On a recent trip to Europe flying with Cathay Pacific, I needed an overnight stay in an airport hotel Hong Kong before joining my ongoing flight to London. Although I would normally jump at the chance to venture into Kowloon or Hong Kong Island for an evening, on this particular occasion there were a few issues to consider. One was the transport disruption due to the political protests in Hong Kong, but also my inbound flight didn't arrive until 6pm and that wouldn't leave much time for exploring or fun. After much deliberation, I opted to stay at the airport area, and my top pick was the Regal Airport Hotel for a number of reasons. For a start, it's consistently rated as the world's number one airport hotel, taking out top spot as the Best Airport Hotel in the World and in Asia in 2014. Also, however, it's incredibly convenient; it's connected to the passenger terminal by an air-conditioned bridge link. All you have to do is walk a short way from A to B in a matter of minutes, and you're ready to fly. As I also discovered, the hotel has many charms of its own.
Rooms
Travelling alone, and knowing I would arrive tired and not in the mood to venture far to eat, of its 1,171 guest accommodations I opted for an Executive Club Room. It was not only spacious and fully equipped for a weary traveller, but also offers access to the Executive Club with a variety of perks including fast check-in and check-out, breakfast and pre-dinner cocktails and snacks. There are 181 Executive Club rooms, and along with the Club itself, they occupy pride of position on the top three floors of the hotel.
The room itself was spacious with a view of the airport and sound proofed windows banishing any external noise. It had a lovely decor of a earth tones; dark wood furniture, rich biscuit coloured carpeting, beige drapes, warm cream walls and a glamorous padded wall surrounding the head of the large king sized bed adorned with crisp white linen and gold coloured cushions. Facilities included free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV with plenty of local and international cable channels, a mini-bar with complimentary items, in-room tea and coffee making facilities, a sitting area with a sofa and coffee table, and a hair dryer. As a club guest, if you have time, you can also make use of complimentary pressing of a suit or two pieces of clothing per stay along with a shoe shine.
The Executive Club Lounge
This is a traveller's haven, a spacious place in which to relax and wind down after a long flight. I was able to bypass a busy reception area and check-in here in comfort at the manned desk, then head straight up to my room to freshen up for the rest of the evening. The lounge itself had a pleasing and inviting decor, featuring illuminated pillars, a blue and beige patterned carpet, and seating areas for two and four people with tables and comfortable easy chairs. The lounge offers three services a day starting with a deluxe continental breakfast between 6.30am and 11am, refreshments during the day from 11am to 5pm, and evening drinks and snacks from 5pm to 8pm. Although you are allowed to use laptops, you are also respectfully asked to turn phones to silent or vibrate, and accompany children at all times. All in all it makes for a very peaceful environment.
As it was evening when I arrived I enjoyed a few pre-dinner cocktails, including a beer and a glass of French champagne. The range of snacks was impressive too, including salads, cold meats, breads, cheeses, sweet treats, and local delicacies including dim sum, spring rolls and steamed pork buns. It operates on a self-serve basis, but the staff were incredibly attentive and always willing to assist should you need it. I also noted that dirty plates and glasses didn't remain on tables for long; the staff were top notch and keeping the lounge clean and pristine, also replacing food offerings when they got low and before they ran out, ditto the Champagne and wine at the bar.
Other Facilities
Besides a Club Lounge, the hotel has six restaurants and bars, and a complete range of recreational facilities. They include a luxurious spa if you have the time for some pampering (it's won two awards also in 2014), a gym, sauna and indoor and outdoor pools if you have time to relax between flights.
The Verdict
I have found many airport hotels to be simply convenient, without much charm or any character to speak of, but the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong is truly in a class of its own. It's elegant, pristine and with plenty to attract and soothe weary frequent fliers. If you happen to need an overnight stay in between flights without the time to venture into Hong Kong proper your needs will be taken care of and you won't be disappointed.
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