WHY STAY

The perfect George Town getaway for a weekend of food, drink and history. The Millen, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, offers all the quality facilities of hotels you’re more likely to find in grander cities, offering a comfortable contemporary base with modern amenities from which to discover Penang’s authentic charms.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Situated in Millionaire’s Row and just a few minutes walk from the modern retail malls of Gurney, the hotel is just under two kilometers from the heart of the town with its quirky art and vibrant cocktail scene. An easy stroll, take in some of the quirky art, heritage buildings and the grand dame of Georgetown: The Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Enjoy expansive views of the sea, grandly faded mansions, and the Istana.

The Millen - Silver Suite

THE FEEL

A modern take on a colonial black and white house, the spacious accommodation is made even grander with elaborate panelling and mirrors. Enormous flower displays in the lobby (reminiscent of Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok) provide a grand entrance. Staff uniforms are a nod back to a bygone age.

GUEST QUARTERS

Good sized rooms with clever use of space, from a small entrance area to a dressing alcove (complete with vanity unit, and steamer). The large bathroom features double sinks and a separate toilet and shower. By the window with a picture perfect view, a second rain shower and standalone bathtub are a commanding presence. Top up the tub with bubbles and enjoy an ever changing vista of the sea and sky, whether pristine blue or raindrop laden promising an impending storm. Signature toiletries (made from nutmeg and white tea) are available along with amenities you may have left home without, from bamboo combs to chic bamboo-handled razors. Firmly comfy beds and marshmallow-soft pillows promise a good night’s sleep against a majestic upholstered black and white striped headboard. Custom seating areas allow guests a view of the sea, or a cozy corner to catch up on some work. Butter soft towelling robes make every shower feel luxurious (the rooms can also be a bit cold). A stylish cabinet in a contemporary take on a packing case houses a mini bar, kettle and coffee maker, along with plenty of water.

FOOD AND DRINK

A small bar downstairs has a good selection of drinks and turned out an excellent martini. There’s no executive lounge for Marriott Bonvoy members but Good Society offers a curated menu of drinks and snacks every evening. Morning coffee and afternoon tea can also be enjoyed here. Breakfast at The Millen is taken at Lili and offers a carefully curated buffet selection from Asian soups to pastries, smoothies and coffees. The a la carte menu offers a good selection of favorites from avocado on toast to a full breakfast. The focus here is on both Malaysian and international fare. Snacks are also available at the pool on the ninth floor. Here you will also find Blacklinen, a contemporary grill house, which is gathering good reviews.

The Millen - Good Society

WELLNESS FACTOR

The Nut&Meg Spa next to the outdoor pool has a traditional aesthetic, the treatment room ceilings decorated with handwoven Malaysian rattan. Quiet rooms provide a cocoon of calm. Start a massage treatment with an invigorating steam session before a treatment with signature oils. The competent massages are both relaxing and invigorating. The outdoor pool on the 9th floor feels like you’re on the rooftop, where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the sea with a drink in hand. Restless traveling companions may like to eschew the view for a workout at the adjacent well-equipped gym.

FAMILY MATTERS

For younger guests there’s a separate kids’ pool, a children’s menu at Lili and cots available on request for the tiniest guests.

SUSTAINABILITY CRED

Every ingredient is used in its entirety to cut down on waste with a semi buffet at breakfast accompanied by freshly prepared a la carte dishes. In the guest rooms organic amenities come in refillable pump bottles while motion sensors help to manage electricity consumption efficiently.

WHAT ELSE?

Newly opened in early 2025 and still in the soft launch phase, this upscale hotel with modern amenities and plenty of space is sure to become a popular address in Penang.

Reviewed by Alison Marshall

marriott.com
+60 4-565 8888
55, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

The Millen Penang, Autograph Collection: Contemporary Colonial

Penang Hotels

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