Metropole Hotel Hanoi Has it’s Own Bomb Shelter

Surprised? We didn’t know that before our Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk, which is now a part of a daily tour at this gorgeous hotel. Metropole Hotel Hanoi’s bomb shelter was accidentally discovered in 2011, by the hotel engineering department during the renovation of the Bamboo Bar. It was used during the American War (1964 – 1973) and lately sealed. This bomb shelter was not only for guests but also for employees.

You might ask, who in the world was staying there between the war? Journalists, negotiators, activists and most famous American singers. What? Yes, Joan Baez was in that bomb shelter, just in the middle of a great air raid. Another famous person hiding there was Jane Fonda.

Joan Baez

American folk singer and antiwar activist was in this bomb shelter during the December bomb raid in 1972. She was even singing and playing on her guitar to calm everyone and cover the horrible sounds of the bombing and sirens. She did also some recording of sounds during the raid. Those sounds she used later in her famous “Where Are You Now, My Son” song. This song refers to the cries of a woman Baez saw one morning searching for her son lost from the night’s raids.

Bombing of Hanoi

Hanoi was bombed together with Haiphong city for 12 days. In the 12 days between December 18th and December 30th, the North Vietnamese News Agency estimates, some 100,000 tons of bombs were dropped. That makes one of the biggest air raids in history. Just to imagine – that’s more than the total tonnage dropped on England during the six years of World War II.

I can’t even imagine how crazy that must be, but a lot of people still remember. Our tour guide cried at the end of this Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk. That memory probably will never disappear and our duty is to remember it and make sure something like this won’t happen again.

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If you are in Hanoi, make sure to stay at the Metropole Hanoi Hotel and be a part of history. I warmly recommend joining Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk to get more at this already unforgettable stay.

The post Metropole Hotel Hanoi Heritage Walk – Bomb Shelter appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Fresh Wind: 1893 – 1919

In 1893, Siam was a buffer state among two strong enemy countries – British Burma and French Indochina. Siam was surprisingly strong enough to maintain ‘independence’. Even Siam’s first railway was opened without any help from France or Britain. In the same year difficulties between France and Siam reached their climax. It started with the ‘Paknam Incident’.

Three French ships were fired by Siamese and as a result, France blockaded Bangkok. French warships anchored directly in front of the French Embassy and the Oriental Hotel. The King of Siam diplomatically solved this situation, but the price was high. There was a huge payment and the cession of a certain territory. Three years later after the Anglo-French Declaration of London was signed, King Chulalongkorn did a European diplomatic tour. His nine-month tour was successful and Siam was well accepted among leading countries of that time.  

Collapse and Women Empower

For quite some time the hotel was working fine and it was known as a high social hub. However, in 1899, Hurst decided to sell his interests in the Oriental Hotel to a syndicate of a Mr. W Downie. During the following three years the Oriental underwent further expansions and improvements. These times were also very turbulent for the hotel.

In 1903, the hotel was taken over by F S Robertson, but not for long. Just a few months later he had to leave town in a hurry, due to his debts. The hotel was closed down temporarily for two years when it was established back by Mr. Carl G Edwards, an American. Management was proposed to Mme M O Bujault. She engaged Viennese orchestra, revived the tradition of musical dinners, and employed a new French chef – Monsieur Brier. From this time on the cuisine in Oriental Hotel was at exquisite level.

Maria Marie

Successful years of Madame M O Bujault lasted only till 1910. She was the first women manager of The Oriental, but certainly not last. Her successor was Maria Marie, who became a legend in her own right. The hotel was in its ‘golden era’, with its patron – Peter Carl Fabergé. He is a well-known jeweler known for the precious Fabergé egg. At Oriental Hotel he did a few successful exhibitions where he caught the eye of the new King Vajiravudh – Rama VI, who became his valued customer.

The Oriental Hotel became a famous center not only for travelers but also for diplomats and businessmen. It even became the seat of a diplomatic mission. In 1913, the Imperial & Royal Austro-Hungarian Legation in the Kingdom of Siam established a chancery at the hotel. Good relationships lasted only one year. World War I started and even here far away from action one could still feel it. Naturally, the effects weren’t so disastrous but the egos of Austrian diplomats were hurt when they weren’t invited to a French garden party. Nevertheless, The Great War left a huge crisis all over the world. Luxury travels were out of business and a hotel like The Oriental was affected. 

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1920 – 1940

The hotel was badly affected by the global economic crisis. In 1920, M Henri Cucherousset, correspondent of the Hanoi journal L ‘Evil Economique de l’Indochie came to Bangkok. He did an article about the Oriental Hotel, which wasn’t in its best form. He deplored its lack of ‘a drawing-room for ladies’ and a ‘proper bathing accommodations’. Worst of all he critiqued its generally rundown appearance. Henri Cucherousset had dared to attack a national institution. The response of the public can be described as frantic. The answer to this was a new firm raised capital of 60,000 Baht. The idea was Maria Marie’s, who became one of the shareholders and was appointed a managing director.

Renovations went amazingly well, and the Oriental Hotel was once again admired and praised. In the city, new hotels opened and started to compete with the Oriental Hotel. Even so, guests mostly stayed in the Oriental Hotel, they recognized it as much more than only luxury accommodation. After all, this was the oldest hotel in Bangkok with a rich historical background and Royal appearance. After the renovation, Daniel C Sweeney, a seasoned illustrator, arrived. He drew posters for leading Asian hotels. Among them are also the Grand Hotel Metropole in Hanoi and the Continental Palace in Saigon. His work for the Oriental Hotel is considered one of his finest pieces of art.

The Connections

Siam offered four aerodromes, in 1924. However, plains in that time were rare and mostly used by the military. Later in the 1930s, it was more common to travel by plane. At that time the travel from London to Bangkok lasted nine days and it wasn’t considered as safe travel. After all, first air hostesses were trained nurses. The first group of aerial travelers landed at Don Muang airport in 1931. Among them were also Oriental’s first air-borne guests.

The train connections became much more expanded as well. You could easily visit most of the Siam’s parts. Wealthy citizens of Bangkok traveled to Huan Hin, where it was the legendary Railway Hotel and only 5 minutes away, the brand new Royal Golf Club. This Club is the first golf course of international standards in Siam. It had been completed in 1924 and carved on over 240 acres of natural terrain. The course was designed by Arthur O Robins, who was a Scottish railroad engineer.

A keen golfer at that time was also Oriental’s manager Maria Marie. She was the Siamese woman champion for a few years in a row. In 1928 she got divorced and married Arthur O Robins in London in 1932. After 22 years of managing the hotel, Maria decided to retire. Her son was planned as her predecessor, but after his wife’s death, the plans changed. After her son couldn’t take over, so she put a couple, Lt Col and Mrs. Sylow, in charge.

