Exciting Hong Kong can be a travel destination in its own right, but it is also a popular transit stop for those flying around the world. The fabulous and spacious Hong Kong airport has lots to
entertain those just stopping for a few hours (Imax Cinema, i-Sports sporting games simulations, an aviation discovery centre and even a
9 hole golf course in the grounds). There is also the option to take the
airport express train into the Central for a look around or for a trip up to Victoria's Peak.
Hong Kong Skyline
However, sometimes, after a long haul flight, and faced with the prospect of another one, all you really need is to get horizontal and have a restorative sleep. Unlike many of the other major airport hubs, Hong Kong airport does not have a dedicated transit hotel airside. You do have a couple of options - either to go 'landside' into Hong Kong and try either of the two airport hotels, the
Regal Airport Hotel, which apparently has day use rooms available (though not when I enquired) and is connected to the terminal via a landbridge. If you book in advance, promotional rate rooms will cost from HKD$1600 - if you try and book at the airport on arrival, they can be more than double that - I was offered a room rate in excess of HKD$4000! The other option is the reliable Marriott chain - though check in is not before 2pm and you still have to pay a standard 24 hour rate regardless. It is a 5 minute free shuttle bus ride away to their
Marriott Sky City Hotel.
Marriott Sky City Hotel, Hong Kong
The other, though not well advertised in the airport itself, is to head to one of the three Plaza Premium Paid
Airport Travelers' Lounges, which are between Terminal 1 & 2 in the Arrivals Hall (on the land side) or before Gate 1 and After Gate 35 on the airside. These offer full airport lounge facilities, and you can either purchase an annual pass (they are at 90 locations worldwide) or access them as a casual guest (walk-in). They have free wi-fi, eating (with delicious food served both buffet and a la carte which is included in the access price), shower, bar, office and spa (massage and salon) services. Importantly, they also offer short-stay 'private resting rooms' which are small, but very clean and adequate rooms with single/twin beds, which are paid for on a per person hourly basis.
Hong Kong Airport Travelers Lounge entry
. You can
book online up to 24 hours in advance, which gives you a 5% discount on the various lounge packages, which are again accessed on an hourly rate. 3 hours in a 'private resting area' (room with ensuite), including shower, non alcoholic beverages, snacks and a hot meal is HKD$600 (around AUD/USD$80) and additional hours are HKD$100 (AUD/USD$14). My son and I enjoyed a very restorative sleep here on the way back to Australia, and couldn't have been more appreciative of the helpful, kind hearted staff and the peaceful environment - despite the landside lounge being located directly beneath the inter-transit train! The Lounges are not well promoted nor signed within the airport itself, so you may need to ask for the 'premium paid' lounges to find them, but it's worth persevering.
One of the Plaza Lounge 'nap areas'
