With #RitzKids Pampering, and Sky-High Views, This Shanghai Hotel Is Kid Heaven

AMID THE BRIGHT LIGHTS and touristy splendor of downtown Lujiazui, my family was treated to a feeling that can be elusive in a busy metropolis like Shanghai: serenity. With our room lights off, we gazed through our wall of windows at the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, the flickering ships passing behind it, and the hypnotic flow of traffic through the roundabout at its base.  

I noticed my five-year-old daughter, Umbria, staring peacefully, captivated by this uncommon perspective, 45 stories up in the city’s financial district. She had recently learned about this building in school and pointed it out whenever it was within eyeshot. What was going through her mind at the time? I imagined she was simply in awe, recognizing the enormity of the structures around us and how insignificant we are, while gaining inspiration from the potential capacity we must each possess to manifest these seemingly limitless creations. Well, a father can dream.

Regardless of what our little ingenue was actually thinking, it was clear that The Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai Pudong was invested in sparking her imagination and creativity—and we love how this has become more common among luxury brands. Specifically, that they’re seeking to not simply keep young minds occupied in a traditional “kids club,” but rather engage them via experiences that can inspire and educate. Whether it’s through hands-on learning about endangered sea life with dedicated marine biologists, integrated Montessori lessons, or learning about local culture and traditions, a swathe of conscientious hotels is prioritizing child development over child distraction. Here, the concept comes with that special Ritz-Carlton flair. 

A week or two before our stay, hotel reservations had asked me about Umbria’s interests. I thought that a bit odd at the time, but upon arrival it became clear why they had asked. As a part of the Ritz Kids experience, Umbria was given a personalized room keycard at check-in monogrammed with her name, plus a picture of her favorite superhero, Spiderman. “SPIDEEEYYY!” she squealed giddily, before ricocheting through the lobby, pretending to shoot a preponderance of webs like her preferred protector. After reining her in, we made our way to our room, which contained even more Ritz Kids surprises. 

After excitedly scanning her room card and nudging open the door she discovered a tent, and in the tent, a cache of cool kiddie campsite items like a plush campfire. These toys were the figurative icing on the literal (delicious, chocolate raspberry) cake that she next noticed on the living room table. “SPIDERMAN CAKE!” 

Perfectly content to play in the room, Umbria was unsurprisingly uninterested in leaving when it was time for dinner. After finally managing to massage her away from the Ritz Kids goodies, we made it to all-day diner Scena di Angelo. Manager Matteo was helpful in encouraging Umbria to eat her specially requested plate of cheese, personally enticing her with the parent-sanctioned promise of ice cream. He made quick friends with Umbria, taking her on walks (yes, plural) around the restaurant, to see all its hidden enclaves and experience the full extent of the panoramic views of the Pearl Tower and Huangpu River.

Perhaps a direct result of these personalized restaurant tours, Umbria remained very interested in inspecting every corner of every venue we entered. The next evening, the Ritz Kids Gong Ceremony afforded her the luxury of doing just that, with an added twist. Dressed in a traditional qipao (a dress made popular in early 20th-century China), she followed the gong procession around different areas of the hotel and was given the task of handing out postcards to guests in each location. Through the different floors they progressed, evoking curiosity in guests and leaving calmness in their wake.   

After the ceremony, we made our way to the Club Lounge for dinner. Finicky and fidgety without her restaurant guide, Umbria couldn’t sit still at the table, opting to instead sit on the ledge by the windows to take in the scenery again. While sitting there, she noticed an unwound scroll resting on the windowsill, which contained a beautiful sketch of the buildings along The Bund on the opposite side of the river. She came back and cheekily showed us the scroll, insisting that she was the artist behind it.

Soon after, an off-duty Matteo walked in with his family. He and Umbria exchanged greetings and she showed him “her” work of art. He laughed and listened intently as she explained the details of the scroll. Before we left, we were lucky enough to take in that view, just like Spidey. To better comprehend the sheer height and immensity of the skyline, we ended our stay with a visit to the hotel’s rooftop lounge, Flair. The view from the 58th floor outdoor deck was truly breathtaking (I don’t recommend it for the acrophobic).  

With multiple layers of protection however, we were comfortable holding Umbria up so she could get a better, more Spidey-esque view. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the giants of Shanghai’s financial district, we were able to look upon the Pearl Tower as near equals. The rooftop’s impressive veranda additionally afforded us yet another spectacular perspective, with sweeping views of Puxi. With the excitement wearing off and the cold creeping in, we returned inside for signature cocktails and a Ritzed-up selection of bar food. We noted that the popcorn shrimp was actually made from whole pieces of shrimp, and the pork neck, served on a bed of leaves over hot coals, was tender, juicy and flavorful.   

Leaving is always the hardest part of a staycation, but as the sun set on our stay, one thing was abundantly clear: luxury hospitality is no longer just about pampering adults; it’s about nurturing the imagination and curiosity of our youngest travelers. Imagine Umbria’s surprise and delight when, before we left, she was presented with a black tube containing a copy of the very scroll she had been admiring in the Club Lounge the night before. Even better: this one came adorned with stickers of Spiderman clinging to different buildings on the skyline. Nailed it, Matteo.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Night Safari program is available for three room types, with starting rates of Pearl Tower Room (including swimming class) at ¥3,848 net, Pearl Tower Suite (including swimming class) at ¥4,480 net, and Shanghai Bund View Suite (including picnic) at ¥5,490 net. 

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON SHANGHAI PUDONG VIA BOOKING.COM

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON SHANGHAI PUDONG VIA AGODA.COM

Images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai Pudong.

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