Political Instability

On 24 June 1932, occurred the most important political change of that period. The country’s educated ruling class, calling themselves as the People’s Party, staged a bloodless coup which finally brought to an end Siam’s days as an absolute monarchy. King Prajadhipok signed the nation’s first constitution in December that same year. Nationalism in the Kingdom was growing, the same as a friendship with Japan. In 1939, Siam’s name was officially changed to Thailand.

At the beginning of World War 2, the Marie-Robins’ family received news that the manager of the Oriental Hotel had been killed in a car accident. Maria and Arthur went to Bangkok and were lucky to be able to formally transfer the hotel’s lease and sell all equipment and stocks. As British subjects, after the Thai declaration of war against Britain, they were taken to a camp in the Jungle. Later they managed to escape that camp and return to Britain.

After WW2

The second Great War was at the doors. Japanese troops began to blockade French Indochina. Thailand signed a treaty of friendship with the Empire of the Rising Sun and officially joined the axis side. Japanese armed forces requisitioned the Oriental Hotel. The average occupancy was 25 guests per night. In February 1942, the Japanese International Tourism Bureau requested that the Imperial, the most prestigious hotel in Tokyo, take over the management at Oriental Hotel. American forces regained their power in the Pacific and it became clear that American forces were heading for Okinawa and eventually for the Japanese mainland. On 14 December 1944, American aircraft bombed Rama VI Bridge across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. After the war, the hotel was requisitioned by the American armed forces. Unsurprisingly the interior was already in a bad shape at that time.

Correspondents and journalists used to sit on the terrace, sipping cold drinks and swapping the stories. Among them was also famous Colonel Jim Thompson.

Jim Thompson and Oriental Hotel

Jim Thompson was a close friend of Germaine Krull, a famous photographer. She reported the return of King Ananda Mahidol from his studies in Switzerland, took portraits of Jean Cocteau, Andre Malraux, and Einstein, she took photographs of de Gaulle and Churchill during the liberation of Paris. Jim one day proposed to Germaine a partnership and idea of taking over the Oriental Hotel.

Krull decided to team up with the Thompson for the sake of the hotel’s revival. Their partners were General Chai Prateepasen, HRH Prince Bhanu, Mr. Pote Sarasin, and Mr. John Wester. On 9 May 1947, the Bangkok newspaper Liberty reported about Madam Germaine Krull as a manager of the Oriental Hotel. Madam Krull was busy restoring life to this remarkable institution. There was a lot of work needed to revive this “Old Lady”. Just a few weeks after she had taken over, Madam Krull opened a Bamboo Bar. Bamboo Bar became Bangkok’s most fashionable hangout. The menu in the Bamboo Bar was quite simple, but for that time very “advanced”. American sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fried chickens were filling the guests, while live music established a nice atmosphere.

Thai Silk

Krull and Thompson didn’t agree over various things, one of them was architectural change and the reconstruction of a new wing. Thompson bailed out and sold his shares. Later he established his own silk company, which made Thai silk famous and brought him fame and wealth. To be honest, the Tower wing (the new wing, today is known as a Garden wing) is designed well. As we know Jim Thompson had a great taste for design and décor!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed our Oriental Bangkok History part 2 article. As you can see today Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel is full of heritage. After all, it is one of the oldest hotels in the world. And not only that, one of the best as well. Next time we will check the modern history of this heritage hotel.

Main Source for Oriental Bangkok History is Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental

[1] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 35.

[2] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 77.

[3] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 57.

[4] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[5] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 58.

[6] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 67.

[7] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 64.

[8] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[9] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[10] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 100.

[11] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[12] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[13] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 88.

The post Mandarin Oriental Bangkok History Part 2 appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Early Days: 1862-1893

The land where this hotel stands used to be royal land and the royal family has an important role in this hotel. Where is now lobby stands it used to be a royal palace of Rama III, Prince Rajasihavikrom in 1850. Next to this palace, in 1860, Captain James White opened a boarding house. It stood on the grounds of today’s East Asiatic Company (Oriental’s neighbor to the South). Captain died in 1863 and his boarding house was taken over by two Americans – Atkins Dyer and William West. They turned it into the first hotel in Bangkok – Oriental Hotel. A year later, the hotel’s partnership was changed to Atkins Dyer and Barnes, another American. Sadly on 11 July 1865, Oriental Hotel burned down together with 69 nearby buildings.

German and Then Danish Ownership

A German, C. Falck took over the remainings of this unlucky hotel and restored it for new guests. Flack’s Hotel was opened in 1866 and had a novelty – a bowling alley. At the same time, gas street lighting was installed in Bangkok, which was a great deal for that era. In the 1870s German ownership ended, and his successor C Salje, a Danish seaman did some great improvements. He moved this former guesthouse one step higher, closer to what may be considered a western hotel. He offered family accommodations, bathrooms, billiards room, and American Bar. 

Salje and his fellow Dane, H Jarck owned not only a hotel but also mineral water filling station. In 1881 they retired and sold their business to another Dane, Hans Niels Anderson. Andersen and his partners, P Andersen and F Kinch established Messrs Andersen & Co. They became owners of the Oriental Hotel, the Oriental store and ship chandlery, the Oriental factory, the Oriental bakery, the aerated water filling station, and the Koh-Si-Chang Hotel & Store.

Here Comes the Fame

It didn’t take long for the Oriental Hotel to be in the news. On the west, it was advertised as the only place in Bangkok where one could go. The hotel was known as luxury accommodation and their business reached beyond the hotel’s walls. At some point when the French ambassador stayed next door, they used catering service for their receptions prepared in Oriental Hotel. When business took off the Prince Rajasihavikrom’s successor, Prince Prisdang suggested building a new Oriental Hotel on his father’s land.

That was an important addition to a new hotel on New Road, called Bangkok Hotel. This Hotel was offering all amenities, from ‘First Class Family Residence’ to ‘Ladies Drawing Room’ and ‘Dining Room’. Andersen commissioned a team of local Italian architects, S Cardu & Rosi, to design a completely new building. The Italian architects created an astonishing structure, which still stands at the heart of the hotel and is now known as the Authors’ Wing. That is how the hotel became a shiny star in Indochina.

HIH Crown Prince Nicholas of Russia as a Guest

Oriental Hotel became the venue to hold important parties. In fact, there was almost no bigger banquet, where Oriental Hotel wouldn’t be present. In December 1890, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn paid a private visit to The Oriental. The King was so impressed that he decided to accommodate in Oriental a Crown Prince Nicholas of Russia, who became Tsar in 1894. Crown Prince Nicholas was at The Oriental in April 1891 and this was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between Oriental Hotel and the Royal family.

Novelties

Every drop of liquor was consumed during the Russian delegation’s stay. That was a clear sign of well-being in that hotel. At the same time, the hotel got a new modern electric light, which was a great improvement for that time. Important to realize, there were only two more places with electric lights; Siam Electric Light Co’s works and the Royal Palace.

