We may not be able to own a piece of history, but travellers can experience a taste of a time long ago over a weekend at Macalister Mansion in Georgetown, Penang.
Macalister Mansion was built when Penang was a thriving colony of the British empire, making it approximately a hundred years old. Today it stands as proud and beautiful as ever as a refurbished hotel with eight uniquely designed suites and five social spaces to suit any occasion. Its trademark facade is of whitewashed walls towering a perfectly manicured lawn. Step inside and you are instantly transported to a home featuring a fusion of modernist design with grand touches of art and history.
A stay in a mansion has its charm, as you can imagine. The suites are extremely spacious and with a limited number of rooms, you have plenty of privacy too. At times, we felt like the entire mansion belonged to us. Room service was thoughtful with great attention to detail and we loved having meals without ever leaving the comfort of our bed. In the evenings, macarons were delivered to our doorstep and for those fussy sleepers, you have a pillow menu to select from.
Travellers can make a day of it by exploring Georgetown‘s UNESCO heritage sites which are accessible by car. When in Penang, no morning, afternoon, evening or night is complete without generous rounds of Penang’s authentic cuisine. For more ideas, give these guides a read:
Guy’s Guide: 48 Hours in Georgetown
7 More Things to do in Penang Once You’ve Seen Kek Lok Si
Nomad rating: 4/5
Most memorable: Cosy, colonial charm and the most stunning bedrooms
Recommended for: Out-of-towners on a weekend staycation
