Review: Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong

I had an overnight layover between my Emirates flight from Bangkok, and onward Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo, and while the old me would have been delighted to spend an entire night lounge-hopping, I just don’t have the energy for that anymore.

So I looked for a place to catch some shuteye, and ended up at the 1,171-room Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong. It’s not bookable by points, but it is the most convenient option for those who need to be near the airport.

Where to stay at HKG?

Hong Kong International Airport does not have an airside transit hotel, so if you want to stay near the airport, your options are limited to:

• Regal Airport Hotel
• Regala Skycity Hotel
• Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott

Of the three, Regal Airport Hotel is the only one directly connected to the airport terminal; the other two require a shuttle bus or taxi transfer.

There are also other options slightly further away, like the Novotel Hong Kong Citygate or Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel. And of course, you could always take the Airport Express and be at Kowloon station in just 22 minutes, where the W Hong Kong and Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong await.

In my case, I wanted the convenience of staying at the airport so I could enter the lounges the next morning just as they opened and take photos before the crowds came, so the decision was pretty much made for me. 

Booking the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong

I booked a one-night stay for a lead-in Superior Room via Traveloka, which cost S$193 nett. 

I stayed at the hotel for less than 12 hours, so I wouldn’t call this fantastic value, but it is what it is. This hotel also has day-use rates, though they’re only valid for stays between 9 a.m and 9 p.m. If your layover is overnight, you have no choice but to book the regular overnight rate. 

Getting to the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong

The entire selling point of the Regal Airport Hotel is that it’s directly connected to Hong Kong Airport, and you can get there without ever stepping foot outside.

After clearing immigration at Terminal 1, turn left and walk to the far end of the arrivals hall. You’ll see signage for the Regal Airport Hotel, and just have to keep walking until you see the entrance. It probably takes about five minutes max.

Check-in

The Regal Airport Hotel’s lobby reminds me of one of those old grand hotels, with an expansive concourse tiered over several floors. I arrived in the evening, but I suppose during the day you’d get a lot of natural light from the overhead glass panels. 

Four check-in positions were open when I arrived, and I only waited a couple of minutes to be served. It was also surprising that the hotel didn’t even take a security deposit on my credit card- I didn’t have to give them anything beyond my passport.

Superior Room

Superior Rooms are the lead-in category at this hotel, and are perfectly serviceable, if a bit bland. Then again, this isn’t the kind of hotel you stay in for aesthetics; it’s all about location, location, location.

The 27 sqm room was clean and offered good noise isolation (flights at HKG observe a noise curfew from 10 p.m to 7 a.m daily, so you shouldn’t be too bothered), with a work desk and flat-screen TV. You could even rent a DVD player if you were so inclined. 

The queen-sized mattress was comfortable, and one bedside had two power outlets and an alarm clock that ticked noisily until I pulled the battery out. All outlets in this room are Type G plugs which are good for Singaporeans, but bad for most other travellers. It’s surprising that an airport hotel wouldn’t think to install universal outlets. 

Velcroed to the side of the work desk was a power strip with two USB Type-A ports (but again, only Type G outlets).

The hotel’s Wi-Fi network was more than adequate for my needs- I clocked 53 Mbps down and 34 Mbps up.

The wardrobe contained an ironing kit, slippers, safe deposit box, but lacked bathrobes.

The mini-bar was empty, so you could store your personal items inside. Up top were two bottles of mineral water, which could be refilled from a water fountain in the corridor. 

The bathroom had combination shower and bathtub, as well as wall-mounted ELLE Voyage bath amenities.

Pool

The Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong has two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor. The outdoor pool is closed and drained during the winter and spring months, leaving the indoor one as the only option.

It was surprisingly pleasant, with heated water and a whirlpool area with jets. After a long-haul flight, the opportunity to stretch your muscles in a heated pool is very much welcome indeed.

Gym

The Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong has a 24/7 gym, which should be large enough to accommodate all the guests it needs to. The interior is nothing fancy, more like the kind of facility you’d find in an old condo, but all the equipment was in working condition and the odor control was good. 

Spa

Located near the gym is the Regal Airport Hotel’s spa, which opens daily from 8 a.m to 10 p.m. 

I was feeling like I could use a foot massage, but the pricelist was rather off-putting (even if “emotional healing” is on the menu!). 

Executive Lounge

The Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong has an executive lounge that offers continental breakfast and all-day refreshments, with cocktails and canapes served in the lobby lounge. 

I didn’t see the point in paying for this, given my short stay, but there’s more details over on OMAAT. 

Conclusion

If you want to stay directly on airport premises, the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong is your only choice. That said, it’s not a bad one, in the sense that it does what it says on the tin. Rooms are comfortable and clean, facilities are more than adequate (extra points for a heated pool), and while I didn’t have a chance to try the restaurants, there’s quite a few available, or you can simply head back to the terminal and eat in the arrival area. 

I only stayed here because I wanted to be at the airport first thing in the morning. If you have a little more breathing room and don’t mind taking the Airport Express downtown, you’ll be rewarded with a much bigger range of hotels, including more luxurious options.