Chek Lap Kok Airport Evolves To Suit Travelers

<B> Chek Lap Kok Airport Evolves To Suit Travelers</B>

By Robert Selwitz

Since the Chek Lap Kok International Airport debuted over a year ago, it has sparked the expansion of local lodging and transit options. Meanwhile, according to the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the airport is running smoothly compared with the chaotic opening days last July, and passengers are enjoying far less congestion and more modern amenities than Kai Tak, its aged predecessor.

Transportation to and from the airport now includes a new train service. Instead of paying US$50 for the 25-mile airport-city taxi journey from Chek Lap Kok to Central, travelers may wish to hop on the new Air Express rail service. The Air Express service covers the Chek Lap Kok-Central route in just 23 minutes, and also has two interim stops: a 19-minute ride to Kowloon and a 12-minute ride to Tsing Yu.

One-way fares for the Air Express service are approximately US$14 from Central, or US$12.60 from Kowloon, and the Hong Kong Tourist Association ensures that many hotels run free shuttle buses between their properties and Air Express stations. While most upscale hotels still will arrange to meet guests at or outside the passenger terminal, it might be wise to check rates before reserving a pick-up. Another option is to look into staying at the new airport hotel.

The new Regal Airport Hotel is linked to the airport passenger terminal by an air-conditioned enclosure called a "travelator," or moving sidewalk. Among other amenities, the hotel will offer a second-floor airline checkin counter and luggage storage facilities.

The Regal Airport Hotel will be the first property to open when 385 of its 1,150 rooms become available in November. The rest of the property is expected to be completed early next year, when the property will be "the largest hotel in Hong Kong," according to a Regal spokesperson.

The property features special business and executive floors, a business center, a club lounge, eight function rooms, and a grand ballroom totaling 1,500 square meters of banquet and meeting area. The hotel also will feature a unique mix of diversions, including an electronic game center and a simulated golf driving range.