Kuta has an uneven and sometimes unfairly earned reputation for a Bali beach town. Some say it’s seen its best days, but we’re not so sure; the area is undergoing something of a renaissance, and while the beach has been damaged by erosion, there’s no doubt that you can get amazing value for money staying in a resort here.
It’s close to the airport, it’s packed with restaurants (and bars), and has a long stretch of beach. Fans of Kuta say that it delivers both convenience and variety.
While Kuta most definitely has some lively nightlife, the best family-friendly hotels are fully insulated from this and create self-contained havens with kids’ clubs, multiple pools (often with waterslides and shallow areas), spacious rooms and direct or easy access to the beach.
Parents say that they love that properties here can balance the buzz of Kuta with providing safe, engaging spaces where their kids can play, and they can relax with a cocktail or two.
The strongest resort options in Kuta have supervised activity programs, dedicated children’s pools, mini waterparks, family rooms (with connecting options), free cribs and high chairs on demand, kids’ menus and staff that appreciate young travellers and know just how to respond to their needs.
One huge advantage of Kuta for a family holiday is that many of the hotels are very close to Waterbom, Southeast Asia’s biggest waterpark, and also offer easy walks to the beach, which makes your day-to-day logistics easy.
Here are our top picks of the best family-friendly hotels and resorts in Kuta and it’s immediate surroundings. They’ve been selected for consistent parental reviews, our team’s experience, their practical facilities for kids, location and their overall suitability for a family holiday.
The Best 10 Family-Friendly Resorts In Kuta
Padma Resort Legian
The Padma group is one of Bali’s finest hotel providers, and while this place is technically in Legian, it’s right on the border with Kuta, and it’s an amazing choice for a family holiday.
Their family-focused facilities are unmatched, and there are kids’ pools, a waterslide, one of the best kids’ clubs in the area and organised beachfront activities that everyone can enjoy.
Altogether with the large rooms, multiple restaurants and amazing service standards, this place is the complete package for a family looking for a little luxury in their lives.
The grounds feature a large tropical garden, and it’s easy to focus on parental relaxation while the kids are constantly entertained. It’s a great choice for those who want the full resort experience and access to everything that Kuta has to offer.
Address: Jl. Padma No.1, Legian, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: Padma Resort Legian
Our Rating: 42/50
Our Review: A Legian Legend That Lives Up To Its Reputation
Hard Rock Hotel Bali
The Hard Rock is all about turning a family holiday into an entertainment experience. There’s a large free-form pool (one of the biggest on the island, in fact) and it features water slides, a climbing wall and a mini-beach area that kids will love.
As you’d expect, there are music-themed touches everywhere, including a Lullaby Playroom, and there’s so much fun to be had without ever overwhelming the youngest guests.
There are plenty of in-house dining options, and you’re right next to the beach and dozens of other restaurants and cafes.
It’s a great place for parents with school-aged children through to teens who will appreciate the upbeat energy, while the parents relax poolside enjoying the tunes and cocktails.
Address: Jl. Pantai Kuta, Banjar Pande Mas, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: Hard Rock Bali
Our Rating: 41/50
Our Review: Wake Up In A Moonage Daydream
Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali
The Holiday Inn has a global reputation for being family-friendly, and this resort is absolutely no different. It delivers a dependable and enjoyable family experience.
You’ll find they have a good kids’ club, a dedicated kids’ pool, and family-friendly rooms (some of which feature kitchenettes). It’s also nicely positioned by the beach, making it very easy to wander back and forth to the shoreline.
And this property is within walking distance of most of Kuta’s main attractions, which is very handy indeed.
They uphold standards very consistently and have plenty of nice touches like pool tables and family dining options, making it appeal to those who want reliability in their holidays.
This isn’t an intense place to stay, but it’s comfortable and not far from the action.
Address: Jl. Wana Segara No.33, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: Baruna Bali Holiday Inn
Our Rating: 38/50
Our Review: A Family Favourite In This Beach Town
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
This old-school beachside property offers all the family amenities that you could need, with pools, playgrounds and plenty of organised fun.
It’s ideally situated near shops, restaurants, etc., and it’s also super convenient for the beach. So, families can split their days between the sand and the creature comforts of the hotel.
The pools are always clean, and the staff are super friendly and very used to helping families enjoy themselves. It also has a very practical layout that makes it easy for kids to remember.
It’s a good call for those seeking mid-to-upper range options with easy access to the attractions of Kuta and enough on-site to ensure that staying in the hotel is a good balance for days out.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: Discovery Kartika Plaza
Our Rating: 37/50
Our Review: Is It Still Worth It?
