Little Steps Reviews: Family Suites At Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Enchanting Family Rooms & Suites At Island Shangri-La

The 45th floor of the hotel stands as an exclusive enclave for families, and it's immediately apparent that it's a world apart from the other levels. As the elevator doors part, you are met with the delightful sight of a model train chugging along its lofty track above, a treat for any train enthusiast.

The passageways to your room adopt the theme of the vista they face: a marine motif if your windows frame the bustling Hong Kong Harbor, or a verdant garden theme when overlooking Hong Kong Park and the Peak.

Within this family-centric haven, 21 opulent-themed rooms and suites await, catering to diverse tastes. The premier three-bedroom family suites, yet to be revealed, boast ample space for gatherings and festive occasions: featuring a king-size bed for the adults, a whimsical children's room adorned with an Airship Voyage or Fairy Garden motif, a cozy separate living area, and a fully-fitted kitchen. The two-bedroom family suites promise an exhilarating stay, with six imaginative themes that ignite children’s curiosity and inventiveness through engaging decor, interactive lighting, hidden murals replete with secret animal figures and patterns, fun slides connected to bunk beds, a treasure chest of toys, and more. Glide down from the upper berth of an iconic tram in the Hong Kong Wonders Suite, roam the African plains in the Safari Adventure Suite, dive deep into marine exploration in the Underwater Treasure Suite, unveil hidden compartments in the Treetop Hideout, discover regal fantasies in the Enchanted Castle Suite, or enjoy an indoor camping experience in the Campervan Haven. For those preferring a cozier arrangement, the one-bedroom options include Fisherman's Cove, which pays homage to Hong Kong’s seafaring roots with a singular bunk atop a classic junk, and the tranquil Garden Lodge.

Dive Into The Underwater Treasure Two-Bedroom Suite

Perusing the room selections on the Island Shangri-La's website presented us with a delightful dilemma—each option was as enticing as the next. Ultimately, we entrusted Ryan, and he happily chose the Underwater Treasure Two-Bedroom Suite.

Before stepping in, Ryan was invited to peek into a special mailbox outside our door—a charming touch for receiving hotel communications and little surprises. Inside, we discovered an Island Shangri-La activity book, perfectly suited for his age.

The first room features a king-size bed with a stunning harbor view, an opulent bathroom adorned with exquisite amenities (Toto toilet included!), and a sleek galley kitchen equipped with a microwave, hob, fridge, and other culinary necessities. The living and dining area greeted us with additional treats: gummy bears, activity packs, coloring sets, wholesome snacks, and sumptuous chocolates from the hotel's own Island Gourmet patisserie, including an incredible submarine chocolate sculpture in tune with the suite's theme.

Stepping into what would be Ryan's bedroom for the night was nothing short of breathtaking. At its heart stood a magnificent submarine bunk bed, from which Ryan gleefully slid down multiple times. His joy was only amplified upon discovering the functioning diving panel, complete with buttons to activate various sounds and lights. The room was a treasure trove of toys and hidden compartments eagerly waiting to be explored. At the foot of the bed, a treasure chest unveiled Jellycat marine-themed plush toys. But perhaps the pinnacle of excitement was using a flashlight to uncover the myriad of sea creatures concealed within the stunning mural.

The nautical motif continued into the bathroom, complete with a grand bathtub where Ryan splashed about in a bubbly wonderland, courtesy of natural toiletries from California Baby and Le Petit Prince. Thoughtful inclusions like a toilet trainer and a step-up stool made the experience perfectly tailored for young explorers.

The Hangout

Guests of the 45th floor get exclusive and free access to The Hangout - a gorgeous communal space divided into three parts.

The first section, the Grab & Go room, is stocked with an array of food counters and refrigerators that are refreshed throughout the day to offer a variety of wholesome snacks suitable for both kids and adults. Mornings at The Hangout feature breakfast delights like warm porridge, refreshing smoothies, an assortment of pastries, fruit cups, and a selection of cereals. As the day progresses, the offerings shift to more substantial fare such as pasta, and a variety of sandwiches, both savory and sweet. Guests might choose to linger at the counter, admiring the stunning views of the Peak, or migrate to the adjacent sitting room, which is furnished with dining tables and chairs, as well as comfy sofas and armchairs—an idyllic spot for enjoying a book or board games. A highlight not to be missed is the 4:00 pm daily appearance of the ice cream cart, where guests can indulge in their chosen flavors and delicious toppings.

The Hangout's playroom comprises the final third of this community space, doubling as a versatile room for workshops. Here, children can immerse themselves in various activities and games, lounge on beanbags, peruse books in multiple languages, unfurl rolls of drawing paper for artistic expression, and play with premium wooden toys. This area serves as an excellent hub for children to gather and interact through play.

Throughout our stay, The Hangout was also a venue for enriching workshops. Ryan loved the dance class hosted by Ballroom Bees and the hands-on experience of crafting his personalized fridge magnets.

The Pantry

Things To Do

During the warmer seasons, the Island Shangri-La's 8th-floor pool deck is a must-visit, featuring a Waterplay area tailored for children up to six years old. This safe and engaging space includes a toddler paddling pool and a splash park with water tunnels, jets, LED lights, and playful sculptures, ensuring hours of fun for the little ones.

Guests lounging poolside can relax in shaded luxury cabanas or on sun loungers, with the added bonus of the pool receiving sunlight all day—a rarity in Hong Kong. Those staying on the 45th floor also receive a complimentary pool bag stocked with amenities, toys, and swimming diapers for convenience.

For adults seeking relaxation, the YUN WELLNESS Spa offers couple's massages and Tata Harper facials. A babysitting service is available to ensure that parents can relish their "me-time" in tranquility.

From The Editor's Perspective: What Makes This Experience Stand Out From The Rest

Hong Kong is certainly not devoid of luxury and child-friendly hotels. The Island Shangri-La however brings together these two components seamlessly, making for an incredible, personalized stay where not only the adults are treated like royalty but the kids are too.

The hotel's team is dedicated to personalized service, ready to cater to your every need. They pay close attention to personal preferences, incorporating details from the introductory questionnaire into your stay. For instance, Ryan was delighted with a personal handwritten card featuring his favorite cartoon character, a Lego Ninjago, hand-drawn inside. To kids, and parents, these moments are priceless.

Memorable experiences for families are abundant, from the 4pm ice cream cart to a variety of on-site activities. Personal touches like Ryan's customized bathrobe add to the special feel of the stay.

The Pantry and Hangout areas provide all the comforts of home, and the playroom is stocked with a thoughtful selection of toys. These details ensure a stay where every family member feels pampered.

Anticipation for a return visit in the warmer months is high, with the promise of enjoying the Shangri-La's renowned hospitality once again. See you at the Shang!