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A stay at Ren
I-Tang in George
Town, Penang
provides
Tan Hee
Hui
a glimpse into
Penang’s halcyon
days and he
learns just what
had been needed
to revive the
shophouses into a
unique hotel.
R
en
I-Tang – occupying three
shophouses built in the mid
1800s – promises a memo-
rable stay, with its beautiful
Straits-Eclectic architectural
style, among others. Having stayed at the
heritage inn, I discovered that it operates
from a site that is leased from owner
Cheah Kongsi, one of the oldest Hokkien
clan associations in Penang.
It took over two years to restore the
edifices, retaining their original qualities
such as the centralised air well, for
proper ventilation and to let in natural
light.
The hotel is helmed by four entre-
preneurs/directors, including Low Teng
Lei and Eu Yeok Siew, whom I spoke to
during arecent trip up north.
They also revealed that Yin Oi Tong
Chinese Medical Hall Wholesaler was
the previous tenant of the premises for
124 years, before it relocated to Paya
Terubong in Air Itam.
The four entrepreneurs then took
over the premises, after “competing with
many other contenders for a whole year
to secure the lease.”
“Ren I-Tang offers a nostalgic and
memorable stay reminiscent to how it
was over a century ago,” Eu said.
Present,
Meet The Past
Why select and restore the three pre-
war buildings?
Low:
We’d wanted to learn about the
conservation of a structure with historical
value, and also transform it into a cosy
hotel whilst maintaining the premise’s
original characteristics.
Khoo Salma, president of conserva-
tion NGO Penang Heritage Trust, gave
us valuable advice and even helped
us find a suitable old property to take
over. She recommended this one at 2A
Lebuh Penang, as it had been vacant
since 2009.
Located within the Unesco World
Heritage core zone in George Town,
it’s also near a ferry and main local bus
terminal, making it easy for the hotel’s
guests to move around. Many fascinating
cultural, historical and dining spots are
also easily accessible on foot from the
hotel.
What’s the unique story relating to the
edifices?
Eu:
It once housed the oldest Chinese
medical hall wholesaler in Southeast
Asia.
Ren I-Tang
Lebuh Penang, George
Town, Penang.
Tel: +604 250 8383
Website: renitang.com
The deco and layout
immediately transports
you to the past