A Century in Motion: 1926 Heritage Hotel Invites Travellers to Rediscover Penang by Vintage Car
GEORGE TOWN, PENANG, 20 August 2026 – This Merdeka, 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang is inviting travellers to rediscover a city many already think they know, not through another guided tour, but from the seat of a vintage car moving slowly through its streets.
The hotel has launched the 1926 Centennial Local Discovery Series, a new collection of experiences developed with Penang partners to mark its hundredth year on Jalan Burma. The first chapter, the “Heritage Discovery Drive”, pairs the hotel with Classic Wheels Signature, a Penangbased collection of classic cars and Foi Mémoire, a luxury boutique atelier that features traditional and Nanyang-inspired heritage wear, including modern Nyonya-style kebaya and Peranakan-fusion fashion, for a chauffeur-driven route through the city’s historic core.
Sometimes meaningful travel does not require going further. It requires looking more closely at the places already known and 1926 Heritage Hotel, an urban resort in the city is betting that a slower way of moving through Penang reveals details that speed, or a checklist of attractions, tends to miss.
Discover Penang in Heritage Style
The 30-minute Heritage Ride begins at 1926 Heritage Hotel, travelling through Northam Road and George Town’s historic civic and waterfront district before continuing towards Fort Cornwallis and the old commercial centre along Beach Street. The journey then passes through historic cultural landmarks before returning to the hotel. Along the way, guests experience the layers of George Town’s story — from its early settlement and trading-port beginnings to its multicultural communities and civic and colonial development — all from the elegant seat of a 1960 Jaguar Mark II or similar vintage car, with one photo stop included.
“For us, the centennial is not simply about celebrating the past,” said Angelina Lazuardi, General Manager, 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang. “It is an opportunity to help guests connect with the Penang that exists around us today — its neighbourhoods, people and experiences. We want 1926 Heritage Hotel to be a place where a journey into Penang begins.”
Classic Wheels Signature brings its own fleet of restored classic cars to the partnership. The drive is built on the idea that the car itself is part of the story, its craftsmanship and pace shaping how guests notice the city, rather than simply moving them through it.
The Centennial Discovery Drive package
The experience is available as a two-day, one-night package includes:
- One night in a Heritage Room at 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang
- Daily breakfast for two persons
- A 30-minute Heritage Discovery Drive with Classic Wheels Signature, dressed in
Nyonya wear by Foi Mémoire - A 1926 Local Discovery Map
- Welcome drinks on arrival
Priced from RM870+ per room per night, the package is available for booking from 23 August to 27 November 2026, for stays from 28 August to 27 November 2026. Room rates are subject to availability.
Beyond one drive
The Heritage Discovery Drive is the first of several local collaborations planned under the Centennial Local Discovery Series, which will go on to involve Penang artisans, food specialists and independent local makers in the months ahead. The approach reflects the wider philosophy of The Unlimited Collection by The Ascott Limited, of which 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang is part of it, encouraging guests to experience the culture surrounding a hotel, not only the property itself.
For reservations and enquiry, email: reservation.penang@the-ascott.com.
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