Noel Coward's famous lines, "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun" were written about colonial life in the Malay states. Established in 1885 and restored to its former glory ten years ago, the E &O has elegant suites overlooking the Malacca Strait and claw foot bath tubs. Take afternoon tea in the 1885 Restaurant and drink your tea with your little finger out as the British upper classes would have done. But be warned on returning to your room, that the antique lift is a touch temperamental. Georgetown where the hotel stands is now a UNESCO World Heritage site so an historical tour of the surrounding area's old colonial charms is a must.