Business travellers arriving at Hong Kong’s Chep Lap Kok airport to discover that their flight has been delayed a couple of hours need no longer get irate.
Indeed, some may even be relieved. Thanks to the construction of the four-star deluxe Regal International Hotel, they will be able to grab the opportunity to relax and unwind before boarding their flight for the long journey home.
The hotel – which opened its doors in January and is directly connected to the terminal – is targeting passengers who aren’t even staying in the property to experience some of its latest facilities which are due to be completed by the end of spring.
Passengers can gain access to a 2,000sq metre passenger lounge and airline check-in counter with direct access to a swimming pool; health centre with sauna, spa, steam bath, aerobic and exercise room; TVs showing a variety of programmes to suit every taste; self-service food and beverage counter; and workstations.
While guests staying at the property have access to these facilities free of charge, the hotel is currently in talks with several airlines to get them to foot the bill for delayed passengers .
Regal Hotels International senior vice-president marketing Richard Tadros said: “Some airlines do not have lounges in the airport and already Cathay, United Airlines, Qantas and British Airways have expressed an interest.
“It is a way for airlines to de-stress passengers and they will also know where to find them. Many run around the airport trying to locate passengers if time slots change,” he added.
“The airlines can say to their passengers ‘calm down, go and have a massage and we will pay for it’. Two to three hours can then pass by and passengers think it wasn’t such a bad time after all.”
Passengers will also be able to buy their way into the lounge paying varying rates for different modules which include a variety of facilities.
The first module will cost around ú12-ú15 and include use of the gym and sauna, while those who are delayed longer and want use of more facilities can upgrade to the next module.
Full details are expected to be announced in June or July when fthe facilities are completed.
Rooms and offices will also be available during the day.
Nightly rates start from ú82. There are currently 380 rooms but 1,100 are planned.
“Even if passengers just use the hotel for a couple of hours, the next time they might use us for a stayover,” said Tadros.
He hopes that the innovative module scheme will help promote the hotel to the thousands of passengers who pass through the airport every day.
Tadros is also planning other schemes including the creation of an executive Airline Club for airline personnel. Details will be revealed later this year.