88 Armenian
Contemporary heritage luxury — calm, copper-accented, deliberately intimate. Feels more like a private residence than a hotel. Dark and atmospheric on the ground floor, brighter and cleaner in the rooms above.
Book the Revere Suite (617 sq ft) for the most space — it's the largest room in the hotel
Why It Matters
One of the last boutique hotels permitted within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site core zone. Only six rooms, each named after a famous coppersmith, with interiors designed by Singapore's acclaimed FARM studio. The combination of obsessive material honesty (burnt yakisugi wood, original brick walls, bespoke copper fittings) with ultra-modern amenities is genuinely rare in Southeast Asian heritage hospitality.
Six rooms inside a rebuilt 19th-century Straits Eclectic shophouse on George Town's most storied street — Armenian Street, which locals still call 'Coppersmith Street' in Hokkien. The original two shophouses burned down years ago; the current building is a considered new construction designed by Singapore's FARM studio to wear its fiery past literally, with yakisugi-charred timber lining the ground floor and a cascading copper light installation hanging through the airwell. Owner Dr. Angeline Yong, a Singaporean dermatologist, poured five years into getting the details right: marble bathrooms, Gessi spa showers, Aesop products, Bang & Olufsen speakers, and a Bath Butler who draws your tub before you get back from dinner.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
The Bartholdi Loft
Named after Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, designer of the Statue of Liberty — the largest known copper repoussé sculpture in the world. The loft configuration gives this room a distinctive vertical feel, making good use of the shophouse's 3-storey proportions.
The Dunand Room
Named after Jean Dunand, Swiss sculptor and Art Deco master known for fusing copperwork with lacquer. At 454 sq ft, this sits comfortably between the compact standard rooms and the larger suites — a good middle-ground option.
The Mackenzie Suite
Named after John Drew MacKenzie, the instigator of the Newlyn Copper Industry in Cornwall. At 592 sq ft, this suite offers significantly more breathing room than the standard rooms and has been called 'home away from home' by guests staying for extended periods. Spacious enough to accommodate a sofa and extra sleeping arrangements.
The Pearson Room
Named after John Pearson, a founding metalworker of the Guild of Handicrafts and pioneer of the Newlyn Copper style. Same footprint as the Rodin Room, with guests noting a particularly good street view from the bathroom window. All amenities identical to other rooms.
The Revere Suite
The largest room in the hotel at 617 sq ft, named after Paul Revere — American patriot, master artisan, and pioneer of rolled copper production who opened North America's first copper mill in 1801. Best option for couples wanting maximum space, or for guests staying multiple nights.
The Rodin Room
Named after Auguste Rodin, the father of Modern sculpture, who experimented with copper patination. The smallest room in the hotel but no less luxurious — same Simmons super king bed, Gessi shower, marble bathroom, Bang & Olufsen speaker, and smart panel as the larger rooms. Double-glazed windows face the street.
The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel's signature in-room activity. Request a complimentary bath drawn with aromatherapy bath salts, candle, and pot of iced tea ready upon your return from an evening out. A different local sweet is placed on your pillow each night during turn-down service.
The hotel's location on Armenian Street puts nearly every major UNESCO heritage attraction within 200 metres — street murals, clan temples, Peranakan mansions, the famous street art, and Penang's world-class hawker stalls. Concierge (notably KC) provides personalised local recommendations.
Offered as part of the Discover Penang package — a 3.5-hour guided sightseeing or sunset tour of George Town. Must be booked as part of the package deal.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Rare feature for a Penang heritage shophouse building — allows guests to bring full luggage without navigating narrow shophouse stairs.
Free Wi-Fi throughout property, though some guests have flagged slower speeds (~7.7 Mbps).
Fully stocked with locally curated artisan treats — artisan marshmallows and granola, Tiger beer, local sparkling honey drink, premium tea, and Nespresso pods. Different local sweets placed on pillow each night during turn-down.
Freshly cooked-to-order breakfast served at Tóng restaurant (ground floor). Rotating menu includes Western continental, dim sum, and other styles. Included in most packages. Continental, Asian, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options available.
Can organise local tours and sightseeing activities.
Personalised local recommendations from staff with strong knowledge of George Town.
Complimentary iPad available for use within hotel premises for browsing and exploring hotel services.
Airport shuttle available for a surcharge, 24 hours. Penang International Airport is approximately 23 minutes by car (18.5 km).
BUILD YOUR 88 ARMENIAN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning