Just for your information the Royal Hotel is no longer the only hotel near the airport in Hong Kong. The Novotel Citygate opened up last month and I stayed there for a brief stopover last week. They are running a promotion for US$92/night. The hotel is super nice and reminded me of a boutique New York City hotel. They have a free shuttle from the airport if you arrive before 11:30 PM--I had to take a taxi at HK$50.
I didn't know before the stopover but there are semi-private sleeping rooms available in the airport. I haven't stayed but that may be a better option for a short layover.
Just for your information the Royal Hotel is no longer the only hotel near the airport in Hong Kong. The Novotel Citygate opened up last month and I stayed there for a brief stopover last week. They are running a promotion for US$92/night. The hotel is super nice and reminded me of a boutique New York City hotel. They have a free shuttle from the airport if you arrive before 11:30 PM--I had to take a taxi at HK$50.
I didn't know before the stopover but there are semi-private sleeping rooms available in the airport. I haven't stayed but that may be a better option for a short layover.
you mean Regal Airport Hotel, not Royal hotel right?
Just stayed there last night, and this is quick feedback on it.
Getting to the hotel is a bore - it involves waiting for the shuttle bus time, and then a treck to the bus, 10 minute transfer to the hotel, etc. From clearing customs, what would have taken me 5 minutes to get to the Regal took 35 minutes. If I stay there again, I shall probably take a taxi, unless I am very near the shuttle time.
The hotel itself is new and modern. The staff were extremely friendly (much more than the Regal). My room was far nicer than at the Regal (they made a mistake with the room type, but rectified it reasonably quickly).
I didn't eat there, but there seems to be a good choices of restaurants.
The transfer to the airport this morning was pretty good - 10 minutes journey time, and we got dropped at the departure level, so no treck.
As a hotel, I far prefered it to the Regal. It is certainly much much better value for money (I always dislike staying at the Regal because it is very expensive for the quality of hotel). The only negative was that it is not nearly as convenient to get to.
Hi,
I will stay at Hong Kong for one night at Aug. Yes, the problem is the very hotel. I also want to go to city center and down town of Hong Kong to enjoy that city. My leaving flight from HKG is 8:00 AM or so, namely I should check in by 6:00 AM or so, shouldn't I? I wonder which hotel is more convenient for me, Regal Airport or Novotel Citygate. What I wanna ask you is, if you were me, which would you chose? And why?
Regal is attached to terminal, and often costs US$300. Novotel requires a 5-10 minute shuttle, and costs US$100.
From the Regal, to get to the city, you can take the Airport Express (23 minutes, HK$90-100 same-day roundtrip). From the Novotel, you can take the regular MTR (~40 min, ~HK$20 each way).
I like to have an extra US$200 in my pocket. But you have to decide for yourself.
My leaving flight from HKG is 8:00 AM or so, namely I should check in by 6:00 AM or so, shouldn't I?
For CX check-in closes 40 mins before the flight, so no need to be there so early (other airlines have other policies). HKG is a very efficient airport so you don't have to worry about all the delays you get in many US or European airports. Even if immigration is having a bad day and your flight is right up the other end of the terminal you should still be OK if you leave the check-in desk 40 mins before scheduled departure (albeit that you won't have time to do any shopping, lounges, etc).
For CX check-in closes 40 mins before the flight, so no need to be there so early (other airlines have other policies). HKG is a very efficient airport so you don't have to worry about all the delays you get in many US or European airports. Even if immigration is having a bad day and your flight is right up the other end of the terminal you should still be OK if you leave the check-in desk 40 mins before scheduled departure (albeit that you won't have time to do any shopping, lounges, etc).
I totally agree but be careful at airport is big and terminals far out...after check in, you need to go through security (up to 10 minutes on busy morning), immigration (5-10 minutes at least on busy morning), and depending on your gate, train to gate.
If you check in at airport express terminal in HK (not sure what time they open in morning), that will save you sometime.
Fair enough. 40 minutes can be tight. But an hour is always plenty, and normally leaves time for a quick drink/bite in the lounge if you have access. Two hours is way to much unless you want to go and use the Cabanas or The Games Room in The Wing. (Has anyone ever seen anyone using the games room by the way? I've popped my head in a couple of times and it was empty)
I'm overnighting at the Novotel Citigate right now.
The transit is a slight hassle only - say +/- 20 mins more baggage claim to hotel room than the Regal Airport would have been. The shuttles are every 30 mins, leaving 15 past and 45 past the hours, so I guess worst case the process might take you as much as 40 mins.
And for ~$100, this is a very slick hotel. Brand new, nice rooms, plenty of restaurants to choose from and an open all night business center (whole hotel has wireless to).
I'd say this is the place for a quick overnight, with or without a trip into the city.
I have always found the Regal to be overpriced, and will try the Novotel on my next stop over.
