For years, the family room occupied an awkward middle ground in hospitality: larger than a standard room but rarely more memorable. Designed for function over delight, it was often little more than two queen beds, a sofa bed and space for a cot.
Today, that category is being reimagined.
Island Shangri-La Hong Kong: A whole floor of imagination
Dedicating an entire Family Floor to younger travellers, Island Shangri-La features 21 immersive rooms and suites spanning themes such as Airship Voyage, Fairy Garden, Safari Adventure and Hong Kong Wonders.
Custom bunk beds, imaginative play zones and hidden details encourage children to explore rather than simply sleep. The experience extends beyond the guestrooms, with a family lounge, pantry and dedicated concierge, turning accommodation into an attraction in its own right.
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore: From glamping tents to space missions
Every child has imagined sleeping in a spaceship or camping beneath the stars. At Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, families can choose the Voyage Among the Stars experience, featuring space-inspired décor, a Nintendo Switch and playful touches that transform the room into a mini mission control. Alternatively, Glamping Under the Stars recreates the cosiness of camping with an indoor tent, star projector, storybook torch and family games. Spacious Two-Bedroom Family Apartments cater to larger groups.
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok: Bringing marine magic indoors
Bangkok may be better known for rooftop bars than family suites, but Sindhorn Kempinski has found an imaginative way to bring the underwater world indoors. Its Sealife Family Suites feature marine-inspired décor, whimsical bunk beds, child-sized amenities and a treasure chest of toys waiting to be discovered. Located beside the hotel’s Kids’ Club, the suite design balances playfulness with luxury, giving younger guests a world of their own while preserving the comfort expected by parents.
Mimaru, Japan: Evolved for families
Licensed partnerships have become a powerful way for hotels to stand out, and few resonate more strongly than Pokémon. In Japan, Mimaru has expanded its themed accommodation with redesigned Pokémon Rooms across 10 locations in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. The apartment-style rooms feature more than 100 Pokémon woven throughout the space, alongside oversized Poké Ball beds, themed furnishings and interactive design elements that encourage exploration. Practical apartment layouts include kitchenettes, dining areas and separate sleeping spaces.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives: Ocean playground
Centara has built the entire resort around family travel, offering a fresh take on a destination traditionally associated with couples. Inspired by the ocean, family villas at this resort include dedicated bunk beds for children, while larger beach houses feature separate sleeping areas suited to multi-generational stays. Beyond the room, families can float along a lazy river, tackle water slides, explore a water playground or unwind at the Candy Spa.