SNAPSHOTS is a series of short and sweet articles about great places and cool activities we find too good not to share with you. Here’s another great place coming your way. If you’re heading to Georgetown, Penang this month, check out the Blue Mansion… Why it is such a cool hotel? Check it out in this snapshot!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
When we heard Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion was offering a Malaysian Residents’ Package, we jumped at the chance to stay and learn more about this historic building. We arrived in Georgetown late afternoon and entered through the ornate gates. The building is quite simply stunning. There is so much to look at and admire as you make your way around. Everything has been carefully and lovingly restored (taking 6 years!) and the building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We took in all the beautiful architecture as a member of staff led us into the main hallway to receive a welcome drink.
The rooms
Next it was time to see our room, and I have to say, this is one of the largest rooms I have ever stayed in. It had so much character. Our family of four had the Han Suite, which was right at one end of the mansion. The main bedroom could probably have fit us all in easily, but the kids actually had their own smaller room attached to ours with a daybed. This room did not have aircon though. There are some lovely touches in the room too, such as the traditional sarongs you could wear down to the pool. There is also a coffee machine and cookies and juices for the kids.
High tea in the courtyard
As part of the package, we enjoyed a very nice high tea in the courtyard. We were delighted with the spread of cakes and sandwiches. There was plenty of room for the kids to explore. If you time it right, you may even see a musical performance from local musicians. The staff could not have been more attentive and we enjoyed a lazy afternoon drinking tea. One thing to be aware of is that other tourists who are on a tour of the mansion can show up. We didn’t find this too bothersome though.
Hurray for the pool
There is even a small pool and garden to enjoy at the back of the mansion, which we took advantage of before heading out into Georgetown. It’s a little oasis after a hot day exploring and a great little spot to unwind.
A tour around the mansion
Due to the RMCO we had to select and order our breakfast the previous day. It was delivered to our door right on time. The kids enjoyed some very nice pancakes and we enjoyed an English breakfast.
Having admired the beauty of the building, it was time to learn more about its history, so we joined the tour. This is usually priced at RM25 per adult, but is included in the Malaysian Residents’ Package. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we learnt all about the various owners of the mansion. It was a treat to stay in such a historic building and we’ll definitely be back for another visit.
The Malaysian Residents’ Package at The Blue Mansion runs until 30 November 2020. You can find more details here. If you’d like to find out things to do with kids while in Penang, have a look at our article here.
This Snapshot is written by Victoria Clements. Victoria is originally from the UK and has been teaching Secondary School English for over 15 years now. She currently teaches at a school in Cyberjaya, where she lives with her husband and two children.
