Staying at the Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong

The Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong. Photo / 123RF

Stephanie Holmes checks into the perfect place for plane nerds

Location: A five-minute walk from arrivals at Hong Kong International Airport.

Getting there: Leave baggage claim, turn left, walk for a bit, and you're there. So convenient.

What's so good about this place? It's a huge hotel, right next to the airport, ideal for layovers or very early departing flights. It's easy to get into the city, if you want to explore, using the airport to city train line, or there's plenty to do at the hotel to keep you entertained while you wait for your next flight.

And the bad? Unless you go into the city, you're a captive audience and food/drink options are limited and expensive.

Check-in experience: Simple. I had a pre-paid voucher, which I presented to the sole staff member on duty at 5am, she gave me a key and directed me to the lifts.

Room: A large suite on the 11th of 12 floors. It had a lounge area with large flat screen TV and chairs, a separate bedroom and large bathroom. More than ample space for a 12-hour layover.

Complimentary Wi-Fi: Yes, fast and unlimited.

Bed: A very comfortable super king with high quality linen.

View: Plane nerd perfection. My room looked back to the airport so I could watch planes take off and land. To the left were lush mountain peaks, to the right, the sea. Always something to look at.

Bathroom: Marble floor, an excellent stand-alone shower, and spa bath.

Toiletries: A range of L'Occitane products.

Food & Beverage: If you book an executive club room, you'll have access to the club lounge with free buffet food and drinks. I didn't have this, so had to make use of the on-site restaurants. There are two Chinese, one Japanese and one bistro restaurant to choose from. I went to the latter, Cafe Aficionado and for less than $50, had an unlimited lunch buffet. The quality of the food was high and it seemed to be a popular choice for guests.

Facilities: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, perfect for relaxing; a gym, with gymwear available to hire; and a spa for massages and treatments.

Entertainment: People-watching is epic here.

Perfect for: Long layovers. Just don't get too comfy by the pool and miss your flight.

In a nutshell: A mini-holiday before or after your real holiday.

CHECKLIST

The Regal Airport Hotel is at 9 Cheong Tat Road, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong, China. Phone: +852 2286 8888.