We stayed two nights to celebrate a special wedding anniversary. The hotel knew this but we were amazed when ushered to our room to find a large sheet of paper on the bed with a heart outlined in rose petals and two roses for my husband to present to me. And furthermore on the next day, the actual anniversary, we were telephoned in the afternoon on our return to the room to say a "parcel" was on its way up. This turned out to be 5 of the staff with a plate with two pieces of cake and a greeting in chocolate icing which we held while they sang "You are the only one for me"!!
The only criitcism of the suite (sitting area with sofa, desk etc opening on to bedroom then large luxury bathroom with bath, shower , his and her wash basins...) was that we could not get the room temperature sufficiently high for comfort in the day time- whatever we did it was too cold so we opened the window if there in day time. We did mention this to the desk but although we think someone came to the room in our absence it was clearly not possible to do anything. The bed was vast, but mattress on the hard side. The pool and sitting area with comfortable recliners and large parasols on the terrace by the sea is superb. So is breakfast. But we suspect that when the rest of the building,including an enormous tower block, is completed the place will seem too crowded - unless it is the plan to have separate pool and breakfast areas for the newer part. Breakfast from a fantastic choice sitting under a canopy outside was an experience to remember for ever. The location is good for walking into China Twon and Little India. There is a food hawker market quite near - so no need to pay large sums for hotel dinners. The staff anticipate one's every wish and need and are charming.This is undoubtedly one of the great hotels of the world.

Just lovely to find the E&O in Penang. Excellent breakfast. Big room with sea view, bathroom had his and hers sides (so mine was tidy!). The red garden food hall across the road was great - you choose your dishes from the surrounding stalls and give them a table number and they trot along with their stuff and collect their cash - at £2 a course -yum! Only downside was the Coel birds in the tree outside our room -diurnal and active at 5am!
Arrived by bus from KL (60 ringgit each -can do cheaper) that terminates in a backwater bus station some 25 ringgit set fee to E&O in a crappyish old taxi. Airport transfer from E&O was 57 ringgit in a posh taxi (only 30 mins but traffic was good).
Weather this feb was torrential rain every night - so be prepared!

My sister & I stayed at the E&O in January this year and had the best stay ever. We were in a premier double room overlooking the sea. The room was so nice. My sister is a smoker so she had her own private balcony to smoke which was good for me as I am a non-smoker. We also had are own sinks - so good for 2 girls. We loved all the staff - they were so friendly, helpful and respectful. We spent most afternoons having a quiet cocktail in Sarkies - the staff treat you so well. We tried the afternoon tea at the restaurant which was a special experience.
We recommend Paul for Taxis rides - he is honest and so helpful. We wished we'd asked him originally to take us places as we know we would have had a better experience. He knows so much. Breakfasts were amazing - so much choice and it wasn't too crowded when getting our meal. We will be going back so thanks E&O for making our holiday extra special.

Just spent 5 days at the hotel. We have stayed there many times while we were in Penang. A few visits ago they disappointed us with both service and f&b quality. This time around, we found that they have taken our comments and complaints to work and have revised their food menu and improved their service tremendously.
Their food menu, although seem limited was open to cooking meals that were not in the menu. However, they do not have a kids menu and I found that lacking. They seem to have a lot of families staying in the hotels and the hotel should make some adjustments to make the little ones feel welcome. Perhaps a small play area in the hotel or an outdoor play slide next to the pool garden.
Apart from that it was a good stay in the E&O. They are slowly getting their old charm back and with the new wing coming up soon, they will need to continually improve.