Penang has made its mark on the global luxury travel map, with Cheong Fatt Tze – The Qing Suites and Soori Penang becoming the first hotels in the state to receive the coveted MICHELIN Key.
The good news was shared by Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, who described the recognition as a significant boost for the state’s hospitality and premium tourism sectors.
Both properties have been awarded One MICHELIN Key, the hotel equivalent of the prestigious MICHELIN Star for restaurants.
The MICHELIN Guide describes the Key as a distinction recognising outstanding stays at carefully curated hotels. Its inspectors assess properties against five universal criteria: architectural and interior quality, service and consistency, personality and character, value for price and the hotel’s contribution to its setting.
The Qing Suites was transformed from a century-old historic mansion into a luxury heritage hotel, while Soori Penang combines heritage-inspired elements with contemporary luxury and distinctive architectural design.
Wong said the recognition was a testament to the hotel management and teams behind both properties.
“This achievement belongs to the hotel management and every member of their teams. It also serves as a vital international endorsement for Penang’s hospitality sector and premium tourism industry, raising Penang’s profile and competitiveness within the global luxury travel market,” he said.
He added that the Penang state government would continue supporting local tourism players while encouraging the industry to balance cultural heritage preservation with service innovation.
The latest recognition also places Penang among a select group of Malaysian destinations with MICHELIN Key hotels. Prior to this, hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi had received the distinction, including Four Seasons Langkawi, Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, The RuMa and Else.
The MICHELIN Key system awards one, two or three Keys, representing increasing levels of distinction. For Penang, the latest awards mark a significant new chapter in the state’s growing reputation as a destination for high-end and experiential travel.
Congratulations to the teams at The Qing Suites and Soori Penang on this landmark achievement.