Nostalgia

Special thanks to Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant for extending this hotel review invitation.

Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (诺思竺隐) is located along the main road of Tanjung Bungah. Originally a pair of semi-detached houses, the building was extensively renovated and combined to form a large mansion. The top of this neoclassical structure bears Nostalgia's golden insignia.

The wall that originally partitioned the building has been removed, resulting in a nearly symmetrical floor plan. At the staircase area, a fancy chandelier illuminates the glossy marble floor with golden lighting.

There is another flight of stairs that is somewhat obscured from plain sight. It leads to a "hidden" balcony directly above the front porch. There is a large wooden table at which the "discoverers" can enjoy the cooling breeze in relative seclusion. The balcony area also houses several antique cameras and a grand piano.

Every corner of the hotel is furnished with antiques such as pianos, pipe organs, grandfather clocks, cabinets, vases and porcelain dishware. Mostly acquired from Europe, the antique collection evokes feelings of nostalgia. Indeed, the hotel is not called "Nostalgia" for nothing.

Nostalgia has 13 guestrooms in total. Each room has either a king-size bed or two twin beds. Room amenities include ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan, television, minibar, wardrobe and ornate cabinets. Towels and basic toiletries are provided.

As a boutique hotel, Nostalgia offers a unique experience in each guestroom. Named after one of the twelve months of the year, the room has a decor that vaguely reflects the corresponding "season". The largest guestroom of all, simply called "Months", is a 2-room suite that accommodates 3 guests.

Nostalgia has a small swimming pool right under the front porch. For the convenience of guests, there are several changing rooms nearby.

Although Nostalgia does not have a proper gym like those in full-service hotels, it does have a stationary bicycle at the west veranda.

The spacious children room has air conditioning and rubber floor mats. The toys here are meant to keep children occupied while their parents relax elsewhere.

As for dining, Nostalgia has an in-house restaurant. Located beneath the children room, the air-conditioned dining hall has several marble tables surrounded by antique pianos.

For diners who prefer a more casual setting, Nostalgia has an open-air dining area next to the swimming pool. Sheltered by a glass ceiling, the place is ideal for hosting private events such as birthday parties.

In-house guests are served breakfast around 9:00am. Since Nostalgia has fewer than 30 guests at any given time, breakfast is served à la carte.

The Western-style breakfast includes familiar items like ham, eggs, toast, salad and fruits. White coffee is provided.

Meanwhile, the restaurant's main food menu comprises of Western and Asian dishes. The serving size is humongous in most cases. As for drinks, alcoholic beverages like beer are available.

Nostalgia is currently having a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" promotion. Customers can choose any 2 dishes from a menu of 11, and only pay for the price of 1. With prices starting from RM19.90, each dish may cost as low as RM10.00!

Compared to most boutique hotels in George Town, Nostalgia affords a more laid-back setting as it is further away from the city center. Nevertheless, the hotel is still well connected to the city; Gurney Drive is just a 15-minute drive away.

Name: Nostalgia Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (诺思竺隐)
Address: 523D & 523E, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-890-1109
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiapenang
Coordinates: 5.46616 N, 100.29124 E
Directions: Traveling westbound on Jalan Tanjung Bungah, make a U-turn after the pedestrian bridge near Dalat International School. Nostalgia is just after the pedestrian bridge.