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Where to Stay in Penang with Kids

Georgetown Street Art Penang

Penang Island is a popular choice for family holidays. You can stay in Georgetown to be close to all the city attractions or relax around your resort near the beaches of Batu Ferringhi.

If you’re planning a family trip to Penang Island and now wondering where to stay in Penang with kids, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’m going to share with you some of the best family hotels in Penang.

Penang Island is a rather large island, and so there’s a range of different options when it comes to the best area to stay in Penang. If you’re not sure of the best place to stay in Penang with kids, then it can be tricky finding good budget hotels in Penang that are not only in good locations, but that can accommodate your entire family.  

Don’t have the time to do your own research for a family hotel in Penang? Well luckily I’ve already researched for you and found some great options for the best hotel in Penang for family that won’t blow the budget.  

So, no need to spend any more time searching the internet trying to find the best hotel in Penang for families. In this family hotel Penang guide, I’ve done all the research for you and located some excellent budget hotel Penang options for you.

So let’s find you an awesome kids friendly hotel in Penang that won’t blow your budget.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.

The Best Family Hotels in Penang – A Quick Overview

Below is a super quick overview of all the family friendly hotels in Penang Island that are reviewed in this guide. You can use the below table to quickly determine if the accommodation is the best hotel to stay in Penang for you. For a more comprehensive review of the below Penang family accommodation, keep reading below.

Hotel LocationRoom & Hotel AmenitiesNearPrice GuideCheck Price
Holiday Inn
Batu FerringhiFamily room with 2 double beds. Hotel has pool, restaurant, bar, gym, day spa, tennis & kids club.
Beachfront
30m Night market
16km from Georgetown
$$Check Price
Bayview Beach
Batu FerringhiFamily room with 1 large bed & 2 singles. Hotel has 4 pools, restaurant, bar, gym, day spa, tennis & kids club.
Beachfront
1.1km Night market
17.5km from Georgetown
$$$$Check Price
By the Sea
Batu Ferringhi2 Bedroom fully self-contained apartment with washing machine. Hotel has pool, gym & playground.
Beachfront
600m Night market
14km from Georgetown
$$$$Check Price
OYO 43933
Batu FerringhiFamily room with 2 double beds.800m Night market
11km from Georgetown
$Check Price
Rasa Motel
Batu FerringhiFamily room with 2 double beds.850m Night market
12km from Georgetown
$Check Price
Zahaar Hotel
Batu FerringhiFamily room with 2 double beds.850m Night market
13km from Georgetown
$Check Price
Wassup Youth Hostel
GeorgetownFamily room with 2 double beds. Hotel has a pool, shared kitchen & games room.
800m from the UNESCO Area
190m to Komtar & Prangin Mall
1.4km to Little India
700m to Chinatown
1.4km to Clan Jetties
$Check Price
Cintra house
GeorgetownFamily room with 2 double beds.350m from the UNESCO Area
1km to Komtar & Prangin Mall
700m to Little India
160m to Chinatown
1.1km to Clan Jetties
$CheckPrice
Elephant House
GeorgetownFamily room with 1 double & 2 single beds.400m from the UNESCO Area
800m to Komtar & Prangin Mall
800m to Little India
160m to Chinatown
1.1km to Clan Jetties
$$Check Price
Armenian Street Heritage Hotel
GeorgetownFamily room with 1 double & 2 single beds.In the UNESCO Area
1km to Komtar & Prangin Mall
550m to Little India
450m to Chinatown
600m to Clan Jetties
$$Check Price
Armeniam Suites
GeorgetownFamily room with 2 double beds.In the UNESCO Area
1.3km to Komtar & Prangin Mall
450m to Little India
650m to Chinatown
350m to Clan Jetties
$Check Price
Lang Hoose
GeorgetownFamily room with 1 double & 2 single beds.In the UNESCO Area
1.3km to Komtar & Prangin Mall
450m to Little India
800m to Chinatown
350m to Clan Jetties
$Check Price

Where to Stay in Penang with Kids 

There are a few different options when it comes to which area to book your family accommodation in Penang. Although in my view the best attractions are clumped together in and around Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi.  

For the best family holiday to Penang, and for those that have plenty of time, I’d recommend spending a few days in Georgetown to visit all the attractions and then splurge a little and spend a few days in one of the Penang resorts for families around Batu Ferringhi.