Bali Dynasty Resort
This resort is certainly a firm favourite with families who holiday in Kuta. The big highlight here is a dedicated kids’ pool area which acts as a mini waterpark, complete with a very long (56 metres) waterslide.
It also has the complimentary Kupu Kupu Kids Club, which caters to kids between the ages of 4 and 16! It offers age-segmented activities and provides both indoor and outdoor play, as well as focusing on educational elements at times too.
They have multiple pools, six restaurants and the beach is less than a minute’s walk away from the front door. There are spacious rooms and suites, and a real focus on Balinese hospitality.
In short, this is a resort for parents who want to keep everything under one roof.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: PP-Hotels Bali Dynasty
Our Rating: 37/50
Our Review: Family Fun In “Old Bali”
The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali
This is more of a secluded option than the Bali Dynasty, with an upscale feel thanks to its location in the Kartika Plaza area.
It has five pristine swimming pools that are perfect for all ages, and a children’s club that ensures young guests are always entertained.
We like the way they blend the traditional Balinese elements of design with modern comforts, along with spacious rooms and highly attentive service.
The parents we spoke to said that they valued the proximity to the beach, the variety of pools and the relatively calm environment amid the hustle and bustle of Kuta.
It’s an ideal spot for those who want a touch of luxury without sacrificing their kid-friendly infrastructure.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: The Anvaya Bali
Our Rating: 35/50
Our Review: Upmarket Balinese-Inspired Resort
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
The Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is right on the beach with amazing views over the Indian Ocean and a good range of family-friendly facilities.
The kids’ club is amazing and one of the best rated on the island with a big program of activities; they have a dedicated children’s pool, and the main lagoon pool is perfect for family fun.
Older kids will love the tennis courts and range of more adult activities available to them. The service is everything you’d expect from a big brand name, too.
Address: Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: Marriott Sheraton Bali
Our Rating: 36/50
Our Review: Family Fun With A Shopping Centre On Hand
Amnaya Resort Kuta
If you want style, service and suitability for your family, this resort could be your cup of tea. It has clean, modern rooms, attractive pool areas and a great reputation for welcoming travelling children and their parents.
It’s the sort of place you choose if you want something more boutique-leaning with reliable comforts and some very tasty food, without the massive scale of the bigger resorts.
Address: Gg. Puspa Ayu No.99, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: Amnaya Hotel
Our Rating: 34/50
Our Review: A FIne Spot For A Family By The Beach
Bintang Bali Resort
This resort is right on the beach and has a good range of family-friendly services such as a good kids’ club, indoor and outdoor play areas, swimming pool, and babysitting services.
It’s very easy to enjoy the on-site programs and then move to the beach and then back again to partake of the dining options. We think it’s a good choice for those seeking value for money.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Website: Bintang Bali
Our Rating: TBC
The Vira Bali Boutique Hotel & Suite
This boutique property offers a pair of nice pools, easy access to Kuta Beach, and a more intimate scale that still delivers value for families.
It has spacious suites, clean facilities, it’s very accessible and doesn’t require a large full-resort budget to stay there.
Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza No.127, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Website: Awann Group
Our Rating: TBC
Practical Tips For Families That Visit Kuta
As with every part of Bali, there are things you should know about Kuta before you visit that help you to get the most out of your holiday on the island.
Firstly, it’s very important to be aware that the currents and potential riptides in the water on the beaches in Kuta make swimming dangerous (even for strong, experienced adult swimmers). We recommend sticking to surfing lessons at sea here (it’s a great place to learn to surf) and otherwise swimming in the resort pool.
Alternatively, you could visit Waterbom, the biggest and best waterpark in Southeast Asia, which is in Kuta right next to the shopping mall for safe (and fun) water play.
Nearly every hotel in this area is within walking distance of shopping malls, retail stores, restaurants, cafes and the beach.
Most hotels will offer airport transfers for a small fee, and while this is more expensive than a ride share from the airport, we recommend that with lots of luggage and young children, you pay for the convenience of being collected from the airport and chauffeured straight to the resort.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to check all the details with your hotel before you book.
The area’s restaurants are very family-friendly, and most can supply a high chair and a kids’ menu without a second thought.
FAQs
Is Kuta A Good Destination For A Family Holiday?
Yes, we think Kuta is an excellent destination for a family trip. It’s close to the airport; it’s got more to do than any other area on the island; the beach isn’t as nice as it once was, but given the currents in this area, you’re better off staying by the pool anyway.
Most of all, Kuta is seeing a real resurgence, and yet, the hotels and resorts are among the cheapest of any beach town in Bali without you having to sacrifice quality in any way.
Is Kuta Safe?
All of Bali is safe, and the majority of visitors say they feel safer on the island than they do at home, and Kuta is no exception.
