We review the new family floor at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong: a stylish stay for grown-ups and fun for the kids
An elevated family experience.
After enduring a lengthy period of pandemic-related travel constraints, including a three-week hotel quarantine in 2021 and navigating tough travel restrictions in 2022 while much of the world had already reopened, I had sworn off staycations entirely. My plan was revenge travel, and in 2023 and early 2024, I indulged in yacht adventures in Sardinia, cherished summer days in my hometown of Paris, and created joyful memories in Koh Samui. Thus, it took a truly unique concept to entice me back to a Hong Kong hotel for a weekend getaway. That unique allure? The recently unveiled, brand-new family rooms and suites on the 45th floor of the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of the family floor at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Soaring above the streets of Admiralty, Island Shangri-La offers stunning vistas of the Peak, Hong Kong Park, and Victoria Harbour. With direct access to Pacific Place Mall and the Admiralty MTR station, it sits conveniently between Central and Wan Chai.
Despite its prime location, the hotel had never piqued my interest for a staycation, largely due to my misconception of its outdated decor and a preference for newer properties. However, my perceptions were swiftly challenged recently upon learning of its extensive refurbishments, including upgraded rooms, a fresh wellness concept, refurbished pool facilities, and the pièce de résistance: an entire floor dedicated to families.
Admittedly, like many parents, the notion of a family-friendly hotel often evokes visions of sacrificed aesthetics in favour of child-centric amenities. Yet, the beautifully designed family floor at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong defies these expectations, offering a harmonious blend of style for grown-ups and fun for the kids, making it a destination that could even charm the most sceptical of parents – or non parents!
The rooms
The entire 45th floor is now dedicated to stylish family stays, comprising 21 rooms and suites, each boasting distinct themes inspired by either the cultural and natural elements of Hong Kong or whimsical worlds designed to ignite the imagination of your little ones.
Upon booking, guests are presented with a choice between two room themes: the Garden Lodge-themed room, evoking the tranquil ambience of Hong Kong Park visible from above, or the Fisherman’s Cove-themed room, offering panoramic views of the harbour and featuring a traditional junk-inspired kid’s bed.
For those opting for suites, there are eight unique themes to choose from, available in configurations of two or three rooms. Whether embarking on a safari adventure, journeying back in time with the airship voyage theme, or exploring the sights and sounds of Hong Kong aboard the iconic ding ding tram in the Hong Kong Wonders suite, the hardest decision may indeed be selecting which room best suits your family’s preferences.
During our stay, we experienced the charm, and fun, of the Campervan Haven Suite (main image), where a vintage-style campervan bunk bed sparks young imaginations with dreams of Mai Po, Hong Kong’s picturesque wetlands. From the moment we entered, exclamations of ‘wow’ and ‘ah’ echoed throughout, not only from the kids but from us adults as well.
Entering through the elegantly adorned parents’ room, featuring nature-inspired wallpaper and furnished with a spacious living area and convenient kitchenette, one can’t help but admire its chic urban design. However, the true highlight awaits in the kids’ room, expertly crafted by someone with both a love for children and an appreciation for refined aesthetics.
The bunk bed, complete with a safety-proofed slide, promises hours of entertainment. An interactive dashboard educates children about road signs, while a treasure chest filled with toys and plush animals awaits discovery. A captivating mural, depicting migratory birds and their habitats, reveals hidden UV elements under a ‘magic’ light and adds to the room’s enchantment, alongside a charming kids’ camping table and chairs.
The amenities
In addition to the enchanting rooms and suites, the 45th floor boasts several communal spaces meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of families.
First among these is The Hangout, a vibrant hub divided into three distinct rooms. Upon entry, you’re greeted by the Grab & Go station, where food counters offer refreshments and snacks throughout the day. Here, you can opt for breakfast if you prefer not to visit the buffet downstairs, and scones and sandwiches are available for afternoon tea. However, the true highlight of this space lies in its provision of healthy snacks and homemade meals readily available from the fridge at any time of day. Think fresh vegetable sticks, yoghurt, and homemade pasta boxes ready to be reheated in the microwave. This liberates you from the constraints of restaurant opening hours, because we all know that children often have their own unique eating schedules.
Adjacent to the Grab & Go station is the interconnected workshop room, tailored for kids to unleash their creativity and engage in playful activities. Hosting morning workshops from 10-11, the space remains open throughout the day, filled with an assortment of toys that entice children to explore. With the option to make new friends and indulge in crafty endeavours, little guests might find themselves torn between the allure of their fantastic rooms and the fun ambience of the workshop room.
And while kids are having fun in the workshop room, parents can relax in the living room where a comfy sofa and a fireplace beckons. Grab a magazine or a book, pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy a rare moment of peace, you deserve it!
Another thoughtful addition to the family floor is the centrally located Pantry, a haven stocked with everything imaginable in terms of baby equipment, all from leading brands. From Stokke high chairs and Nuna-Travel strollers to Ergobaby carriers, pacifiers, bottle warmers, baby bottles, wet wipes, and swim diapers – the Pantry has it all. Additionally, guests will find washing machines and dryers available, alleviating the burden of lugging your entire household when travelling with kids, especially infants.
The excitement doesn’t stop on the 45th floor; guests are beckoned to the outdoor swimming pool for even more fun. Just the thought of spending an entire afternoon splashing in a pool brings joy to my three-year-old. You can imagine her excitement when she found out there’s not only a pool but also a waterplay area. Here, interactive water features abound, including flower cannons in the toddler’s pool, an interactive blooming spout, butterfly-bee cannons, an interactive flower pump spray, and water tunnels with intermittent water flow.
The family experience team
This review wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the team behind the magic: the Family Experience Team. From reaching out before your stay to learn about your children’s favourite cartoons and candies, to providing a friendly yet unobtrusive presence throughout your stay, and bidding you farewell with a memorable send-off, they add that special touch that elevates the experience to new heights. If that’s even possible.
The verdict
In the words of my three-year-old: ‘Why didn’t we stay longer?’.
Discover more about the Family Floor at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong or Book through Booking.com
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