Below I’ve provided a brief overview of the areas within Penang so you can choose a Penang hotel for family in a great location.

Georgetown


Like I’ve mentioned above, in and around Georgetown is where you will find a good chunk of the family friendly attractions on Penang Island. This is also where you will find the gorgeous UNESCO listed area which has stunning buildings, colourful street art and fantastic food.

If you only have a few days on Penang Island, I recommend you stay in Georgetown.

Batu Ferringhi


Batu Ferringhi is the main beach area on Penang Island and where you will find some great Penang family resorts as well as cheap hotel rooms. As well as the beach, there are still a few excellent attractions in the area for families as well as the awesome Batu Ferringhi night markets where you can pick up some great souvenirs and eat amazing local food.

If you have plenty of time in Penang, I recommend spending at least a few days to a week relaxing around one of the Penang resorts for families here. You can either spend your entire time here and travel into Georgetown for sightseeing, or split your time between both places.

Other Areas of Penang

As well as Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi, there are a few other places in Penang that families may choose to stay such as Tanjung Bungah or around Gurney Drive. However while these areas do have some great value accommodation for families, there isn’t really much around in terms of attractions, so you will be travelling most days to either Georgetown or Batu Ferringhi.  

I haven’t included any accommodation from these areas in this guide, as I think it is much more convenient for families to stay in either Georgetown or Batu Ferringhi.

The Best Family Friendly Hotels in Penang 

Below I’ve listed my top picks for the best hotels to stay in Penang with kids, that won’t blow the budget.   You can see the location of these hotels on the map below.  The blue pins in the map below show the location of all the accommodation.  Zoom the map in and out for a better view.

Holiday Inn Resort Penang

If you’re interested in one of the affordable Penang resorts with kids club, Holiday Inn is a great place to consider.  With great family friendly facilities and kids under 12 even staying free, this is an excellent choice if you’re after the best hotel for kids in Penang.

This hotel has special kids suite rooms that offer a separate partitioned room for kids to sleep in so they don’t get disturbed by adults who want to stay up later.  The family suites can all sleep up to four guests in one double bed and, either, two singles or one set of single bunks. Holiday Inn Penang kids suites are air conditioned and come with a television and ensuite bathroom and some rooms even have a PlayStation for the kids.

Facilities at the hotel are perfect for kids and being beachfront means they can enjoy volleyball on the beach or even parasailing. There are also two swimming pools, a tennis court and a Holiday Inn Penang kids’ club with a Mac Station, arcade games and even a Lego room. Adults don’t have to miss out though with a day spa onsite as well as a gym, restaurant and pool bar.

The hotel is in a great location right on the beach and with Batu Ferringhi night markets just 30m away. It’s also 16km from Georgetown, meaning day trips are e.  The Holiday Inn is a great option for those after the best hotel in Penang for kids.

What do we love?

The Holiday Inn has the perfect Penang hotel family room and having a kids club is great and a big help if adults want a chance to have a break.

What’s not to love?

This is a great resort for families and so it’s difficult to choose much not to love.  There’s isn’t a bathtub, which may be a problem for families with tiny ones.

Summary

The Holiday Inn provides beachfront resort accommodation that’s perfect for families.  Having a kid’s suites and kids club, as well as a range of other facilities the entire family will love makes this a great option if you’re after a reasonably budget hotel at Batu Ferringhi, Penang without compromising on facilities.  

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

The Bayview Beach Resort

If you’re looking for the best hotel to stay in Penang, love the beach, want plenty of great facilities and still on a budget, then consider Bayview Beach. There is a kids club too so the kids will be happy too!

Family rooms at Bayview are spacious and can sleep up to 4 guests with one large double bed and two singles, but there is also the option to add an infant either in existing bedding or a cot. One bedroom is partially walled off to allow young kids to sleep separately from parents without being disturbed. All rooms are air conditioned and come with two flat screen televisions, a small lounge area with a sofa, a balcony with an extra seating area and an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and shower

This beachfront hotel has excellent facilities for adults and kids as well with two outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant, a coffee house, a bar, a fully equipped fitness centre, library, tennis courts and a day spa. There is also a kids club, so it’s easy to find entertainment for kids of all ages. Guests also have access to free wifi throughout including in all rooms.

