Macalister Mansion

Named after Sir Norman Macalister, one of Penang's earliest British governors, the hotel is the result of the work of veteran restaurateur duo Dato Sean and Datin Karen, whose vision for the property revolved around the idea of a complete contemporary renovation of the interiors. The stately original facade was restored, with only a few quirky art installations hinting at the designer makeover inside. The hotel's reception is an understated space with a simple front desk, but it gives way to lavish spaces filled with curated artwork, from the red-tiled cellar to the white-on-white dining room with its ethereal, pastel-colored forest creatures. 

Located on Macalister road west of the city historic center, the hotel isn't within walking distance of George Town's main attractions. It's about a 10-minute drive to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage district, with its bustling bazaars, hawker centers, and street art. The Penang Museum is a six-minute drive, and cultural tourist attractions like Khoo Kongsi, Kuan Yin Temple, and the Kapitan Keling Masjid are under 12 minutes away by car. Penang International Airport is about a 30-minute drive to the south end of the island. 

Each of the mansion's eight suites have a bright modern decor with white walls and blonde wood furnishings, but the similarities end there. Commissioned artwork and unique architectural details set one apart from another. Room 3 has a fabric collage by a Malaysian artist and a private balcony, while a wrought-iron spiral staircase leads to a turret in Room 4, and Room 7 has a textile wall hanging based on the original tartan colors of the Scottish Macalister clan. Free Wi-Fi comes standard throughout, as do iPod docks, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Systems, and flat-screen TVs. There are also stocked minibars, mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines in every room. The bathrooms have mosaic tiled walls with twin vanities, free-standing rainfall showers, and separate soaking tubs. 

The mansion's Living Room is its casual all-day eatery with a pastry counter and leafy spot to get free breakfast or afternoon tea beside a wall-stenciled fireplace. By contrast, the Dining Room's all-white interior is centered around an ethereal white tree with pastel woodland animals beneath a gossamer white canopy. It serves innovative contemporary fare; sample items include Wagyu beef with vegetable ash, and Hokkaido scallops with lemongrass foam. There are also wine parings and pricey tasting menus. For libations, The Cellar has over 300 wine and champagne bottles to choose from and The Den provides a stylish lounge for cigar and whisky aficionados. Outside, a swim-up bar adjoins the mosaic-tile pool surrounded by a wide sundeck adorned with white cube tables, potted trees, and white lounge furniture.