Located on Lebuh Leith in George Town, Penang, The Edison is a heritage mansion transformed into a boutique hotel. It seamlessly blends Straits Chinese architecture with modern comforts, offering a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that honours its colonial history.
First Impressions & Welcome
Stepping into The Edison is like stepping into a piece of living history. The 1906 mansion has been meticulously restored, and its striking white façade, open courtyards, and intricate architectural details invite exploration. It’s one of those rare boutique hotels where you’ll want to wander with your camera before even unpacking (that’s exactly what I did). The staff, meanwhile, balance professionalism with warmth. They don’t just know your name - they know how to make you feel genuinely looked after without being overbearing.
Room
I stayed for two nights in a Deluxe Room (ranging between 19-33sqm), where heritage design meets modern simplicity. Timber floors, high ceilings, and thoughtful touches create a space that feels both nostalgic and comfortable. The bathroom, though not oversized, is bright and practical, fitted with quality amenities and rain shower that delivers properly strong water pressure (a detail frequent travellers will notice and appreciate). Overall, it’s less about opulence, more about authenticity - a room that allows the building’s history to take centre stage while still offering everything you need for a restful night.
Breakfast
Mornings at The Edison is calm and unhurried. Breakfast is served at The Lounge with a mix of local and continental favourites, encouraging you to ease into the day rather than rush through it. Alongside the breakfast buffet, guests can also order from an ala carte egg menu, ensuring each dish is freshly prepared to preference. The setting - bright, airy, and intimate - makes it feel more like dining in a family home than a hotel restaurant.
Facilities: The Lounge, Courtyard & Swimming Pool
The lounge is the soul of The Edison. Open 24 hours, it serves coffee, tea, light bites, local snacks and in the evenings, it transforms into a space for wine and cheese - complete with a proper cheeseboard, something you wouldn’t expect from a boutique property of this size. It’s a rare feature that makes guests feel part of a community rather than simply passing through.
The central Courtyard anchors the building, a photogenic reminder of the mansion’s past life. It’s easy to imagine how life once revolved around this open space. Just beyond it, a modest outdoor pool and cabanas offer a quiet corner for a dip or a lazy afternoon with a book. One hot afternoon after exploring George Town, I found myself in the pool - and it was exactly what I needed.
What Sets The Edison Apart
It has got to be “The Edison Experience” - its intuitive sense of hospitality. From the first moment, the staff addressed me by name. That small gesture, repeated throughout my stay, carried weight: it made me feel seen, not just accommodated. On more than one occasion, the team anticipated my needs before I could even voice them - offering thoughtful food recommendations or local tips just as they crossed my mind.
The hotel’s commitment to the community is also worth mentioning. They collaborate with local NGOs, artists and artisans - from handcrafted bags to timber trays made from recycled Malaysian wood. Little details, like the reusable glass water bottles refilled at the lounge, reinforce this mindful, responsible approach to hospitality.
The Edison isn’t just a place to stay in George Town - it’s part of the Penang experience. Between its photogenic spaces, warm service, community partnerships, and a lounge that never closes, it’s a boutique hotel that makes you feel at home while reminding you of the city’s rich history and cultural layers.
The Edison George Town, Penang
Address: 15 Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Website: www.theedisonhotels.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheEdisonGeorgeTown
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theedisongeorgetown/