In the golden age of travel when people crossed oceans and continents by ship and train, they would often be met on arrival by bellhops who would attach labels to their steamer trunks or suitcases to ensure the luggage would be delivered to the correct hotel room.
From the late 19th century onwards, hotels designed attractive labels and stickers, which travellers would keep on their luggage as a souvenir of their visit or as a status symbol.
Some hotels still provide such labels, but these days, wise travellers choose not to flaunt that they can afford to stay in expensive hotels.
Here are some examples of vintage hotel luggage labels, which have become collectors’ items.
The Runnymede Hotel building was built in the 1930s and was one of Penang’s leading hotels. The building still stands but has been empty and decaying for many years. In 2018, plans were announced to build a new luxury hotel on the site while preserving the original heritage building.
The E&O, or Eastern & Oriental, Hotel describes itself as the grande dame of heritage hotels in Penang. It was founded in 1885 by the Sarkies brothers, who were also behind the Raffles in Singapore. It is still running to this day.
The Pathe Hotel building in Penang no longer appears to exist. It was probably not in the luxury category but its label is typical of the mid-20th century.
Hotel Majestic in Kuala Lumpur was one of the swankiest hotels in town when it opened in 1932. After years of decline it closed down in 1983, and the building was used for other purposes until it was refurbished and reopened as a luxury hotel in December 2012.
Across the street, the Heritage Station Hotel is attached to the iconic KL railway station and is now a budget hotel. The original building was constructed in 1910.
The 40-room Grand Hotel in Ipoh was the place to stay when it opened in 1909. It closed down in 1918 and the building is no more.
There is little information about the Elysee Hotel in Penang, though the Shaw Brothers were renowned cinema and property magnates.
This article first appeared in Malaysia Traveller.