Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in George Town, Penang Island

G Hotel Gurney is a four-pearl urban hotel located across the street from the beach. Decor throughout is simple but stylish, and the lobby has the most character with eye-catching accent features and furniture. The 312 modern and spacious guest rooms are sleek and understated; they offer modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and free minibars. This hotel's convenient location and tech-savvy meeting rooms attract many business travelers, but on-site features like an infinity pool, spa, and a chic lounge bar make it a popular spot for families, couples, and groups of friends, too. Beach lovers might prefer the luxurious Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa which offers direct beach access and free shuttles to George Town, but higher prices. 

Located on a quiet street on the outskirts of central George Town, the mid-range Museum Hotel offers a blend of colonial architecture, antiques, and modern amenities. The lovingly restored early 20th-century building exudes elegant charm of days gone, and even includes a private museum run by the hotel's owner. Antiques are also peppered throughout the 29 individually decorated rooms, which have attractive decor, marble bathrooms, mini-fridges, and kettles. Rooms and bathrooms are on the small side, however. An on-site restaurant serves well-reviewed fare, and breakfast is available for a fee and can be served in a lovely courtyard. A tiny gym and free Wi-Fi are provided, but there's no pool or spa. Travelers looking for a similarly priced hotel in the hear of the city should consider the Nam Keng Hotel. 

The upscale Royale Chulan Penang offers a traditionally elegant stay in a convenient, central location close to popular sights and restaurants. Occupying an 1892-built heritage building, colonial architecture and locally inspired decor combine for a lovely design. The 179 rooms are attractive and outfitted with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs (with English-language channels), minibars, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Some rooms also have a balcony. On-site features consist of a well-reviewed full-service spa, Tea Room, outdoor swimming pool with tiny separate kiddy pool, and sufficiently equipped gym. On the downside, food at the all-day cafe receives mixed reviews, a few areas look like they could use an update, and some past guests have complained of noise issues. For something more modern, consider Chulia Mansion, which has a rooftop bar and hot tub, and free breakfast.

The Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang is a three-and-a-half-pearl contemporary hotel aimed at business travelers, though it's a great choice for leisure travelers too, especially those keen on checking out the city's street food scene. The popular New Lane Hawker Centre and Penang Times Square are right by the property. Features include meeting rooms, a business center, all-day cafe, a small outdoor pool and hot tub, and a fitness center. The 250 sleek, contemporary guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi, while suites add living rooms and both whirlpool tubs and separate showers. There's an exclusive lounge for Club-level rooms and suites with free breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and evening drinks. For beach views and multiple dining options, check out the G Hotel Gurney, but it can get crowded.

The mid-range Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang is a dated property with one standout feature -- a revolving restaurant offering 360-degree views of the city and an adjacent Sky Bar with a lively atmosphere. It's excellent location puts travelers within easy walking distance of the seaside promenade, Little India, top museums. Exciting rooftop aside, the hotel has some downsides, including evident wear, underwhelming rooms, noise issues, and occasionally long check-in and -out processes. On the other hand, the 340 guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Plus, on-site features include a small gym, small outdoor pool, and meeting spaces. and separate kids' pool. For a better value, consider Museum Hotel, which has charming rooms and a scenic rooftop, though no pool.