Penang, a vibrant Malaysian island, offers an array of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.

Whether you're seeking a lavish hotel experience or a cosy home-away-from-home, this enchanting destination has it all.

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Penang

Batu Ferringhi

This lively beach town is a paradise for families seeking sun, sand, and endless activities.

Kids will love playing on the long stretch of golden beach, trying exciting water sports, and exploring the vibrant night market.

With family-friendly resorts offering kids' clubs and pools, Batu Ferringhi provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all ages.

• Best For: Beach lovers, families seeking resort-style accommodations

• Nearby Attractions: Batu Ferringhi Beach, ESCAPE Penang, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, Tropical Spice Garden

George Town

World-famous George Town is a cultural wonderland that will captivate children's imaginations.

You can embark on a fun street art scavenger hunt, explore interactive museums, and sample delicious street food.

The area's compact size makes it easy to navigate with little ones, while the mix of cultures provides an enriching experience for curious young minds.

• Best For: Culture enthusiasts, history buffs, foodies, street art lovers

• Nearby Attractions: Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Clan Jetties, Fort Cornwallis, Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, Komtar

Tanjung Bungah

This quiet residential area offers a peaceful retreat for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

With its beautiful beaches, playgrounds, and family-friendly cafes, Tanjung Bungah is perfect for a relaxed family holiday holiday.

• Best For: Families seeking a quieter beach experience, water sports enthusiasts

• Nearby Attractions: Tanjung Bungah Beach, Penang Floating Mosque, Pearl's Hill City Park, Tanjung Bungah Night Market

Pulau Tikus

This charming neighbourhood is a hidden gem for families, offering a glimpse into authentic Penang life.

Pulau Tikus' tree-lined streets are perfect for leisurely walks, while the abundance of local eateries caters to even the pickiest eaters.

• Best For: Upscale travellers, families seeking a local neighbourhood vibe

• Nearby Attractions: Wat Chayamangkalaram, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Gurney Plaza

Tanjung Tokong

With its mix of modern amenities and traditional charm, Tanjung Tokong is ideal for families seeking comfort and convenience.

The neighbourhood boasts excellent schools, shopping malls, and the family-friendly Straits Quay.

• Best For: Families looking for a residential feel, shoppers

• Nearby Attractions: Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Why We Chose a Hotel

Our stay at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang was a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly comfort.

Nestled along Batu Ferringhi Beach, the resort gave us a serene escape with lush gardens, attentive service, and thoughtful amenities.

We stayed in two connecting rooms, giving our kids, Jere and Kay, their own space to rest peacefully while we enjoyed a quiet evening with room service.

The resort's attention to detail was impressive— our children's room included bath toys, child-sized toiletries, a nappy bin, baby bath essentials, and even a step stool for the toilet, making our stay stress-free.

The resort catered beautifully to both parents and children.

The swimming pools were a highlight, with a dedicated kids' pool and a variety of pool accessories to borrow, including balls, noodles, floats, and a giant bean bag that kept the kids entertained for hours.

The family-friendly lunch menus offered delicious options for both adults and children.

With fresh pastries, tropical fruits, and local Malaysian dishes, the free breakfast spread buffet was outstanding, and we enjoyed it every morning.

Another great perk of staying here was quick access to the sister property, Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang, which was a five-minute buggy ride away.

Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang offers a livelier, kid-focused atmosphere with larger children’s pools and the popular Adventure Zone indoor play area.

Golden Sands was a fun option for our kids, but we loved returning to the calm and sophisticated setting of Rasa Sayang to relax.

The Best Penang Hotels for Families

To help you decide on the best hotel for your family trip to Penang, we've curated a list of the best hotels in each neighbourhood.

Batu Ferringhi Hotels

• Hard Rock Hotel Penang: Rock-themed paradise with a massive pool complex featuring water slides, splash pads, and a kids club that caters to all ages.

• PARKROYAL Penang Resort: A tropical haven offering unlimited access to Amazonia Kid's Club, Amazonia Splash, freeform pools, and tandem bicycles.

• Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang: Affordable luxury with various opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities, including the fantastic Splash Zone, waterslides, and an indoor Adventure Zone playground.

• DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang: Beachside bliss with a game space, kids club, teddy bear museum, and outdoor splash pool.

• Holiday Inn Resort Penang: Family-friendly oasis with a kids club, games room, tennis court, and babysitting services.

George Town Hotels

• The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang: Offers themed suites with indoor play areas, including a Safari Suite with a ball pit and kids' tunnel.

• Eastern & Oriental Hotel: Historic beachfront hotel immersing you in cultural grandeur while offering modern amenities and beautiful sea views.

• G Hotel Gurney: Conveniently located near attractions and features an infinity pool.

• Areca Hotel Penang: Offers spacious family rooms and captures the atmosphere of George Town.

• Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang: Located within walking distance of key attractions, and has a large outdoor pool and various dining options.

Tanjung Bungah Hotels

• Flamingo Hotel by the Beach, Penang: Features spacious outdoor pool, indoor play areas for little ones, and deluxe suites offering picturesque sea views.

• Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort: Beachfront hotel offering a range of family-friendly amenities, including a children's pool, playroom, and diverse dining options featuring local Malaysian cuisine.

• Hompton by the Beach, Penang: Has an infinity pool, kid-friendly amenities, and spacious family rooms with stunning sea views.

• Mercure Penang Beach: Excellent choice for budget-conscious families, with a policy allowing children aged under 12 to stay free, a beachfront location, and an outdoor pool.

• Hotel Sentral Seaview @ Beachfront: Offers direct beach access, a swimming pool, and family rooms.

Pulau Tikus Hotels

• G Hotel Kelawai: Provides a stylish and comfortable stay, with its sleek design, rooftop infinity pool, and proximity to attractions.

• Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang: Boasts a romantic atmosphere with family-friendly amenities.

• Berjaya Penang Hotel: Features an outdoor pool and a relaxed restaurant/bar.

• Tropics Eight Suites: Offers spacious suites and modern amenities perfect for a home-away-from-home experience.

• Ascott Gurney Penang: Promises luxurious accommodations and stunning views of Penang's coastline with its infinity pool and in-house restaurant.

Tanjung Tokong Hotels

• Jazz Hotel Penang: Upmarket jazz-themed hotel with a rooftop pool with stunning strait views.

• The Landmark by The Only Bnb: Features a large private terrace overlooking the marina.

• Golden View Serviced Apartments: Provides ample space and kitchenettes, ensuring the convenience of self-catering accommodations.

• Little Heaven by Sky Hive: Beachfront villa offering a private and spacious retreat, complete with a kitchenette and picnic area for quality family time.

• Straits Quay Marina Suites: Amenities like a bar, nightclub, kitchenette, and outdoor tennis court cater to families with diverse interests and age groups.

Things to Consider When Choosing Accommodation in Penang

• Accessibility: Your hotel's location can make or break your Penang experience. Choose wisely based on your interests, whether it's the vibrant heritage of George Town or the beautiful beaches of Batu Ferringhi.

• Value for Money: Penang caters to all budgets with different accommodation options–– from luxurious resorts to cosy hostels. Look beyond the price tag and consider the included amenities to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck.

• Family-Friendliness: Hotels in Penang island offer everything–– from kids' clubs to water parks, ensuring smiles all around.

• Ambience: Diverse accommodation styles await you in Penang–– from heritage mansions to modern high-rises. Your choice sets the tone for your entire stay, so pick a place that resonates with your travel vibe.

• Reviews: Let fellow travellers guide your decision with their honest feedback and ratings. A well-reviewed 4-star hotel with good customer service often outshines a poorly managed 5-star one, so choose wisely.

Wrapping Up

Whether you're a beach lover, history buff, art enthusiast, or a foodie, you'll find a Penang neighbourhood perfect for your needs and interests.

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang gave us everything we needed for a fun and hassle-free family holiday in Penang.

We hope you find this guide helpful as you pick the most suitable base for your Penang adventures.

Where do you plan to stay in Penang when you visit with your kids? Let us know your thoughts below!

If you've already been to Penang, which area would you recommend for families with kids and what other tips on accommodations would you offer? Feel free to leave a comment as well!

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