Yeng Keng Hotel

Yeng Keng Hotel was formerly a 19th-century Anglo-Indian private residence, renovated and refurbished to its original splendor and opened in April 2010. Today, it’s popular with couples and tourists who appreciate the hotel’s central location in George Town. Upon arrival, travelers must enter through a traditional Chinese gate, which sticks out among the modern buildings of the street. A small courtyard with tables and chairs is found in the main building, which has a yellow and green traditional facade. The color scheme continues on the inside. Public spaces are outfitted in elegant decor, from antique furnishings to large printed rugs laid out over red earth tiled floors. Guests won’t find an elevator, but rather stairs that lead up to different floors in a courtyard filled with plants and seating for guests (mostly couples) to interact. 

The hotel’s central location in George Town is hard to beat. Not only is it surrounded by a huge concentration of dining options, but most attractions and museums like Kota Cornwallis, Penang Time Tunnel, and Khoo Kongsi take less than a 20-minute walk to reach. The closest bus stop is a three-minute walk away, for those who prefer public transportation. Kek Lok Si Temple is a 26-minute car ride or a 90-minute bus ride. To take the train up Penang Hill, it’s 23 minutes by car to reach the lower station. Expect a 30-minute drive to the Penang International Airport. 

Yeng Keng Hotel has 20 homey rooms decorated in period-style Chinese decor. While rooms vary slightly, they all employ cheerful color palettes ranging from blue statement walls to elegant printed rugs. Rooms have tiled or wooden floors and antique wooden furniture, which combined with the lovely printed curtains and black-and-white photography on the walls, creates a pleasant, almost elegant atmosphere. There are also modern amenities like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, kettles, and bottled water. Wi-Fi is free, but can be spotty. Bathrooms are modern with cream tiled walls and vessel sinks, but a little tight on space. They’re equipped with showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Note that some guests report bothersome noise from inside and outside the hotel due to thin walls. 

Though amenities here aren't particularly expansive, there are some perks for guests to enjoy. There’s a small outdoor pool with a shaded area and a few tables and chairs. A free breakfast offers international items like eggs and bacon, as well as local food options like nyonya and nasi lemak. The cafe and bar serves Hainanese and Western dishes throughout the afternoon and evening. There’s a single fully-equipped meeting room and free (albeit spotty) Wi-Fi for business travelers. On-site parking is free. Weddings in the courtyard can host over 100 guests.