Best family-friendly hotels and accommodations in Hong Kong

If the thought of a long haul flight with the kids fills you with dread, but you are in need of a quick getaway, then a staycation at one of Hong Kong’s many family-friendly hotels couldn’t come at a better time. Whether it’s an outlying island bed and breakfast, a campsite deep in the New Territories or something with a little colonial grandeur, there’s something for every family.

Tai O Heritage Hotel

In 1902, a police station was built on the small hill next to the Tai O Ferry Pier. Envisaged as a station to reinforce the police presence on Lantau Island, the police stationed in the rural outpost helped to maintain safety in the island’s villages and patrolled the area in sampans. Declining crime rates saw the station’s presence decline and the Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited revitalised the station into a nine room boutique hotel from 2009.

Guests can enjoy the colonial grandeur of the hotel as a number of original historic touches are evident throughout, including the station’s former cannons and searchlights. The nine rooms and suites all have sea views and explain their former use in the old police station.

The Tai O Lookout, the hotel’s spectacular glass-roofed restaurant, is a stunning location to dine while watching the sunset or under the stars. The Tai O fried rice made using local shrimp paste comes highly recommended.

Book in advance to secure a room at the weekend and leave plenty of time to explore laidback Tai O and its surroundings, which feel a world away from busy Hong Kong.

14 Shek Tsai Po Street, Shek Tsai Po, 2985 8383

Gold Coast Hotel

Travel to the wild plains of Africa or get ready for a swashbuckling pirate adventure at Gold Coast Hotel’s themed rooms. Perfect for a short stay with children, dive into a day-long adventure which includes an in-room treasure hunt for a special gift and afternoon art workshop, before resting tired heads in special themed beds – a Jumbo Jeep in the Safari room or a Caribbean Pirate Ship. The whole family can enjoy the breakfast buffet and afternoon tea set which arrives served in either a giant uncovered treasure box or safari tent.

The fun doesn’t stop there as guests also enjoy full access to the Gold Coast Kids’ Club, and Water Fun Land featuring water sprayers, bucket soakers, floor fountains and swimming pool. Make time during your stay to check out some of Tsuen Wan’s local sights including Sham Tseng, a seaside town known for its local delicacies and Hong Kong-style desserts, Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery and Ping Shan heritage trail which winds through three ancient villages and a well-preserved walled community.

Getting to the hotel couldn’t be easier thanks to its complimentary shuttle bus service operating between the hotel and Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi or Tsim Sha Tsui.

1 Castle Peak Road, So Kwun Wat, 2452 8888

Mingle Farm

Forget camping and go glamping instead at Mingle Farm. Thanks to its location deep in the New Territories, the Tin Shui Wai campsite is situated in a large greenland area and offers a variety of glamping options. The campsite is split into five different areas; Caravan, Box Life, Car Camp, AEcoSphere and Fantasy. The kids will never let you hear the end of it if they are not allowed to stay in the Fantasy zone which features a large inflatable Mushroom House, Candy Castle, Rainbow House, Spaceship or Igloo. Each holds up to six people and comes with air conditioners and heating if needed. Public toilets and shower facilities are located nearby on the campsite.

Those looking for something even more out of the ordinary should opt for the AEcoSphere zone – bubble igloo tents and spheres that come in varying degrees of transparency. For the more traditional campers, static caravans and the option to bring your own car are available.

154 Nim Wan Road, Pak Nai Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long, 2891 8263

Heritage Lodge

Heritage Lodge, perched on a hillside in Lai Chi Kok, is part of a cluster of red brick buildings which make up the Jao Tsung-I Academy. The historic compound has over time served as a quarantine station, prison, infectious disease hospital and a psychiatric rehabilitation centre. Don’t let its rather grim history put you off from visiting. The site’s revitalisation into a hub promoting Chinese culture has regenerated the buildings and surroundings into something rather special. The Lodge has 89 guest rooms spread over five double storey buildings all furnished with simple yet cosy Chinese décor.

A choice of rooms is available from the smaller standard size to larger suites, which come with an adjoining living room and excellent views over the hillside. While the rooms may not be able to rival modern hotels for comfort and facilities, the beauty lies in the peaceful surroundings and the chance to stay in one of Hong Kong’s historically important buildings. The Lodge is only a few minutes walk from Mei Foo MTR station and Lingnan Garden is just a few minutes walk which is well worth a visit to enjoy the classical Chinese garden designs.

800 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok, 2100 2888

Cheung Chau B&B

It’s easy to forget that Hong Kong is blessed with a number of small islands where a quieter and more laidback approach to life is ingrained in the local population. Cheung Chau, easily reached by ferry from both Central and Aberdeen piers, has good food, a couple of beaches and enough walks and sights to keep you occupied over a relaxing weekend.

Cheung Chau B&B with its four-storey yellow and blue painted buildings and rooftop terrace hints towards the Mediterranean but in a very Chinese setting. The B&B is split into three different buildings – the main building, a smaller one opposite near to Tung Wan beach, and a small building near to Pak Tai Temple. Rooms are simple but clean and come with all the facilities needed for a couple of nights stay and breakfast is included – toast, eggs, coffee and tea. Get up early or watch the sunset from the rooftop garden for wonderful sea views and a timely reminder of how lucky we are to be in Hong Kong.

12-14 Tung Wan Road, Cheung Chau, 2986 9990

Featured image courtesy of Gold Coast Hotel.