Penang Boutique Hotels

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Another one in George Town, Yeng Keng Hotel opening in June. Rich in history.
http://www.theedgeproperty.com/news-a-views/2798-rm3m-makeover-turns-yeng-keng-hotel-into-luxurious-stay.html

Had a look through this one and they really have done a very nice job of the refurb.
http://www.yengkenghotel.com/

Proof that quality work can be done in Malaysia if one puts their mind (wallet) to it.

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Hey Breathless,

I happened to walk along Chulia St 3 weeks ago looking for bathroom accessories. Then saw the beautifully restored YK hotel. Went in and was shown around, including one of the standard room. I am indeed v. impressed with the finishing work, and furnishing. The standard room is tiny, but with current promotion rate, it is worth the experience and esp so easy to walk around and explore the area.

Even if you are not staying there, I was told you can have a drink at the bar to chill down.

Victor

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A new contemporary boutique hotel in Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

http://chymeshotel.com/

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hi, costa,

Just out of interest, how many boutique hotels do you think that Penang can support. I've been checking the ones posted here and some of them are charging, say, RM500 per night. Is that the rack rate or the going rate. Some are having offers about RM200 to RM 250 if I remember correctly.

They are great looking places but isn't occupancy, or the lack of it, a problem?

Chymes has only 6 rooms. Is smallness the secret to sustainability? The rates there are RM388 (must be Chinese owned) with a promotion of RM288 (sure Chinese) so it's not budget.

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hi, costa,

Just out of interest, how many boutique hotels do you think that Penang can support. I've been checking the ones posted here and some of them are charging, say, RM500 per night. Is that the rack rate or the going rate. Some are having offers about RM200 to RM 250 if I remember correctly.

They are great looking places but isn't occupancy, or the lack of it, a problem?

Chymes has only 6 rooms. Is smallness the secret to sustainability? The rates there are RM388 (must be Chinese owned) with a promotion of RM288 (sure Chinese) so it's not budget.

Yes, it's questionable as to how long these boutique hotels can survive?  But having said that, it might be still too early to judge because unlike in Bangkok or Bali, the trend of establishing new boutique hotels is rather new and has just started in Penang.  I think the results can only be seen in few years' time later.

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Double posting. Deleted

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Yes, it's questionable as to how long these boutique hotels can survive?  But having said that, it might be still too early to judge because unlike in Bangkok or Bali, the trend of establishing new boutique hotels is rather new and has just started in Penang.  I think the results can only be seen in few years' time later.

Boutique accommodation probably works better in the heart of George Town, in the heritage trail area; like YK Hotel in Chulia St or The Straits Collection in Stewart Lane and Armenian St. I would probably classify Chyme as ultra trendy chic. It is too modern in condo living residential area, and does not have the charm or warmth of a colonial past. I would certainly like to see more of such boutique places like YK and Straits in GT area. Hopefully, inside Khoo Kongsi - which, on my last trip saw them restoring the row of terrace houses. I hope there will be nice shops and classy art studio.

But, the rates are certainly overpriced. For MYR$400 over, I would probably spend one night only to experience the nostalgic feeling of the colonial past.

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I was walking down Beach Street last month and saw a row of colonial house being refurbished and perhaps about 80% of it has been completed.  I asked the man supervising the work what this building would be once completed and he told me it's "Boutique Hotel".  I guess it should be completed by this month.  Will take a photo and upload it here this weekend.     

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I would certainly like to see more of such boutique places like YK and Straits in GT area.

But, the rates are certainly overpriced.

Exactly

2 nights in these is 7 nights in the new 2 bedroom apartments with all the extras we recently stayed in or 8 nights in the "adequate" 3* hotel we usual stay at

 

For MYR$400 over, I would probably spend one night only to experience the nostalgic feeling of the colonial past.

My old house is full of old furniture, I suppose some would call it nostalgic or colonial
I call it old and tired 

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I was walking down Beach Street last month and saw a row of colonial house being refurbished and perhaps about 80% of it has been completed.  I asked the man supervising the work what this building would be once completed and he told me it's "Boutique Hotel".  I guess it should be completed by this month.  Will take a photo and upload it here this weekend.   

Is that the Rice Miller Boutique Hotel?

Costa - Beach St is looking very good. I walked along there on my last trip too. I hope one day the entire stretch and Weld Quay are properly restored and buildings repainted.

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My old house is full of old furniture, I suppose some would call it nostalgic or colonial
I call it old and tired 

Maybe I should drop in to see if I can pick a bargain! 

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Is that the Rice Miller Boutique Hotel?

Costa - Beach St is looking very good. I walked along there on my last trip too. I hope one day the entire stretch and Weld Quay are properly restored and buildings repainted.

It's not Rice Miller Hotel.  It's right opposite Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). When I was there last week, someone there told me it's a restaurant and not boutique hotel.

Here are the pictures.

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Another row of refurbished colonial building next to it.

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hi, costa,

Many thanks for the photos. The buildings look really elegant. The low-arched entranceway for coaches - wow.

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Wow, they look stunning! Thanks for the photos, Costa.

But, a restaurant. That is going to a huge restaurant then! Or, restaurants and boutique retail stores maybe. Can't wait. Hopefully they will be opened before Nov.

I read somewhere there is another boutique restaurant just opened in Rope Walk, next to Chulia Street - called Sri Malaya. Looks stunning too!

The old part of George Town is really changing quite rapidly - looking more elegant, just like walking through few places like in Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang - small, quaint town with beautifully restored historical/heritage buildings, offering superb food and drinks.

I can see Penang giving Singapore a run for its money!