In the late 19th and early 20th century, The Millionaire’s Row in Penang earned its moniker when it became the preferred address for the island’s elite, including British colonial administrators and Chinese tycoons later on. Now better known as Northam Road, many of these magnificent mansions have been left unattended or converted into businesses, but they still offer a glimpse of the island’s opulent past through its European-inspired architecture. These prestigious residences have inspired The Millen Penang, a 146-room designer hotel that also marks the debut of the Autograph Collection in George Town.
Its colonial influences are apparent the moment guests arrive at the grand entrance, where they are greeted by The Water Fountain, a stunning sculpture by prominent Malaysian artist Pamela Tan and an ode to the grand fountains of British estates.
This is also evident once guests step into the hotel’s grand lobby, with its sweeping staircase, black-and-white geometric marble flooring, a cascading chandelier, and gold accents that exude sophistication with its Art Deco influences. The hotel is owned by Dato’ Sean H’ng, Group CEO of HNG Capital Group and the visionary behind Macalister Mansion, whose impeccable taste and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout both properties.
Art pieces at The Millen Penang
Guests can delight in admiring the art pieces strewn throughout the hotel, which doubles as a canvas. This includes artist Loh Chee Peng’s striking pixelated wall relief sculpture of Captain Francis Light, widely known as the founder of Penang.
A Look Inside the Sterling Suite and Silver Suite
With its sweeping views of the Andaman Sea, the hotel’s Straits Loft stands as one of the most exquisite suites I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing in Penang. Its accommodations are all generously sized, starting from 56 sq m and going up to 156 sq m for the Presidential Suite. No expense appears to have been spared when fitting out the rooms, which include marble-clad interiors, 400-thread-count sheets, and commissioned art pieces that give the space a unique character. Make sure to take the time to unwind in the Victoria + Albert bathtub, and enjoy sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows in its lavish bathroom adorned with subtle gold accents. Its custom-scented toiletries are infused with nutmeg, a fragrant fruit cultivated on the island that adds a touch of local heritage to the rooms.
The Nut&Meg Spa
The scent of nutmeg, with its earthy undertones and hint of spice, lies at the heart of the experience at Nut&Meg Spa—a signature wellness brand created exclusively by the hotel. Treatments such as the 60 Minute Penang Massage with Nutmeg Oil and scrubs incorporating flower petals of Malaysia’s national flower, the hibiscus, provided me with a much-needed retreat and to truly relax. The spa is a serene sanctuary, with warm-toned furnishings throughout its four private treatment rooms, each with its own steam shower and large bathtub, in addition to a Relaxation Infrared Sauna.
The exceptional cuisine warrants a visit all on its own and, better yet, you can enjoy it all without stepping out into the island’s humid heat. Adjacent to the hotel’s lobby is Good Society, where I was greeted by the affable Bar Manager, Michael. He introduced me to his favourite freshly baked pastries, including scones, and recommended the Devonshire tea for a truly British experience. In the evenings, the space transforms into a bar, where you can customise gin and tonics to your preference with a variety of spices, herbs, fruits, and traditional ingredients.
Upstairs on Level 2 is Lili, which offers a modern reinterpretation of Malaysian cuisine through responsibly sourced ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests can enjoy waking up to the scrumptious Millionaire’s Row River Prawn & Crab Omelette.
To balance out indulgent tastings of Penang’s famed hawker fare, guests can work up a sweat in the gym outfitted with state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment, or unwind with a swim in the hotel’s breathtaking saltwater-treated infinity pool. The glass-walled pool not only offers incredible ocean views, but also serves as a striking backdrop for memorable, photo-worthy moments.
A stay at The Millen Penang is truly a refined escape, where colonial elegance, contemporary design, curated art, and locally inspired experiences come together in luxurious homage.
Photos courtesy of The Millen Penang and Norlman Lo
