Ren I Tang Heritage Inn image

Ren I Tang Heritage Inn

Inn

Stylish hotel in a 19th-century former shophouse with a restaurant & a courtyard garden. People often mention hotel, room, great, stay, breakfast, staff, building, lovely, India, clean,


Address

82 A, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Website

www.renitang.com

Contact

+60 4-250 8383

Price rating

$57/night

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (256 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hotel (30) room (28) great (26) stay (25) breakfast (25) staff (23) building (22) lovely (16) India (14) clean (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Pabs 1 year ago on Google
    Had the most lovely stay. The room was clean & fresh to come back to after a busy day exploring Penang, the decor was a lovely mix of chestnut browns & clean whites & theres a cute "shutter door" juliette balcony which opened up onto a busy street that made you feel emersed in city, yet secluded from the noise. The breakfast was an easy authentic Malaysian pick & mix served by lovely staff in a vintage style breakfast / hosting room complimented by great coffee.. Really really enjoyed the trip & the hotel! Great value.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve D. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic historic building with a beautiful restoration. This place really brings the history of George Town alive and is one of the best hotels I have srsged at in Malaysia. Will definitely come back again. Super friendly hosts with a great set of suggestions for what to do. And they mix a nice G & T.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ayora B. 1 year ago on Google
    Ren I Tang is a time capsule, really clean and comfortable. Hosts were very helpful, friendly and understanding, they got the room made purposely to be kid friendly for our stay. Simple and heart warming breakfast - loved the CKT! A nice space for kids to play, and little trinkets around the space. Location? right in the heart of Little India! Parking in the day time can be a challenge, but no problem at night. We loved our stay so much, we will definitely come back again!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S W. 3 weeks ago on Google • 328 reviews New
    We had the pleasure of staying here for 4 nights (+1 additional night following a cancelled flight!). It’s the most wonderful boutique hotel - run by marvellous women. The building itself is beautifully renovated, keeping lots of original features whilst having everything you need. It’s immaculately clean and the breakfast is generous. The location is great, it’s very central and was an easy walk to everywhere we wanted to get to. It’s a little noisy at night because of its location but it quietens down by 11ish.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luni S. 8 months ago on Google
    By far the best and most beautiful hotel on our trip. The welcome is excellent, the atmosphere is soft and warm, the decor is of time and subtle. Nothing is missing. The building itself is exceptional. The (family) room, the bathroom and bedding were perfect. Breakfast is like the rest, perfect. No opulence but finesse with sweet and savory local suggestions for us to taste and discover.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lina S. 2 months ago on Google • 58 reviews New
    Highly recommend. Unique building in great location with lovely staff and amazing breakfast. Pros: + location right in Little India with a great vibe and awesome restaurants all around you + close to main sights + lovely staff + amazing breakfast buffet with daily changing local specialties, fruit, eggs, bread, cereals + interior design of this old, restored building with lots of unique items combined with great attention to detail that create a unique atmosphere Cons: - not a con per se but something to be wary of: because it is an old building the staircases are very steep - we had a street facing room and the windows are also „original“ and not super sound proof. You hear people setting up their shops in the morning and the traffic in the streets. Maybe this could be fixed with some heavy curtains?:)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harry O. 4 years ago on Google
    A very homely Inn with rooms full of character. The breakfasts are tailored with a selected choice of plates from around the area to try, but also offer eggs to order along with good coffee! Thank you Ting, and your staff, for a very welcoming stay. I would happily visit again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mathew S. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderfully charming heritage house that retains much of the original character and features. The rooms are cool and well decorated, offering welcome respite from the heat of George Town. The ladies that own and run the hotel are very hospitable and provide a delicious breakfast, including pancakes and roti canai! Found in an unbeatable location on the edge of Little India, we would highly recommend this hotel.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leo W. 6 months ago on Google
    Just an incredible place to stay. Wonderfully restored building with owners and staff that couldn’t do more for you. Amazing breakfast included every morning that was delicious, and a gorgeous spacious room. I could not recommend this place enough if you’re staying in Penang. Located in little India so naturally it’s a busy location but nowhere near as noisy as we expected it to be. Just a perfect experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Job R. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing hotel! The rooms are great; very clean and good bathroom. The hotel is in a perfect spot in Georgetown. The staff is very friendly and was willing to help us with everything. Very kind people. The breakfast was very good with a lot of Western, Asian and local options. The best breakfast we have had in Malaysia. Thank you for our nice stay!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zahreena Z. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a lovely stay with great vintage ambient cum modern touch here & there. Breakfast spread reminding us home and best hospitality from the owner. Thank you again for the tips for parking 😄 p/s: stair quite steep
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hunter G. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely hotel, independent business, and owner on site, having sensitively renovated the old shop house into its current beautiful state with her business partner. Its previous life was as an old Chinese medicine supply shop (where the name comes from) and artefacts from that time remain on display, which is fascinating. Owner is extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful. One morning when it was heavily raining I had a long chat with her, which really helped me learn about Penang. Rooms are lovely, and retain the old charm without sacrificing creature comforts. Wifi, tv lovely bathroom including tub in mine, while also having shutters that open onto the street so you can soak in the atmosphere from your room. Location is ideal, easy to walk to most places in Georgetown, public transport is abundant as are taxis and Grab cars. I had no trouble getting anywhere, including Penang Hill and the botanical gardens. Some things to be aware of: no fridge or safe in the room. I didn't find this to be a major issue as I prefer not to part with my passport anyway, and water and food were abundant. As the location is right in the heart of Georgetown, and the old style glass isn't particularly noise-excluding, it can be noisy at night. So if you're a sensitive petal about noise like me, bring ear plugs. It's an old shop house, so there's no lift and the stairs are narrow and steep. Not ideal if you struggle with balance or anything like that. I cannot recommend this highly enough. I really enjoyed staying here. I was comfortable, well located, and it made my visit to Penang a much more human experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 陳妍君 1 month ago on Google • 100 reviews New
    It was a wonderful surprise that the room is bigger than what you see on the website. Another big bonus was their breakfast bar. It was a assorted mix with basic western, Chinese, Malaysian and Indian treats. All the snacks you see on the street yet don't know how to buy them, they have them all right here. I wouldn't change accommodation if I have the chance to revisit Georgetown.

