Six Kid-Friendly Hotels in Macau to Stay At This Summer!

Head over to our sister S.A.R. for a family-friendly stay… there’s more than just casinos and clubs, mama!

Think Macau is nothing more than a gambling mecca? Think again, as the city is busy developing as a more family-friendly destination, with kid-friendly experiences and packages that will help make that one-hour ferry journey more bearable. Here are some of our top picks of hotels to head with the troupe in tow…

1. Grand Lapa Macau

Boasting close proximity to the Macau ferry terminal – not too far to struggle with the luggage, pram or baby carrier! – the colonial-style Grand Lapa provides a gloriously retro alternative to the glitzy Cotai Strip with its plush wooden décor and vintage chandeliers. Its generously sized outdoor swimming pool with a tube slide is a definite highlight, so get Dad to take the kids for a splash about and get your glow back with the summer spa promotion (MOP1,480), which includes a 60-minute body scrub, soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi and Swedish massage. Finish off the night with a roselle-themed cocktail like a mojito or roselletini at the international lounge and bar Vasco.

Book the Family Summer Escape package from now until 5 September for MOP1,588 a night and you’ll get a deluxe city view room and MOP500 credit for spa, dining or Kids Co, where a bouncy castle, playground and indoor playroom await. There are also kid-themed dining promotions, such as the Summer Kid’s Tea Set Menu at Cafe Bela Vista, where they can nibble on child-friendly fare including egg mimosa sandwiches and mini cupcakes (MOP88 per child, Friday-Sunday).

Grand Lapa, www.grandlapa.com

2. JW Marriott Macau

JW Marriott Macau is the newest addition to integrated resort complex Galaxy Macau, opening earlier this year alongside the Ritz-Carlton and Broadway Hotels. The JW Marriott features an indoor/outdoor connecting pool that’s sure to prove a hit with the kids. With more than 1,000 rooms, it’s the largest Marriott in Asia, with 45 sqm deluxe double rooms featuring two double beds so you can snuggle down next to the kids (rollaway beds and cots can also be arranged for those with huge broods).

The hotel is currently offering a one-night family package from HK$1,888, which includes ferry tickets and two-hour access to the world’s largest JW Kids Club (open 9.30am-9.30pm) among the benefits. As with anyone staying at the Galaxy resort complex, guests get access to the Grand Resort Deck, which features the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool for lots of splashy fun, and the new Skytop Adventure Rapids, the world’s largest aquatic adventure at 575m long.

JW Marriott Macau, www.marriott.com/macau

3. Sheraton Macau

Do your little ones adore Kung Fu Panda? Then don’t miss the Sheraton Macau‘s Kung Fu Panda Academy (until 30 September), where kids are faced with a five-zone obstacle course that tests physical prowess and problem-solving skills. Suitable for 4-12 year olds, those that complete the course get to pose for pics with Po and Tigress. A one-night package including entry for two to the academy starts at HK$1,498. Book the Family Suite Package from HK$2,588 per night and stay in the 83 sqm Sheraton Family Suite, which has an adjoining kid’s room featuring bunks, entertainment centre with Wii console and a craft table.

What else is there to do? How about lazing on a sun lounger at either Sala or Jaya pool while the kids splash about in safe, shallow waters, then grab complimentary cupcakes, slushies and fruit at King Julien’s Jungle Hut. If you’re in town on Saturday or Sunday evening, reserve a beanbag and chomp on some popcorn at Sala, where family movies are shown. Fancy sampling some Asian seafood at Xin or enjoying an Italian meal at Bene without the kids in tow? Give yourself a night off with the on-site babysitting service.

Sheraton Macau, www.sheratonmacau.com

4. MGM Macau

Let your kid’s imagination run wild as they embrace their inner animal characters at the MGM Macau‘s Face Painting Workshop running every Saturday & Sunday in August from 2pm-6pm. Guests with a receipt of MOP500 or above at any hotel restaurants between 12 noon and 5.30pm get a free session. Workshops are suitable for children three and above.

As the kids enjoy the workshops, take a dip in the MGM’s infinity pool or enjoy a poolside spa treatment. Older children may enjoy exploring the hotel’s 8,000 sq ft art space, while the whole fam is sure to adore the one- or two-bedroom villas with an entertainment room that includes karaoke facilities.

MGM Macau, www.mgmmacau.com

5. Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central

Get some serious kudos from the kids by booking the DreamWorks Spectacular Summer Macao Hotel Package (from MOP1,398), which includes breakfast with Shrek and the gang plus DreamWorks stars from Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar, available from the Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central. Running from 27 July until 30 September, the package also includes a MOP300 shopping or dining credit for Sands Cotai Central and 2pm late check-out from a superior room. One of the more affordable offerings along the Cotai Strip, this four-star hotel is great for water babies, as there are six pools encircled by private cabanas, with daily poolside summer activities including water polo and ‘fishing’. The 75 sqm superior or deluxe suite is ideal for families, as it features a separate living area where you can set up extra beds or a cot.

Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central, www.sandscotaicentral.com

6. Banyan Tree Macau

Forget lugging the water wings and rubber rings to the pool – at the Banyan Tree Pool Villas, there’s no need, as your own private swimming pool & jetpool is situated just steps away from your beautifully appointed living/dining area, complete with sun loungers where you can leaf through that summer novel. You’ll even have your own villa host, who will serve you breakfast and afternoon tea from the privacy of your exquisite villa surrounds. Mum and Dad, get ready to fight over the single complimentary 90-minute spa treatment. Ready to blow the budget? Book the 950 sqm two-bed Sanctuary Pool Villa, which has its own private spa room and al fresco dining area. Being located within the Galaxy Macau complex means you’ll have access to more than 80 restaurants. Treat the kids to some trans fat-free chips at New York Fries and dessert at Mazazu Crepe.

Banyan Tree, www.banyantree.com

Happy traveling, mamas!