The Millen Penang Review: Living the Life on Millionaire’s Row

It seems obvious what to do when you’re in Penang. From eating your way through the best street food stalls and restaurants to exploring its cultural gems, most of anyone’s stay on the island is spent outside the hotel. But during my last visit to Penang, I decided to do something controversial: stay in.

And before you clutch your proverbial pearls in scandal, this is actually more popular than you think. Gen Zs call this room-rotting, in which staying at your accommodation and enjoying all of its amenities becomes an experience in itself. Think reading by the pool, watching the sunrise from the balcony, or simply lazing around in bed all day. Rather than packing our travels with activities to check off a list, I decided an anti-itinerary trip (another Gen Z lingo) would be just the relaxing micro-cation I needed. 

Of course, the chosen accommodation is important for this, and I went with The Millen Penang. As it turned out, spending three days at this five-star establishment didn’t prove difficult whatsoever, and I rarely felt the need to leave (except for the occasional and inevitable supper craving. When in Rome.). 

Ahead, discover how I spent my weekend at The Millen Penang and what it has to offer for travellers looking for a memorable stay on the island. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Turning into The Millen Penang is an experience in itself. Few addresses in Penang carry the weight of history quite like Northam Road. Stretching gracefully along the island’s northeastern coastline, this elegant waterfront boulevard became known as Millionaire’s Row during the British colonial era, when Penang stood as one of Southeast Asia’s most prosperous trading ports.

Home to Chinese tycoons, businessmen, and socialites who built palatial residences overlooking the Straits of Malacca, Millionaire’s Row represented the pinnacle of Penang’s social and architectural heritage—making it a fitting home for a new generation of luxury hospitality such as The Millen Penang. 

Welcoming guests immediately upon arrival is the striking fountain art piece, ‘The Water Garden’, created by Malaysian sculptural artist Pamela Tan. Drawing inspiration from the quintessential British tea culture and garden tea parties, the fountain incorporates elements that evoke a water garden in the city with its blooming flower motifs and water ripples. 

Much like the wealthy households that often featured water fountains at the entrance as a status symbol, ‘The Water Garden’ at The Millen Penang continues this tradition whilst reimagining it on Penang’s storied Millionaire’s Row. Our tip: check out this statement piece both during the day and at night as it lights up in the evening!

After being warmly greeted by bellboys clad in plaid suits and a beret, stepping into The Millen Penang is akin to entering a contemporary gallery. Drawing from the glamour of Art Deco and the clean sophistication of twentieth-century modernism, the interiors balance dramatic geometry with understated luxury. 

From the geometric floor patterns, mirrored wall panels and bronze detailings to an array of contemporary artworks and curated decorative pieces, The Millen Penang presents itself as confident, sophisticated, and carrying a distinct personality. The check-in process was swift, and before I knew it, I was whisked away to my room.

MY HOME FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS

While the lobby served as an elegant introduction, nothing could have prepared me for what was waiting in my room. During my stay, I checked into the Straits Loft, a beautifully appointed abode that immediately stood apart from the conventional hotel room. Spanning 82 square metres, the suite has an unmistakable sense of openness.

The expansive layout thoughtfully separates spaces for living and rest. The first half is dedicated to an elegant lounge complete with a plush seating area and its own 55-inch Smart IPTV, a minibar, and seating area. Beyond another door is the bedroom, which offers a more intimate retreat, where soaring double-height ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the Straits of Malacca.

I had no qualms ‘room-rotting’ away here as I happily lay in the plush King-size bed (easily one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve come across) whilst looking out into the blue sea and rocking boats. 

The interiors strike a delicate balance between colonial elegance and modern sophistication. Echoing the hotel’s contemporary Art Deco influences, clean architectural lines are complemented by warm timber finishes, polished stone surfaces, and carefully curated furnishings. The palette remains calm and understated, allowing the sea beyond to become the room’s natural centrepiece. 

