What is Island Shangri-La’s new family floor in Hong Kong like? Themed rooms, dedicated staff team, and lots of fun

The Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong has opened a family floor; the 45th of the five-star hotel having been transformed into a child-friendly wonderland, with 21 rooms and suites – soon to be 23 after the completion of two three-bedroom suites – and family-focused amenities. Tell us more about the concept. The opening represents “a new era of innovative family-friendly luxury”, to quote the hotel, with the facilities intended to transport kids to a fun-filled fantasyland while providing parents with all the convenience needed to enjoy family time in the lap of luxury. It is aimed at those seeking a magical experience, rather than just a comfy base, during their Hong Kong stay. What are some of the features that make the family floor special? Upon arriving at the hotel, which is around 35 minutes’ drive from the airport or a short walk from Admiralty MTR station on Hong Kong Island, family guests take a lift to the 45th floor, to be greeted in an area that has been refurbished with mahogany lacquer panelling to resemble a traditional British railway station waiting room. The scene would not be out of place in a certain children’s fantasy novel, but there is no Platform 9¾ here; instead a model steam train chugs around a track overhead, setting the tone. The Hangout, next to the lobby, is designed as a communal area in which to eat, play and … well, hang out. Complimentary grab-and-go food, from fresh fruit to low-sugar snacks to individually packed pasta dishes, is available from 7am to 10pm daily – because you never know when little tummies will start rumbling. Special snacks come and go depending on the time of day (4pm is when the ice cream cart is deployed). Next door, The Pantry caters to a variety of parenting needs, with nappies, baby bottles, rockers, prams – you name it – available to use for free upon request. Washing machines, bottle sterilisers and dryers are accessible 24 hours a day with the swipe of a room key card. Are the rooms equally equipped to keep children happy? Very much so. They are all themed, with room names such as Safari Adventure and Underwater Treasure. We stayed in Hong Kong Wonders, a suite with a model Hong Kong tram that doubles as a bunk bed and play prop, complete with a slide and “controls” that can be pushed, pulled, turned and pressed to trigger lights and sounds associated with the city’s iconic Ding Dings. The little one we brought along could not get enough, so much so that she stayed up well past her usual bedtime, driving the tram – and her parents slightly mad. This a testament to the design, which, complemented by illustrations (of Hong Kong iconography, by local artist Don Mak, in our room’s case) adorning the walls, captures the imagination. What about the adults? This is a “family” and not just a children’s experience, is it not? Do not worry, those forking out for the stay are catered for, too. A bottle of champagne, snacks and chocolate – from which was meticulously crafted another tram – met us on arrival and the adult bedroom in our suite had all the luxuries one might expect at a Shangri-La, such as a king-size bed, a lounging area and sweeping harbour views. There were no plastic bags lining the bathroom bins on our visit, which would have been useful for disposing of soiled nappies and the like, but the Family Experience Team is on hand to help with anything you might need. The Family Experience Team? One of the main selling points of the family floor is its team of staff dedicated to ensuring stays on it go smoothly. Ask and you shall receive – they are the push of a button away – when it comes to all kinds of baby-care equipment, and they will warm up and deliver milk and food from The Hangout to rooms upon request. Any other highlights? The children’s workshops included in stays are not to be missed. The dancing, games and arts and crafts allow kids to channel all that excited energy – it has to go somewhere, after all. How much does all this cost? A single night’s stay in a two-bedroom suite averages HK$9,180, or about US$1,200, without tax (HK$10,098 with tax), while one-bedroom rooms average HK$4,140 per night (HK$4,554 with tax). Stays include a breakfast buffet at the Island Shangri-La’s Cafe Too.