Resorts are particularly popular amongst families and for good reasons. Family resorts are often made up of a large hotel, plus surrounding facilities and venues like restaurants, pools, or private beaches where you can spend a relaxing holiday with your kids.
It may be no surprise that most of the largest resorts have been established in the USA, with Las Vegas being the absolute capital of extravagant estates. According to an article the Daily Mail published in 2015, the 10 biggest resorts in the world were home to nearly 49,000 rooms. But after recent extensions, the giants amongst the hotels have grown even bigger, prepared to receive and entertain all types of guests.
The list of biggest hotels and resorts globally is primarily interesting for travelers planning a trip within the USA, as 5 of the top 8 hotels are in the U.S., however Russia and Macau are as well on this list, and a surprise first-place – see yourself. Read on to find the most suitable resort for your next family getaway.
Want to check out our other Top 8?
8. Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, USA – 4750 rooms
The imposing Mandalay Bay resort is located along the famous Las Vegas Strip, a 4-mile avenue full of entertainment venues and top-notch eateries. Not only is the humongous hideaway home to 4750 rooms, but it also boasts a pool complex with an artificial beach, numerous restaurants and bars, and even a tunnel-like aquarium. This Shark Reef Aquarium houses exotic species like reef sharks, rays, plus coral reefs.
On bright, sunny days, the beach and pool area is the most appealing part of the hotel. You can watch the kids conquer the spectacular wave pool and hang out on a lounge chair or in a cabana.
Mandalay Resort has several different residences, from modest double rooms to sublime suites with sweeping city views. Most of the family rooms at this 4-star resort come with a minibar, an ample bathroom with a soaking tub, and a flatscreen TV for in-room amusement.
7. Wynn/Encore Las Vegas, Las Vegas, USA – 4750 rooms
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore at Wynn Las Vegas combined form a massive, 5-star resort that borders the renowned Las Vegas Strip. Wynn/Encore Las Vegas houses the same number of rooms as Mandalay Bay (4750) and equally impressive features. On scorching days, the pools are a haven of relaxation. Meanwhile, the spa center, beauty salon, and barbershop are the perfect stops, even when it’s drizzly outside. Even for food, you won’t have to leave the premises. Both hotels contain several upscale dining places, such as Cipriani with its delectable Italian dishes and the Japanese restaurant Mizumi, based amidst waterfalls and ponds. Would you instead prefer some quality time with the family? The option to get 24-hour in-room dining services is very tempting.
Both locations have family rooms and suites that sleep up to 4 people and are fitted with an ensuite bathroom with snuggly robes and a lounge area overlooking Las Vegas. The rooms also have a bathtub, which is particularly inviting after an action-packed day at the hotel.
6. Izmailovo Hotel, Moscow, Russia – 5000 rooms
Spread over 4 towers with 30 floors each, the Izmailovo Hotel in Moscow once was the largest hotel in the world. Now that that title has been forwarded to other contenders, this resort in Moscow’s northeastern part is still remarkable to see and stay at. It was built for the 1980 Summer Olympic Games because Moscow was lacking enough hotel rooms.
There are five individual hotels in four towers that are managed independently and can be booked separately. We recommend staying either in the Gamma *** or Delta ****.
The entertainment opportunities at the Izmailovo Hotel are simply stunning. The Russian bath complex, bowling alley, and billiard room are amenities to enjoy with the entire family. The hotel complex also has a charming restaurant that resembles a traditional wooden cabin but accommodates hundreds of guests for a Russian feast. But the emphasis on leisure is evident, for the spa area houses not only baths, but saunas, hydro tubs, and a massage parlor as well.
The Izmailovo Hotel doesn’t have family rooms, but you can request adjacent rooms. A TV with a DVD player and an ensuite restroom with slippers and robes are standard room amenities.
5. The Londoner Macau, Macau – 6000 rooms
The Londoner Macau, formerly known as Sands Cotai Central, is by far the most expansive resort in the tiny nation of Macau. This London-themed retreat welcomes guests with a small-scale version of Big Ben and the House of Parliament’s enchanting facade. Inside, quirky details like stone versions of British guards and elegant shopping arcades remind guests of high-end streets in England’s capital. The Londoner Macau provides the young ones with heaps of photo opportunities, as they can pose with models of a London cab, enormous teacups, or classic double-decker buses. The Londoner Macau has over 150 brand stores for adults, plus numerous restaurants for a romantic dinner date. Guests get access to the Exclusive Club, a laidback bar perfect for chill nights with a drink within arms’ reach.
