Charming hotels in Penang

In Penang, try to stay in those old hotels that emits a rustic old world charm.
For those with a small wallet, like me, can consider Cathay Hotel. It was said that Michelle Yeoh recently shot a movie here.
The reception is manned by several friendly "uncles" who speak very good English, Mandarin, and of course Penang Hokkien. The rooms are clean and spacious. The few gripes I have with this place is, first, the wall is paper thin. Second, as I did not make any reservation and was lucky enough to still get the last room despite arriving close to midnight, I had the first room on ground floor from the main entrance. It means that you can hear all the sounds of people talking and walking in and out of the hotel early in the morning.

If you have lots of money to spare, then Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is just right across the road from Cathay. Cost 10 times more, but expect more luxury. I missed the twice daily guided tour, so did not manage to visit the interior. But this architectually award-winning hotel should be worth the stay there.

Another luxury option is Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the Raffles Hotel equivalent of Penang, founded by the Sarkies brothers too. Looks good too.