Two years after its opening, The Edison George Town continues to charm with its whimsical touches of heritage.
As a true-blue Penangite, I am always asked by visiting friends where to stay and eat when they visit the island.
Of late, my recommendation in terms of accommodation has always been The Edison George Town. I have stayed there twice, and each time, I have been charmed by its cosy comfort and hospitality; for me, it truly feels like a home away from home.
Since re-opening its doors in July 2016, it has gone on to proudly redefine Penang’s boutique hotel experience, channelling the brand pillars through its award winning “The Edison Experience”. The hotel has received numerous awards and accolades for hospitality design and service excellence, namely the World Luxury Hotels Awards 2017 and World Boutique Hotel Awards 2017, capping off a strong and encouraging first year in operations.
According to Rina Teoh, one of the founders of The Edison Hotels and the Executive Director of The Edison George Town, the Edison Hotels brand values encapsulate the commitment to luxurious comfort, exceptional guest service and gracious hospitality.
“Through captivating storytelling, stylish and detailed designs, enchanting history and personalised guest experience, the aspiration is to seek out expansionary opportunities in the growth of The Edison Hotels brand of hospitality throughout South-East Asia,” said the affable Teoh.
Being Penang-born, she is protective of the state’s heritage, culture and food, and she is always ready to talk, show and eat Penang’s celebrated street foods.
And as a persistent disruptor to the hospitality business, Teoh sells and pitches hospitality through personal touches, refined quality and the soul of a stay experience. Being passionate and persistent in her beliefs has also led to her success, though she is quick to add that success is only possible when there is a good team to exchange ideas and learn new things From.
Teoh has an accumulated 16 years of experience in various sales and marketing related positions within several diverse groups of businesses.
It was not till 2007 when she garnered most of her knowledge in property investment whilst selling Australian properties to Malaysians as an investment asset class. This was also the time when she was infected by the “property investment bug” and has since invested in some Malaysian properties.
Matched with her interest for travel and all things luxurious, Teoh co-founded ET Hospitality Ventures Sdn Bhd to own and operate the only Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Penang.
Her commitment to bringing back the romance of a hotel stay and create authentic local experiences are but a few offerinngs she is eager to share when one stays at The Edison.
The inspiration of the hotel’s interior design is a quirky take on Penang with whimsical touches of heritage which blend with the timeless elegance of the furniture and furnishings, extending to the modern but traditional elements of quality and charm.
The hotel’s architecture – designed and built in 1906 – was the vessel for this inspiration. The objective of familiarity and inclusiveness where every guest feels at home when they walk through the main doors remains a constant in its service delivery.
For much of the past century, the property transitioned through a couple of owners and usage. Under Teoh’s expert eye, it was extensively renovated and fitted out, creating several improvements up till its current form. Key components included a salt chlorinated swimming pool, The Lounge(which doubles as a breakfast area) and bringing in all amenities expected of a luxury hotel.
Speaking of the afore-mentioned The Lounge, it is a gathering place for guests and non-guests. It is where guests have unlimited access to snacks and beverages available around the clock, and where nyonya kuih is served during tea time and a free flow of wine awaits in the evening.
It is my favourite spot of the hotel, amongst many, that sets The Edison apart from the rest, firmly elevating it to a league of its own.
The Edison is located at 15, Lebuh Leith, George Town, Penang. For more details, call 04-262 2990 or visit theedisonhotels.com.
