Once the address of the elite in British Malaya, Penang’s Millionaire’s Row still whispers tales of opulence, ambition, and legacy — and today, it’s seeing a stylish revival blending heritage charm with modern luxury.

Along the northern curve of George Town, where the waters of the Andaman Sea meet the stately tree-lined promenade of Northam Road, lies a stretch of heritage and history once known colloquially as Millionaire’s Row. In the early 20th century, this elegant boulevard became the residential epicentre for Penang’s wealthy elite — an enclave of power and privilege, lined with grassy, expansive lawns and grand colonial mansions that reflected the influence, aspirations, and tastes of the day.

Originally part of the old Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Northam Road was favoured by wealthy Chinese tycoons, British administrators, and influential merchants who sought prestige, sea breezes, and proximity to town, but without the noise of the busy commercial quarters. Over time, the road became synonymous with affluence and the grandeur that often accompanied it: sweeping porticos, marble floors, intricate stained glass, and ornate gates defined the stately homes that dotted Penang’s seafront.

A STYLISH HISTORY

Some of these mansions were built in what came to be called Straits Eclectic style, a uniquely Penang blend of Chinese, Indian, and European architectural influences, while others leaned into pure colonial opulence. Names like Lim Lean Teng, Cheah Tek Thye, and Yeoh Guan Seok — pillars of Penang’s business and social circles — once adorned the mailboxes here. Their homes were not just private residences, but outward-facing expressions of success and symbols of a cosmopolitan identity.

Though colonial Penang saw its fair share of hardship both during the Japanese Occupation and in the period of post-war rebuilding, Millionaire’s Row remained a reference point for affluence. However, as urban sprawl intensified and property development surged in the latter half of the 20th century following Malaysia’s independence, many of the original mansions were either demolished or left to fall into disrepair. By the 1980s and ’90s, a new skyline began emerging — office towers, high-end condominiums, and boutique hotels increasingly took their place, bringing with them a different kind of wealth and progress.

Yet, despite the changing architecture, the area’s reputation never faded. Today, while only a few of the original mansions survive, the essence of Millionaire’s Row endures — though admittedly now more as an idea than a postal address. Even today, however, this stretch remains among the most coveted in Penang, commanding some of the highest property values on the island and serving – in perpetuity, we hope – as a bridge between the city’s past grandeur and its present and future ambitions.

In recent years, the neighbourhood has witnessed a thoughtful renaissance. Beyond the gleaming towers and modern developments, there’s been a growing, if at times begrudging, respect for the area’s heritage and spirit. Developers are blending the old with the new, introducing stylish stays and lifestyle offerings that pay homage to the area’s historic past while meeting the expectations of today’s savvy travellers.

A MODERN ADDITION

It’s within this evolving context that The Millen Penang, a new Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott, makes its mark. Located on the site of what was once a grand colonial residence, and more recently formerly operated as the Northam All-Suites Hotel, the fully renovated and freshly opened hotel doesn’t just occupy Millionaire’s Row — it channels its legacy. Offering a contemporary, five-star interpretation of Penang’s golden age, The Millen not only arrives on the hospitality scene with a splash; it adds a fresh new story of its own, inviting guests to experience both the comfort of modern sophistication and the charm of a bygone era.

We recently paid a visit to the luxurious hotel and soaked up those beguiling throwback vibes to a time of elegance and class in the world of travel. We arrived with high expectations, and by the time we stepped into the marble-floored lobby, it was clear this hotel had no intention of underdelivering.

Housed appropriately along Penang’s storied Millionaire’s Row, the property channels the island’s golden age of travel with grace and sophistication and an unmistakable sense of place. It was like stepping into richly detailed novel about Penang’s opulent past, but rewritten for today’s traveller.

Like all Marriott Autograph Collection properties, there is an emphasis here on curated uniqueness and local storytelling, and that comes across very well at The Millen. No two Autograph Collection hotels are the same, and that’s an intentional choice by Marriott. As a traveller, it’s hard to deny the benefits to this approach.

