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Hendrik J.
Couples
Australia,
April 24, 2012
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A relaxing stay in a handsome Penang mansion house
Lovely to get back to after a days sightseeing.
9
Clove Hall is a handsome residence set in a lovely garden in a quiet street. The owners and staff are friendly and welcoming. Our suite, the Cinnamon suite was lovely and very comfortable. It's easy to spend most of your time in the suite but it was great to relax in the downstairs areas and outside beside the pool. Some friendly Australian guests made the stay even more memorable and enjoyable. We all enjoyed the house as if it were our own.
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Lisa M.
Couples
New Zealand,
April 19, 2012
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So peaceful
Beautiful house, lovely to have a pool. Staff lovely.
8.7
Not in historical centre but worth it to have a heritage house and a pool. Erlin and other staff just so great.
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip:
Take a taxi first time you go to heritage end of town, cheap and saves on heat and traffic stress as you acclimatise. Follow tips from Clove Hall map on where to eat nearby.
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Chin C.
Solo travelers
Singapore,
April 15, 2012
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Ideal for a retreat yet accessible to most sights
Tranquil, private, historical
10
i decided to revisit penang after reading tan twan eng’s the gift of rain, a man booker prize nominee. it left me enthralled by its vivid descriptions of penang, historical, charming and a mix bag of identities. to evoke the right senses, i knew my accomodation had to be a place with a past, with a history. clove hall was the absolute choice and the crowning jewel of this personal retreat.
located in a quiet neighbourhood, yet conveniently accessible to most sights in unesco heritage georgetown, clove hall is a charming black & white colonial bungalow with 6 exclusive suites. mine was saffron suite, on the right wing of 2nd floor, overlooking the jade-green lap pool. eveything was almost what i imagined, the 4-poster bed with its crisp white sheets, the mosaic tiles, the teak furniture and the frangipani trees.
guests will return in the evening after a day of sight seeing to wind down in the lobby which by then is basking in a soft orange glow from the antique lamps. chatting softly among themselves or enjoying a good read over wine or tea before retiring to their suites. in the mornings, one can enjoy a solitary swim before being served breakfast. over my 3 days in clove hall, i spent several hours reading and writing and i was largely left alone. i appreciate the staff respect for guest privacy while ensuring comfort with the right level of attention.
clove hall is lovingly run by couple-owners jo and jim lim, who from my observations love what they do. if you are an animal lover, then expect to fall under the charms of geroge, the resident black miniature poodle.
i recommend clove hall to anyone seeking a sanctuary with a sense of history and good taste.
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip:
Must haves: Peranakan Museum and guided tour at the Blue Mansion
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Wong Y.
Couples
Hong Kong,
April 14, 2012
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A good place to experience Penang
The house is elegant, silence and comfortable
9.3
If you are bored by the standard design of gerneral hotel rooms, or if you want to tast the cultural heritage of Penang,Clove Hall is a good choice. The room there is large, well designed and comfortable. The house itself and many furnitures are antiques. The bedding is clean and comfortable. The wifi is fast. The house owner is nice, sincere, talkative and friendly. The staff are polite, care about you and willing to talk with you. You will feel just like home.
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Karen D.
Solo travelers
United States of America,
March 04, 2012
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Captures the anbience of George Town
9
The restored mansion is spacious and open; a sense of solitude prevails but the occasional chatting of the guests and the hosts gives a personal warmth to the experience. The staff is attentive should you need something. Perhaps a glass of water with lemon appears while you take a dip in the sea green pool...
Restaurant Tip:
Restaurants are just a block or so away. If it is raining the trek can be more daunting as the pedestrian walk is a bit rustic. Crossing the streets, take care and time due to the traffic. Be sure to consult the hosts before evening as they may be more knowledgeable about the best places to dine. Nyonya Baba Cuisine is a small, unassuming place close by - with personal attention from the owners, the Khoos. The taste of the dishes rock!
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Tammy W.
Solo travelers
Singapore,
February 14, 2012
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A True Gem!
Its location off a forgotten street in Georgetown was convenient, yet afforded restful and quiet surrounds. The hotel is tastefully and sensitively restored. Excellent service from staff, and really good value for money considering that breakfast and tea were also included.
9
this is the sort of hotel that the sophisticated traveller who appreciates good service, taste, design, art, heritage, and quiet surrounds will delight in. service was warm and unfussy (erlynn rayos deserves a special mention here), the cinnamon suite was beautifully appointed.
my penang trip really began with my checking into clove hall, after a disastrous night at batu ferringhi. i can't wait to go back.
Hotel Feature Tip:
There are 6 Suites at Clove Hall- my favorite was the Cinnamon Suite. Please note however, that because of where the air conditioning unit was sited in this room, the sleeping area was not as cool as the rest of the Suite.
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Peter M.
Couples
Australia,
January 28, 2012
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Escape to Clove Hall
An oasis of calm & serenity with a friendly but relaxed vibe and ethos
8.7
behind the gate on jalan clove hall is the perfect oasis of calm, relaxation and seclusion. my wife and i stayed for four fantastic nights in the suite at clove hall and from the moment of our arrival where treated amazingly. from the coffee and penang pancakes provided for our first breakfast to the afternoon tea and the fantastic pool that helped us at least think we where working off some of the fantastic food on offer within a short trip from clove hall. our room was amazing and had enough space to stretch out with a book and a refreshing drink after a busy day.
special mention has to go to jo, jim & their fantastic staff who make clove hall not just a place to rest your head but somewhere you feel welcomed and a little spoiled.
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip:
Enjoy all that Penang has to offer from this ideally located guest house.
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Alice H.
Couples
Germany,
January 15, 2012
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Like staying at a wealthy0s friend's place
privacy, homey feeling, lovely staff, location, character hotel
9
The staff is really going out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible - amazing! The mansion is an heritage building with a nice little pool, lots of little spaces in the garden and traditioan rooms with big four poster beds. From the hotel you can walk to the old town in about 30 min. Breakfast was delicious - big choice for the small choice of hotel.
Sightseeing/Attractions Tip:
have dinner in the hawker stalls, see the spice garden ( we didnt but heard tons about it), go in the jungle (national park) to reach deserted beachs and of course...the old town
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Philippe R.
Solo travelers
France,
December 30, 2011
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Charming old house nicely decorated
9.3
Positive:
- website tell the true
- charming old traditional local house very nicely renovated and respectful of his history
- large and well decorated bedrooms
- Jo and Jim, the owners, are perfect host; same for the staff always ready to help; it was the best service I had during my 3 weeks holidays in Malaysia
- cute garden and swimming pool
- good location, walking distance to go to the old neighborhood of Georgetown; less than 10 minutes by taxi
- limited number of rooms makes a peaceful atmosphere
Negative:
I’m still searching for something to write… I guess there is no negative point
Conclusion:
I would definitely recommend this guest house for travelers looking for personalized and peaceful atmosphere in an old pretty house. The absolute contrary of big hotels with hundred rooms… Clove Hall is simply charming
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Thomas S.
Couples
Switzerland,
December 13, 2011
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colonial charm at its best
boutique luxury with good attention to personal needs
9
We enjoyed the colonial charm, family environment and relaxed boutique luxury of this unique place. Joe and John are the perfect hosts and we felt quickly at home. Suites upstairs are spacious but not huge. Very friendly and proactive staff helped us to find excellent food outlets and other places.
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