The best family hotels and resorts in Macau

From ritzy hotels with all mod cons to laidback beachside retreats, Macau has a lot to offer visiting families

Once a quaint Portuguese trading post, Macau now bills itself as a tourism and gambling hub. Major infrastructure developments including massive reclamation projects and bridge construction have transformed the once sleepy port into the Las Vegas of Asia.

The glitziest hotels and most of the action is these days found on the Cotai Strip, Macau's casino and hotel hub which has been built - and is still being built - on a stretch of reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa. Pre-reclamation, a two mile causeway across Seac Pai Van Bay linked the two islands. Despite the massive hotel and casino construction projects which have completely transformed the area, Taipa Village retains a sense of yesteryear with its quaint stretches of pastel-hued villas, colonial churches and Portuguese restaurants that nowadays sit incongrously in the shadow of the enormous golden high rise hotels of Cotai. Taipa Village certainly worth the stroll from the Cotai hotels to experience a little of the old Macau.

Coloane, to the south of Cotai, is Macau's southernmost area. It's a quieter part of the city, with wooded hillsides and swimming beaches. If you're not tempted by the bright city lights, Coloane offers a respite from the non-stop glitz of the Cotai hotels.

The shiny Cotai Strip is Macau's glitzy entertainment area, with multiple luxury hotels and resorts. Major hubs include the Galaxy Macau Intergrated Resort, Studio City which boasts a super-slick hotel and the city's largest indoor and outdoor water park, and City of Dreams, another mega-complex with hotels, shops and entertainment. City of Dreams is also home to the memorable House of Dancing Water show which relaunched this spring. And don't miss the Sands cluster of hotels that take their design cue from the European cities of London, Paris and Venice.

If you want to see Macau's historical side, head to the Macau Peninsula and the Barra area where you'll find the Ruins of St Paul's, A-Ma Temple, Guia Lighthouse, Mount Fortress, St Domininc's Church and more. The Macau Peninsula is the oldest part of Macau, the heart of its historical attractions and a rich blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences. It is also the most densely populated part of the city and a major tourist destination.

Cotai Strip

Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - all that glitters... The Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort on Macau's Cotai Strip

With kids in tow, you can’t look past Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort and the Grand Resort Deck, arguably the Cotai Strip’s best hotel amenity. This massive luxury complex boasts eight top-end hotels and the huge pool deck features the world’s largest wave pool and the world’s longest rapid river ride. Plus there are waterslides, geysers, waterfalls and a dedicated littlies’ zone. All eight hotels within the complex have access to the Grand Resort Deck; the best family-friendly picks include JW Marriott (which offers the largest JW Kids' Club in the world), Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. The Galaxy Hotel has also recently launched a kids’ club (more details here).

Read our review of Andaz Macau here.

The Londoner Macao

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - all aboard for a whirlwind tour of London

The Londoner launched in 2019 with a star appearance from Sands brand ambassador, David Beckham. The hotel rocks a distinctive London vibe (the clue's in the name), with replica Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, red phone boxes and double decker buses. Kids will love the Changing of the Guard ceremony, complete with Robbie Williams soundtrack, and Churchill's Table restaurant lays on a fun Alice in Wonderland-inspired afternoon tea.

The Parisian Macao

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - cool down on the level six pool deck

The Parisian, also part of the Sands hotel complex, embraces the City of Light with a 162m Eiffel Tower in front of the property and a lobby centred around a replica of the Fontaine de Mers. Head up to the tower's observation deck for city views and enjoy the evening son-et-lumière show. Hotel guests can access the pool deck on the sixth floor but entrance to the hotel's Aqua World is extra (cabana packages include all day cabana rental plus Aqua World entry). But beware, with 3,000 rooms, check-in can get busy - it's worth noting that suite guests have access to a VIP check-in lane.

The Venetian Macao

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - take a ride on a gondola through The Venetian

Completing the trio of European destinations in Macau, The Venetian channels all things Italian - you can even take a gondola ride on the canals inside the mall. Kids will love Qube at The Venetian, an innovative play zone spread over 800sqm with climbing features, slides, net climbing and air hockey tables. The hotel boasts four outdoor pools, although the indoor pool is adults-only. Alternatively, enjoy a family round of golf at the Grado Mini Golf Course.

