This Singapore Hospitality Brand Just Opened A Design-Led Hotel In Penang — Built Around A “Social Living” Concept

International hospitality group Frasers Hospitality has launched its first Capri-branded property on Penang island in Malaysia. Capri is the hotel residence concept by Frasers Hospitality, and it is making its debut in the Malaysian state.

The new property is located at 31 Jalan Magazine, and comprises a restored heritage shophouse as well as a newly built 22-storey tower behind it. The hotel residence is close to George Town, the state capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Direct bookings are now open and guests can enjoy an opening special of 25% off Best Available Rates, inclusive of breakfast.

The pet-friendly property features 248 rooms and residences across seven categories, including studio rooms, family-friendly connecting rooms, and one-bedroom residences with fully equipped kitchenettes.

Leaning into Capri by Fraser’s design-led social living concept, Each floor highlights a unique theme around elements of Penang’s rich cultural tapestry, such as transportation, architecture, nature, and craftsmanship.

Some of the amenities in each room include drip coffee machines, IPTV with Google Cast and digital concierge access. Some room types will feature bathtubs, as well as separate living and dining areas, while filtered drinking water is available in-room and at water stations across the property.

The lodging also has a sheltered swimming pool, jacuzzi, a fully equipped gymnasium, dedicated yoga room and three EV charging stations. For guests travelling with pets, the property has pet-friendly rooms on designated floors and works with exclusive grooming partners to offer convenient pick-up and drop-off services. There are also flexible meeting and event spaces for business travellers.

Guests will check in at The Den, which functions as a hub for casual gatherings and light bites. There is also a Grab & Go counter, which serves gourmet pastries, sandwiches and artisanal coffee during the day and alcohol in the evening.

In a playful twist, there is a combined games room and a self-service laundrette called Spin & Play, which Frasers says will transform a daily chore into downtime for residents.

To satiate fussy tastebuds, Capri by Fraser is working with Norm, the same folks behind popular cafe Norm Micro Roastery and the acclaimed Peninsula House on the Palm House Restaurant and Bar. The all-day restaurant and bar also provides in-room dining services.

A curated collection of artworks by six commissioned artists featuring their unique perspectives on Penang’s cultural identity adorn the walls of the property. From the lobby, lift corridors and the guestrooms, the collection unfolds as a visual journey along Penang’s streets to its architectural heritage and human stories.

“The opening of Capri by Fraser, Penang strategically enhances our presence in Malaysia, one of the most competitive markets in Asia,” says Chew Hang Song, chief operating officer of Frasers Hospitality.

He adds that Penang’s distinct character, which combines world-class heritage, art and gastronomy, provides a compelling backdrop for Capri by Fraser to create a social hub where travellers can easily explore George Town and its heritage.

The addition of Capri by Fraser, Penang brings the hotel group’s portfolio in Malaysia to five properties. Its other hotels and serviced apartments in the country are:

• Capri by Fraser in Johor Bahru
• Fraser Place Puteri Harbour in Johor
• Capri by Frasers in Bukit Bintang, in Kuala Lumpur
• Fraser Residence Putrajaya, which will open by the end of June 2026

The evolution of Penang’s hospitality scene 

The latest hospitality offering in Penang highlights the expanding hotel and serviced apartment market in the state, especially on Penang island. Ever since the George Town area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hoteliers have renovated and repositioned some of its heritage buildings into luxury or boutique hotels.

A slew of luxury accommodation operators have also made their way into Penang’s hotel scene, including The Millen Penang,1926 Heritage Hotel, Argus Residence and The Qing Suites.

In recent years, Singaporean brands that have established their presence in Penang include Pan Pacific Hotels Group’ PARKROYAL Hotel in Penang, Ascott’s lyf Georgetown Penang, and M Resort Social Penang by Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

Ascott also has a partnership with Malaysia’s Oriental Holdings to build three Bayview hotels in Penang and Langkawi for RM411 million ($132.57 million). Other operators have leveraged on tourism campaigns for new launches, such as the Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott International which launched early 2026 to capture the increased tourist arrivals to Penang.