  • 5/5 Janine L. 2 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    This is my FAVOURITE place to stay. Ren I Tang has perfectly blended heritage design with modern comforts. The space is very thoughtfully renovated to create a homey atmosphere and highlight the history of the building. Perfectly placed in Little India, George Town it is surrounded by so much life, food and sights. The attached cafe is a great place to have a coffee and watch the world go by. Big thanks to the kind staff who are always there to help and make you feel welcome. Highlight: they will send your postcards for you and can provide stamps!!

  • 5/5 Clara D. 2 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    We absolutely loved our stay here. At first we weren't sure if we were entering the lobby or an antique shop but once we were inside we were greeted warmly, our suitcase was whisked upstairs using an ingenious rope pulley, and we were immediately immersed in a place where every single piece of decor was clearly carefully considered to fit within the antique style. Despite the old school surrounds, there were modern comforts like air conditioning, and every part of the hotel was also spotlessly clean (while retaining character). We stayed in a family room with our 2 kids aged 7 & 9, and there was plenty of room for the whole family. We had our own room with a door, while the kids had two single beds in the wider area. I especially appreciated their efforts to reduce their environmental impact by serving filtered water in glasses, even their bins were lined with old newspaper instead of plastic bags. If you stay here, make sure you have at least one lunch or dinner at the cafe downstairs, it was so delicious and packed with local flavours. Their breakfast selection was also surprisingly wide and super tasty, including nonya desserts and roti which my son loved. Location couldn't be better, you're a short walk from all of Georgetown's attractions. Overall I think we enjoyed our stay here more than our beach resort. If you see this hotel has availability, I urge you to book immediately, it's a real gem.

  • 5/5 Amina K. 3 weeks ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    A very beautifully renovated hotel with authentic touches. The staff is super helpful and friendly, the breakfast was so yummy with lots of options and fresh fruit. Our room was very spacious with a lovely day bed, table and tv. Would highly recommended this hotel for a short stay in George Town.

  • 5/5 Fanny K. 5 months ago on Google
    Caring and friendly staff who made us feel comfortable and welcomed in the hotel. One can drink freshly brewed coffee all day long, without having to go to a cafe. Breakfast was great with a different variety everyday.