The bathroom is equally impressive—a sanctuary clad in elegant marble and designed with the same attention to detail as the living spaces. Twin vanity basins provide generous room for two, while a deep soaking bathtub (again, with stunning views of the ocean) and rain shower end the day in unhurried indulgence. You’ll be busy taking multiple selfies here, I guarantee that!

THE DINING SCENE

One of the pleasant surprises during my stay at The Millen Penang was its culinary offerings. In a state celebrated for its legendary hawker stalls and heritage eateries, it’s easy to assume that every meal should be taken outside the hotel. While Penang’s food culture absolutely deserves exploring, The Millen proves that staying in doesn’t have to feel like settling.

Lili, The Millen Penang’s signature restaurant, reimagines Malaysian cuisine with a contemporary touch. This is also where the hotel’s semi-buffet breakfast is served. The buffet counter features a thoughtfully curated selection of freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, cold cuts, salads and local breakfast staples, while the highlights come from an à la carte menu prepared to order.

Some of our favourites include the Beef Char Kuey Teow, Millionaire’s Row River Prawn & Crab Omelette, Vintage Cheddar Cheese Omelette, and The Avocado.

Meanwhile, Good Society serves as the hotel’s social heart. During the day, it’s a stylish café and coffee salon, perfect for tea time or a light meal (psst, get the Londoners Roast Beef Sandwich!), with plenty of natural light in a relaxed setting. As evening arrives, the ambience shifts into a sophisticated bar, serving handcrafted cocktails and live music during the weekends for a memorable nightcap. 

If you’re feeling particularly fancy, there’s also Blacklinen, a Michelin-selected contemporary grill house located on the hotel’s ninth floor. Serving only 24 people at a time, this charcoal-dining restaurant serves speciality aged meats and the island’s freshest seafood. 

P IN PENANG IS FOR PAMPERING

Remember how I mentioned that it is possible to spend three whole days at The Millen Penang without feeling bored? That’s because its leisure and wellness facilities more than make up for time you could be spending elsewhere. 

The highlight is undoubtedly the infinity swimming pool on Level 9, where a glass-walled design creates the feeling of floating above the horizon. With sweeping views towards the Andaman Sea, the pool is one of the hotel’s most photogenic spaces, especially during the golden hours of the afternoon when the views become even more dramatic. Plus, I like how the swimming pool uses saltwater instead of chlorine, which is gentle on the skin and eyes. 

The surrounding pool deck, comfortable loungers and pool kiosk add to the resort-like atmosphere, making it an inviting place to spend a lazy afternoon rather than just a quick dip between activities. Families are also catered for with a dedicated kids’ pool, while guests can enjoy refreshing drinks and light bites without having to leave the poolside setting.

I also enjoyed pampering myself with several sessions at the Nut&Mey Wellness Spa, which offers locally inspired treatments blending tradition with modern techniques. As its name suggests, the spa’s signature use of nutmeg—a spice closely associated with Penang’s heritage—adds a sense of place to the experience, from the welcome drinks to the body treatments. Every treatment room comes with its own ensuite bathtub, shower facilities and steam rooms. My favourite was the red-light therapy sauna, where I sweat it out whilst listening to my favourite tunes via its Bluetooth feature. 

The fitness facilities are equally well considered, with a 24-hour gym equipped with Technogym equipment, built-in screens, a private yoga room, sauna, and steam rooms.

All in all, The Millen Penang makes a convincing case for staying in. Rather than feeling like you are sacrificing the best of Penang by skipping a few outings, you may find that experiencing the hotel itself becomes one of the highlights of the trip—a staycation where the destination is not just the island, but The Millen Penang itself.

THE MILLEN PENANG

Address: 55, Jalan Sultan Ahman Shah, George Town, 10050 Penang, Malaysia

Contact: +604 565 8888

Website | Instagram | Facebook

For more travel stories, head here.

...