Soori Penang, a 15-suite boutique hotel housed in a cluster of restored 19th-century Chinese clan shophouses in George Town, opened on January 15. The property was developed by Singapore-based architect-hotelier Soo K. Chan, founder of SCDA Architects. It is his second Soori property, following Soori Bali in 2017.
The hotel occupies a cluster of restored historic shophouses in George Town, the UNESCO-listed historic capital of Penang Island. Described by Wallpaper* as “Malaysia’s most ambitious hotel”, it joins Leading Hotels of the World as only the second Malaysian property in the consortium, after The Datai Langkawi.
Set beside Khoo Kongsi, one of Southeast Asia’s most revered clan temples, the hotel preserves original timber beams, shuttered windows, and tiled courtyards, reinterpreted with contemporary elegance. Suites are individually composed, some rising to a second storey with private lounges or extra bedrooms.
The property features one- to three-bedroom suites. Interiors reference motifs from the Khoo Kongsi temple, carved stone reminiscent of guardian lions, and onyx lanterns. A tranquil inner courtyard with a reflective pool captures the quiet of monsoon rains, while contemporary stone fountains reinterpret traditional rice grinders.
Facilities include a restaurant, bar, gym, tea room, and spa, with masseurs trained by the team from sister property Soori Bali. A wine cellar is in the works. Two additional Cannon Square-facing outlets are planned for the hotel’s second year. Chan also plans to expand with more rooms and suites, as well as bars, restaurants, and shops facing Cannon Square.
The project targets what Chan calls “temporary locals” — travellers seeking authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourist experiences. Cultural advisors offer tailored itineraries, and the hotel has connected with a fifth-generation Chinese family who performs opera and puppet shows, with plans to support the preservation of traditional arts.
The opening comes as Penang positions itself for Visit Malaysia 2026 (#VM2026). The island is targeting one million cruise passengers this year, a 30% rise from 700,000 in 2025, while Penang International Airport is expected to receive nine million air arrivals, up from 7.5 million. Penang is also expanding tourism beyond the heritage zone, with new products being developed in Balik Pulau, Teluk Bahang, and across Seberang Perai.