  • 5/5 Mong Suan Y. 7 months ago on Google
    I travelled as a single female, and the inn is very safe and cosy for single females. The service was excellent and all the staff were so friendly and made you feel so much at home. Fitting a 5 star hotel. The room is spacious, clean and cosy. It has a lot of character. This inn is a restored medicine hall, and the owner has lovingly restored the building with love. It definitely definitely has a lot of character. They serve local kuih for breakfast and great local fruits. Location wise is excellent, and a lot of great restaurants and tourist attractions are accessible by just walking. Those a bit farther, you can easily get there by taxi. Overall highly recommend especially those who love unique hotel with character.

  • 5/5 Barry P. 10 months ago on Google
    Ren I Tang was an amazing experience from start to finish - over 5 nights. Friendly and extremely helpful staff, superb breakfast and atmospheric room (we booked the tub room) and shared areas. Cannot recommend Ren I Tang highly enough!

  • 5/5 Simon G. 5 months ago on Google
    Lovely post colonial retro , shabby chic at top level with inclusive breakfast of a total delight . Best roast coffee in years and fabulous fresh lemon juice 👍 ............However , my pre booked balcony room was changed very last minute due to a random decision to advance the entire rendering of facade right in tourist season ??. More about their agenda than guests? . This was made abundantly clear when I experienced 'lime wash' descending from upper scaffold with scant regard to Any person accessing main doorway ( see large splash marks on pavement). Health and safety minimal at that point! See debris net but liquid wash could pass through. They took my advice, eventually putting up advisory door notice. This didn't stop my T shirt being spattered with Limewash which I had to confirm from shop opposite as felt on my shoulders..."oh no there's nothing there " the hotel owner exclaimed when I first noticed debris. The other party did witness white marks when I asked! Hmm. Things that could have been handled differently!? Ps the German beer is outrageously priced ! No compensation offered. So my piece appears here now! I did like the character and manner in which they ran the old warehouse building . Just need to put guests before your agendas guys!

  • 5/5 jasmine s. 9 months ago on Google
    The best best BEST hotel. If I could give more than five stars I would - top class staff, food and drinks (and well priced), decor and the most comfortable rooms / beds. Came for a drink and ended up staying, never wanted to leave ❤️

  • 5/5 Sophie J. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Amazing place! Not only was the staff absolutely lovely and helpful in every way but the place it’s self was beautiful with history and character. It’s placed really nicely. Breakfast was absolutely great! A mix of western, Malay Indian and a little Chinese. Just make sure to at least one day come early so u can try ALL of the different things they have to offer. Only thing if you are very noice sensitive you can still hear the streets a bit but nothing that disturbed me nor my partner!! (Also very nice with a shower that has dry floor :))

  • 5/5 Roomana U. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful building, lovely calm atmosphere, and the best staff. We went in for some tea, but ended up staying for hours, looking at all the items in the cabinets, getting a great massage, playing games, and talking with the host.

  • 5/5 Tanguy S. 10 months ago on Google
    I just eat a salad in the restaurant part. The staff was very welcoming with me. The atmosphere reflect perfectly the heritage of the town. Was my first meal on the island. Not so expensive and very good.

  • 5/5 Marcel P. 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic little anecdote of Penang history and located in the core piece of Georgetown's unique quarters incl. Little India and close to the Strait Promenade and "Harmony Street". Excellent check-in, -stay and -check-out service. Rooms are cozy but offer fantastic amenities incl. literature as well as historical, commemorative decoration. Facilities [shower, toilet etc.] are new and complete with towels of varying sizes. Breakfast is an absolute must - you get to try some local [Malay/Chinese-Malay] delicacies! Absolute recommendation. [Stay: 3 Nights].

  • 5/5 Elle-lucia v. 1 year ago on Google
    I recently stayed at this hotel while travelling alone in Penang. The staff were very friendly and helpful and created a safe, welcoming and clean environment. The breakfast provided was fantastic. The hotel bistro is also a lovely place to have a drink or dinner and relax.

  • 5/5 Mary R. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    This is an old heritage hotel, so don't expect a modern one. The hotel has a service lift for baggage. We stayed in a China room on the first floor, perfect for us slightly older people! It was big with 2 windows (with shutters) facing the street. The bed was large and comfortable. A/C worked great and was supplemented by 2 ceiling fans. Soap, shampoo and shower gel were supplied. It is a 'no shoes upstairs' hotel due to old narrow steep stairs. Outstanding breakfast. We dined 'in' for 2 nights, great food.

