Campbell House Penang

Campbell House Penang, Boutique Hotel Georgetown

Campbell House Penang

Monica Tindall

Set on one of the very few streets with walkable sidewalks in George Town, you could not ask for a better-located property or one that has been more meticulously restored than Campbell House Penang. 

Campbell House Penang
Campbell House Penang

Campbell House Penang

Originally built in 1903, this stylish boutique hotel began as a three-story budget hotel. It was popular with people waiting to board ships heading to Mecca and sailors heading out to work. In the 1920s, a new clientele arrived, upmarket prostitutes. After the Second World War, Campbell Street was revived as a shopping destination. Known as the place to shop for accessories and luxury fabrics, some even dubbed it Fifth Avenue. 

Charming hosts Roberto and Nardya purchased the property in a rather run-down state in 2008 just before George Town was listed under UNESCO. They took three years to convert the building into a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Today it is one of the most sought after stays amongst discerning travellers to Penang. With famous eats just a stone’s throw from the hotel, guests can get their fill of street food, heritage and culture on foot, and return to the modern comforts of the property to unwind. 

Campbell House Penang
Library
heritage luxury boutique hotel George Town
Rooftop Terrace
Campbell House Penang
Reading Room

Campbell House Penang Rooms

Honouring its heritage beauty, the building has been painstakingly restored into 11 uniquely outfitted guest rooms, a lobby, reading room, restaurant and rooftop terrace. Wooden floors (no shoes above the entrance level) feel smooth and elegant underfoot. Antique furniture thoughtfully placed throughout is just enough to fashion a cultivated climate without being cluttered. Local contemporary art in the halls brings the gallery to the hotel and grandstands native talent.

heritage luxury boutique hotel George Town
Library

Colonial Room

My stay is in the Colonial Room on the second floor. It features a four-poster king-size bed and rain shower. Located next to the rooftop terrace, the outdoor space feels like an extension of the room, which itself is already generously sized. 

Details are what makes one hotel stand out from another and the team at Campbell House has certainly invested thought into catering to guests’ every need. As part of the evening’s turn down service, an Italian sweet is left in the fridge. Glass jugs of cold water and ice tea also await. Capsule espresso machines in each room keep me pleasantly caffeinated and L’Occitane bath products are much appreciated for their soft scent and high quality. Five layers of shutters, glass, blinds and curtains keeping the noise and smell of the street strictly outside, married with cozy bedding, promote a heavenly sleep. 

Campbell House Penang
Colonial Room
Campbell House Penang
Colonial Room
Campbell House Penang
Colonial Room
heritage luxury boutique hotel George Town
L’Occitane Bath Products

Campbell House Penang Breakfast

If you book a room with breakfast, the morning meal is taken at Il Bacaro, the hotel’s Italian restaurant on the ground floor. The menu offers a delightful list of western favourites including plentiful vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. A fruit plate, homemade muesli, eggs benedict on homemade bread and plenty of coffee make me happy. I also appreciate the covered sidewalk seating providing direct views of the street happenings. The narrow walkway is shaded by an arched ceiling and bordered by potted plants. 

heritage luxury boutique hotel George Town
Breakfast at Campbell House Penang

Il Bacaro

Later in the day, the Italian restaurant provides a good lunch, aperitif or dinner. In-house guests can also have food and drinks delivered to the rooftop terrace for a more exclusive setting. Read more about Il Bacaro’s menu here. 

Il Bacaro Penang
Tiramisu at Il Bacaro

Campbell House Penang

Campbell House’s handsome setting and appealing location lay a solid foundation for a pleasant stay. However, the warm, friendly service staff make a truly memorable experience. From carrying bags, to cleaning rooms to assisting with transport and local recommendations, I felt well cared for. If you like an intimate stay with personalised service and a true sense of place, I highly recommend Campbell House Penang. 

Reasons to visit Campbell House Penang: a beautifully restored boutique hotel in the heart of George Town; lovely rooftop terrace; attention to detail; good western brekkie; friendly helpful staff.

Campbell House
106 Lebuh Campbell
10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
+(60) 42618290
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/campbellhousepenang
* Book directly for special discounts and inclusions.

Find out more about travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.

16 Comments

  1. never stay at such ancient and gorgeous looking hotel before

  2. love the look of this place

  3. What a charming little hotel, I wouldn't have notice this place if you didn't write about it .

  4. Foodie Dreamer

    I m from Pg but I never knew it had all these lovely hotels! Must go back soon.. =)

  5. Hey, thanks for showing the bath products. Love that brand.

  6. Definitely a unique hotel 😉

  7. Beautiful exterior and tastefully decorated interior…and I love that blue & white plate they used for their Egg Benedict!

  8. It looks stunning, I would love to stay there 🙂

  9. Never been to place one has to take of shoes.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

  10. It looks like they have done a fantastic job of restoration, I know how difficult it is to restore old buildings as we have a 200-year-old stone house! The breakfast looks good as well 🙂 Cheers Diane

  11. Kudos to the owners on this meticulous restoration of the hotel! It would be interesting to see a before and after showing what happened within three years. I love how the hotel hugs the corner, making it very inviting for guests. I would be perched on that rooftop terrace for a long rest. The windows add lots of color. Are they opaque or can you see through the colored glass?

  12. Definitely, fit for a king! Or a queen, if you like.
    The roof top is so cosy! Hope there aren’t too many mosquitoes at night.

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