Pros

  • Restored colonial mansion melds historic details with modern design
  • Uniquely decorated rooms filled with commissioned art
  • Bang & Olufsen sound systems and Nespresso machines
  • Two stunningly designed restaurants with international cuisine
  • Stylish wine bar and a cigar lounge
  • Chic outdoor pool with a swim-up bar
  • Guest lounge
  • Free breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi
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Cons

  • Expensive dining
  • Not close to most attractions
  • Tiny fitness room
  • No spa
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Bottom Line

With its grand white exterior and stunning designer interiors, the four-pearl Macalister Mansion is a special merger of Penang's British Colonial legacy with a luxury lifestyle experience. Guests can live like pampered lords in the eight unique rooms, each with their own architectural quirks and commissioned artwork. Proper amenities can be found in appropriate places throughout the mansion, from inventive tasting menus in the Dining Room, to a stylish wine bar in The Cellar, to a sleek outdoor pool on The Lawn. It's a bit far from the main attractions, but this 100-year-old mansion is a destination unto itself.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Macalister Mansion

Scene

Restored British Colonial mansion

Named after Sir Norman Macalister, one of Penang's earliest British governors, the hotel is the result of the work of veteran restaurateur duo Dato Sean and Datin Karen, whose vision for the property revolved around the idea of a complete contemporary renovation of the interiors. The stately original facade was restored, with only a few quirky art installations hinting at the designer makeover inside. The hotel's reception is an understated space with a simple front desk, but it gives way to lavish spaces filled with curated artwork, from the red-tiled cellar to the white-on-white dining room with its ethereal, pastel-colored forest creatures. 

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Location

West of the historic city center

Located on Macalister road west of the city historic center, the hotel isn't within walking distance of George Town's main attractions. It's about a 10-minute drive to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage district, with its bustling bazaars, hawker centers, and street art. The Penang Museum is a six-minute drive, and cultural tourist attractions like Khoo Kongsi, Kuan Yin Temple, and the Kapitan Keling Masjid are under 12 minutes away by car. Penang International Airport is about a 30-minute drive to the south end of the island. 

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Rooms

Eight suites with custom artwork and Nespresso machines

Each of the mansion's eight suites have a bright modern decor with white walls and blonde wood furnishings, but the similarities end there. Commissioned artwork and unique architectural details set one apart from another. Room 3 has a fabric collage by a Malaysian artist and a private balcony, while a wrought-iron spiral staircase leads to a turret in Room 4, and Room 7 has a textile wall hanging based on the original tartan colors of the Scottish Macalister clan. Free Wi-Fi comes standard throughout, as do iPod docks, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Systems, and flat-screen TVs. There are also stocked minibars, mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines in every room. The bathrooms have mosaic tiled walls with twin vanities, free-standing rainfall showers, and separate soaking tubs. 

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Features

Outdoor pool, two atmospheric restaurants, stylish wine bar and cigar lounge, and free breakfast

The mansion's Living Room is its casual all-day eatery with a pastry counter and leafy spot to get free breakfast or afternoon tea beside a wall-stenciled fireplace. By contrast, the Dining Room's all-white interior is centered around an ethereal white tree with pastel woodland animals beneath a gossamer white canopy. It serves innovative contemporary fare; sample items include Wagyu beef with vegetable ash, and Hokkaido scallops with lemongrass foam. There are also wine parings and pricey tasting menus. For libations, The Cellar has over 300 wine and champagne bottles to choose from and The Den provides a stylish lounge for cigar and whisky aficionados. Outside, a swim-up bar adjoins the mosaic-tile pool surrounded by a wide sundeck adorned with white cube tables, potted trees, and white lounge furniture. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Macalister Mansion

Scene

Restored British Colonial mansion

Named after Sir Norman Macalister, one of Penang's earliest British governors, the hotel is the result of the work of veteran restaurateur duo Dato Sean and Datin Karen, whose vision for the property revolved around the idea of a complete contemporary renovation of the interiors. The stately original facade was restored, with only a few quirky art installations hinting at the designer makeover inside. The hotel's reception is an understated space with a simple front desk, but it gives way to lavish spaces filled with curated artwork, from the red-tiled cellar to the white-on-white dining room with its ethereal, pastel-colored forest creatures. 

See More Scene

Location

West of the historic city center

Located on Macalister road west of the city historic center, the hotel isn't within walking distance of George Town's main attractions. It's about a 10-minute drive to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage district, with its bustling bazaars, hawker centers, and street art. The Penang Museum is a six-minute drive, and cultural tourist attractions like Khoo Kongsi, Kuan Yin Temple, and the Kapitan Keling Masjid are under 12 minutes away by car. Penang International Airport is about a 30-minute drive to the south end of the island. 

See More Location

Rooms

Eight suites with custom artwork and Nespresso machines

Each of the mansion's eight suites have a bright modern decor with white walls and blonde wood furnishings, but the similarities end there. Commissioned artwork and unique architectural details set one apart from another. Room 3 has a fabric collage by a Malaysian artist and a private balcony, while a wrought-iron spiral staircase leads to a turret in Room 4, and Room 7 has a textile wall hanging based on the original tartan colors of the Scottish Macalister clan. Free Wi-Fi comes standard throughout, as do iPod docks, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Systems, and flat-screen TVs. There are also stocked minibars, mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines in every room. The bathrooms have mosaic tiled walls with twin vanities, free-standing rainfall showers, and separate soaking tubs. 

See More Rooms

Features

Outdoor pool, two atmospheric restaurants, stylish wine bar and cigar lounge, and free breakfast

The mansion's Living Room is its casual all-day eatery with a pastry counter and leafy spot to get free breakfast or afternoon tea beside a wall-stenciled fireplace. By contrast, the Dining Room's all-white interior is centered around an ethereal white tree with pastel woodland animals beneath a gossamer white canopy. It serves innovative contemporary fare; sample items include Wagyu beef with vegetable ash, and Hokkaido scallops with lemongrass foam. There are also wine parings and pricey tasting menus. For libations, The Cellar has over 300 wine and champagne bottles to choose from and The Den provides a stylish lounge for cigar and whisky aficionados. Outside, a swim-up bar adjoins the mosaic-tile pool surrounded by a wide sundeck adorned with white cube tables, potted trees, and white lounge furniture. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.