Christmas at Macalister ”

Christmas in hot places can feel a bit weird. Christmas at Macalister Mansion was like staying in a little luxury lodge. Spacious, beautiful and comfortable - both the rooms and the rest of the hotel. We love Design Hotels for their attention to detail and they craft a lovely, unique customer experience. I think maybe we were some of the only people staying there, so service was attentive and relaxed. Breakfasts in the cafe were a perfect way to start a day of wandering around Penang. Christmas Dinner - an 8+ course degustation was inventive, delicious and filling. With a generous flight of international wine to match we happily rolled out of there at the end of the night. The only shame, and not their fault really, is that the public area is filled with cigarette smokers on the evening, we couldn't stay long. Cigars add to the ambience, but during the day it has that stale cigarette smell in the wine cellar lounge. It's a little bit away from the main sites of Penang, but quite a few times we walked back even from Gurney Road) and the 30-40min walk was probably quicker than waiting in the traffic. We loved our stay there. The nightly macarons always made us smile, the bed and pillow menu was heaven!

Amazing Hotel! ”

My partner and I stayed in Macalister Mansion for one night and it exceeded our expectations. The decor is fabulous, there are wonderful touches to the rooms such as the 'white wine' bubble bath and the Bose speakers for iPods. The staff were helpful and courteous throughout our stay. We ate in the restaurant in the evening and the food wasn't amazing but it was quite good. The breakfast in the cafe was delicious with an unusual selection of brunch dishes like duck eggs on a muffin with kaffir lime hollandaise. The only negative comment is that there is a building site beside the hotel so its not very relaxing by the swimming pool. Its such a shame as the pool area is lovely. I haven't come across any other hotel in Malaysia that is as funky, modern and well-executed as Macalister Mansion. We do hope to return some day soon!

Lovely stay!”

Eight Rooms is such a cool hotel! The highlight of our Penang visit. We got a great deal on Room 5, which was enormous and perfect for travelers who aren’t couples. The open bathroom was a unique choice, but it contributes to the grandeur and the curtains provided adequate privacy. Best shower ever, loved the toiletries. The staff bent over backwards to ensure an enjoyable stay and there were lots of extra little perks. Breakfast (included) was superb and served until noon, so we never needed much lunch. We loved the tranquility and the uniqueness of the overall design in each space. The only drawback was that the pool is beautiful, but not very peaceful, as it’s in front of the mansion with lots of noise from the busy road. Worth noting if you want some lounging in the sun, but otherwise shouldn’t impact your visit to Penang. Location was a short taxi to the historic district or walking distance to New Lane and Nagore Square (recommend both). Would stay again!

Simple and elegant decorations ”

We had one night in Penang and we chose Macalister Mansion. The concept is different than other luxury hotels around Penang. The location was great in the middle of the town, easy access. The room was properly equipped and upon request. Spacious and clean room. Parking lot was easy. Breakfast was just ok, need more choices and better crossaints. Reception staffs were lack of conversations and straight faces. Overall the hotel was great, would definitely go back.

Beauty is only skin deep - stay elsewhere”

Macalister Mansion looks fantastic. You'll take photos your friends will like in their multitudes on Facebook and Instagram. Sadly, the experience of actually staying at the hotel is less likable. The owners have spent a lot of money on the overall decor - but skimped on some basics: 1. No black out curtains. This might be bearable if the security lights outside the hotel could be switched off. We initially stayed in Room 6 but there is a large half-moon window in the bathroom which does not have a curtain - it's extremely bright, and the walls from bathroom to bedroom are glass. I made my husband move rooms at 1am as sleep was impossible for me - neither of us were happy. The staff were most accommodating. When I spoke to them the next day they told me many other guests had complained and could I mention it in a review - the management would not hang a simple blind across that window. That’s why this detail is here. 2. The breakfast room is understaffed. Lovely chap works there but making coffee for 14 people, taking their orders and serving breakfast at the same time is just not possible, and service was extremely slow. 3. You can't get a cocktail before 530. And at 530, there are only whisky based cocktails. You can't get a drink by the pool (which is surrounded by a carpark - it looks great, but it's not very relaxing). 4. There are no coffee cups in the room - although there are Netspresso machines. You're supposed to use glasses apparently - as the very nice chap who brought us mugs wearily explained, "All the guests ask for mugs". In summary: The staff are very helpful (Management appears to ignore them - we never met anyone who considered themselves a manager). The rooms are stunning. The food is fantastic (visit for the set menu dinner which is excellent). The location is OK. It's a cab to the old town. The food market at New Lane is close by and excellent. I wanted to love MacAlister, but sad to say I will not stay here again.

Pleasantly amazing”

Looking at previous images and write ups of Macalister Mansion, being there was a different experience. The quality of space and the way the interior celebrated it is stunning, the staff were curtious and the food, delicious

Romantic and quiet with creative and cosy room concept ”

Room was big and clean with a creative and cosy concept. Room was 100/100 for me. Really loved the free breakfast there as well, food was great. Service was good with polite staffs and was even able to request for a late check out. Mentioned that we will be celebrating our anniversary there and they decorated our room with rose petals. Although location is abit further off and not of walking distance to the popular parts of Georgetown, still don't regret booking them! A really great place for couples looking for cosy and quiet place to stay after a tiring day out. Would definitely book again if travelling to Penang.

