Known for its minimalist design and wellness philosophy, Alila isn't the first hotel brand that comes to mind when travelling with children. But hidden inside Alila Shanghai is one of the most imaginative family suites we've ever experienced, complete with a vintage Shanghai tram bunk bed, fairytale interiors and thoughtful touches that encourage children to swap screens for imagination.
If you've had the opportunity to stay at an Alila hotel before, you'll know it's a brand that places great emphasis on minimalist design, creating spaces that instantly make guests feel calmer the moment they walk through the doors. Wellbeing is perhaps the strongest theme running throughout every Alila property, and we were excited to experience how Alila Shanghai interprets this philosophy in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities.
Hidden amongst the hotel's beautifully understated interiors is a family-themed suite that couldn't be more different from the rest of the hotel. Walking into the room quite literally stopped us in our tracks. Gone were the neutral tones and clean lines, replaced instead by whimsical storybook wallpaper, playful décor and the centrepiece of the room - a vintage Shanghai tram transformed into a two-storey bunk bed complete with a steering wheel, slide, and interactive lighting.
Over two nights, we had the opportunity to experience Alila Shanghai's Family Suite. While there's currently only one of these rooms available, the hotel is planning to add more due to its growing popularity.
Designed for two adults and two children, the suite features a king-sized bed for parents alongside a fantastical tram-like bunk bed for little ones. Featuring a whimsical "Tree of Time" theme, the suite boasts whimsical details across the wallpaper, ceiling, and even the minibar.
What impressed us most wasn't necessarily the design itself—it was the room's magical ability to inspire play. Rather than asking for an iPad or TV, our children spent hours climbing in and out of the tram, pretending to drive through Shanghai, creating stories together and losing themselves in their own imagination. It's exactly the kind of room parents don't realise they need until they experience it.
Dining at Alila Shanghai deserves a mention of its own, particularly Garden Pavilion, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant.
Their Japanese semi-buffet dinner was a particular highlight, striking a lovely balance between casual and refined. Guests can help themselves to freshly sliced sashimi, hand-rolled sushi, and tempura before returning to the table to order main dishes à la carte.
What we appreciated most was the concept behind it. Rather than piling plates high at a buffet, guests simply order as much—or as little—as they'd like. Dishes arrive in smaller portions, allowing everyone to sample a mouthful before ordering more if they wish. It feels far more considered and significantly reduces unnecessary food waste.
The cherry on top? Each guest is also served a beautifully prepared lobster and caviar dish made to order. Sublime.
We rounded off our stay with one of Alila's complimentary sound bath sessions, available to all in-house guests each morning and evening.
Hosted by the hotel's resident bilingual practitioner inside a dedicated wellness studio beside the gym, the session became something we genuinely looked forward to after a busy day navigating the streets of Shanghai.
For an hour, the lights were dimmed, guests settled comfortably onto the floor, and the gentle sounds of singing bowls and gong clangs slowly filled the room.
It wasn't something we'd expected to enjoy quite so much, but it quickly became one of the standout moments of our stay. Travelling with children often means constantly being switched on, so having an hour dedicated entirely to slowing down and resetting felt incredibly valuable.
It also reminded us that, despite its wonderful family offering, Alila hasn't forgotten what makes the brand so special in the first place.
Although Alila Shanghai is positioned on one of the busiest streets, it somehow manages to feel wonderfully removed from the city commotion.
It's a hotel that continues to stay true to Alila's wellness-led philosophy whilst offering imaginative family rooms full of whimsy. Instead of forcing families to choose between luxury and child-friendly accommodation, Alila Shanghai manages to offer both—and with great panache.
Whether you're a couple looking for a peaceful city retreat, travelling solo in search of wellbeing, or exploring Shanghai as a family, there's a genuine sense that every guest has been thoughtfully considered.
For us, it wasn't just the beautiful design or the exceptional service that stood out, it was how effortlessly the hotel balanced serenity with playfulness. It's rare to find a city hotel where parents can genuinely unwind whilst children are equally captivated, but Alila Shanghai has managed to create exactly that.
It's a hotel we'd happily return to, and one we'd confidently recommend to families looking for a luxury stay in Shanghai that offers something a little more meaningful than simply another five-star room.
Ruth was a guest of Alila Shanghai.
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