Seven Terraces, PenangWhilst we were staying at the Eastern & Oriental in Penang, we were advised to visit a new hotel which has taken a row of traditional shophouses and restored them. Seven Terraces, which opened at the end of 2012, is a luxury boutique hotel in the centre of Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On entering the hotel, we were delighted to be greeted by the owner of the hotel (this was not arranged - we dropped in unannounced). After a brief chat, we were shown around the hotel by the GM, who transferred to Seven Terraces from Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, the owner's previous hotel. The hotel is a wonderfully peaceful retreat in Georgetown, blending old with new. All conveniences expected by the modern traveller are present, including an inviting swimming pool and various lounge areas. Where possible, original features have been reclaimed, such as doors, otherwise details are as true as possible to local traditional style. DiningAfter seeing the hotel, we decided to return in the evening for dinner. The bar offers a range of reasonably priced drinks (including a delicious Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc), although strangely no champagne served by the glass. The owner spoke to us of his passion for his Peranakan heritage, and how he wanted to take the cuisine to the next level of fine dining.
The menu offers a choice of around 7 starters and mains, 3 vegetable dishes and 5 desserts and is priced so that 1 choice from each section costs MYR100++ (around $35). We were advised that portions are large so to order 1 menu plus an extra main course - sound advice as it turned out. Our starter of Chao Tom (spiced minced prawn wrapped around sugar cane and grilled) was delicate and moist - delicious served with the herbs, chilli sauce and crisp lettuce. The mains of Hong Bak lamb (incredibly tender) and grilled snapper were delicious, served with fragrant rice and fresh vegetables. Our favourite dessert was the hot coconut milk with Onde Onde balls - surprising blue balls with a delicious sweet filling. For more information on Peranakan culture and cuisine view our blog. Overall Impression |
Grand SuiteThis is an all suite hotel, with rooms starting at a generous 53 square metres up to the Grand Apartment, offering 4 bedrooms over 2 suites. We viewed the Argus Lane Grand Suite which felt extremely spacious at 165 square metres including the optional second bedroom.
We entered the suite into a beautiful lounge - the hotel contains many locally sourced antiques, which tell a wonderful story, such as the leaning wooden chair shown left, which is an original birthing chair. In the lounge is a wardrobe, mini-fridge and LCD TV. Double doors lead to a smaller en-suite second bedroom. At the back of the lounge is a stunning bathroom, with large tub and open rain shower. The bathroom opens up to a large terrace overlooking a Georgian Church. Upstairs in the suite is a Peranakan 4-poster bed, a small cloakroom and a second terrace. Styling throughout the suite is a blend of modern and traditional and the suite is tremendously priced. At around $300/night, this is great value for so much space. |
Seven Terraces in Penang is a gorgeous boutique hotel in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown. The nine original shophouses have been sensitively restored to create a luxury environment with a serene atmosphere. This is a new hotel, so it will be some time before reviews start to accumulate. Our advice? Stay here before everyone else has discovered this gem and the hotel is fully booked.
Update: It seems that the service in the hotel matches the short experience we had and the beautiful surroundings. The hotel is now ranked an impressive number 1 on Tripadvisor, so you may need to book early in order to guarantee your room.
Update: It seems that the service in the hotel matches the short experience we had and the beautiful surroundings. The hotel is now ranked an impressive number 1 on Tripadvisor, so you may need to book early in order to guarantee your room.