  • 5/5 Jui-Shin T. 11 months ago on Google
    We had a lovely stay here! The lady owner is super nice, attentive, and have a very relaxing vibe that reminds me i’m here to chill out. The rooms are so cozy and clean. I love how they blend in the old TCM vibe without doing it too much that make it phony. They also don’t use plastic here. Makes me love them even more. The room we stayed is super clean and you feel completely okay to walk around barefoot. Breakfast was also one highlight. Full of tradition delights with a hint of western basic breaky that suits every tastebuds. The only drawback is the noise on the street in the middle of the night. We were staying at the room facing he Main Street. So it can be a bit disturbing when you need some sleep. However it’s not their fault. A pair of ear plugs can easily fix this problem. All in all it is a great place! If I ever come back to Penang, I’ll stay here again!

  • 5/5 James Alexander T. 1 year ago on Google
    Stayed 4 nights and this fantastic old hotel. Located in little India and with a superb restaurant on site, the rooms are a classic design with lovely windows. Noisy area and running repairs ongoing given the age of the building but small issues compared to staying in such a historic building. Staff amazing also

  • 5/5 nosrat g. 2 years ago on Google
    Everything about our stay was great, feeling like stepping back into time, welcomed by family, comfy bedding, aromatic eco-friendly soaps and shampoo, spotlessly clean, yummy local breakfast included. It's a genius blend of old and new with great hospitality. Location is great for walking around the heritage area and getting good food. Its a busy street below so it can get noisy in some rooms and parking is not easy, but there are plenty of empty spots at night. We had a great time and will be back again.

  • 5/5 ELLEN Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely pleasant . Brings back a lot of childhood memories. The building is nicely presereved of the old heritage. Rooms are very comfortable. Location is so central. 💯👍

  • 4/5 Alison S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great lunch venue in Little India. Good selection of western and local dishes. I can recommend the salads and also the rosti with smoked salmon.

  • 5/5 JL 3 years ago on Google
    Such a wonderful place! With the central location (in the heart of Little India), the atmosphere of the neighborhood and the historical building itself (a renovated Traditional Chinese Medicine hall), and the top-notch staff—this place truly offers one of the most immersive George Town experiences you could ask for. Having popped into the cafe over the years, I finally decided to stay during one of their RMCO promotions, and it felt like rediscovering the town all over again—plus, I finally got to see how they use the old-school pulleys, one of the many fascinating relics from the building’s past, that make Ren I Tang such a unique place to stay.

  • 5/5 Florence C. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely historical hotel and restaurant. I kept extending as I enjoyed it so much. Uma would make you eggs or whatever you crave in the morning. Yeok was friendly and accommodating to your needs. The room was clean and comfortable. The building was beautifully restored. I loved the relaxing energy and old-world charm in the building. It's a gem!

  • 5/5 Johannes S. 4 years ago on Google
    Hands down the best part about our trip was the hotel. While the rest was good this was outstanding. Don't get me wrong: This is not a 5 star resort with all kind of amenities, but the people running this Inn are the kind of people you want to meet when traveling! The Inn is build in an old warehouse, which they partly kept as part of the design. The room we had was spacious and very well maintained. The breakfast at first sight was very minimal but they have some freshly prepared option everyday which they will ask you for upon entering the breakfast room. Speaking of it: the breakfast room is a bistro during day at which you can sit in a variety of comfy chairs and a vintage atmosphere. The food we had was good and the drinks were on spot. But also here, the staff is the best: very open, friendly and always willing to go the extra mile. When you have questions just reach out to the staff and you can be sure to get more options than you have asked for.

  • 5/5 Emily C. 4 years ago on Google
    My family of 4 (including two kids: 5 and 4 years) just returned home from a long weekend in George Town and we were so happy with our lodging choice! We were in the Family Room (#2) and really enjoyed it! Do note that the double bed is in it's own room while the two single beds are in what I'd call the main room. We ended up putting the kids in the double bed and my husband and I each took a single. This allowed us a little more space to hang out once the kids went to sleep. The staff at Ren I Tang are FANTASTIC - very tolerant of kids making themselves at home - in fact my daughter didn't want to leave before she could say goodbye. The owners and staff are committed to an environmentally sustainable space and that can be seen in the small details: no plastic straws, reusable glass water bottles, folded paper trash liners, etc. Breakfast is included and for us consisted of great coffee, eggs and pancakes. The lunch/dinner offerings at the cafe were an excellent surprise! I hadn't read much about the cafe but it was wonderful - the fresh produce was on point. Located right in the middle of Little India, it's a super jumping off point for wandering the area: street art, jettys, awesome food, etc. If you're after a unique place to eat and rest your head, this is the place to do it!