MGM Cotai

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - a glitzy stay at MGM Cotai

This distinctive looking hotel resembles a stack of shiny jewellery boxes which are matched by an equally glitzy interior. A well-located option for families, MGM Cotai’s child-friendly facilities run to interconnecting rooms, a kids play area, swimming pool and fun family activities. The hotel has a pool, spa and family-friendly dining options. Don’t miss the world’s largest LED screen in the central atrium and the Sea Odyssey show that plays multiple times daily. Children under the age of 12 years stay for free when using existing beds. 

Studio City Macau

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - ride the figure of eight ferris wheel at Studio City Macau

This family-friendly destination offers a heap of facilities for children, with indoor playgrounds, a water park and spacious hotel rooms. Super Fun Zone is a four-level indoor park with five themed zones offering a variety of play experiences. Water Park at Studio City boasts 25 attractions, including water slides and a wave pool, and is the city's largest indoor and outdoor aqua park. Or ride the Golden Reel, a large ferris wheel with views of Studio City and the city beyond (the figure of eight shape aims to bring luck to casino goers!).

Grand Hyatt Macau

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - enjoy the 40m pool at Grand Hyatt Macau

The dual tower Grand Hyatt sits on the fringes of the City of Dreams and is one of the most child-friendly of the City of Dreams hotel cluster. Generous rooms on the oceanside overlook Macau airport and the entertaining dragon-themed SkyCab cable car ride over Performance Lake at Wynn Palace opposite (ride early to avoid nighttime queues). This five-star hotel offers a huge buffet breakfast which will please the pickiest of eaters and the large outdoor pool deck with a heated, 40m pool will keep littlies both busy and cool. Further facilities include a gym, floodlit tennis courts and a spa. This is an ideal location if you have tickets for House of Dancing Water.

Coloane

Grand Coloane Resort

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - enjoy a stay by the seaside at Grand Coloane Resort

This beachside property is situated next to the Macau Golf and Country Club and right on Hac Sa Beach. If you want to escape the relentlessness of Cotai, Grand Coloane Resort is a calmer stay option, and with two pools, five restaurants and kids' club, you'll be happy to remain put. Another big plus is having the renowned Fernandos Portuguese restaurant just along the beach.

Pousada de Coloane

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - old world beachside charm at Pousada de Coloane

Pousada de Coloane is set on a steep wooded hill and overlooks Cheoc Van beach and the South China Sea. If you're looking for peace and tranquility in Macau, this is it. The hotel was built as a tycoon's private retreat in the 1930s with extra rooms added when it became a hotel in the 1980s. Rooms are more shabby chic than glitz and glamour and offer spacious seaview balconies. There is one family room that sleeps four. Enjoy a long Portuguese lunch on the terrace and there's a pool to laze the afternoon away by. This laid-back retreat is ideal for families.

Macau Peninsula

Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau

The best family hotels and resorts in Macau - Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau offers a relaxing stay in town

This luxury hotel is located in the centre of bustling Macau and close to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Ruins of St Paul's. Facilities include a resort spa, a 25m outdoor pool set in lush gardens and a golf driving range. Kids Co offers indoor and outdoor fun for kids aged four to 14, with a playground, jungle gym, swings and slides. Inside, staff organise crafts and games. In-room amenities include children's colouring packs and infant toiletries.

Mandarin Oriental Macau

he best family hotels and resorts in Macau - city views from a Deluxe Tower Suite

The swish Mandarin Oriental is at the heart of Macau's waterfront with splendid views over the inner harbour, Nam Van Lake and Macau Tower. Mandarin Oriental Macau is a non-gaming hotel and a great location to base yourself if you want to sightsee. The hotel offers bespoke driving tours to up to four destinations including the Ruins of St Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, Guia Lighthouse, Mount Fortress, St Domininc's Church and more. Facilities at the hotel include Vida Rica restaurant, an infinity pool and a spa. Children receive a small welcome gift on arrival.

Please note that some pool decks close during the cooler winter months. For more information, check with the hotel before booking.

How to travel from Hong Kong to Macau (and around Macau when you get there)