The beachfront location of this resort makes it easy to get the kids out the door and having fun in next to no time at all. The Batu Ferringhi night markets are just 1.1km away, and there are heaps of restaurants, other resorts and shops nearby for those who like to explore.

What do we love?

These rooms are really spacious with plenty of different areas to relax and find some space from the kids.  Plus the kids and adults alike with love the onsite kids’ club.

What’s not to love?

The price of this hotel is much higher than the others listed in this guide; however it’s still a great price given all the onsite facilities.

Summary

The Bayview Beach Resort offers spacious family rooms and great facilities for kids with a beachfront location.  This resort is well worth considering for families with kids of all ages.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

By the Sea

If you’re the kind of family who prefers to stay in self-contained accommodation, apartments at By the Sea have everything you will need to cater for yourself during a holiday in Penang with kids.

These apartments have two bedrooms and can sleep up to four guests in two double beds. Every unit comes with an open plan lounge/dining area, a balcony with extra seating, a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, oven and full size fridge and a washing machine and dryer. All apartments feature air conditioning throughout, and guests have access to free wifi.

The hotel itself is right across the road from the beach and has a swimming pool, gym and even a playground right on site for the kids.

As well as being right on the beach, By the Sea is just 600m from the Batu Ferringhi night markets. Georgetown is 14km away and definitely possible to do as a day trip.

What do we love?

Being fully self contained is great for families with young kids and helps save money by being able to prepare your own meals.

What’s not to love?

There aren’t as many facilities here like the previous resorts; however there is still a pool and having a fully self-contained apartment more than makes up for this.

Summary

By The Sea provides beachfront, self-contained accommodation and gives families the option to stay somewhere with a bit more space.  For families with young children having these extra conveniences make travelling that little bit easier.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

OYO 43933 – Feringghi Stay Inn

If you would rather look for budget hotels in Penang, rooms at OYO 43933 –Feringghi Stay Inn are basic but still very comfortable and with a seriously low price tag.  Seriously this hotel is among the cheapest hotel in Penang, Malaysia!

Family accommodation at this cheap hotel in Penang Island comes in the form of a family room that can sleep up to four guests in two double beds. Rooms are very simple, but they are all air conditioned and have a television and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. Guests can also make use of the free wifi in all areas of the property.

The hotel is in a really convenient location, and there are plenty of dining and shopping opportunities right along the same street, and the beach is just a 2 minute walk away. The Batu Ferringhi night markets are just an 800m walk away, and you are even a little closer to Georgetown with this property at just 11km away.

What do we love?

The price of course! It’s really hard to beat if you just want a place to sleep at night.  

What’s not to love?

Everyone sleeping in one room with no other seating area may not work for some families.

Summary

Ferringhi Stay Inn is a budget hotel at Penang Island in Batu Ferringhi which provides simple, no fuss accommodation for those who plan on spending most of their time out and about and is a real contender for the best budget hotel in Penang Island.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Rasa Motel

Another great budget hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Penang is Rasa Motel.  This budget hotel in Penang, Batu Ferringhi offers simple accommodation at low prices for those who plan on spending most of their time out exploring.

Family rooms at Rasa Motel are basic and very similar to other budget hotels in the area. They can sleep up to four guests in two double beds. All rooms are air conditioned and have a flat screen television and ensuite bathroom with a shower. Guests can also make use of the free wifi, and there is a small communal seating area outside.

Conveniently located just down the street from mini marts and plenty of dining options, including recognisable western fast food places for fussy kids. The Batu Ferringhi night markets are an 850m walk away and the hotel is approximately 12km from Georgetown.

What do we love?

The price of course and how close it is to a great variety of dining options including fast food, western and Malaysian cuisine.  If you’re after a budget hotel, Penang Batu Ferringhi offers, you can’t go wrong with this hotel!

What’s not to love?

The rooms are super basic, but you’ll love the price!

Summary

The Rasa Motel is perfect for families who just want a cheap hotel. Penang is full of budget friendly options that are all very similar and the key is finding something in a convenient location, like this one.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Zahaar Hotel


Zahaar Hotel is a cheap hotel at Penang, Batu Ferringhi Beach and is in a really great location.  This Batu Ferringhi cheap hotel is surrounded by dining options and shops and right across from the beach.