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In 1893 H N Andersen sold the hotel business to Franklin Bill Hurst for $22,000. Andersen was still the owner of the neighboring Oriental Store, which continued to supply the hotel with different imports. Those goods were the most expensive wines in the world, like Château Mouton and Château Lafite Rothschild. Andersen returned to Denmark and founded the East Asiatic Company, along with the first director of the Landmans-Banken. Nowadays, it is the largest company in Denmark with worldwide branches.

It is not clear why the hotel was sold, but it is possible that there was a problem with the ‘chit method’ payment. A credit form, that was often never paid. The same ‘problem’ was in the Eastern&Oriental with Sarkies. However Hurst hired American W.J. Palmer to manage the property, and he abrogated that paying system.

Paknam Incident

England and France were in their “Colonization Race” and pressures from French authorities were high. The climax was reached in 1893 in the so-called ‘Paknam Incident’. While sailing off Paknam through Siam’s Chao Phraya River to Bangkok, three French ships were fired on by the Siamese. As a result, Franch blockaded Bangkok and fired guns on the Royal Palace. French warships anchored directly in front of the French Embassy and the Oriental Hotel. The King of Siam avoided bloodshed but the price was high. It was included payment of a war indemnity of three million French francs and the cession of a certain territory, including a portion of the State of Luang Prabang, to France.

Writers Dwelling

Joseph Conrad

Oriental Hotel was hosting many famous people, and surprisingly a lot of well-known writers. Imagine this Chao Phraya River bank in the shine of the full moon and small orchestra playing tender tones at the back… What better brain stimulation can you ask for? Yeah, yeah that small amounts of opium from China… Anyway, in 1888, the hotel was hosting the not yet famous Joseph Conrad. At that time he was a new captain of the ship Otago, where he got a lot of experience and material for his writing. One of the well-known works is also ‘Lord Jim’. As a matter of fact, that name we can find in today’s hotel seafood restaurant.

Maxwell Sommerville

He was a guest in this legendary hotel in 1897. At that time he was the first and only Professor of Glyptology, the study of engraved gems and collecting artifacts of Buddhist worships. Maxwell was an inspired travel writer, travel blogger of that era ;). He arrived at Oriental Hotel with his wife and they were simply astonished by this place and left a rich writing history about the hotel at that time. Oriental Hotel was described as one of the noblest here on the East. For example, they were surprised by two sheets on the bed; that was a luxury they were often denied in India and Burma. He described also a fruit selection in this hotel. At dinner, they were serving mangosteens, bread-fruit, oranges, custard-apples, papaya, pineapples, mangoes, bananas, and even durian despite its intense odor.

William Somerset Maugham

With 850 million books sold, he became the most read author of the 20^th century. In ‘The Gentleman in the Parlour’ he described also his first visit to Oriental Bangkok. ‘The hotel faced the river. My room was dark, one of a long line, with a verandah on each side of it, the breeze blew through, but it was stifling. The dining room was large and dim, and for coolness’ sake, the windows were shuttered. One was waited on by silent Chinese boys. I did not know why the insipid Eastern food sickened me. The wats oppress me by their garish magnificence, making my headache. I took my temperature. I was startled topo see that it was a hundred and five. I could not believe it, so I took it again; it was still a hundred and five’.

Malaria

Maugham had contracted malaria while traveling. It was a bad attack. One morning he overheard a conversation between the hotel manager, Maria Marie, and the doctor. ‘I can’t have him die here, you know. You must take him to the hospital.’ The doctor decided to wait a day or two. Luckily Maugham recovered a few days later. Because he had nothing to do except look at the river and enjoy the weakness left by disease, he invented a fairy story. He was in the Oriental Hotel two times more. Once in 1925, when he stayed there for two weeks and the second time in 1960 to celebrate his 85^th birthday. This time he dined with legendary Jim Thompson. He reminisced: ‘I was almost evicted from the Oriental Hotel because the manager did not want me to ruin her business by dying in one of her rooms.’

Collapse and Women Empower

The hotel was working fine and it was known as a high social hub. However, in 1899, Hurst decided to sell his interests in the Oriental Hotel to a syndicate of a Mr. W Downie. During the following three years the Oriental underwent further expansions and improvements. These times were very turbulent for the hotel.

In 1903, the hotel was taken over by F S Robertson, but not for long. A few months later he had to leave town in a hurry, due to his debts. The hotel was closed down temporarily till 1905 and was established back by Mr. Carl G Edwards, an American. Management was proposed to Mme M O Bujault. She engaged Viennese orchestra, revived the tradition of musical dinners, and employed a new French chef – Monsieur Brier. From this time on the cuisine in Oriental Hotel was at an exquisite level.

Maria Marie

Anyway successful years of Madame M O Bujault lasted only till 1910. She was the first women manager of The Oriental, but certainly not last. Her successor was Maria Marie. She became a legend in her own right. The hotel was in its ‘golden era’, with its patron – Peter Carl Fabergé. He is a well-known jeweler known by the famed Fabergé egg. At Oriental Hotel he did a few successful exhibitions. In addition to that the new King Vajiravudh – Rama VI became his valued customer.

The Oriental Hotel became a famous center not only for travelers but also for diplomats and businessmen. It even became the seat of a diplomatic mission. In 1913, the Imperial & Royal Austro-Hungarian Legation in the Kingdom of Siam established a chancery at the hotel. Good relationships lasted only one year. World War I started and even here, far away from violent events one could still feel it. For example, Austrian diplomats weren’t invited to a French garden party. However, The Great War left a huge crisis all over the world. Luxury travels were out of business and a hotel like The Oriental was affected as well. 

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Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Review

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1920 – 1940

The hotel was badly affected by the global economic crisis. In 1920, M Henri Cucherousset, correspondent of the Hanoi journal L ‘Evil Economique de l’Indochie came to Bangkok. He did an article about the Oriental Hotel, which wasn’t in its best form. He deplored its lack of ‘a drawing-room for ladies’ and a ‘proper bathing accommodations’. Worst of all he critiqued its generally rundown appearance. Henri Cucherousset had dared to attack a national institution. The response of the public can be described as frantic. The answer to this was raised capital of 60,000 Baht. The idea was Maria Marie’s, who became one of the shareholders and was appointed a managing director.

Renovations went amazingly well, and the Oriental Hotel was back in good shape. In the city, new hotels opened their doors and started to compete with the Oriental Hotel. Guests mostly stayed in the Oriental Hotel, simply because they recognized it as much more than just luxury accommodation. After all, this was the oldest hotel in Bangkok with a rich historical background and Royal connections. After the renovation, Daniel C Sweeney, a seasoned illustrator, arrived. He drew posters for leading Asian hotels. Among them are also the Grand Hotel Metropole in Hanoi and the Continental Palace in Saigon. His work for the Oriental Hotel is considered one of his finest pieces of art.