  • 5/5 Brett H. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic. 100% rolled gold pleasure to stay at the Ren | Tang. We struck gold booking the Ren Tang. The girls have done a terrific job renovating and decorating the Chinese Shop House in the middle of Little India Georgetown. Breakfast itself was wonderful and thank you for the 4 minute soft boiled eggs!

  • 4/5 Henry C. 2 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous little Gem of a heritage hotel, located at the Little India.

  • 5/5 Beelin L. 2 years ago on Google
    Hidden gem in Georgetown area. Top notch hospitality and makes you want to stay here forever. If you have difficulty in locating the place, look for Ramani Supermarket which is opposite of the road. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Miranda F. 1 year ago on Google
    beautiful calming atmosphere in an amazing old building, I loved it here 🧡

  • 5/5 Bryan C. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved it. Great service. Cozy. Right in the heart of everything. So much character. The restaurant downstairs and the people are amazing. Would love to come back. Rooms could use a little more lighting.

  • 5/5 Eleanor F. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful! Unique, memorable, charming. A beautifully restored heritage building filled with special trinkets to help tell its history. A lovely space to relax in, get local tips and tricks and learn all about Penang. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Iman E. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place ! Ideal location and everything that you need is within walking distance ! Charming decor inside and love the warm welcome from the host. A must-stay when you’re in Penang . 😍

  • 5/5 TC C. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing Laksa, wide selection of gins and house wine every time. Always the best service and biggest smiles. Super chilled atmosphere. A Favourite spot in Penang! Great both lunch and dinner.

  • 5/5 Sumithra D. 2 years ago on Google
    Stayed with a friend for 3 nights in Nov 2021 and it was perfect! Heritage decor with explanations about everything, friendly service and lots of nice touches like netflix, breakfast kuey teow from a nearby hawker and books in the room. Whoever runs this place, you and your team are doing a great job!

  • 5/5 Kevin 1 year ago on Google
    Quiet, clean, a/c, spacious rooms in an old Chinese medical supplies building converted into upscale charming "chic" hotel. Location is perfect in the heart of Georgetown & Little India within 5 minute walk to all the main sites. Great breakfast with many options. The owners (Ting & York) are on-site & can assit with sights to see, etc. I extended my stay from a couple nights to 5 nights as it was so comfortable here. Great value & worth "splurging" a bit in to stay in a beautiful hotel while in Georgetown.

  • 5/5 Marriel C. 1 year ago on Google
    I had a wonderful stay at Ren I Tang, the hotel team goes above and beyond to provide an outstanding guest experience and the space is thoughtfully designed. The hotel's location is right in the heart of Georgetown, it's within walking distance of the major sights and there's plenty of great restaurants around. I would definitely recommend staying here and can't wait to come back.

  • 5/5 Kenny G. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a lovely place to stay and we were very happy here. A great location, welcoming hosts and a nice old shop house. Breakfast was also excellent.

  • 4/5 Steven B. 6 years ago on Google
    I stopped in for a bite to eat at their restaurant Bistro Tang. I ordered a fresh lemonade (9 RM) and the baked potato wedges (13 RM) as an appetizer. To my surprise, the lemonade came from a carton, and tasted as such, so there was nothing "fresh" about it. The potato wedges were quite tasty with a good flavor of lemon and black pepper. I then ordered the fish and chips (24 RM). The portion size was great and the quality was spot on. Good crispy breading and well cooked fries. Would I eat here again? Yes, definitely. The staff were friendly and the environment was relaxing. Well worth stopping by for a meal.

  • 5/5 melissa z. 1 year ago on Google
    I stayed a few days in a loft suite because it was a last minute booking (that day) and that’s all that was available. Then I moved to a twin room. The loft was on the third floor of some very steep steps! But honestly, that was the only downfall of this place other than my twin beds bedroom was tiny space, but I was barely there so I didn’t mind. My stay was that good. The breakfast was amazing. The staff were all so nice and helpful. There was a pulley system to get my suitcase upstairs. The building had so much character and made my stay unique. I loved being in the middle of Little India, so bright, so full of activity during the day (the hotel rooms were quiet). And it was easy to walk around the old part of Georgetown to pretty much anything I needed or I got a Grab to go further out.


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