.
Bookings for suite stays at the Heritage Wing from Dec 20 are available now through the E&O Hotel website at www.eohotels.com.