The Connections

Siam offered four aerodromes, in 1924. However, plains in that time were rare and mostly used by the military. Later in the 1930s, it was more common to travel by plane. At that time the travel from London to Bangkok lasted nine days and it wasn’t considered as safe travel. It is worth mentioning that the first air hostesses were trained nurses. The first group of aerial travelers landed at Don Muang airport in 1931. Among them were also Oriental’s first air-borne guests.

The train connections became much more expanded as well. You could easily visit most of Siam’s parts. Wealthy citizens of Bangkok traveled to Huan Hin, where it was the legendary Railway Hotel and only 5 minutes away, the brand new Royal Golf Club. This Club is the first golf course of international standards in Siam. It had been completed in 1924 and carved on over 240 acres of natural terrain. The course was designed by Arthur O Robins, who was a Scottish railroad engineer.

Maria Marie Retirement

A keen golfer at that time was also Oriental’s manager Maria Marie. She was the Siamese woman champion for a few years in a row. It looks like she wasn’t there only for golf. In 1928 she got divorced and married Arthur O Robins in London in 1932. Then after 22 years of managing the hotel, Maria decided to retire. Her son was planned as her predecessor, but after the death of his wife plans changed. After her son couldn’t take over, she put a couple, Lt Col and Mrs. Sylow, in charge.

Political Instability

On 24 June 1932, occurred the most important political change of that period. The country’s educated ruling class, calling themselves the People’s Party, staged a bloodless coup which finally brought to an end Siam’s days as an absolute monarchy. King Prajadhipok signed the nation’s first constitution in December that same year. Nationalism in the Kingdom was growing, the same as a friendship with Japan. In 1939, Siam’s name was officially changed to Thailand.

At the beginning of World War 2, the Marie-Robins’ family received news that the manager of the Oriental Hotel had been killed in a car accident. Maria and Arthur went to Bangkok and were lucky to be able to formally transfer the hotel’s lease and sell all equipment and stocks. As British subjects, and after the Thai declaration of war against Britain, they were taken to a camp in the Jungle. Later they managed to escape that place and return to Britain.

After WW2

The second Great War was at the doors. Japanese troops began to blockade French Indochina. Thailand signed a treaty of friendship with the Empire of the Rising Sun and officially joined the axis side. Japanese armed forces requisitioned the Oriental Hotel. The average occupancy was 25 guests per night. In February 1942, the Japanese International Tourism Bureau requested that Imperial, the most prestigious hotel in Tokyo, take over the management at Oriental Hotel. American forces regained their power in the Pacific and it became clear that American forces were heading for Okinawa and eventually for the Japanese mainland. On 14 December 1944, American aircraft bombed Rama VI Bridge across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. After the war, the hotel was requisitioned by the American armed forces. Interior was already in a bad shape at that time.

Correspondents and journalists used to sit on the terrace, drinking cold drinks and swapping the stories. Among them was also famous Colonel Jim Thompson.

Jim Thompson and Oriental Hotel

Jim Thompson was a close friend of Germaine Krull, a famous photographer. She reported the return of King Ananda Mahidol from his studies in Switzerland, took portraits of Jean Cocteau, Andre Malraux, and Einstein, she took photographs of de Gaulle and Churchill during the liberation of Paris. Jim one day proposed to Germaine a partnership and idea of taking over the Oriental Hotel.

Krull decided to team up with the Thompson to revive the hotel. Their partners were General Chai Prateepasen, HRH Prince Bhanu, Mr. Pote Sarasin, and Mr. John Wester. On 9 May 1947, the Bangkok newspaper Liberty reported about Madam Germaine Krull as a manager of the Oriental Hotel. Madam Krull was busy restoring life to this remarkable institution. There was a lot of work needed to revive this “Old Lady”. Just a few weeks after she had taken over, she opened a Bamboo Bar. Bamboo Bar became Bangkok’s most fashionable hangout. The menu in the Bamboo Bar was quite simple, but for that time very “advanced”. American sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fried chickens were filling the guests, while live music established a nice atmosphere.

Thai Silk

Krull and Thompson didn’t agree over various things, one of them was architectural change and the reconstruction of a new wing. Because of that Thompson bailed out and sold his shares. Later he established his own silk company, which made Thai silk famous and brought him fame and wealth. To be honest, the Tower wing (the new wing, today is known as a Garden wing) is designed well. As we know Jim Thompson had a great taste for design and décor!

PART 2

I hope you enjoyed our article about Mandarin Oriental Bangkok History. Here is a link to Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel History Part 2, where we checked about modern times.

Main Source is Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental

[1] Placide de Sainte-Helene: Engraved by Claude Roussel, Published by Mille. Du Val, niesse de’l auteur 1686, Paris. In the Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 12.

[2] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 22.

[3] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 25.

[4] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 33.

[5] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 35.

[6] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 45.

[7] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 38.

[8] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 49.

[9] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 49.

[10]Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 43.

[11] https://archive.org/stream/appletonsmagazin04newy#page/58/mode/2up

[12] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 43.

[13] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 49.

[14] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[15] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 58.

[16] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 67.

[17] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 64.

[18] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[19] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[20] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 100.

[21] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[22] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 78.

[23] Andreas Augustin – The Most Famous Hotels in The World – The Oriental, page 88.

The post Mandarin Oriental Bangkok History appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Thanks to designer A. B. Hubback, it remains an iconic building in Kuala Lumpur, to this day. Until the Petronas Twin Towers were completed in 1998, this Railway Station building was the most photographed icon of the city. A part of this building was also a fully booked hotel, called the Station Hotel. This was a sort of luxury hotel, but not for the most demanding guests. In that time officers, tourists, and businessmen were looking for something more and they found it across the street. By 1935, the Station Hotel and Majestic Hotel were the leading hotels in KL.

First Modern Hotel in Kuala Lumpur

The Majestic was the first modern hotel to meet all standards in order to fit into the luxury hotel category. It was built by Dutch architect Van Leangeanderg of the firm Messrs Keys & Dowdeswell. They used new technologies in the form of reinforced concrete and new materials as well. Classical motifs pared-down with art deco ornaments, a geometric look and clean lines were considered real eye candy back in those days. Originally, this building wasn’t even meant to be a hotel, but rather a block of luxury apartments. After the recession, the owner a successful businessman Towkay Loke Yew opened it rather as a hotel with luxury rooms.

In the beginning, they had 51 spacious rooms. As a matter of fact, this place was an overnight success and became the hub of social life and the center for high end wining, dining and entertaining. This mighty building was a meeting point for many writers, singers, politicians, dignitaries and, later on, film stars. Impact of World War II’s spread everywhere, and so Majestic felt consequences as well. During the Japanese Occupation from 1939 to 1945, the hotel served as a transit camp by the Japanese. In 1945, after the Japanese had surrendered, one Japanese soldier committed suicide inside his room. The rumor is that his ghost haunted room 48 until the hotel closed in 1984.

