Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong sets a new standard of luxury travel for families
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong redefines a new standard of luxury for families by unveiling 21 themed rooms and suites and a host of amenities on its new family floor. Gemma Shaw’s three-year-old daughter checks it out.I’d heard whisperings of the renovations underway at Island Shangri-La since pre-Covid, but I had no idea of the extent to which the hotel would go to redefine the standards of family stays in the city.
Last month, the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, reopened its 45th floor, which has been completely redesigned to include 21 luxurious themed rooms and suites and family amenities such as ‘The Hangout’ – a beautifully designed living-dining-playroom—and ‘The Pantry,’ which offers every child-related appliance imaginable, freely available for parents to use.
The adventure begins in the 45th-floor lift lobby, which resembles a train station with a moving model train on the ceiling. Corridors with garden and marine themes lead to doors stencilled with local forest and aquatic animals, designed to help younger guests find their Peak or Harbour View room. Children are encouraged to open the post box next to the door to discover welcome gifts and additional extras, such as a UV light (more on that below).
Family-themed rooms and suites come in 10 designs, ranging from one-bedroom options in Fisherman’s Cove or Garden Lodge theme to 140-square-metre three-bedroom family suites in Airship Voyage or a Fairy Garden theme. The largest suites come complete with Horizon Club access, interconnecting tunnels from the kids’ room to the parents’, an indulgent kids’ corner with food and games, a dining room, kitchenette, and family bathroom, as well as a host of added benefits like in-room high tea.
All rooms have toddler-safe beds, slides, interactive toys, child-friendly furnishings, and decorations and murals that reflect Hong Kong’s unique culture and landscape.
We hit the jackpot, checking into one of the hotel’s two-bedroom suites. Our Hong Kong Wonders suite featured an iconic green tram bunk bed, an upper deck slide, and interactive panels with buttons and pedals, allowing our daughter to control sounds and lights.
A treasure trove of toys and special outfits offered numerous role-play options, and a mural portraying Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks by local artist Don Mark set the backdrop with vibrant neon lights and rural landscapes. Our daughter was given a special UV torch to spot secret animals, fireworks and motifs hidden around the room.
Other two-bedroom options include the Safari Adventure suite that recreates the excitement of being on an authentic safari in a campsite with a canvas-tented bunk bed and a suspension bridge leading to a slide.
And it’s not all about the kids; parents’ areas seamlessly blend sophistication and practicality with nature themes, delicately embroidered details and elegant furnishings.
The fun doesn’t stop in the room; The Hangout is a lively communal hub where families and children can connect and play together. The space includes a grab-and-go station with food counters for children and adults and complimentary healthy refreshments all day, such as freshly cut fruit, yoghurts, afternoon tea, pasta, and sweet treats.
The interconnecting workshop room has bookshelves stacked with interactive pop-up books and toys. This space also hosts complimentary weekend workshops in collaboration with experienced external providers, ranging from engaging arts and crafts to energetic Ballroom Bees dance sessions.
The adjacent sitting room is a cosy space decorated with botanical wallpaper, comfortable armchairs, and a pretend fireplace. It is perfect for playing board games and curling up with a good book. From 4 to 5 pm, an ice cream cart offers complimentary ice cream, and from 6 to 8 pm, children can enjoy warm milk and cookies and choose a book for story time before bed.
The considerate team who stock ‘The Pantry‘ next door has considered every eventuality. This thoughtfully designed communal space has all the creature comforts of home, including a washing machine and tumble dryer, a wash basin, microwave, UV sterilisers, and a host of child-related appliances to borrow, including strollers, car seats, bottle warmers, and bath toys.
Exciting new additions in other areas of the hotel include a kids’ splash water play area, which opened at YUN Wellness a few weeks ago, and the hotel’s new Hokkien restaurant, Ming Pavilion. The menu celebrates the rich heritage of Hokkien cuisine in China, and the interiors are by internationally recognised interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán.
Unfortunately, we didn’t try the new splash park because the weather was cold and rainy when we stayed in early March. However, there was plenty to keep us busy indoors throughout the weekend. The only issue we encountered was upon leaving. Our daughter had an epic meltdown, refusing to go home because she wanted to, I quote, ‘stay here forever’. Well, every fairytale has its “happily ever after”.” We’ll start with a return visit for her birthday next month.
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, +852 2877 3838
