Coffee Atelier
Located within easy walking distance of both Little India and the lively late
night atmosphere of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Carnavon, this is a small hotel
with a big heart. The property consists of just 6 rooms (with a 7th to be added
soon), however the rooms and the building itself, have character and charm
to spare. In fact the mottled plaster, and aged and weathered outer façade,
have intentionally been left intact, adding a homey and old-world feel to the
place. But make no mistake about it... this place puts an strong emphasis on
cleanliness and efficiency. No surprise, as the genial owner is Swiss by birth.
The ground floor and upper level suites both measure about 50 sq. m in
size, however the upper units have a special extra bedroom suitable for
accommodating a 3rd person. All suites boast a beautiful canopy bed, complete
with mosquito netting, as well as charming antiques, decorative wall art, a
slick entertainment centre, a mini-bar, and in-room coffee making facilities
– consisting of a kettle, a French press, and a supply of actual ground coffee,
not the instant stuff.
In fact, coffee plays a strong part in the history of this hotel, and part of the
building once housed a coffee merchant’s workshop. The building’s original
inhabitants – the property consists of 5 interlinked former shophouses – carried
out their trades on the ground floor, living with their families on the upper levels,
and the 2 original wood-fired coffee roasting pits of the one shophouse are still
visible, and on display in the area just behind the hotel’s main lobby. There’s also
some historic photos on the wall, as well as the story behind the neighbourhood’s
original coffee baron, and this nod to the building’s past explains the origin of
the name “Coffee Atelier”, with atelier being the French word for “workshop”.
Breakfasts meanwhile, which are included, are served up in the small restaurant
next to the lobby, and here a set morning menu, as well as plenty of fresh brewed
java, will prepare guests for a day of local sightseeing. In addition, tables and
chairs are set up on the hotel’s shaded front porch when the afternoon arrives,
making it a perfect place for a early evening or midday coffee or cocktail. There’s
also plans for an on-site art gallery to open up in the near future – the owner
something of an artist and photographer himself – which will only add to the
unique cache of this intimate boutique hideaway.
Coffee Atelier
47-55 Lorong Stewart, Georgetown, Penang
Tel: +604 261 2261
www.coffeeatelier.com
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