Hard Rock Hotel Penang

A six-story playground for families spread along the beachfront, the Hard Rock Hotel Penang offers a kid-friendly take on its rock 'n' roll brand. Memorabilia from once wild and dangerous rock stars are safely contained from the children behind glass cases -- if this leather jacket could talk! Framed photos of musical celebrities adorn the walls and the bright lobby spills conveniently into the Hard Rock gift shop. 

Entertainment is the focus here, and there's always fun to be had. The pool is the hub of activity during the day, with kids (and adults!) using the waterslides (where lifeguards are on duty) or participating in organized activities such as pool kayak races or water catch. Expect kids running around everywhere -- but as the slides are in the middle in the pool, those looking to lounge can find some quiet at either end of the pool area. Adults often also congregate around the swim-up bar. There's also live music in the lobby lounge every night until 11 p.m. (bothersome to some families who want to put their kids to sleep before then). 

The mix of guests here is truly eclectic -- there are guests with tattoos and rock 'n' roll style, veiled women from the Middle East, corporate guests, and local visitors, all coexisting happily alongside one another. Families are absolutely the focus, but couples do stay as well -- though those with romance in mind might prefer the pricier Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa.

Located at the southwestern end of Batu Ferringhi, the Hard Rock Hotel Penang sits along several acres of beachfront property overlooking the Malacca Strait. Restaurants and shops line the main street outside, and the Batu Ferringhi Night Market is within walking distance. Travelers looking to explore away from the beaches can drive three minutes to the aromatic Tropical Spice Garden, or a few minutes farther to the Toy Museum. Penang International Airport is about an hour drive to the opposite end of the island. 

All of the 250 rooms and suites have contemporary decor with a musical twist. The general aesthetic is meant to mimic a generic "rockstar's" hotel room, though in many units the theme is quite understated, with only the playful carpet design, lone wall mural, and (in some units) framed bathroom illustration of a musician adding pizzazz to what are otherwise understated look. The theme in some of the suites is a bit more overt. Overall, though, some may find the rooms a bit dated, even though refurbishments in 2016 added new purple carpeting and accent lighting.  

Standard rooms have hill or sea views, some with balconies or patios. Free Wi-Fi comes standard along with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and minibars. The bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, with some suites adding separate soaking tubs. Roxity Kids Suites include a children's bedroom with a Playstation, along with various toys and books; some have a courtyard with play area. The Lagoon Deluxe Rooms have direct pool access and are popular for families with older children or couples (families with children under 12 will need to sign a safety waiver to stay in this room type). All suites add Nespresso machines, as well as access to the Rock Royalty lounge which serves free breakfast. 

The hotel has its own stretch of beach with loungers and water sports available, along with an open-air beach bar. During our visit some rehabilitation to the beach area was taking place, and there was an unsightly crane, but that issue should be temporary. 

The sprawling outdoor pool wraps around its own swim-up bar and sand-covered islands with sun loungers and thatched-roof cabanas. Another section has several waterslides and a splash zone with water features. In the afternoons, staff organize games in the pool, such as kayak races. For indoor activities, a staffed kids' club takes care of those ages 4 to 12 (expect activities such as arts and crafts, pool time, movie time, dancing, and traditional Malaysian games), while a game lounge can entertain teens with pool tables and video games. Kids and adults can get hands on with guitar and bass rentals (with headphones) as well as bicycle rentals for those looking to escape the scene.

The Hard Rock Cafe serves American standards and has regular live entertainment, while more subdued acts perform in the lobby lounge bar. There's also a pizzeria, and Starz Diner serves Malaysian cuisine alongside more American fare. Even the spa has an amplified menu, with "rhythm and motion" treatments that incorporate bass pulses and treble vibrations into the massage table experience.