OMGorgeous”

It was a girls trip, 4 days in Bangkok and 3 days in Penang before heading back to Australia. We had actually stayed at a different location for the first two nights in Penang, paid 5 stars money but did not get 5 stars treatment (actually costed us more than this one). Couple of girls left so two of us changed to this location. OMG was the first thing that we both said when they opened the room door. The deco is a mixture of oriental and model fashion, amenities are all from Aesop, local biscuits and cold refreshments were already waiting on the table. The room was quiet, clean and spacious. Oh did I mention the bed is humongous?! The breakfast was simple but was enough. They also have an impressive lounge/bar, which i highly recommend if you want a girls night out. Or just a night out. An outside pool and a two ppl gym, which is enough given that there are only 8 rooms. Local shops and restaurants are all nearby. A truly impressive hotel and an unforgettable stay. Highly recommended!

MUST STAY !!”

I enjoyed every second of it. My wife and my 7 yr old son literally refused to leave the hotel to try outside food. They enjoyed the swimming pool. OMG!! The night view is just unbelievable! I felt I was like a KING staying in a palace! The room is super clean. They provide a high quality hand, face wash (h20 brand) soap and cream. Every little thing there was exceptionally of high quality. Staff there treated us like a king and queen. Very professional and polite. They respect ur privacy. The night view, OMG!! A Must See To BELIEVE! ! The pool with a bar was just perfect ! Very beautiful pool and landscape design. With private car parking and a lot of privacy. You can have intimate time with your "whoever" near by the pool area while enjoying your beer. No disturbance at all. Now everyone can live like a KING woth an affordable price! A MUST VISIT PLACE IN PENANG! Hack! In Malaysia!!

Classy Colonial ”

A beautifully restored hotel, eight rooms was nothing short of amazing. Modern, comfortable rooms, great location between Gurney and Georgetown, and wonderful service. It lived up to all my expectations.

Nice and classy Hotel with excellent service !!”

We're celebrated our Wedding Anniversary in this Mansion in Penang. Satisfied with their services and warm gift/cake was prepared by the Hotel. We will stay again once we visit Penang in the near future.

Beware of Room No. 3”

While Room 3 is certainly one of the most beautiful rooms of the hotel, featuring a large balcony, it has an unbearably noisy bathroom ventilation fan which cannot be turned off and prevents a quiet night's sleep. We had to change room because of the loud rumble that came out of the in-room bathroom. Staff reacted very professionally, though. I just wonder what they'll do if all Eight Rooms are booked out ...

Luxurious, Modern and Unique”

Searched on the net after friends' recommendation on MM food and came across the eight rooms which caught my attention. Fell in love after viewing the rooms photos and thought must give it a try on a special occasion. Picked Room 6 and exactly met my expectations (from my experiences with other hotels, some are only nice when viewed from photos). The room is modernly designed,comes with a variety of complimentary tit-bits, comfortable large beds,very spacious posh bathroom with a Victorian style bath tub. Although the view from the room is not great and the pool is more like a decoration than for use due to its awkward location, but who cares when you have a superb and comfy room which once you had stepped in, you wouldn't even want to step out of! Hotel breakfast was excellent and among the best I ever had. A great experience indeed! However one of the disappointment during my stay was that the dining room was booked for a private function. So, this gives me a chance of visiting MM again. xD Would definitely love to try out all the other seven rooms if I have the cha-ching to spend as the rooms are quite pricey.

My review”

I really enjoyed my stay..I Felt very well looked after. Right level of professionalism. Very sympathetically restored Penang Colonial Mansion. Exceptionally well maintenained rooms, and service.

Fantastic Service and Friendly Service”

We're so in love with this Mansion in Penang. Satisfied with the services and warm gift was prepared by them during Chinese New Year. We are sure we will stay again once we visit Penang again.

Perfect room for a couple anniversary”

I wanted to go with my girlfriend for our one-year anniversary, and it was the good choice. The room is perfect, you just want to spend time in it. The mansion and its different rooms is greatly restored, with this mix of old colonial and modern art, I really loved it. Wifi was not extraordinary overall, and location could be a bit better. Also, when booking cabs from the reception, we often found non metered taxi, I don't mind, but in this case, reception should advise on the rate or inform us.

stylish boutique hotel with excellent service”

stayed here for a short weekend getaway. rooms are very modern and comfy. most importantly, they were very clean. staff were extremely helpful and professional and they made our stay a very pleasant and enjoyable one. only slight drawback is the location - it's a 20-30min walk from the main eating street of jalan penang/ jalan transfer etc. did that the first day and regretted it. the next day, we took a cab which was a less-than-10min ride. will definitely stay here again if we come back to Penang.

Excellent”

Room: excellent. Bed was comfortable and room was faultless. Staff: welcoming but not intrusive. Very responsive over email before arrival and very accommodating with a special surprise during dinner. Thank you. Dinner: ambience was great, staff great, food okay. Very enjoyable. Miscellaneous: nespresso machine in room was not programmed properly. Easily the best hotel in penang for a relaxing evening.

I love it!”

I really really liked it! Was in Penang for a business trip and thought to try this hotel for its design. I have heard the design of this hotel is too modern for all to like, but I personally love it. Although, I think it is a little Too pricey. Nothing much going on in the hotel apart from the F&B. I love the rooms. The pool is in a weird location with no privacy (neighbouring buildings overlooking it) and is just by the carpark. My room was so comfy i could just stay in the room the whole day! If I had the money to spend, this would be my top choice of hotel in Penang - I hardly use any other facilities anyways so the superb room + F&B is more than satisfying enough for me =D

A romantic getaway”

The hotel is clean n comfortable. We had very restful stay at hotel as we enjoyed the quietness of it. The location is convenient to find local street food and not too far away from gurney plaza to do our shopping. Any couple looking for private time with your spouse, highly recommend Macalista Mansion :)