Majestic Hotel History After WWII

After WWII, when the British returned to Malaysia, the Majestic resumed its status as the pre-eminent hotel. The business was as usual and the hotel was a famous spot for those wanting to indulge in afternoon tea. Must be remembered, at the rooftop club, people came together to discuss independence from Great Britain. They were the founders and members of UMNO, Dato Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman, who went on to become Malaysia’s first prime minister. By the time the nation declared its independence in 1957, the glory days had passed and the Majestic began its downward spiral. By 1984, there was more competition in town and the Majestic just couldn’t handle it.

They closed their doors in 1984 in order to house the National Art Gallery. In 1995, the Government, Syarikat Tanah dan Harta Sdn Bhd (a Finance Ministry Inc company) and YTL Corp Bhd signed an agreement to privatize the National Art Gallery building project. YTL group built and completed the new art gallery on Jalan Termeloh, off Jalan Tun Razak, in KL, in exchange for the Hotel Majestic.

Majestic Hotel and YTL

Sadly, the hotel didn’t receive approval to be refurbished and developed until 2008. The YTL group started with the work and this beauty came out more than perfect. The architect in charge was Zaidan Tahir, he collaborated with the interior design firm Duoz Sdn Bhd, which was also behind the refurbishment of two of YTL’s other heritage properties. One is the Cameron Highlands Resort and the other is Majestic Malacca. The restoration went perfectly in both projects.

In this Majestic Wing, you feel completely like in a colonial atmosphere with all the details in the décor. Tahir chose to stick to the hotel’s original part as much as possible. Suites are an adaption of the earlier rooms, during the improvement process also the staircase has been renovated. Even the walls have been repainted with a plaster and lime mix used in colonial times. After the renovation, the Majestic Wing had 47 suites over five floors. They didn’t only restore the old wing but also added a new building. This is the Tower Wing in an art deco style, which compliments the original building.

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Outstanding Amenities

The novelties were the Smoke House and the orchid observatory. The Tower Wing has 300 bedrooms, decorated in colonial style with wooden floors, black and white tiles in the luxurious bathrooms and all modern appliances. As an example the bathrooms are equipped with TV screens, so guests can watch their favorite show while soaking in the tub!

In the Tower Wing, there is also a modern fitness center and a huge terrace with a swimming pool located on the 4th floor. However, The Majestic Hotel is a heritage hotel and the new owners know how to keep this jewel alive. In our next post, we will write about our experience at this outstanding hotel and try to show all the beauty of this building through our photos.

Sources: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/archive/2012/12/17/contemporary-heritage-in-refurbished-hotel-majestic/; http://majestickl.com; The Classic Collection: Heritage Hotels & Luxury Lodgings from East and West, Kim Inglis

The post History of Majestic Hotel KL: Kuala Lumpur’s Finest appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

This is our E&O Hotel history part 3. If you miss the first two parts here is a link to the first and second part.

The E&O Hotel building survived World War II. However, there was no crockery, glassware, cutlery, silver or linen left. Also, the furniture looked tired, but considering the war, it was in decent shape. To cover the expenses of repairing the Runnymede, Eastern & Oriental Hotel, and Crag, the new owner claimed a 409,431 Malayan-dollar. This claim was settled in 1955 with only 69,000 Malayan-dollar, which was a huge disappointment.

The Choong Family

The life in Penang was getting back into old lanes. Peace and guests returned to the city and hotels did notice some profit. In 1951 The Choong family (Rich family in Penang) who had a major stake in Runnymede offered to pay other shareholders and took over the hotels. Their only counterweight was the biggest individual shareholder Frank Duxbury. After a few meetings, the offer was positive and Choongs paid around 1.7 million Malayan dollars to shareholders. Around 3000 shares remained untraced, owing to the loss of records during the Japanese occupation.

The Malaysian independence and the fact Eastern & Oriental Hotel was now in local hands was pride for Penang’s’ people. For Choongs that was a jewel in a crown of their family business. E&O was getting a more oriental touch, but European management was still important. However, the need to emphasize European standards in the hospitality trade was still alive. In the first place, the hotel restaurant became famous for its Chinese food, as well as the grill with both Chinese and western-style food. Equally important, the weekly dances were again on the repertoire and some of the rooms got a new improvement – air condition.

Workers Strike

Penang became a hot tourist spot again and income from foreigners was getting higher. That was good news for owners, but there was a new problem – A strike of hotel workers. Choongs saw a huge chance to turn this into a business – sell the Eastern & Oriental Hotel and pour cash into the family business. After a 10-days standoff with the striking workers, Choongs made the announcement to sell the hotel. On 1 August 1965, the E&O fell silent in dark. Some described this even the bigger catastrophe for a hotel than Japanese occupation.

Back on the Track

In late September 1965, the businessman Chan Eng Hock bought the hotel from Choongs for just under three million Malayan dollars. The decision for selling wasn’t related to money problems. To emphasize that Chan Eng Hock had to borrow one-third of the money from the company belonging to Choongs. Just as a statement that this sell wasn’t driven by desperation. They re-hired old staff, and the swimming pool on the seafront lawn was in the plan. Very quickly the hotel settled back into a routine. Soon there was a three-week waiting list for a table in the restaurant. The hotel was very popular also for wedding celebrations, couples got married there every weekend. Almost everyone on Penang island can remember their celebration in Eastern & Oriental hotel.

Competition

The tourist boom brought more competition. New more modern hotels opened in the city, so the E&O hotel desperately needed some improvements. Chan Eng Hock struck up an alliance with the cash-flush Jack Chia-MPH Ltd group, which later in 1973 controlled 87.5% equity in the E&O. The deal was heavy seven million Malaysian-dollar. One of refreshment is a new casual coffee house, Sarkies Corner, operating 24 hours. In 1981 Victory Annexe, once Arshak Sarkies’ pride and joy was demolished. There was a brand new “the biggest ballroom in Malaysia” boarded up. Extensive renovations to the hotel began in 1982 under Chan Eng Hock’s chairmanship. This action was more restoration than a renovation. Due to the recession, the huge development plans went to pending. The reviews were bad and the hotel fell into red numbers. This accommodation was described as a nostalgia lover’s place.

Jack Chia got a lot of mail from interested buyers. They were all denied, only one found its place – it was an offer by a local consortium led by property developer Terry Tham. After though negotiations he bought a 90.7 % stake in the E&O hotel. Today it looks like a good investment, but at that time he got a lot of questions about this seemingly mad decision. But luckily Tham believed in long-term investment and he saw a much bigger picture.

Renovation in 1996

In 1996 E&O hotel closed its doors for a major renovation. An anticipated 18-month restoration program becomes a painful 5 years project. There was no extension planned, due to their vision of a smaller boutique hotel. Among heritage lovers, a renovation was a big concern. They were afraid the hotel will become a modern one and they will dispose of the valuable old pieces of furniture. Somehow, they were right. Management decided to sell original bathroom fittings, pattern floor tiles, teak doors and casement windows, crockery and so it was rumored, even the grand lobby staircase. Hotel management also shows some generosity, as they gave the hotel’s Yamaha organ in recognition of personal contribution to a couple of entertainers, who were playing and singing in the hotel for 47 years.

