A diverse slice of international guests from Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Western Europe -- especially families with young children -- mingle at the Golden Sands, along with guests from two wings of the Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang. Coconut palms shade the surrounding garden grounds between the semi-circle shaped building and Batu Ferringhi Beach. A cobbled valet driveway spills into a wide entryway to an open-air lobby, where there is mix of light-wood furniture and illuminated panels with a decorative vine-like design. 

Families tend to prefer the Golden Sands over the pricier Rasa Sayang, thanks to the more casual vibe, the waterslide at the pool, the Adventure Zone, and the Rasa's designated adult-ony pool and wing that might make families feel a bit less welcome. Families may also want to compare rates at the Park Royal Penang Resort down the beach, which has similar amenities, including multiple outdoor pools and water slides.

The hotel is located along the beach in Batu Ferringhi, with a picturesque view of the Malacca Strait. Shops and vendors are within walking distance, along with fast-food restaurants -- including a McDonald's -- and a shopping mall. It's a two-minute walk down the road to the popular Night Market, a bargainers' paradise. Travelers looking to explore away from the beaches can drive seven minutes to the aromatic Tropical Spice Garden, or three minutes farther to the Toy Museum. George Town is a 25-minute drive to the east, and Penang International Airport, toward the southern end of the island, is about a 50-minute drive away.

The Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La has 387 rooms and suites with a tropical decor in cream and green hues with dark-wood furnishings. Palm-leaf print fabrics and carved wooden panels with sea-kelp designs add an island flavor, while furnished private balconies allow for basking in a more timeless island atmosphere. Rooms come in three tiers with hill or sea views (including Executive Sea View Rooms). All rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Standard bathrooms have shower-tub combos, while Executive Rooms have large walk-in showers. Suites have wraparound balconies, and bathrooms with both walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs.

They're showing a bit of wear, and the Deluxe Seafacing Rooms are a bit snug for families at 30 square meters (323 square feet). Superior Hillview Rooms are actually a bit bigger -- 36 square meters or 387 square feet -- but, as the name suggests, lack an ocean view. The former category has Murphy beds upon request and the latter can accommodate a single rollaway bed.

The hotel has direct access to Batu Ferringhi Beach, which offers boating and water sports such as parasailing or Jet-Skiing, and acres of manicured grounds, with hammocks and loungers under coconut palms dotting the gardens between the hotel and the ocean. There are two separate outdoor pool areas -- a lagoon-shaped main pool with a large sundeck that includes a hot tub, and a second children's pool with a central island feature, which is partially shaded by sail canopies. There's also a dedicated waterslide pool (no adults allowed) for unbridled splash landings. More kid-friendly amenities can be found indoors within the 10,000-square-foot Adventure Zone, an indoor playground with large drop slides and several sections of modular play equipment. The facility also includes a snack bar and a supervised kids' club (fees apply), with games and arts and crafts activities. Other daily activities include tours of the herb garden, beach games, and pool games. 

Shared amenities with the Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa include the nine-hole golf course with a practice green (reduced fees for hotel guests), and three outdoor tennis courts. Guests can also visit CHI, The Spa tucked in a quiet corner of the resort with a yoga studio and 11 villas that have their own treatment rooms and showers. Golden Sands has its own fitness center with treadmills, cardio bikes, and free weights. 

There are two casual restaurants with kids' menus and meal plans. The Garden Cafe serves a international and local dishes buffet-style in an open-air dining room with wicker furniture. Sigi's Bar and Grill is a family-style restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace seating, including a second-story deck with views of the ocean. A wide range of western and Asian cuisine includes wood-fired pizza, steak, and seafood. Those looking to venture out from the resort can catch a free shuttle (every two hours) into the historic center of George Town. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.