Experiencing Southeast Asia’s First Peranakan Inspired Sanrio Stay At Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang
The ultimate kawaii getaway awaits with Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll.
Penang’s most adorable hospitality experience has arrived.
Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel under Marriott Bonvoy, recently unveiled an official collaboration with Sanrio Southeast Asia, a global lifestyle brand best known for beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll. While Sanrio-themed hotel rooms are exceptionally rare, this collaboration marks Southeast Asia’s first-ever Peranakan-inspired Sanrio Characters hotel rooms and afternoon tea experience. Despite delighting fans for decades—Hello Kitty marked her 50th anniversary in 2024—all three characters continue to enjoy immense popularity, securing spots in the top five of the Sanrio Character Ranking 2025.
Launched in July 2026, the collaboration is set to run for two years, with the themed rooms proving exceptionally popular and reservations filling up at a remarkable pace. Guests can pick their favourite character and room type—I personally opted for the delightful Cinnamoroll.
Hello To A Sweet Stay
The hotel’s entire 28th floor is dedicated to the beloved Sanrio characters, who welcome guests upon exiting the lift with three larger-than-life character statues. Access is reserved exclusively for guests staying in the Sanrio-themed rooms, with even the personalised key cards customised to reflect each guest’s room.
The attention to detail begins in the hallway and becomes even more apparent once you step inside the rooms.
Room number signs bear illustrations of their respective characters, while the wallpaper along the hallway is decked with Hello Kitty and Kuromi dressed in kebayas, while Cinnamoroll dons a lok chuan.
Even being in my 30s, I found it hard to contain my excitement upon entering the room. What amazed me was that nearly every surface had been personalised, from the carpet bearing Cinnamoroll’s likeness to the amenities, toiletries, and décor. The room’s focal point was an oversized Cinnamoroll décor on the headboard wall, while the character greeted me at every turn, with the space enveloped in a baby blue palette inspired by his (Cinnamoroll is a white male puppy born on a cloud in the distant sky) signature colour.
Cloud motifs are thoughtfully incorporated into the room’s bespoke furnishings, from the minibar handles to the bedside table knobs. As a subtle nod to Penang’s heritage buildings, the wallpaper reimagines the intricate geometry of traditional Peranakan tiles through a playful Cinnamoroll lens.
The room’s design also cleverly walks the line between playfulness and refinement. Rather than overwhelming the space with motifs, it incorporates the Japanese pop icons while paying tribute to Malaysia’s Peranakan heritage through tasteful details. There is always a distinct pleasure in unwinding at a hotel rather than at home, and I was more than content to spend the day admiring the room—including Cinnamoroll’s endearing floppy ears.
Hello Kitty Themed Rooms
As the hotel kindly took me on a tour of the Hello Kitty and Kuromi rooms, I was delighted to discover that each space had been personalised with its own colour palette—soft pink for Hello Kitty and purple for Kuromi—alongside charming touches inspired by the beloved characters.
Kuromi Themed Rooms
The Suite Life, Sanrio Style
The themed rooms are available across four categories: Junior Suite, Deluxe King, Deluxe Double, and Premier King. The Premier King offers the most spacious setting, spanning 37 sq m with a plush king-sized bed, bathtub, and separate living and dining areas. Designed to accommodate up to four guests—two adults and two children aged 12 and below—it provides a comfortable and delightful retreat for families. Suite guests also enjoy exclusive privileges, including evening cocktails, as well as all-day refreshments and snacks.
Leave With A Little Sanrio Magic
With so many charming details, guests may be reluctant to leave the enchanting world of Sanrio behind. Fortunately, Iconic Marjorie Penang has thoughtfully curated an exclusive collection of themed merchandise used during the stay, allowing guests to purchase everything from towels, bathrobes, and bed runners, to pillowcases, teacups and saucers, kettles, and even hair dryers.
Every stay also includes a selection of complimentary keepsakes, including bedroom slippers and themed toiletries. Families travelling with children are treated to a specially curated children’s toiletry set, while kid-sized bathrobes and slippers await in the room. Guests staying in the suites receive additional touches, including a Hello Kitty plush toy and tote bag upon arrival, with themed eye masks presented during turndown service.
Too Cute To Eat…Almost
Beyond eating, sleeping, and immersing yourself in a Sanrio fantasyland, the experience extends to themed dining at Loom & Leafs. Included with every stay is the Sweet Trio Afternoon Tea, while non-hotel guests can also indulge in the experience (12pm to 6pm daily), with sets priced from RM199+ for two persons. Indulge in a decadent spread of sweet and savoury treats inspired by all three characters, including Cloud Berry Pavlova, Ribbon Berry Panna Cotta, and Velvet Ube Choux. My favourites included a delicate Swiss roll crowned with Cinnamoroll’s face in white chocolate, buttermilk scones embellished with Hello Kitty and served alongside strawberry preserves and vanilla cream, and a Mont Blanc complete with Kuromi’s unmistakable ears. Best of all, even the bespoke plates and teaware are part of the experience, extending the whimsical theme to every sip and bite.
There is also an à la carte menu, featuring delights such as Hello Kitty Curry Chicken Rice (yes, the rice is shaped like the character), Kuromi Mischief Chicken Waffle, and Cinnamoroll Cosy Croissant.
Iconic Marjorie Penang has gone above and beyond to bring the Sanrio universe to life, and I left already planning my next visit—this time to check into Hello Kitty or Kuromi’s world.
Enjoy a sweet Sanrio stay package featuring one night’s accommodation, daily breakfast for two adults and two children (12 years old and below), a one-time Sanrio Afternoon High Tea Set at Loom & Leafs, and an RM50 F&B credit redeemable at Loom & Leafs. Use the promotional code E6779 for stays from now until 31 October 2026. Prior reservations are required for meals; please call +60125059530.
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