Legoland Malaysia Resort

This isn't just a hotel next to LEGOLAND Malaysia, it's an extension of it. The bright, primary-colored building appears to have been constructed right out of giant Legos, with its blocky columns flanked by life-sized Lego figures. Inside, the hotel is a sprawling Lego playground from the pirate ship sitting in a pool of Lego bricks to the two-story castle, complete with a moat also filled with more of the infamously colorful little bricks, where kids (and adults) are free to play at will. Behind the front desk, a wall of Lego figures make up a colorful mosaic that dwarf even the most avid fan's collection. A life-sized figure rides back and forth on a bike with magnifying glasses for wheels to get a better look.  

Even reaching the rooms is an adventure; the elevator has a disco ball and disco music to entertain guests on the way to their floor. Every floor has a different theme playing out across the hallways and carpets, making it heaven for kids and any dedicated fans of the brand. This is not the place, however, for a couple's retreat or a business meeting, and though everyone is here to visit the adjoining theme park, admission is not included in the hotel's rates. 

The hotel is inside LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, walking distance from the front gate of the amusement park. Apart from a small mall, there is little else within walking distance other than office parks and new developments sprawling in every direction. It's an 11-minute drive to Puteri Harbor with its theme park, restaurant-lined marina, and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town. Johor Bahru, the second largest city in Malaysia, is about a 20-minute drive away where guests can find attractions like Victorian-era Grand Palace and the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple.

All 249 rooms here all have the same basic layout with a small kids’ room that has bunkbeds and a larger bedroom with king-size beds for adults, separated by pocket doors. The decor varies between three distinct Lego-style themes. There's a Pirate theme with wooden sailing ships and skulls, a Kingdom theme that mimics living with knights and princesses inside the walls of a stone castle, and the more loosely defined Adventure theme, heavy on the cobwebs and Egyptian regalia. Each category has premium units with a more thorough theme decor, but the standard rooms already lay it on thick. Free (if unreliable) Wi-Fi comes standard, as do flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and bucket of Legos for families to play with. The bathrooms have glass walk-in showers. Only Kingdom Suites add separate soaking tubs. 

Kid-friendly entertainment is practically nonstop, with multiple Lego play areas, supervised activities, and daily Lego building contests with varying themes where the winners receive prizes and have their creations displayed at the front desk. The hotel also hosts treasure hunts upon arrival, where kids uncover clues that end in obtaining a key to the treasure chest in their rooms (with Legos inside). In the evenings, staff members lead activities and live performances in the lobby. There's no spa or fitness center here, and the only break from the overwhelming theme is an outdoor garden. The heated outdoor pool and kiddy pool are covered by huge sail canopies and have soft, floating Lego bricks for kids to play with. 

LEGOLAND characters greet newcomers and make regular visits to on-site meals, including the free breakfast buffet at Brick's Family Restaurant, though the food may not impress discerning adults. For an alternative, the more formal Di Mattoni serves Italian cuisine and Kai’s Sushi Bar serves up sashimi, tempura, and noodles, and along with sake and Japanese beer.