LOOP On Leith poised to offer a Penang inner neighbourhood experience. (from left) Compass Hospitality Group, Corporate Director, Erik Wee; Property owner of LOOP On Leith George Town Penang Hotel and Project 10 Sdn Bhd Chairperson, Yeoh Tze Shyun; Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow; Property owner of LOOP On Leith George Town Penang Hotel and Project 10 Sdn Bhd Director, Lee Kui Yok; and SME Bank Chairman, Dato’ Seri Nazir Ariff.

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Newly Launched LOOP On Leith Hotel Blends Malaysian Hospitality with Penang’s Vibrant Art Scene

By LOOP On Leith Hotel on December 16, 20195 minutes read

Boutique Hotel Elevates Malaysian Culture, Architecture and Food, While Nurturing Penang’s Artistic Expression In Art

George Town, Penang, 16 December 2019 – Penang is gearing up for a booming tourism year ahead of Visit Malaysia 2020. Echoing the island state’s efforts, LOOP On Leith George Town Penang Hotel (LOOP), under the Compass Hospitality Management Group, makes its debut as a fresh face with a fresh take on Malaysian hospitality, culture, architecture and favourite local food, with a keen eye on propelling Penang’s vibrant art scene and budding artists.

Channelling Malaysian hospitality, culture, architecture and food. (from left) Property owner of LOOP On Leith George Town Penang Hotel and Project 10 Sdn Bhd Chairperson, Yeoh Tze Shyun; Property owner of LOOP On Leith George Town Penang Hotel and Project 10 Sdn Bhd Director, Lee Kui Yok; SME Bank Chairman, Dato’ Seri Nazir Ariff; and Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, at the launching of LOOP On Leith.

“There many opportunities to further enhance Penang’s attractiveness ahead of Visit Malaysia 2020. In the first six months of 2019, Penang successfully attracted investments worth RM9.21 billion which put this state in the lead in terms of investments. Looking ahead, a collaborative effort is crucial in bringing together an overall outstanding experience for our visitors. We welcome new players in the hospitality circuit as it promotes healthy competition, raises the industry’s benchmark and offers greater options for the benefit of consumers and tourists. I believe LOOP has entered the market at an opportune time as we prepare for an exciting year ahead,” said Penang Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow at the launch of LOOP On Leith Hotel.

LOOP is located strategically along Lebuh Leith or Leith Street in the city centre of Penang Island. The boutique hotel features 140 rooms ranging in size from approximately 183 to 366 sq. ft catering to solo travellers, families and everyone in between.

“The foundation LOOP is built upon incorporates the texture of diversity in Malaysia which we have grown up and fallen in love with. This neighbourhood is the perfect setting as it is surrounded by layers of history from our multi-racial neighbours and colonial influences, allowing us to channel these into our hospitality services, aesthetics, and favourite Malaysian food. Along with mushrooming cafes, museums and heritage sites, LOOP is a natural when it comes to the beautiful Penang inner neighbourhood experience. We also see an area of growth in the local art scene which has already attracted thousands of visitors to Penang. This is why we are making a concerted effort by using our space to promote and nurture budding artists and their artwork,” said property owner of LOOP On Leith George Town Penang Hotel and Project 10 Sdn Bhd Chairperson, Yeoh Tze Shyun.

The design of LOOP is inspired by Penang’s unique identity in architecture which is infused into the walls of the property. Upon stepping into the property from the front-door right into each hotel room, guests are greeted by the vibrant textures of Peranakan tiles, fixtures, finishings and skilful use of repurposed wood elements. Sustainable elements such as double-glazed windows provide thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption needed to cool down spaces, while energy efficient air conditioners and water heaters, further reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint.

Guest rooms at LOOP are equipped with 32-inch LED Smart TVs with online movie options, enabling visitors to stay tuned with their favourite Netflix series and films while away from home. Catering to both leisure and business travellers, LOOP is also fitted with in-room wireless internet connection, electronic safes, as well as built-in desks.

LOOP is managed by Compass Hospitality, a full-service hospitality management group operating contemporary to heritage hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and spas in Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom. Speaking on the group’s experience, Compass Hospitality President and CEO Harmil Singh said, “We are thrilled to be entrusted to manage LOOP. Our position as an established player in the industry enables us to lend a wealth of knowledge from our existing portfolio in Thailand, Malaysia and United Kingdom. We are supported by over 100 staff in corporate offices in a multi-cultural working environment, allowing us to understand the market here in Penang and adapt to its needs, ultimately providing an overall holistic and authentic experience to visitors.”

With food among the central focus of visitors who frequent Penang, LOOP’s in-house restaurant, Monkey Kitchen, seeks to capture and present Malaysia’s diverse palate for visitors to savour in a classy, yet authentic setting. Open for breakfast and lunch, Monkey Kitchen caters to hotel guests and walk-in customers, be it for a quick fix or business meetings. Its menu presents a spread of homemade favourites including nasi lemak, fried noodles, fried rice, char koay teow, kampung fried rice, Pasembur and signature roti goyang toast-and-egg set. The restaurant also offers a wide range of continental options such as sausages, eggs, baked beans, sautéed vegetables, and salads among others.

Situated next to Penang UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, LOOP is positioned to house visitors at the doorstep of George Town neighbourhood attractions. Community charms within walking distance include local favourites, Kong Thai Lai Coffee Shop and Sup Hameed, Holy Guacamole for western-fare seekers, and Penang’s famous ‘Couple On A Bicycle’ street art.

Beyond extending Malaysian hospitality, LOOP is primed to propel Penang’s art scene through LOOP Gallery, a purposefully designed space for art showcases located in the lobby area of the hotel. In conjunction with its launch, LOOP introduced LOOP Gallery’s collaborator, PEEP Art. Making its first step in showcasing the vibrant local art scene, PEEP Art unveiled its inaugural group art exhibition themed, ‘Between Buildings’ at the hotel launch officiated by Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow. The exhibition featured artwork by three Malaysian up-and-coming street artists, Ahmad Hakym or better known as Kymio, Syahmi Daud, who goes by the moniker Syahdaud, and Jerome Liew.

Voicing her dream for the establishment, Yeoh shared, “It is our earnest anticipation that LOOP gallery would be able to give aspiring artists from all walks of life a platform to express their passion and art. In time, we would love that this space can grow into a node of Penang artistic expression from art, sculpture, performing art, film and unique craftworks.”

The launch of LOOP On Leith George Town Penang Hotel and LOOP Gallery was officiated by Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow.