Best family friendly resorts and hotels to stay in PEN / Penang, Malaysia
UNESCO Heritage & Tropical Family Bliss
Penang, with its golden beaches and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for family weekends, especially when flying budget into PEN airport. We’ve ranked the top 5 resorts based on review volume (indicating popularity), high ratings (4.2+), kid-centric amenities (like clubs and slides), and proximity (<60 min drive for quick arrivals). Prices average $150–$250/night for 2 adults + 2 kids, making them accessible via AirAsia or Scoot. Here’s why these stand out—teasing endless splashy fun without the hassle.
#1 – Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang
TOP PICK
Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang (4-star, $180–$250): Topping the list with 10,311 reviews and a 4.2 rating, this beachfront gem earns its spot through sheer family appeal. Just 65 min from PEN, it’s a kids’ paradise with the Adventure Zone—an indoor playground boasting giant slides, ball pits, and climbing walls for ages 4-12. Toddlers splash in dedicated pools, while daily crafts and beach games keep everyone engaged. Parents rave about the seamless blend of relaxation (infinity pools) and excitement, making it ideal for first-time family travelers. Teaser: Imagine your kids conquering a 3-story slide while you sip cocktails seaside.
| Resort Name | Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang |
| Category | 4-star |
| Avg. Price (2A+2K) | $180–$250 |
| Rating | 4.2 |
| Reviews | 10,311 |
| Key Kids Activities/Amenities | Adventure Zone (indoor slides, ball pits, climbing); kids’ pool; daily crafts/beach games; toddler area. |
| Website | shangri-la.com |
| Distance from PEN | 35 km (65 min) |
| Google Map Itinerary from Airport | https://maps.app.goo.gl/gbQTNCtd3RPf6LLRA |
#2 – Hard Rock Hotel Penang
TOP PICK
Hard Rock Hotel Penang (4-star, $150–$220): Ranked second with ~5,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating, this rock-themed haven (60 min from PEN) scores high for age-tailored fun. The Roxity Kids Club (4-12) offers games and crafts, Lil’ Rockers caters to under-3s with soft play, and teens hit the arcade. Water slides and foam parties add thrill, per glowing feedback on non-stop entertainment. It’s perfect for mixed-age families seeking a lively vibe without chaos. Teaser: Your little rockstars jamming in a kids’ concert, while you unwind poolside.
| Resort Name | Hard Rock Hotel Penang |
| Category | 4-star |
| Avg. Price (2A+2K) | $150–$220 |
| Rating | 4.3 |
| Reviews | ~5,000 |
| Key Kids Activities/Amenities | Roxity Kids Club (crafts/games, ages 4-12); Lil’ Rockers (under 3 play); TABU Teens arcade; water slides; foam parties. |
| Website | hardrockhotels.com |
| Distance from PEN | 30 km (60 min) |
| Google Map Itinerary from Airport | https://maps.app.goo.gl/woZYv96Zcv6xeDd19 |
#3 – PARKROYAL Penang Resort
TOP PICK
PARKROYAL Penang Resort (5-star, $200–$280): Third place goes to this luxurious spot (~4,000 reviews, 4.4 rating), 25 min from PEN, for its premium kids’ programs. The Amazonia Kids Club features cooking classes and art sessions, with splash pools and slides for endless play. Babysitting services let parents enjoy spa time, earning praise for balanced family bliss. Teaser: Kids mastering mini-chef skills, as you recharge in tropical elegance.