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UNESCO Heritage Site

Penang at that time was fronting to some amazing title – UNESCO heritage site. This title they got later in 2008 and E&O hotel is positioned in its buffer zone. Francesco Bandarin a former director on UNESCO World Heritage Centre said: ”Buffer zones are an important tool for conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. All along with the history of implementation of the World Heritage Convention, the protection of the “surroundings” of the inscribed properties was considered an essential component of the conservation strategy, for cultural and natural sites alike”.

Reopening in 2001

In early 2001 the hotel finally opened its doors again and it came out more than fantastic. From now on it’s positioned as a “luxury heritage hotel”. The gardens and the coconut palms were still there only the swimming pool got bigger. In the reception lobby missing centerpiece, the grand staircase, has been replaced and the dome looked younger. The rooms got new furniture. New reproduction, but genuine antique pieces. The style of rooms was declared as “East-meets-West” and was decorated perfectly.  All 100 rooms are in fact suites, offering the largest average room size available in Penang.  A true elegance was preserved also in the ballroom with its timbered wood floor, concert stage, upper gallery, and royal box. The modern approach was related to the business center. Boardroom to accommodate groups of 20 to 150. In all aspects, they managed to preserve history and style!

Another Wing in 2013

The business is good, and not only for the hotel. In Penang, the tourist industry is having a blast. In 2000 there were around 10 million arrivals of tourists, while in 2012 around 25 million arrivals. The E&O Hotel didn’t want to stay without a share, so the new investment was planned. In 2013 they opened a new wing called Victory Annexe, after once Arshak’s “parade horse”. This new 16-story building (without 13 and 14 floors as those are unlucky ones) has 117 Superior rooms and five Corner Suites. On the 6th floor is rewarded Panpuri SPA, Planters Lounge private lounge exclusively for guests and its poolside terrace with infinity pool.

There is Still an Old Part – Heritage Wing

The rooms are equipped with all modern conveniences yet in great colonial style. The corridors are wide, just like in the old building. And when you are walking in this new building you easily got deceived about its age. Only a few drinks and you will think you are back in colonial time. All furniture is made in a similar style as it is now called Heritage wing. The bathroom is floored with the same black and white colonial tiles and equipped with four-legged English style baths – an imitation of those controversy sold in the first renovation. With all this effort, I think they did make up for those baths.

As true historic place lovers, we stayed in the Heritage wing and reviewed our staying there. So please feel free to read how is to stay in this iconic hotel today. As a true high tea lovers, we also tried E&O afternoon tea at their 1885 Restaurant. All I can say is this is one of the best high tea experiences we ever have had.

The post E&O Hotel History PART 3/3 – A new start appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Here is our second Eastern & Oriental Hotel History article. Please, click here for the first part od E&O Hotel History, in case you have missed it. Anyway, the 1920s were golden for the E&O Hotel. The guests weren’t just wealthy locals and tourists from around the world, but also movie stars and celebrities. At that time the hotel had a tole of a social hub. Georgetown’s white elite gathered there on Fridays to greet the new arrivals. The new American tourists were constantly arriving in town. Those tourists were dear to the E&O Hotel staff, thanks to their tipping habits. At the same time, other guests were amazed by their style and appetite to party. Those that were home-sick also found refuge at the hotel. In other words, it was presenting some sort of home-remedy for those who were living out of England for a long time.

England is Far

Years passed and the bond with their homeland cooled down. On the other side, they didn’t connect with Malaysia either. Drinking Gin & Tonic and reading the daily newspaper is not a habit that gets you accustomed to the new environment. Up the road was a true rival the Runnymede. They had expanded and refurbished the building in 1930, under the management of Messrs Poster and Parker. They added a nice ballroom on the ground floor, pairing to one in the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Debt

Behind the gaming tables, huge danger appeared. There were no guests paying with cash, their word was as good as cash. They would simply sign ‘chits’ for their bills, which would be collected up within three to six months. Only then they sent them for a final settlement. One regular guest owed as much as 9,000 Straits dollars (today that would be about US$60,000). Later when the rubber and tin recession broke out, the ‘chit’ credit system turned out as a terrible debt trap. However, by 1930 the owner Arshak Sarkies had accumulated to some 14,000 Strait dollars (almost US$99,000) debt for his own entertainment at his hotel. Sometimes he would forget what hotels purpose is and would simply invite his friends to stay at the E&O Hotel for free.

Another Expansion in 1927

In 1927 were new plans for expansion presented. There would be another ultra-modern, three-story, 68-room wing on the eastern side of the hotel. As a matter of fact, this site was owned by fellow Armenian Thaddeus Paul. The deal Arshak had made with Paul was that the new block would be built on Paul’s land with 50 years lease. Paul as the landlord would hold the freehold and leasehold titles. This new block would then be leased from Paul, while Paul would also lend some 250,000 Straits dollars (about US$ 1,7 million) towards overall reconstruction costs. The chosen architects for this new block were French architecture firm Messrs Brossard Mopin Malaya Ltd, led by W. Herman, who was a notable architect at that time. The work was completed two years later and concluded with a big masked ball.

Novelty – Passenger Lift

The new dome was positioned where the former central drive-through open courtyard had been. Linking the old and new wings together. The dome was almost 16 meters in diameter and was declared as ‘’the most striking feature of the new extension and the biggest dome in the East’’. There was also new Palm Court, lately known as Goldie’s which became a favorite for rendezvous. On every Sunday the orchestral concerts were also featured there. The novelty was the personal electric lift, which was one of Malaya’s earliest passengers lift.

This lift is still working today, after all these years. At the sea-side, they connected gardens and made 305-m continuous promenade. Sadly, the cost was the shadow from huge trees, which were removed. In fact, the hotel now had a total of 71 sea-view rooms and around 30 others. Every room had an English-style long bath with running hot and cold water, two large beds and a telephone. On the positive side, international reviewers conceded that E&O was one of the finest “East of Suez”. The investment was huge and there were suggestions that the hotel books weren’t in good order.

Financial Collapse

As the inevitable collapse approached, Arshak quarreled over the bookkeeping with his 50 per cent-partner and fellow Martyrose Arathoon. Desperate Arshak turned to Indian moneylenders in 1929, which was a sign of a catastrophe for this hotel. Arshak died on 9 January 1931 at the Penang General Hospital, of liver failure. His funeral was the largest and best-attended Penang had seen in decades. After all, Arshak died in debt of half-million Straits dollars (US$ 3.6 million) to his own hotel company, and for another 40,000 (US$ 290,000) to the moneylenders, who had exacted interest rates from him ranging from 8 to 15 percent. Under those circumstances, the hotel was almost unoccupied and incapable of paying the monthly rent to the creditor Thaddeus Paul. He had lent Arshak about 400,000 Straits dollars (US$2.9 million).

