Looking for a restorative night's sleep? Ren I Tang, offers the opportunity to unwind in a beautifully restored heritage building with plenty of curative credentials, converted from what used to be Southeast Asia's longest established Chinese medicine hall and warehouse.
Average rating 9 from 98 reviews.
The concept may sound clinical, but it feels as though there is a very positive feng shui to this beautifully restored building, and the atmosphere makes it an ideal place to put your feet up, relax and recharge after a day exploring the streets of Penang.
Beyond and above streetfront Bistro Tang, the hotel's restaurant in the heart of vibrant Little India, Ren i Tang occupies a large white triple-stored corner building faced with wooden-shuttered windows. Despite the activity and noise in the surrounding streets, you are drawn into a laidback, airy, stylish and peaceful retreat.
Many of the features of the original building have been preserved, both in terms of the architecture and the furnishings. Apothecary paraphernalia and antique medicine bottles were salvaged from the building and now decorate the common areas. The old pulley systems in the two breezy airwells, formerly used to bring herbs from the storerooms above to the shop on the ground floor, are ingeniously re-styled as part of the light fixtures and baggage-carriage system respectively. Next to reception there is even a small museum displaying tools for processing medicinal herbs and you can still smell the aromas in the air as you walk around.
Rooms are accessed via the original, but steep, wooden stairs, and as there is no lift, Ren I Tang is not really suitable for the less mobile traveller. Due to the nature of the heritage building, the layout of a few of the rooms is somewhat quirky, we particularly like the "airwell" room, and as is hinted by the name, wraps around a large shuttered void.
The interiors are modern and uncluttered enough to let the character of the building shine through. Carefully restored wooden floors and windows are offset by high ceilings, clean whitewashed walls and beautiful handmade beds created from salvaged and recycled timber. Soft white linens, Persian style rugs, fashionable light fittings and quirky towel racks and hooks give the rooms an eclectic yet comfortable feel, where modern and heritage characteristics blend successfully.
Rooms are air-con cooled with the addition of ceiling fans for a more tropical breeze, and amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities and flatscreen TVs with a range of satellite channels. Bathrooms are well appointed, featuring sleek contemporary cement and tile finishes, tasteful fixtures and a home-grown range of natural, eco-friendly and herb-inspired shampoos and soaps. Tub rooms add an old-fashioned wooden bathtub complete with a selection of herbal bath salts, perfect for a long restorative soak.
Aside from you room, you can enjoy the relaxing lounge areas and a delightful small courtyard herb garden offers a breath of fresh air. Included breakfast to kick-start your day is served in Bistro Tang by the charming and professional staff who are willing to offer all sorts of suggestions of things to do in Penang.
Ren I Tang is an excellent mid range choice, bang in the centre of the action, however if you'd prefer quieter location or a little more breathing space, 23 Love Lane is another beautifully restored heritage property, and if a swimming pool appeals, Noordin Mews also successfully balances the old with the new. Be sure to check out the delightful studio-shop of local artist Foo May Lyn, Chop Kongsi sharing the same premises as Ren I Tang.
Check rates at Ren i Tang on Booking.com.