The Prestige

A bold amalgam of concrete, brick, aluminum, glass, and steel, the opening of The Prestige marks a striking departure from the staid, traditional hotels that dominate the George Town hospitality scene. Dreamt up by the award-winning team at Ministry of Design, the hotel is the epitome of modern heritage—layering a contemporary interpretation of Victorian design with optical illusions and verdant local flora. The performance starts right from the ground-floor arcade, where brass mullions alternatively conceal and reveal retail and dining spaces, and indoor garden areas work to transport guests to a vintage orangery, complete with rattan furniture and luxuriant landscaping. A monochromatic color scheme and patterned black-and-white flooring unites the ground floor space, and an innovative rotating light system projects an intricate lattice pattern along corridors—serving to animate the journey through the hotel. Sophisticated elements of visual trickery such as a reception desk that seems to magically balance on chrome spheres, add a touch of whimsy to the hotel’s prevailing elegance.

Playful references to the acts of famed illusionists also abound in the hotel’s 162 rooms and suites, including levitating beds, secret doors that reveal concealed rooms, and a custom shower and wardrobe enclosure that emulates Houdini’s elaborate escape box. Framed by a fresh take on traditional wainscoting that utilizes angular, trapezium-shaped lines, the guestrooms span up to 45 square meters and offer either a king-size bed or twin beds. The Premier Deluxe Suite features a spacious living area, while the Deluxe Trio room is ideally suited for families with a king-size bed and a single bed in separate rooms. Set over two floors, the Loft Suite features a stunning open-plan bedroom on the mezzanine floor and a lounge on the ground floor. Luxurious bathrooms nod to the hotel’s luxuriant surroundings with bespoke botanical wallpaper and rain showers.

The aesthetic influence of botany extends to The Prestige's rooftop infinity pool, where a floral mosaic captures the wild natural beauty of Penang. The hotel’s restaurant concept is also deeply rooted in the lush, tropical landscape. Located on the ground floor, The Glasshouse is reminiscent of a Victorian conservatory with its wrought metal lattice work, abundant greenery, forest-green banquettes and white rattan furnishings, while mirrored walls augment the sense of space and light. A modern Malaysian menu spearheaded by head chef Shafiq Rizhar Rozali features fresh reinventions of classic local dishes, including Nyonya Ulam Rice and Crispy Chicken Gochujang. Private dining and events are catered for on the top floor, where a dedicated events space includes a range of flexible indoor function rooms and outdoor gazebos.