This budget accommodation Penang offers is a little more spacious than some others on this list.  Family rooms and can sleep up to 4 guests in two double beds and every room is fully air conditioned, has free wifi, a television and comes with an ensuite bathroom with a shower.

The hotel is in a good location surrounded by dining options (including recognisable fast food options for fussy kids) and is just a few hundred metres from Batu Ferringhi Beach. The popular night markets are only 850m away, and it’s 13km to Georgetown.

What do we love?

Family rooms here are a little more spacious than you find at other budget hotels in the area and of course, the price is a winner if you’re after a budget in Penang.

What’s not to love?

The rooms are super basic and there is no swimming pool, but that’s very common for a cheaper hotel in Penang.

Summary

The Zahaar Hotel is another great budget hotel at Batu Ferringhi, Penang, perfect for families on a tight budget.  This hotel is close to the beach and is surrounded by dining options to suit even the fussiest of kids.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Wassup Youth Hostel

Accommodation in Penang Georgetown can be a little more expensive, but Wassup Youth Hostel is just outside the UNESCO area, and therefore you can save yourself a heap of money.  And yes we do recommend hostels for families, in fact, we think this is the best hostel in Penang for families!

Family rooms here can sleep up to four guests in two double beds. As far as budget accommodation goes, the rooms are spacious and well equipped. Every room is air conditioned and has a small fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen television and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. All guests can make use of free wifi throughout their stay.

The hotel even has a swimming pool, a couple of communal lounge areas where guests can relax and a shared kitchen (great if you need to be able to cook for fussy kids). There is also a small games room area with a pool table, table football and television.

The hostel is located just outside of the Georgetown area, about 800m from the actual UNESCO area itself. It is in a convenient location though with many of the attractions still close by such as Chinatown which is just 700m away then Little India and Clan Jetties are just 1.4km away. It’s also just 190m to Komtar and Prangin Mall and 170m to Glass Museum Penang and 750m to the Penang Heritage Gallery.

What do we love?

Having a swimming pool certainly makes this one of the best hostels in Penang.

What’s not to love?

Youth hostel accommodation may not be appealing to some families but it’s a great option for those on a budget.

Summary

Wassup Youth Hostel is a budget hotel near Georgetown, Penang and makes for great super cheap family accommodation.  Being just outside the UNESCO area, this hostel is in a great location for exploring the area’s attractions.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

OYO 89368 – Cintra House

If you just want the best budget hotel Penang, Georgetown has, the price at Cintra house is pretty hard to beat for the area.

This refurbished shophouse has been turned into a traditionally decorated hotel and can sleep families of four in a family room with two double beds. All of the rooms are fully air conditioned, have free wifi and a private ensuite bathroom with a shower. It is possible to hire bicycles or cars from the hotel to explore the local area.

Located within the buffer zone of the UNESCO area of Georgetown, just 350m from the UNESCO Area, Cintra House is really close to all of the main sites. Chinatown is just a few minutes walk away, Little India is only 700m away and it’s just 1.1km to Clan Jetties. You’ll also find Komtar and Prangin Mall just 1km away.

What do we love?

The traditional decor and rustic feel to the hotel are very charming.  A perfect choice if you’re after the best hotel in Georgetown, Penang with a traditional feel to it.

What’s not to love?

Facilities are minimal at this Georgetown budget hotel, Penang but it’s within easy walking distance of most conveniences.

Summary

Cintra House is a great traditionally decorated budget hotel in Penang, Georgetown for families who just want somewhere cheap to stay.  It’s also super affordable and the located in the perfect position for exploring all the area’s attractions.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Elephant House Themed Hotel

If location is high on your list of priorities, Elephant House is a good one to consider, given its so close the all the area’s main attractions.  This is certainly a great choice for a budget hotel Georgetown Penang has.

There are a few family themed rooms at this hotel with two double beds.  Themed rooms include Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse, but the decor may be a little full on for adults. There is also a great family room option that sleeps up to four with one double bed and one set of single bunk beds. This room would be perfect for families who don’t want young kids to have to share one bed.

All of the hotel rooms are fully air conditioned and feature a flat screen television and a private bathroom with a shower.

