boutique hotels Penang

Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang

Homey Hospitality with Boutique Hotel Design
With UNESCO World Heritage status awarded to downtown Penang a few years back, many exciting developments have since cropped up on the island. Already a thriving destination for food, a relatively recent refurbishment of buildings has led to an increase in art and culture tourism too.
With this comes the rise of the boutique hotel – a much-welcomed evolution. Rather than being just a place to rest your head, heritage hotels are just as much a part of the sights as are the historical landmarks themselves.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Spicy Decorations
Spices@Lumut Lane dates back to the 1800s and was in ruins when designer and owner, Michael Ong, first took over. Gently restoring and conserving the site, he has reawakened the old and updated it with modern amenities producing a scene set to charm both foreigners and locals alike.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Welcome Guava Juice
Located in a laneway off the popular walking street of Lebuh Armenian, Spices @ Lumut Lane is in a strategic position for exploring the town. Positioned just far enough away to avoid the noise, but within walking distance of all the interesting bits, this bed and breakfast makes a convenient location from which to explore the city, but to also get a good night’s rest.
Muted orange walls identify the building and slatted wood protects the glass door entrance. Arches of the old building lead down a tiled frontage hinting at the past with their curves.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Spices Street Front
Bare bricks echo the convexity of the exterior and original ceiling beams shed some light on how strong things were made ‘in the olden days.’ A whopping cushioned swing provides a fun place to park yourself as you check in and a welcome drink of guava juice refreshes as your paperwork is settled.
A Moroccan lamp with its traditional hues of blue and white hangs from above and the intricate patterns of its surface are mimicked in decorative plates lining the walls. A palette of oranges and reds give warmth to the foyer, while leafy trees viewed through the glass walls at the back, add strokes of garden cheer.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Spices Lobby
Rooms accommodate two to four people and are named after various spices such as Turmeric, Cinnamon and Paprika. A total of eight habitations means the experience at Spices is tranquil and personal.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Rooms Named After Spices
Double rooms (where we stayed) are furnished with a queen size bed and are situated on the ground floor. A small, but not cramped bathroom, is separated from the sleeping area by a rodded curtain. The fabric division saves space and gives a cozy feel. Terracotta tiling and white washed walls provide a sturdy canvas for patterned soft furnishings and dark wood fittings. Rugs, local artwork and woven materials brighten the space and a
splash of contemporary is displayed with a solid orange chair.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Bathroom
The Deluxe rooms are again equipped with a queen size bed but feature high ceilings. The height allows the space a single bed, loft style. Reached by climbing a ladder, this would make a great option for a couple traveling with one child. Facing the street front, a view of Komtar tower is afforded from the shutter windows.
Lofts are split level with a king size bed on the upper floor and a super single day bed below. A fourth person can be accommodated for with a roll out bed. Acheh mosque can be viewed from the balconies of these rooms amongst treetops and so too can glimpses of other lovingly restored heritage buildings in the neighbourhood.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Double Room
A Family Suite accommodates up to four people. There is only one of these in the residence so families are advised to book in advance. A king sized bed, day bed and pull out bed make up the sleeping facilities.
All rooms maintain uncomplicated design. A touch of heritage combined with modern décor keeps the adornment functional but interesting. Compact in size, an efficient utilization of space is seen in well laid out bathrooms and furnishings in seam with the walls. Patterned soft furnishings stand out against the dark wood fixtures.
A LED TV, safe, hair dryer and air conditioning provide the basic necessities. Kimono style cotton and silk robes provide a little extra charm. A DVD player is available upon request and complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the lobby area.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Robes in Room
Common areas encourage guests to mingle. A lounge on the first floor, with relaxed furnishings of throw cushions and beanbags, is an inviting space to converse, read, watch TV or just sit peacefully.

Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Courtyard
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Common Area
A naturally lit reading area overlooks a garden and, when weather permits, the courtyard seating is a great option too. Mosaic topped tables and pebbled paths are shaded with leafy trees. A fantastic organic artwork, in the form of tangled tree roots, runs up the ochre painted exterior wall providing a natural mural background to the wooden staircase.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Tree Root Mural
Breakfast is included in the accommodation package. Taken on the ground floor, a light continental spread with local spark provides basic nourishment to start the day. The café opens from 7:30am to 9pm daily and serves an assortment of light snacks, afternoon tea and beverages.
Spices @ Lumut Lane, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Kitchen Counter
A great advantage of Spices@Lumut Lane, over many hotels in general, is the provision of washing and drying facilities. Guests can take care of their laundry allowing longer stayers to pack less.
Additionally Spices@Lumut Lane has bound together some services that enable guests to save money and time in planning their holiday. Tours, airport transfers, bike rentals, hire cars and taxi transport can all be arranged through the residence.
Prices for a room at Spices@Lumut Lane start from RM330 for a room for two and go up to RM580 for a family of four.
Spices@ Lumut Lane is a good choice for anyone wishing to explore Georgetown on foot and for those who prefer professional but homey hospitality in a relaxed bed and breakfast style setting.
Reason to visit: good location, simple but attractive design, one of the more affordable boutique hotels in the town centre
Spices @ Lumut Lane
Lorong Lumut
Georgetown
10200 Georgetown, Penang
Malaysia
+6 04 262 3019


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9 Comments

  1. Designer? Not surprised. The place oozes with that special artistic touch. Very nice!

  2. yes it is good to know of more affordable boutique hotels in Penang. Love the color tone for this one!

  3. Ahh… this must be the place you were telling me! Very cozy and seems sophisticated as well, nice place to stay for a night or two!

  4. You seems to have most of the nicest places checked out in Pg! loving it cos I am getting updates about my hometown.. 🙂

  5. It does have a very homey feel about it, and those are some terrific robes! I would definitely wear them during a stay there 🙂

    Duncan In Kuantan

  6. i grew up in Penang, and this isn't the Penang I recognise anymore, so much has changed, but thankfully for the better 😀

  7. what a great way to preserve a precious building! and it looks like a hotel with real character =)

  8. I love their swinging sofa!
    That's so cool.

  9. We stayed at this place recently. Lovely location and will highly recommend to anyone looking for a homely hotel in Penang.

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