Mainly the suites are excellent options for a family trip, as these can accommodate up to 4 people and have a cozy living room and a luxurious marble bathroom. There’s no better way to start the day than with an English breakfast delivered to your room.
4. CityCenter, Las Vegas, USA – 6790 rooms
Nearly reaching the magical 7000 rooms range, the CityCenter is a complex of several adjoining resorts, including Vdara Hotel & Spa at Aria Las Vegas and Aria Resort & Casino. The complex encompasses 76 acres of hotel space, shops, and food places. A sports and concert arena, pool complexes with cabanas, shopping halls, and wellness centers are just some of the facilities this huge hotel compound contains.
Studios and rooms at both hotels can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child, but if you’re traveling with a larger group, connecting rooms are available upon request. Vdara Hotel & Spa at Aria Las Vegas has generous studios and panoramic suites with a modest kitchen for cooking, a dining table, and a bathroom with a soaking tub.
3. MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA – 6852 rooms
Even for Las Vegas standards, MGM Grand is an incredibly vast resort; in fact, it’s the second-largest hotel complex in ‘Vegas’. Some of the neatest features include the outdoor pools with rapids and private cabanas, surrounded by palm trees. Other highlights include endless shows to experience with the entire family, like comedy acts and concerts. Applaud the skilled artists during the resort’s Cirque du Soleil performances, or go for a rejuvenating treatment in the boundless wellness center. The Park Las Vegas is the outdoor section of MGM Grand, where alfresco restaurants, fountains, and ponds are some of the eye-catchers. Furthermore, a game room offers you the chance to play arcade games or a billiard match against one of your travel companions.
For a family trip, you can book rooms ranging from a relatively humble quadruple room to majestic tower suites overlooking the Strip. The latter is fitted with a separate living area, a spacious restroom with a tub to bubble away at the end of the day.
2. The Venetian and Palazzo, Las Vegas, USA – 7117 rooms
The crown for the biggest and most extravagant resort along the Strip and in all of Las Vegas sits solidly on the head of The Venetian and Palazzo. These resorts are inspired by the architecture and vibe of Venice in Italy, including canals with operating gondolas. Other than boat rides, you and the family can revel in 150 shops, an on-site casino, and a tremendous pool area. Perhaps most important, the two towers and their surroundings incorporate over 40 international restaurants. During your holiday, you can savor banquets in restaurants run by celebrity chefs and sample dishes from all over the globe. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas has a grand theater in Italian style, where rock groups, singer-songwriters, and choirs perform regularly.
Luxurious suites at both The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and The Palazzo at The Venetian are fine family accommodations, thanks to their homely living area and 2 double beds. With their personal theater or gym and limousine airport transfers, the Top Tier Suites are top in class for an unforgettable vacation experience.
1. First World Hotel, Genting Highlands, Malaysia – 7351 rooms
After a renovation, the First World Hotel in Malaysia has reclaimed its position as the world’s largest resort. Apart from its spectacular location 6000 feet above sea level and record-breaking room numbers, the First World Hotel has indoor theme parks, cinemas, virtual reality experiences, and roughly 20 bowling alleys. Fun for both young ones and grown-ups, the amusement options at this highly-elevated hotel are seemingly endless. Take the kids out for a new blockbuster movie at Bona Cinemas IMAX, or get ready for an excellent glow-in-the-dark bowling session. Are you traveling with very young kids? The water splash pool is shallow and heated, perfect for the smallest adventurers.
Unlike at some of the other resorts on this list, the First World Hotel accommodations are relatively simple. The Crockfords is one of the upscale hotels within the resort’s compound, as this section has splendid suites with the best views and even a private gym. The Executive Suite has 2 bedrooms, a large dining table, and a generous bathroom.
Pro tip – check out the new amusement park Genting SkyWorlds, Southeast Asia’s most anticipated theme park, boasting 9 uniquely themed worlds with 26 rides.
