Hotel Tip of the Week: Campbell House – Penang's Colonial Boutique Gem
Welcome to our Hotel Tip of the Week series. As full-time nomads who've stayed in hundreds of hotels worldwide—from budget options to luxury retreats—we only recommend properties that are comfortable, clean, offer excellent value, and treat guests like family. We've personally experienced every hotel featured on Globetrottergirls.com. This week: Campbell House in Penang, Malaysia.
The scorching Penang heat left us sweaty and parched after walking a few blocks through Chinatown with our luggage. Arriving at Campbell House for our final night during the vibrant Thaipusam festival, we were instantly soothed by the cool air conditioning and warmly welcomed by owners Roberto and Nardya.
Our stay quickly became a highlight rivaling the festivities. Within minutes, we'd checked in, chatted about life in London and our travel plans ahead, and Nardya resolved our transport dilemma: a flight to Langkawi for the same price as the ferry, freeing up an extra afternoon in Penang. As someone prone to seasickness, I practically saw a halo over her head as the couple headed out into the sweltering afternoon.
This quick problem-solving and exceptional service come naturally to the duo, both with high-end hospitality backgrounds in Europe. Roberto, a colonial architecture enthusiast, discovered the 1903-built property—once a hotel but vacant for years—and together they meticulously restored it into Campbell House.
The interior evokes Penang's trading post era with antique furnishings, Persian rugs, and polished hardwood floors. The third-floor terrace offers a serene spot for drinks, but we loved the second-floor Library, stocked with paperbacks, magazines, and novels in vintage armoires, inviting hours of relaxed reading on plush sofas.
When our room was ready, we immediately wished we could extend our stay. True to its heritage, the original room sizes were preserved, resulting in ten spacious, individually designed rooms with high lofted ceilings and exposed wooden beams—grand yet cozy, luxurious yet livable.
Blending old-world charm with modern comforts, our room featured a large flat-screen TV (with a downstairs DVD library), an iPod/iPhone dock, and—the standout—a Nespresso machine from Harrods London. We savored mess-free morning coffee in plush white robes and slippers, alongside fresh iced tea, filtered water in the mini-fridge, and a kettle for tea. The spacious wet room boasted a rain showerhead and colorful Peranakan tiles. Complimentary organic cotton bags with local toiletries were a nice touch, though we left ours for the next guests.
City-center colonial buildings often mean noise from traffic and scooters, but not here. Extra soundproofing on the stained-glass windows minimized outside sounds, while shutters blocked light for a restful lie-in on the king-size bed. Breakfast at downstairs Il Bacaro restaurant included fresh fruits, homemade breads, eggs to order, carrot-ginger juice, and fresh orange juice—no menu needed.
Standout Feature: Prime Location
Perfectly positioned on a quiet stretch of Chinatown's main road, Campbell House is ideal for exploring George Town, Penang's cultural hub. Little India is a 15-minute walk, the ferry a quick cab ride, and 1st Avenue Mall and Komtar Tower (Malaysia's 6th tallest building) just 10 minutes away. Its convenience tempts you to pop back for a refresh—but beware, you might linger with a DVD and room service dinner.
Room for Improvement: In-Room Wi-Fi
While advertised as in-room, Wi-Fi signal was weak in our space (though strong in the Library and common areas). In today's connected world, reliable access is essential for streaming, calls, or work—this was our sole drawback.
Campbell House Penang – Our Verdict
Unlike formulaic upscale Southeast Asian hotels, Campbell House delivers personalized luxury with top-tier amenities. Upscale yet approachable, classy without pretension, its helpful, knowledgeable owners make you feel at home amid colonial splendor.
Campbell House Penang – The Details
Location: 106 Lebuh Campbell, 10100 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Price: Doubles from RM380 / $125
LGBT Friendly: Yes
Digital Nomad Friendly: Not quite (limited in-room Wi-Fi on upper floors)
Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi in Library/public areas, Italian restaurant Il Bacaro, DVD library, fresh iced tea/water, organic toiletries, Nespresso machine.
Website: www.campbellhousepenang.com
Find special rates for Campbell House Penang on Booking.com
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