Penang’s Macalister Mansion

By Harry Jacques - March 7, 2013

The hotel's lap pool.
A bust of the island's former governor, Norman Macalister, stands outside the newly renovated mansion.
Checking in before moving to one of the hotel's unique guestrooms.
Guests can choose between casual and fine-dining.
The hotel lawn.
Each room pays tribute to an aspect of the life of the former governor.

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Husband-and-wife owners Dato Sean and Datin Karen H’ng have brought Penang’s colonial past into the 21st century with the opening of Macalister Mansion (228 Macalister Rd.; George Town; 604/2283-888; doubles from US$265). Revamped by Singapore firm Ministry of Design, the 100-year-old building is now a contemporary showpiece with just eight individually designed suites featuring Bisazza-tiled bathrooms and original artworks that reference the life of Norman Macalister, the island’s British governor from 1808 to 1810. Come evening, guests can sample a fine selection of single malts in the Den or head straight to the nearly all-white Dining Room for a menu highlighted by quail confit and Dover sole—dishes Macalister himself would surely have approved of. –Harry Jacques