Property
In a word—heaven. Talk about character; walk through the doors of this lovingly restored colonial hotel and you are transported back a century to colonial Malaya.

Location
Overlooking the Straits of Melaka, right in the center of Old Town Georgetown. The urban sprawl of modern Penang island can easily be ignored from this beautiful vantage point.

Sleeps
There are various options, including larger family suites with separate bedrooms and kitchenettes.

Highlights
Lounging by the pool, next to the manicured lawn overlooking the Straits, with a Somerset Maugham Eastern Tales novel. Breakfast in the period dining room, or on the terrace. Wandering around Georgetown, a recently-named UNESCO heritage site, and enjoying the jumble of Malay, Indian, Chinese and colonial architecture. Coming back for a refreshing swim after braving Georgetown’s heat and humidity.

Good to know
Splurge at this hotel – you will love it. Friendly staff, family friendly. Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling and Hermann Hesse were all guests here. You can arrange taxis to go further afield and visit the beautiful temples on the island. Kek Lok Si Temple is definitely worth a visit. Food in Malaysia is wonderful and extremely inexpensive and, surprisingly, thanks to strict government regulations, street food is remarkably safe (seriously, even for kids). Do, however, only drink botttled water and carry plenty with you – you will need it walking around in the tropical heat. You’ll have a wide range of dining choices: Malaysian, Indian and Chinese specialties. Don’t miss the satay!

Contact
http://www.e-o-hotel.com/eoh/index.htm

Written by Kimberly Sullivan

Property
LOVE this hotel, an oasis of tranquility right in the heart of this hectic city. Great service and amenities, helpful staff and comfortable rooms.

Location
Can’t be beat. Smack dab in the center of KL – literally just across from the Petronas Twin Towers (spectacular views from the guest rooms). Short cab rides to all the central locations. A pleasant park, including a jogging path (with that humidity, I had zero desire to give it a try) and a nice wading pool for kids, is just outside the hotel.

Sleeps
Standard rooms sleep one child in an extra bed.

Highlights
Everything! Ideal base for exploring the city in the equatorial heat. Loved coming back to cool down with laps in the infinity pool overlooking the KL skyline and waking up to the view of the Petronas Tower.

Good to know
Save money by opting for the room-only rate. Skip the (expensive) clubroom access and breakfasts and walk one minute to the Petronas Towers shopping mall, where you can enjoy an inexpensive breakfast at Starbucks or one of the many other cafes as you watch the city come to life. Go early to get free, but limited (they go quickly!), tickets up the Petronas Towers. Kids will love shopping in Central Market (masks, puppets, jewelry, batik, kites) and the beautiful KL bird park. Wander the streets and visit the temples of Little India and China Town. Concierge services can arrange a day-trip to the beautiful colonial town of Melaka – well worth a visit.

Contact
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur/

Written by Kimberly Sullivan