However, Kuta has a fairly low cost and lively nightlife scene, and in these areas, after dark, there may be some alcohol related violence. Otherwise, violent crime is pretty much unknown in Bali, and you’re unlikely to ever witness any.
In common with other popular beach towns, there is some petty crime in Kuta, and bag snatching and pickpocketing are not unknown. Your best bet is to keep an eye on your possessions in crowded places and to leave anything really valuable in the hotel safe.
In common with all of the tropics, Bali has certain health issues that you won’t encounter in your home country. We strongly advise that you visit the doctor a few months before you travel and talk through vaccinations and other healthcare before you travel.
We also advise you to use ride-share cars or to hire a private car and driver (it’s ridiculously cheap to do) to get around rather than to use a scooter. Scooter accidents are horrendously common in Bali, and they can lead to serious injury or death. That’s bad enough when it’s just you, but don’t risk your children; it’s not worth it.
It’s also very advisable to get travel insurance before you visit Bali because if anything does go wrong, it’s very nice to have everything paid for you, rather than spending thousands of dollars you weren’t expecting to.
However, we must stress that the majority of visits to Bali are completely incident-free and with millions of visitors each year, the odds are good that you will have a trouble-free trip too.
Which Family-Friendly Hotels Are Closest To The Beach In Kuta?
There are many hotels in Kuta that are beach-adjacent or on the beach. Some examples of this include Bali Dynasty Resort, The Anvaya and The Hard Rock Hotel. Even if your hotel’s not directly on the beach, it’s easy to get transportation to and from the beach, and it’s not expensive.
Do Children Stay And Eat Free In Kuta?
Usually, the family resorts in Kuta will allow the youngest children (typically those under 5, though some stretch to under 6) to stay and eat breakfast for free as long as they share a bed with their parents and use the existing bedding.
Some may also supply a crib for free for children under 2. However, as with all these things, it’s important to check with the hotel on their exact policies before you make your booking.
For older kids, it’s fairly common for kids under 12 to get discounted rates on breakfasts and buffet meals (typically half the adult price), and some properties may even extend these benefits to kids under 15, particularly as part of specific promotions.
Do Most Hotels In Kuta Have Kids’ Clubs And Supervised Activities?
No, some hotels in Kuta have kids’ clubs and supervised play activities, and others do not. Many of the hotels on the list above, such as Bintang Bali Resort (which has a Panda Kids Club, interactive gaming floors and indoor play areas), do.
However, if this is an important facet of your Bali holiday, make sure to check with the hotel before you book. We’d also recommend that you find out if you need to book slots for your children, whether the kids’ club is included or costs extra and any age range restrictions that they may have.
If these facilities are available, they usually offer arts, crafts, games, etc. with the supervision of trained childcare professionals. This means that parents can use the time to enjoy the spa or just chill by the pool.
We should note that kids’ clubs aren’t babysitting services, and they tend to have very defined session times after which you’re expected to collect your kids.
Are Family Suites And Connecting Rooms Available In Kuta’s Hotels?
Not every hotel in Kuta has interconnecting rooms or multi-room family suites, so if these are a priority for your holiday because you have more than a couple of kids (or are going with a multi-generational stay), then it’s a really good idea to find out before you book.
It’s also important to arrange interconnecting rooms when you book; don’t assume they’ll be available when you turn up to the hotel. These organisational options are a bit thin on the ground and may be unavailable if you don’t book.
Final Thoughts On Family-Friendly Fun In Kuta
Kuta may not be quite the brand-new, sparkly beach town it was in the 1970s, but there’s no doubt that it’s making a comeback at the moment. For families, the town has more to do than anywhere else on the island, and it offers great value for money.
The best hotels here create safe, engaging bubbles that allow you to enjoy the energy of the area, while still providing genuine downtime. You’ll find waterslides and kids’ clubs, multiple pools for different ages to enjoy, spacious accommodations, and locations that provide easy access to the beach, restaurants and local attractions.
Whether you go with the mini waterpark and Kupu Kupu Kids’ Club of the Bali Dynasty, the five-pool awesomeness of The Anvaya, the high-energy fun of Hard Rock, or something a little more boutique like Amnaya, there are plenty of great choices for families in Kuta.
If you love convenience, variety and want a taste of Bali’s most energetic side without sacrificing any home comforts, Kuta might be the perfect place for you.
As always, we recommend that you match your family hotel choice with your children’s ages and their preferred style of life. Then prioritise the rooms and how they can be configured so that everyone gets their own space.
After that, you can prepare for easy beach days, pool playtimes and a very manageable holiday when it comes to the logistics of getting around. Your kids will remember the waterparks, the slides, the new friends and their play times, and you’re going to love the chance to relax, knowing that your kids are always entertained.
