Opened in early 2019, 88 Armenian is an intimate boutique hotel in a renovated, Straits Eclectic style colonial building in the heart Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage centre of George Town.

Rooms: The hotel has just six guest rooms – three rooms and three suites – on three levels. The rooms are all furnished with light wood and contemporary custom-designed furniture and lighting,  with copper and marble finishes. The Plush Simmons® super king-sized bed makes sleeping in easy to do.

We stayed in the 592-square-foot Mackenzie Suite, and after a long day of walking in the hot sun, there was nothing better than returning to our oasis of calm to watch Amazon Prime TV shows on the 49-inch Ultra HD LCD TV.

The room is equipped with smart air-conditioning control and smart lighting with different settings. There is a mini-fridge and Nespresso machine and an iPad that’s connected to Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers. On our first evening back after a walk, the staff had chosen a relaxing jazz playlist so we came “home” to dimmed lights and calming tunes.

The commodious bathrooms all include soaking tubs and copper-finished, Gessi multi-setting rain showers.

Dining: Like everything else about 88 Armenian, the hotel’s Copper Bar & Restaurant (CU88) is small, romantic and cozy. Breakfast, which was included in our rate includes an a la carte dish, a small serving of fresh fruit, a home baked croissant and coffee or tea. We skipped dinner, but if breakfast is anything to go by, I expect the multi-course set dinners won’t disappoint.

Service: Our host Karvi was warm and welcoming and her cheerfulness was infectious. The wait staff at the restaurant were always attentive and friendly.

Location: Perfectly located for walking around George Town, the hotel is close the main dining and nightlife areas of Kimberley and Penang Street, and Chulia Street.

Extras: The price of our room included full access to the mini bar with beers, soft drinks, Loacker and Ferrero Rocher treats. You can also request a complimentary Bath Butler service with a choice of three types of therapeutic bath salts. Just call the hotel 10 or 15 minutes before you return from exploring the city and your bath – along with chocolates and a pot of herbal tea – will be ready when you return. At night, there is always a little goodnight treat waiting on your bed. We tucked ourselves in with home-baked cookies on night, millionaire shortbread on another, and marshmallows on the third.

Room rate at time of review: MYR 1,075 per night

Address: 88 Armenian. 88 Armenian Street, George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia. Tel: (60) 426-111-88, 88@88armenian.com