Our first impressions on arrival were uniformly positive. Helpful, charming staff, all very smartly attired, greeted us, and an air of colonial-era refinement suffused the open, airy lobby. The hotel’s design is equally chic, with an appealing upscale blend of colours and patterns, and just the right amount of greenery, brass, wood and rattan – and even pieces of heritage-inspired artwork – throughout to create a genuinely attractive place in which we were happy to spend time.

The 146 rooms and suites start at a remarkably generous 59 sq m (635 sq ft), and seamlessly merge contemporary comforts with colonial details. The space is cleverly zoned into sleep, lounge, and wardrobe areas, accented by woven textures, botanical artwork, and a bespoke beverage and minibar cabinet crafted to resemble a vintage steamer trunk. Every practical need appears to have been anticipated: clearly labelled switches, plush (and incredibly soft) robes, electrically operated sheer curtains and blackout blinds, gooseneck kettles, and a Nespresso machine. There’s even a very nice clothes steamer provided, rather than a traditional flat iron.

The real highlight, though, might just be the bathroom’s stylish freestanding bathtub set beside a floor-to-ceiling window, offering uninterrupted views of the sea or Penang Hill. (Dare we say a designer bathtub? Given its chic lines and two-tone colours, it wouldn’t be inaccurate.) With one-way glass ensuring privacy, guests are able to enjoy long, indulgent soaks either in full daylight or by night, a rare luxury that’s surprisingly hard to beat. We’d like to see some nice bath salts provided, but apart from that, the tub-with-a-view concept – which is a feature of every room here – was unquestionably a treat.

Our stay coincided with mostly blue skies and fluffy clouds, so we made a point of visiting the hotel’s saltwater infinity pool and adjacent sundeck. The pool overlooks the Straits of Malacca and offers the kind of calming seaviews that might just make you forget that you’re mere minutes from George Town’s buzzing streets.

On the same floor, the 24-hour gym is impressively equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym machines, while the Nut&Meg Spa offers treatments using locally sourced ingredients — a relaxing nod to Penang’s rich natural bounty of fragrant herbs and spices. We didn’t have time to indulge in the spa’s offerings, but did avail ourselves the use of the gym on a few occasions, trying out routines on some of the most modern (and costly) fitness equipment available to work up a good sweat.

Dining is a real treat at The Millen, with our dinner at the upscale Blacklinen warranting a separate review on its own. Breakfast at Lili on level 2 was a delight each morning, the hybrid format striking a balance between indulgent and intentional: one à la carte hot dish paired with a modest but good-quality continental buffet spread. The ambiance at Lili is lovely, too, as is that of the ground-floor restaurant. Good Society, which eases almost seamlessly into the lobby, is certainly nice for lunch, but perhaps even nicer for happy hour, as the inviting space segues from a café and bakery to a wonderful bar with a fine selection of gins, rums, whiskies, and wines. Evening happy hour specials make it even more appealing, and on that note, we very much appreciated that the prices at all of the hotel’s dining outlets were, on the whole, quite reasonable given the five-star setting.

What we most appreciated, however, were the many thoughtful touches at nearly every turn during our stay: helpful security guards in the carpark, friendly and welcoming front desk staff, nutmeg cookies and fresh fruits waiting in the room, books on local culture beside the bed, impressive wine lists at the restaurants, locally sourced organic toiletries in the bathrooms, and – perhaps most importantly – a team genuinely passionate about genteel, old-world service with a contemporary flair. From the General Manager Catherine Townsend to the restaurant servers and housekeeping team members, all of the staff we encountered were gracious, attentive, and clearly committed to elevating Penang’s hotel scene — and, even during The Millen’s soft-launch phase, it shows.

After all, whether in 1925 or 2025, Northam Road by any name still speaks the language of elegance — and for visitors who appreciate stories etched in stone and skyline alike, Millionaire’s Row remains a compelling and most enjoyable place to begin their Penang journey. We think The Millen has found a marvellous and wholly appropriate home, and the beautiful new hotel instantly takes its place among the finest accommodation on offer on this endlessly popular island, the Pearl of the Orient.