Kacee

Personally, I would not tip in that situation. I don't tip front desk or supervisor level personnel, not in the US, and I definitely would not in Asia. Although I certainly know that awkward "why are you still here" feeling after they've already unnecessarily explained how the lights work

goodeats21

You nailed it. Awkward.

It felt almost like they were in a hostess role or something. Definitely didn't give off a supervisor vibe.

They were both standing by the front door of the hotel, greeting me as soon as I exited the hotel car. They had my keys already in hand, and escorted me all the way up to the room, chitchatting and such. I really didn't understand what was going on. I am not famous, and definitely not good looking enough to warrant the star treatment. LOL

mcgahat

In some places the customer is royalty and treated as such or at least certain customers.....it can be a bit of a system shock when you get such treatment but you will get used to it.

Kacee

One of them was likely the duty manager. That seems to be the practice at this property for Gold and Plat. It helps that they know you're coming based on the call from the desk at the airport.

You'll also get this treatment at many Asia properties if you use a hotel car from the airport.

Lobster

Is there a private car/van transfer for Plats from the Hotel to the airport or do you have to get the regular shuttle bus back?

beckoa

As a gold I've usually done the shuttle, not sure if private transfer was offered ever on the return journey. Might have once- but was a while back.

Lobster

Having completed my stay there now I think I can answer my won question and say no there is no car/van transfer back to the airport from the hotel. Not that it is a major issue, the shuttle bus goes every 20 minuted at 00, 20 and 40 past the hour. So it is easy to turn up just in time for the bus. It stops at T1 so no big walks (I thought if it only took you to T2 where it picks up from it would be a big walk).

Overall I was impressed with the hotel and it does make a good layover option, It is a definite step up from the Regal Airport hotel and although that hotel is attached to the terminal, the transfer to/from the marriot (if you have status) is very quick and easy.

I tough the food in the lounge was good, I was planning to go to the Chinese restaurant but in the end i ate so much in the lounge I had no room for any more. The staff where very friendly and helpful.

Following up on the question of tipping the staff who show you to your room. For me these staff definitely fall into the category of staff I would not expect to tip in Asia they are basically front desk staff who come to your room to do the check in. However I did find that they did linger a little big longer so I can see how people would think that they were waiting for a tip.

MsEverywhere

Well, I had quite the excitement on the shuttle back. I got off the bus, was reaching for my bags in the luggage compartment when the luggage doors closed. I ran back to the passenger door which was closed already to bang on it and get the driver's attention. He was buckling his seat belt, apparently preparing to depart.

I was able to get his attention so he opened the doors for me to get my bags, but he didn't even get out of the bus to apologize or visually confirm that the luggage compartment was then empty.

Looking back, I suppose my options if he had departed, would be to call the hotel or run to the Marriott booth on the Arrivals level to request/demand my bags back. Fortunately, I was way early for my flight, even before the ticket counter opened.

I sent in an email, giving them the details including date and time of the shuttle. I'll let you know when they reply.

ExpatSomchai

I see that they will be starting renovations from April

beckoa

Exciting.

What do they have planned?

nacho

We had an early flight and it required us to be at the check-in at 6am, and we were driven in a car back to the airport. I didn't ask for it - the lounge staff suggested it herself.

I heard about the renovation and an extra wing of the hotel - Regal will move from the terminal to next to the hotel. There are a lot of building activities going on around the hotel. If you miss a shuttle you can always take a bus from Tung Chung (I think it's S1).

The hotel is pretty well kept considering its age and my impression this time is much better than last time - improved lounge food and it's a nice option to be able to eat breakfast at the restaurant - my son loves noodles.

izzik

Just finishing up a stay here .. overnight only, between flights.
Used points, upgraded to a 1 bdr suite as a plat (without asking).
Had a little hard time finding the bus pickup area at the airport .. even got bad directions from a lounge agent.
Just make your way to the Cathay Arrival Lounge, then it's steps to bus gates 29-30.
Marriott shuttle bus picks up from airport every 20 min - :10, :30, :50
No need to call to request.

As a side note, the Arrival Lounge is a great option for a quick snack if you arrive in the evening. They have a nice menu to choose food from (small menu, don't expect full course dining here) and service is prompt.
Marriott exec lounge breakfast on a Tuesday morning was disappointing -- very basic for a beautiful lounge space. Comparable to a Marriott in the US, in terms of quantity. I can't imagine how they survive when the lounge is actually full! However, I was given the option to have buffet breakfast in the Bistro (or the lounge), so I'm sure that must be worlds better than the lounge offering.
Off to the airport and a much better food offering in a Cathay lounge.

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the update - and the tip re: where to catch the bus.

Cheers.

goodeats21

Yes, the restaurant downstairs was a huge buffet for breakfast. Much better option than the lounge.

Happy

There is an arrival desk in the arrival hall where all the major chain hotels have their presence there.

Hotel and Travel Agent Counters, Airport Facilities & Services - Hong Kong International Airport

While the SkyCity is not listed there, I am sure they and JWM share the same counter.

If you are Gold / Plat, you wait inside the terminal when they radio a car to come. You just head to the hotel desk. Of the several times we used this hotel, we have never gone outside to the bus bay for the shuttle to the hotel. Always just showed up at the hotel desk where they had a log of guests arriving that day. They showed us to the sitting area nearby and then radioed the car to come. And we are just lowly golds.
Breakfast should always be taken downstairs at the restaurant. They dont make good offerings in the lounge because you have the far better option downstairs. Very few people use the lounge for breakfast.