Elephant House is within the buffer zone of the UNESCO area of Georgetown, just 400m from the UNESCO Area. You’ll find many of the local sights within an easy walking distance, and Chinatown is just 160m away. There is also little India, Komtar and Prangin Mall 800m away as well as Clan Jetties 1.1km away.  This is one of the best hotels in Penang Georgetown in terms of location and price.

What do we love?

Having bunk beds for kids is a nice change from the double bed you’ll find in most budget choices in the area.

What’s not to love?

If you opt for the themed kid’s suites, be aware the decor is pretty intense!

Summary

For families after a budget hotel at Georgetown, Penang, Elephant House is a great family friendly budget option.  This hotel is located right in the heart of the UNESCO area and within a really easy walking distance to many of the main family friendly attractions.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel is a great option if you’re after the best budget hotel in Georgetown, Penang, particularly given it’s so close to all the top tourist attractions in town.

Family rooms are a little more spacious than other budget choices in the area and can sleep up to 4 guests in two double beds. All of the rooms are air conditioned and come with a small seating area, television, free wifi and a private modern bathroom with a shower. There is also a restaurant at the hotel that serves local dishes.

This budget hotel, Penang Georgetown offers is right within the UNESCO area, and a lot of the family friendly attractions are within very easy walking distance. You’ll find Chinatown just 450m away, Little India 550m away, Clan Jetties 600m away and Komtar and Prangin Mall just 1km away.

What do we love?

The location is excellent and very central to most of the main attractions.

What’s not to love?

It costs a tiny bit more than other options in the area, but it’s also more centrally located.

Summary

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel is an excellent base from which to explore Georgetown with comfortable and spacious accommodation for families as well.  This hotel is well worth considering for families after the best hotel in Penang, Georgetown in terms of both price and location.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Armenian Suite

Budget hotels in Penang Georgetown that are so close to the action don’t come much cheaper than the Armenian Suites.

Family suites at this complex can sleep up to four guests in two double beds. Rooms are simple but tastefully decorated and come with all modern conveniences including air conditioning, free wifi, television and a private bathroom with a shower. There is the possibility to rent bicycles from the hotel and a snack bar on site.

Armenian Suites is within the UNESCO area of Georgetown; just a few minutes walk from some great attractions the whole family can enjoy. It’s just a 4 minute walk to Clan Jetties, 5 minute walk to Little India and a 7 minute walk to Chinatown. You’ll also find Komtar and Prangin Mall just 1.3km away.

What do we love?

The price is great considering how close you are to everything!

What’s not to love?

Many reviewers mention that the wifi here is not great quality.

Summary

The Armenian Suites provide tastefully decorated family accommodation within the Georgetown UNESCO area.  This is a great budget hotel in Georgetown Penang, which is within easy walking distance from most sights.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Lang Hoose

Lang Hoose is a cheap budget hotel in Penang, which offers surprisingly spacious accommodation for families with enough room for parents to get some space from the kids.

Family rooms at Lang Hoose are actually more like a mini apartment and are split level with a bedroom upstairs that can sleep up to four guests in one double bed and two single beds. There is also a small internal balcony/seating area on the upper level. Then downstairs, there is a private bathroom with a bathtub and shower as well as a small seating area and fridge to keep essentials. All family rooms also feature air conditioning and free wifi for guests.

Lang Hoose is within the UNESCO area of Georgetown, just 350m from Clan Jetties, 450m to Little India and 800m to Chinatown. You’ll also find Komtar and Prangin Mall just 1.3km away as well as many other great attractions close by.

What do we love?

These family rooms are much more spacious than some of the other budget options, and it’s great that kids will have their own area away from the parents.

What’s not to love?

There are steep stairs within the family rooms so you may find they are not suitable for particularly young children.

Summary

Lang Hoose offers surprisingly spacious family accommodation for the low price tag with nice extra seating areas for parents to relax when younger kids need to go to bed early.

Click here to get current pricing and to check availability.

Where to Book your Family Hotel in Penang?

Mostly I prefer to use Booking.com as I find they not only offer a great range of the Penang hotels for kids but in most cases, you don’t need to pay anything upfront AND you can cancel if you change your mind or find a better deal elsewhere. 

Plus, if you open an account and use them regularly, many of the hotels and resorts on booking.com offer a “genius” discount where you really can make some great savings.

I have provided links to Booking.com for the above family accommodation Penang offers or you can click here. 

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