Paul died soon after Arshak and the Bankruptcy procedure was on Arshak’s partner Arathoon. E&O was in 1933 subsumed under the new Raffles Hotel Ltd company, created that year. However, the hotel remained a nonviable drain on this company and so in 1938, the decision was taken to sell it. The buyer was Arshak’s rival and neighbor Runnymede Hotel. The E&O was a bargain buy, at only 120,954 Straits dollars (about US$1 million). Anyway, that wasn’t the biggest fall of this mighty hotel.

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World War II

The Japanese were about to extend World War II to Asia. Controversial British evacuation in the face of the Japanese, left locals alone to shift for themselves. Evacuation of the city was ordered only for ‘pure’ British residents. When the Japanese arrived, they found the hotel empty. The authorities’ instructions were to make sure that there was no liquor left around the hotel for the Japanese. The surroundings of the hotel were on fumes for a few days, due to all the buzz running down the drains and smashed bottles.

Penang’s civilian suffered terribly from Japanese bombing raids. During the Japanese occupation of Penang, military officers used the hotel as their own private club, now renamed The Penang Haitan Ryokan. The military HQ was right next door to the hotel. Allies started their air raids on Penang and the hotel was in big danger due to the Japanese HQ on this location. Luckily there was no big harm. For Japan, everything changed when the ‘A-bomb’ was dropped on Hiroshima.

Conclusion

As you can see Eastern&Oriental Hotel had a turbulent history. Financial problems were just a drop in the Ocean to this what was on the horizon. However, World War II affected all East Asia and Penang was no difference. This E&O History part ends with a dark era, but don’t worry next one will be more optimistic. Golden times for Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang are coming again.

E&O Hotel History Part 1

E&O Hotel History Part 3

Source: Ilsa Sharp: The E&O Hotel: Pearl of Penang

The post E&O Hotel History PART 2/3 – Golden era appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Colonization of Penang

The British flag was raised on Penang, on 11 August 1786. At first, the British didn’t show much interest in this island. However, the businessmen of the island were mostly Chinese immigrants. They were the leading industrious and entrepreneurs. Even today the Penang is the only Malaysian state with a Chinese majority. This localized Straits-born or Peranakan Chinese were referred to as Baba (males) and Nonya (females).

Nonyas are also crucial for the birth of the Nyonyas kitchen, which is still very popular. Among the tenacious new migrants were Armenian merchants. Part of their community were also the Sarkies brothers, the founders of the E&O Hotel in 1885.

Sarkies Brothers

At first, they bought Penang’s former Hotel de l’Europe and named it Oriental Hotel. Not so far from there was already operating Eastern Hotel, whose landlord was Khaw Sim Bee. He was also the landlord of the new Sarkies Brothers hotel – Oriental Hotel. Sarkies presented to Mr. Khaw a vision of luxury hotel in Penang. Back then the luxury accommodation was not an option, even though tourism was more and more attractive, due to the Suez Canal (1869). Sarkies subsequently took over both buildings.

In 1889 they completely refurbished Oriental and surrendered the Eastern at this point. The refurbished Oriental Hotel was known now as Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O). At this point, E&O was a 30-bedroom lodging house with a dining room holding about 12 tables. At that time Sarkies brothers had another bigger project – Raffles hotel, Singapore.

Expansion

Eastern Hotel, was run by Sarkies Armenian fellow Gregory Mackertich Seth Nahapiet. The youngest brother Arshak was in a restless search for constant improvements and upgrading. To stay ahead of the competition was crucial as tourism rapidly became a booming industry in Penang. In 1901 he refurbished the hotel with teak furniture. The bedrooms were reckoned by the standards of those days. Only six years later he made a new two-story block housing 45 bedrooms, as the hotel’s north wing. There was a new seawall, a dining room, dance floor, a bar, fans and electric light throughout. In 1908 he expands across the road. Leasing adjacent building, his one-time competitor, the old International Hotel.

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Sarkies Pride – Annexe

International Hotel morphed into a luxurious annexe with the roller-skating rink, marble-floored dining room, and motor garage. He connected annexe to mother hotel E&O with Moorish arches veranda and a similarly domed garden gazebo. In 1910 the new E&O was the 70-room establishment, but not for long. Only three years later Arshak decided to buy the neighboring Penang Hall for further extensions. Now was E&O equipped with 100 rooms and a 200-seat dining hall. In this action, he also enlarged the bar, made a front driveway and new porch, including the first ladies ‘cloakroom’. Not so far from E&O was Runnymede Hotel, which was fast becoming E&O’s most serious competitor. The answer to this was a new E&O’s Victory Annexe, which was built at the conclusion of world war one in 1918. Sadly Victory Annexe no longer stands today, it was demolished in 1981.

E&O Hotel is a Luxury Hotel

E&O was titled as the luxury class hotel in 1923. However, the new three-story, 40-room Victory Annexe with its domes and minarets of British India was the icing on the cake for Arshak. The annexe had a commanding sea view for every bedroom, and it was attached to the bathroom with English long baths. There was also hot and cold running water, telephone in every room, electric fans and private balconies. For this renovation, they choose Keys and Dowdeswell architecture firm from Singapore.

Since that time, this hotel claimed to be the largest and the best hotel in Penang. By 1927 guidebooks were describing it as “The Premier Hotel East of Suez”. After all, it has the longest seafront, of any hotel in the World, at 256 m of a seawall. In front of the seafront, a wall was the most beautiful garden. E&O’s novelties were also a billiards room, hairdressing salon, curio and jewelry shop, post and telegraph office. The hotel was operating with about 130 rooms and a 300-seat dining hall. The biggest pride of E&O hotel was a new ballroom, generally reckoned to be on a par with this one at Singapore’s Raffles.

The 1920s Were Golden

In the 1920s, the hotel business was booming. E&O hotel was hosting the main social events of the year. There you could see as many as 500 people mingling around at the same time. Every Tuesday and Friday night there were dancing events with various musicians. At that time the new dances like the Black Bottom and the Charleston were on the horizon. Let me just add that dance wasn’t an easy task in Penang back in time. To point out, the dress codes were still elaborately formal. For men clad in boiled, starch-stiff shirt fronts and short mess jackets were in order. If that wasn’t an option the alternative was black dinner suits. By that time E&O was Penang’s premier social venue.

E&O Hotel History

I hope you liked our article. If you are interested, here you can read our E&O Hotel Review. Anyway, the E&O Hotel History has two more parts. If you are interested, please check the sequel of this article and know more about rich E&O Hotel History. However, WWII left a big scar and there was also a big question if this hotel will ever operate. Luckily it got in the right hands and today is Eastern & Oriental Hotel one of the finest hotels in Malaysia.

