Macalister Mansion is designed around the idea of an old English mansion. Each space is designed to provide hospitaliy of an actual home - good food, fine drink, engaging conversation, soothing music, a good night's sleep or simply lounging by the pool.

Within Macalister Mansion, each space within its food & beverage outlets together with the hotel is branded as distinct rooms found in a mansion:

Dining Room, The Den, Living Room, The Cellar, The Lawn and 8 Rooms.

The name Macalister Mansion honours Sir Norman Macalister, one of the first British Governors of Penang (then known as Prince of Wales Island) from 1808 - 1810. Sir Norman Macalister also gave his name to Macalister Road, where the boutique hotel is situated.