PENANG: Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has launched Sanrio-themed hotel rooms featuring Hello Kitty, Kuromi and Cinnamoroll, marking what the hotel says is the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed accommodation and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia.
The collaboration with Sanrio Southeast Asia was officially launched on Saturday at the hotel in the presence of Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chua Choon Hwa, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, former Penang executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, Sanrio Southeast Asia chief operating officer Kohei Imai and Marriott International vice-president of hotel development for Asia Pacific Andree Susilo.
The themed rooms combine Sanrio characters with Peranakan-inspired interiors. The hotel is also offering a Sanrio characters afternoon tea experience, while official Sanrio merchandise, including bathrobes, towels, toiletries, stationery, teapots and teacups, will be available for purchase.
In a statement, Iconic Marjorie Penang executive director Katherine Tan said the collaboration builds on a four-year partnership between Iconic and Sanrio that began with licensed medical face masks before expanding to festive gift sets and baby care products.
She said the collaboration combines Penang's Peranakan heritage with Sanrio's globally recognised characters in a hospitality setting and represents the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia.
“As we developed the vision for Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Modern Peranakan hotel, we saw an opportunity to create something truly unique. The idea for this collaboration was initiated by Iconic and Sanrio together—to blend Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage with Sanrio’s beloved characters in a way that had never been done before.
“The result is the first Sanrio characters Peranakan-themed rooms and afternoon tea experience in Southeast Asia, combining heritage, creativity, and unforgettable guest experiences. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Marriott International for its support and confidence in this collaboration. Their encouragement and partnership have been instrumental in helping bring this unique concept to life,” Tan said.
Sanrio Southeast Asia chief operating officer Kohei Imai said the partnership aims to introduce a new way for guests to experience the company's characters while showcasing Penang's Peranakan culture.
He said the collaboration aligns with Sanrio's "One World, Connecting Smiles" vision by combining its characters with local cultural storytelling.
Iconic Marjorie Penang group general manager Pauline Chua said the hotel's Peranakan-inspired design and Sanrio's character brands are brought together through themed guestrooms, dining experiences and storytelling.
Hello Kitty celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is scheduled to make its Hollywood debut in a feature film in 2028. The collaboration also features Cinnamoroll and Kuromi, two of Sanrio's other popular characters.