E&O Hotel History Part 2

E&O Hotel History Part 3

Source: Ilsa Sharp: The E&O Hotel: Pearl of Penang

The post E&O Hotel History PART 1/3 – THE RISE appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

Majestic Malacca History

It was housed in the 1920s as a former mansion of a tycoon Leong Long Man. He was a rubber seller, which was a huge business at that time. His 150 acres of rubber yielded a vast abundance. In the character of Straits Chinese from that time, he didn’t mind spending money on expensive materials. On the outside, the house isn’t so special.

Sure, everyone could see it is huge, but the ornaments on the façade showed his wealth to passers-by. In order to impress the business-related guests, the inside was more luxurious. On the floor, there were gracious imported Victorian tiles, which have remained well preserved until today. On the walls, there were nice stained glass windows and the rooms were equipped with expensive furniture and fittings. It took him two years to finish his home, and, sadly, he was showing off his mansion for only two years. In 1931, he fell ill and died.

The oldest son squandered his inheritance and was forced to sell the mansion to a businessman named Lim Heng Fang. Luckily, Mr. Lim saw the potential of this building and preserved the building in its original state. He converted it into a hotel – the Majestic. The hotel soon got a social status with its dancing balls. It even got a “must stay” status when one was visiting Melaka. However, things changed and the hotel was sadly closed in 2000 and took a turn for the worse. The new owner operated it as a budget guesthouse.

Backpackers and budget seekers squatted this piece of art. Better days for the hotel were on a horizon when YTL group took it over and the property acquisition was finalized in 2006. The main building was restored and, at the back, a new building in the same style was added. The new ten-storey building doesn’t outshine the original house. Basically, it is a nice addition to this charismatic hotel. The used materials are of high quality, such as massive furnishings and a replica of antique Victorian tiles.

A nice addition to the bathroom is a beautiful freestanding bath. These are just some of the details. The rooms have a view of the river, which is slowly running through Melaka, invigorating the city for centuries. The swimming pool, fitness, and spa are there to satisfy even the most exacting guests.

Conclusion

Melaka needs a heritage hotel like this, especially when its main attraction is heritage itself. If you won’t stay at the Majestic Hotel, at least stop for a Gin O’Clock which occurs every Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 8 PM. You can try three signature cocktails and enjoy this heritage bar. Alcohol surely gives a bust to the imagination and helps to see the roots on which the city stands today. I hope you liked this Majestic Malacca History article. If you are a heritage hotel lover, don’t miss out on its big sister – Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, which we reviewed as well on our site.

The post The Majestic Hotel Malacca History appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.

The Rise of The Sarkies Brothers

In 1885 there were already millions of Armenians outside of the Armenian homeland. Many of Malaya’s Armenians came from the country around New Julfa, Isfahan. Isfahan was then Persia, today’s Iran. Armenians proved valuable allies for the British. They followed the British East India Company and mostly work for them.

The Armenian community established a strong presence in British colonial Calcutta, where they founded their college. This college had been also a station for Sarkies brothers before they came to the Malaya. There were four Sarkies brothers, Martin, Tigran, Aviet, and Arshak. They founded, owned and managed a series of hotels.

Sarkies Brothers or Ter Wosnian

Their full name is Sarkissian, but they shortened it, to make it easier to pronounce. But there is also another theory, accorded to research by Nadia Wright, the Sarkies’ real family name should have been Ter Wosanian. Later they adopted their father’s first name, Sarkies Martyrose Ter Woskanian, as their surname.

Penang Was Sarkies Start Point

Tigran was first of four brothers Sarkies, who settled in Penang. His new Company, auctioneers, and commercial agents were opened, when he was only 21 years old. He also had a sideline in renting and selling real estate. In 1884 Tigran fell in love with a new hotel with an extensive view of the Straits of Malacca — so-called Eastern Hotel. Only one year later his brother Martin, then about 33 years old, joined him. Together they formed Sarkies Brothers. Soon they jumped at the chance to buy Penang’s former Hotel de l’Europe which was near Eastern hotel.

Thailand Connections

The landlord of both hotels was Khaw Sim Bee, a Thai tin and rubber magnate with extensive land holdings in Penang as well as a considerable political power in Thailand. His family had the Koe Guan Company in Penang, where a manager was one of Sarkies brothers. Khaw Sim Bee liked their idea of establishing a high-quality new hotel in Penang. In 1885 the Sarkies established the Oriental Hotel, later renamed and refurbished E&O Hotel. In 1886 their 24-year-old brother joined them from Calcutta’s College, serving first as an assistant at Eastern Hotel and later manager.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel Was Only a Start

The Eastern was raised for rent and options for expansion were null. The Sarkies Brothers decided to find a new better location for their luxury hotel. Tigran let to set up Singapore’s famous Raffles Hotel in 1887. In 1889, they completely refurbished Oriental and surrendered the Eastern at this point. In late 1890 Martin Sarkies returned to New Julfa, where he remained a sleeping partner in his brothers’ hotels for some years to come. At the same time, Aviet became a partner and was put in a charge of E&O and the youngest brother Arshak, 22 years old, joined the business. At first, he was understudying Tigran at the Singapore Raffles.

Burma

In 1892, when Arshak got the hang of things, Aviet left for Rangoon, Burma. Arshak was only two years later managing the E&O, while his brother Aviet ran the Railway Refreshment Rooms, later opened Sarkies Hotel, and the Bodega&Billiard Saloon, finally establishing the famous Strand Hotel in 1901. In Penang, there wasn’t only E&O under their management. They took over the Crag in 1905. The Crag was located against the backdrop of a George Town on an 830 meters summit of Penang Hill. This 25-room hotel was marketed as a health resort. Later in 1914, they renovated this hotel, but only six years later sold it to Federated States Railways.

Bad Times for Sarkies Brothers

1912 was a bad year for Sarkies Brothers. In February Tigran died in England, while only two months later Martin passed away in New Julfa, Persia. After Martin’s and Tigran’s death Arshark had free hands from a more conservative older brother. His expensive nature came out. E&O has received major renovations and enlargements. Aviet after brother’s deaths took over the Raffle until his ill health forced him to leave Asia in 1918 and later in 1923 passed away in Paris. The same year Arshak opened a new hotel in Singapore — The Sea View, which is the only one not existing today. Well, the Crag on the Penang hill is in ruins, but there are still some colonial memories of this once neat hotel.

Death of the Last Sharkies Brother

Arshak managed Sarkies Hotels until his end. He died on 10 June 1931, the same year when a bankruptcy case against Raffles Hotel ran. This case was only the start of the largest bankruptcy affair of that time. The firm of Sarkies Brothers, hotel proprietors, had total liabilities of 3.5 million owing to 195 creditors. This was a bitter end of the Sarkies legacy but luckily hotels remain today under different owners. Well except The Crag on Penang Hill and Singapore’s The Sea View.

The post Sarkies brothers – Worlds famous hoteliers appeared first on Wild 'n' Free Diary.