Blue Mansion Review: The Best Boutique Heritage Hotel in Penang

The Blue Mansion is Penang's landmark heritage hotel. Its indigo-blue facade and Chinese architecture immediately catch your attention. It is located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed George Town.

Built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of the 19th century, the Blue Mansion was his home and the base in Malaysia from where he ran his empire.

This five-star boutique heritage hotel offers luxury and grandeur while preserving the charm and elegance of its bygone era. It has a swimming pool and a fine dining restaurant, and has been used as a set for several Asian films.

It was the perfect place to spend three nights in Penang on my first visit, and then again when I returned to George Town several years later, where I stayed in a different room and enjoyed meals and evening entertainment at Mangga, the new outdoor cafe at the Blue Mansion.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Public Areas And The Blue Mansion Tour

Entering the building, I felt transported back in time; the splendour of my surroundings was remarkable.

The reception area is awash with valuable antiques and precious objects from the 19th century collected from around the world.

Marble, floor tiles, and stained glass windows were shipped to Penang from as far away as the UK and Scotland, because the craftsmanship at that time was believed to be the best available.

Over the years, the Blue Mansion has been painstakingly restored to its former glory under the guidance of UNESCO.

A mansion tour is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours learning about the history of Cheong Fatt Tze and the Blue Mansion.

Interior Areas

Blue-painted walls offset tranquil lotus ponds with relaxing seating areas positioned to allow you to enjoy the open courtyards.

It's a place to read, relax, and take time to appreciate the decadence and grandeur of this heritage hotel.

Eighteen rooms are each uniquely furnished with precious heirlooms and authentic pieces of furniture, arranged in four categories. You can choose from the Liang, Tang, Han, and Ming collections, all of which offer direct pool access.

The balmy air and birdsong allow you to drift away with your thoughts, forgetting the town's hustle and bustle outside the Blue Mansion's walls.

On our first visit to the Blue Mansion, we stayed in the Ming Collection twin room, named Sinkeh, meaning ‘newly off the boats’.

This title represented the arduous and gruelling journey that Cheong Fatt Tze took to make a name for himself in Southeast Asia.

Our room contained antiquities from the family's treasure trove. A private back entrance took us to the small communal garden and pool, a fabulous place to spend a few hours escaping the day's heat.

On our second visit, we stayed in a stunning heritage king bedroom, Escoy, named after the intricately carved Chinese screen behind the bed, which was gifted to Cheung Fatt Tzu from the Eastern Smelting Company (ESCOY).

Breakfast Courtyard

Leading from the reception area is the open-air central courtyard.

Breakfast combines self-service and waiter service, offering a good range of breakfast choices accompanied by fresh fruit juices and hot beverages. The service is friendly, and the welcome is very genuine.

If you've watched the film Crazy Rich Asians, this is where the mahjong scene was set up.

A small bar area is adjacent to the courtyard, in case you fancy a drink later in the day.

Blue Mansion Restaurant

Indigo restaurant is located upstairs at the Blue Mansion and is known locally for its mouthwatering cuisine.

Our waiter was very knowledgeable, advising us of menu choices he thought would appeal to us. The food quality is fabulous, and booking is advisable as the restaurant is always in demand.

Please don't leave without trying one of Indigo's cocktails; they are delicious!

What month did I travel?

I travelled in February, which is one of the best times to visit Penang. I also visited in July and stayed here a second time. This month is typically a rainy time of year, but luckily, it was dry.

Sunny days, lower rainfall and fewer tourists mean you’ll find better deals on flights and hotels. I was lucky not to encounter rainy days on my three-day trip to Penang.

Is a Visa required?

Check the requirements on your official government website.

How was the weather?

It was hot and humid.

What should I pack for the Blue Mansion?

Light, breathable cotton dresses, shirts, shorts and skirts. Swimsuits and sarongs. Open-toed sandals for wearing around the hotel and trainers for sightseeing. A hat to keep the midday sun off your head and face.

Would I recommend Blue Mansion?

Absolutely. The Blue Mansion is a heritage 5* boutique hotel with matching amenities.

Our spacious, traditionally decorated room had a back door leading to a courtyard, garden, and outdoor swimming pool.

The buffet breakfast provided a vast selection of European and Asian food choices, and the restaurant, Indigo, offered a first-class dining experience.

How far is the airport from Blue Mansion?

Penang International Airport is a 20-minute car transfer which the Blue Mansion concierge can organise.

HEADING TO MALAYSIA IN THE FUTURE?  CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL GUIDES ↓

Penang

Discover Penang in 3 Nights: The Best George Town Travel Itinerary

25 Best Tourist Attractions In Penang

Pinang Peranakan Mansion: A Tour of Penang’s Heritage Museum

Chew Jetty: What To See in Penang’s Historic Waterfront Village

Penang Street Art Then And Now: Is It Still Worth Seeing?

Visiting Kek Lok Si: The Amazing Buddhist Temple In Penang

Penang Botanic Garden: What To See On A Visit

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort Review: Beachfront Luxury in Penang

Kuala Lumpur

Kwai Chai Hong: Beautiful Art Murals in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur

Ipoh

Is Ipoh Worth Visiting? Here’s 13 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ipoh in Malaysia

Best Ipoh Itinerary For 2 Days + Cave Temples

4 Best Ipoh Cave Temples To Visit in Malaysia

Gua Tempurung: Explore the Limestone Cave in Perak, Malaysia

Is Kellie’s Castle In Ipoh Worth Visiting?

Borneo

Ultimate Guide for Visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Centre in Borneo

Sepilok Nature Lodge Review: A Beautiful Oasis in Sabah, Borneo

7 Best Places to See Orangutans in the Wild

Mari Mari Cultural Village: A Fantastic Experience in Kota Kinabalu

Malaysia Travel Planning

The Ultimate Malaysia Itinerary – From Penang to Borneo In 4 Weeks

Malaysia vs Singapore: Which One is Better for Your Next Trip?

Getting Around Malaysia: The Best Sightseeing Road Transfers with Daytrip

Exploring Malaysia: 20 Best Places and Most Unique Experiences