Seven Terraces Hotel

We stayed two nights in a spacious two-bedroom apartment at Seven Terraces. The staff were generally friendly, helpful, and nice, and the restored building has lovely antique Peranakan furniture and artefacts. But this was our first time staying in a Peranakan museum, and probably our last. The building needs maintenance and an overhaul. The walls were mouldy, paint was peeling, some floor mosaics were missing, and the shampoo bottles were chipped. Old furniture is charming, but a building falling into disrepair isn't. The location between a road and a school also means morning noise whichever room you're in. Ours was beside the road, and after 6 am each day we woke to what sounded like a garbage compactor truck grinding loudly. At this price, which isn't cheap, you may enjoy it if the condition and noise don't bother you. The building is lovely to visit, perhaps for a meal at the restaurant, but I'd think twice about staying there.

The rooms are enormous, about the size of a UK three-bedroom house, and the renovation is incredible. We really enjoyed our stay at this amazingly located hotel in George Town, and would return without hesitation. The restaurant is decent, but Georgetown is better known for street food and family restaurants than fancy dining. It's one of the world's culinary centres, so you're better off heading to Little India or a hawker market. You'll spend about 10% as much and eat tastier food.

The refurbished room had tasteful Peranakan-inspired decor, which gave the stay a distinctive feel. Its layout isn't like a typical hotel room, though, so it took a little getting used to arranging our luggage and things. It was impeccably clean, and the staff were courteous and responsive. When the wash basin had low water pressure, they dealt with it promptly and checked in each afternoon to see how things were going. The hotel is very central, within easy walking distance of Georgetown's main sights, and Grab is readily available if needed. Breakfast was fairly basic for the price. There are plenty of excellent local eateries nearby, open from early morning, so it may be more worthwhile to eat out.

Seven Terraces feels at home in Penang, with its Nyonya heritage and restored Anglo-Chinese terrace houses. The setting is intimate and elegant, with woodwork, patterned tiles, and antiques that give it an old-world feel without seeming staged or heavy. The calm common areas, courtyard, and rooms feel lived in rather than just decorated. Modern comfort sits alongside the hotel's Nyonya identity with restraint, and the details create a thoughtful sense of hospitality. It leaves a lasting impression through its history, textures, and atmosphere, and it's easy to feel both grounded and indulged there.