| Resort Name | PARKROYAL Penang Resort |
| Category | 5-star |
| Avg. Price (2A+2K) | $200–$280 |
| Rating | 4.4 |
| Reviews | ~4,000 |
| Key Kids Activities/Amenities | Amazonia Kids Club (cooking/art classes); splash pool with slides; tandem bikes; playground; babysitting. |
| Website | https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-penang.html |
| Distance from PEN | 35 km (65 min) |
| Google Map Itinerary from Airport | https://maps.app.goo.gl/XUKj4rYL8sQbfNCEA |
TOP 10 FAMILY RESORTS IN PEN
How We Selected the Top 10 Family-Friendly Resorts in Penang
Our top 10 list was curated based on key family priorities: high review volumes (indicating real-parent popularity), ratings of 4.1+ from platforms like Tripadvisor and Booking.com, dedicated kids’ amenities (e.g., clubs, slides, pools), and proximity to PEN airport (<45 min drive) for quick access via budget flights like AirAsia or Scoot. We focused on 4-5 star properties with average family room prices ($100–$320/night) to balance value and luxury, emphasizing resorts in Batu Ferringhi for beach vibes without urban hassle.
Penang’s heavy traffic, especially during peak hours or weekends, can turn short drives into frustrating 1-2 hour ordeals—think congested bridges and narrow roads clogged with scooters and tourists. This makes basing at a resort essential for stress-free getaways.
A day trip to Georgetown is a fantastic idea: hop on a 30-min bus or taxi for UNESCO-listed street art, vibrant markets, and kid-friendly spots like the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum or clan jetties. It’s cultural fun without overnight chaos.
Yet, for short escapes, resorts with on-site activities and outdoor facilities shine—water slides, kids’ clubs, pools, and beach games keep everyone entertained without venturing far. No traffic woes, just family bonding and relaxation, ensuring your getaway stays fun and effortless.
| Rank | Resort Name | Category | Avg. Price (2A+2K) | Rating | Reviews | Distance from PEN | Key Kids Activities/Amenities | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang | 4-star | $180–$250 | 4.2 | 10,311 | 16 km (25 min) | Adventure Zone (indoor slides, ball pits, climbing); kids’ pool; daily crafts/beach games; toddler area. | shangri-la.com |
| 2 | Hard Rock Hotel Penang | 4-star | $150–$220 | 4.3 | ~5,000 | 17 km (30 min) | Roxity Kids Club (crafts/games, ages 4-12); Lil’ Rockers (under 3 play); TABU Teens arcade; water slides; foam parties. | hardrockhotels.com |
| 3 | PARKROYAL Penang Resort | 5-star | $200–$280 | 4.4 | ~4,000 | 15 km (25 min) | Amazonia Kids Club (cooking/art classes); splash pool with slides; tandem bikes; playground; babysitting. | parkroyalhotels.com |
| 4 | Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa | 5-star | $220–$300 | 4.5 | ~3,500 | 16 km (25 min) | Chi Chi Kids Club (storytelling, eco-activities); family pools; cultural workshops; beach volleyball. | shangri-la.com |
| 5 | DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang | 4-star | $120–$180 | 4.3 | ~2,800 | 18 km (30 min) | Kids’ club (games/movies); outdoor pools with slides; family suites; mini-golf; shuttle to beach. | hilton.com |
| 6 | Bayview Beach Resort | 4-star | $100–$160 | 4.2 | ~2,500 | 20 km (35 min) | Kids’ pool; playground; family entertainment (movies); beach access; cooking classes for juniors. | bayviewhotels.com |
| 7 | Lexis Suites Penang | 5-star | $140–$200 | 4.4 | ~2,200 | 14 km (20 min) | Infinity pools; kids’ splash area; family jacuzzis; arcade; nearby Escape theme park shuttle. | lexissuitespenang.com |
| 8 | The Prestige Hotel | 4-star | $150–$220 | 4.3 | ~1,800 | 22 km (40 min) | Kids’ club (arts/crafts); outdoor pool; family rooms; proximity to Entopia butterfly farm. | theprestige.my |
| 9 | Lone Pine Beach Resort | 5-star | $160–$250 | 4.1 | ~1,500 | 19 km (30 min) | Beachfront pools; kids’ play area; water sports (kayaking); family bonfires; eco-tours. | loneliestpine.com |
| 10 | Eastern & Oriental Hotel | 5-star | $220–$320 | 4.5 | ~1,200 | 25 km (45 min) | Heritage kids’ programs (storytelling); pool; family high tea; guided heritage walks. | eoh.com.my |