The Blue Mansion – Cheong Fatt Tze, Penang, Malaysia

The Blue Mansion Penang

Monica Tindall

You may have reckoned by now that I’m a cautious person and not particularly comfortable in crowds post-pandemic. Since the announcement was made that we could cross the borders, my stays have been in private pool villas and resorts with large open-air spaces. Our visit to Penang saw us switch modes with a stay in a boutique hotel, The Blue Mansion.

Benefiting from only 18 rooms, the hotel is small enough for extraordinary management of hygiene SOPs. Going above and beyond the mandated regulations, the team at The Blue Mansion Penang have placed prime importance on guest and staff safety. Regular temperature checks, hand sanitiser, wearing of masks and visitor registration is the standard. Additionally, shoes are cleaned upon entry, and foot pedals have been installed removing the need to touch sanitiser pumps and handles for some doors. On top of rooms being well-cleaned, they are also zapped with a UV light for the ultimate in germ control. The buffet has been done away with for breakfast. Instead, guests request their a la carte meal the night before, which can be taken in the open-air courtyard or delivered to the room. I must say we are impressed.

The Blue Mansion Penang

The Blue Mansion, however, offers much more than the safety of guests and staff. It’s an icon in Georgetown. Even those who are not staying at the hotel visit for tours because of its historical importance.

Once home to the man who the New York Times described as the ‘Rockefeller of the East,’ Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion is cloaked in a rich history and intrigue. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, this 19th-century property is the ideal venue from which to explore and embrace the vibrant historical and cultural essence of Penang.

Location

Sitting in the heart of Georgetown, a few minutes by foot can have you on the seaside enjoying a cocktail at the landmark Farquhar’s Bar at the E&O. A short walk further will have you stumbling across historical sites such as forts, clock towers and piers. Head towards the city, and you’re met with a plethora of food options; hipster cafes, old school street stalls, as well as an increasing number of brilliant contemporary dining experiences.

The Red Garden Food Court, a celebrated hawkers’ nest, is in the very same street. Nearby shop-houses are home to galleries, antique stores, boutiques and artisans. And, of course, alleyways showcase the now-famous street art Penang has grown a name for. All are easily accessed on foot, but the hotel also provides complimentary bicycles if you’d like to take in the sites on wheels.

Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion Rooms

Changing management in recent years, The Blue Mansion underwent significant refurbishments, turning the once charming but budget hotel into an oasis of opulence and calm. The grandeur of the past is layered with contemporary amenities in the 18 rooms making up the boutique hotel. Each room is individually themed and furnished, with exquisite heirlooms from the family’s private collection, alongside modern amenities such as TV, mini-bar, Wi-Fi, electronic safe, hairdryer and rain shower.

Double stories built around two garden courtyards house six different room categories. From the beautiful Nanyang with pool and garden access to the grandiose 50s ROOM, a stay here guarantees an authentic romp mirroring the historic district in which the property is rooted. The Escoy, 50s, Nanyang and Lean Hwa rooms have direct pool access. The Tang and 50’s Rooms offer the most decadent living quarters with Jacuzzi baths hallmarks of each. The Han with a sitting room, dining lounge and ensuite bathroom including tub and shower is well-designed to fit a family of three.

Rooms are marked with names rather than numbers. We’re in the Nanyang and appreciative of the direct access to the pool and garden afforded by our back door (sarong, beach towel and pool basket provided to take advantage of the position).
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand sanitiser are provided in pretty floral ceramic dispensers, eliminating the waste of single-use plastic, and much classier than disposable bottles.

An oriental garden and Chinese water garden are at our back doorstep on the way to the pool. Apparently, both were envisioned by the late Mr Cheong Fatt Tze and were finally realised 100 years later. Salvaged granite carvings make interesting scenery amongst the garden of blooms, shrubs and trees.

By the entrance to our room, there is a long courtyard lined with the signature blue walls, shrubbery and day beds. Arched wooden windows and doorways indicate the height of the lofty ceilings in each room – a true luxury in these times of monetising every square inch. Coffee tables mark the entrance of each residence, and we find this a favourite spot to sit early morning catching up on the news and getting our daily caffeine dose thanks to the personal espresso machine.

Food and Beverage

As mentioned, a simple a la carte breakfast is served in The Courtyard. It’s also the setting for afternoon tea, which is included in some stay packages. They say Chi energy is strongest here. Makes sense to us considering it’s the hub of food and a common meeting point. Evenings on the weekend, guests can enjoy a guzheng performance, where the musician is dressed immaculately while playing the enchanting string instrument.

The Courtyard Bar serves snacks, desserts, classic cocktails, spirits and wine. Also part of specific stay packages, guests can enjoy a cocktail here upon arrival. We try two classics, a mojito and margarita, and approve of their quality.

Contemporary cuisine with French, Japanese and local influences is served in the beautiful Indigo restaurant. With chef Jack Yeap at the helm, the menu reflects the luxurious lifestyle of its past inhabitants, promising a gastronomic journey fusing exciting flavours in an elegant fine-dining experience. Dinner here is a ‘must’ while in Penang so do be sure to reserve a table – with time for cocktails at The Courtyard beforehand. Follow this link to find our recommendations of what to order (in-house guests are entitled to a discount on food, even more reason to stay).

Guided Tours The Blue Mansion Penang

Home to two museums and an exhibition featuring house artefacts, furniture, memorabilia and clothing, a guided tour of The Blue Mansion is highly recommended. An engaging guide shares the scandals, historical details, and some surprising Feng Shui facts. This tour is in hot demand with outside visitors having to book in advance and pay for the experience. In-house guests, however, often have the tour included. Be sure to reserve a time upon (or before) arrival.

The Blue Mansion Review

The Blue Mansion, with a fabulous tale behind it, enriches any stay in Penang. Whether visiting for a relaxing weekend getaway or a schedule full of sightseeing, this stunning boutique hotel ensures the details from start to finish are furrowed in the elegance of tradition but embedded with the comforts of modern times.

Malaysian Residents Experience

Malaysian residents can take advantage of some special packages for as low as RM340 per night. Valid until the 31st of August, residents receive reduced rates (prices vary depending on the room) inclusive of daily breakfast, afternoon tea, two complimentary cocktails at The Bar, complimentary guided tour of the mansion, room upgrade (if available), Wi-Fi, use of house bicycles and 10% off food and beverage bills. Changes can be made to reservations up to 24 hours before arrival at no additional charge. This sure is a welcome benefit with the unpredictability of the current situation—details on this and more promotions here.

Reasons to visit Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion Penang: fantastic location; a culturally significant stay in a beautifully maintained museum with luxurious amenities and modern-day comforts; lap pool and garden; Indigo restaurant.

Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion Penang
14, Leith Street, George Town
Pulau Pinang 10200, Malaysia
+604 262 0006
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/TheBlueMansion

Find more Penang hotspots here and stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here and here.