Getting Around The New Hong Kong

<I>Hong Kong</I> - While many aspects of the territory's future after next month's takeover by China remain unclear, one thing is certain: U.S. business travelers will continue to flock to the financial capital in droves, forcing travel managers to cope with critical hotel-related situations. Here are some suggestions that may help planners make their travelers' journey proceed smoothly.

* First, reservations should still be made far in advance, particularly during potential booking wipeout times such as this fall's World Bank Conference.

* Second, be aware of the size of the room you reserve. While top quality room rates remain quite high--in the $400 per night range--actual room sizes vary widely. Indeed, travelers may encounter rooms with living areas as small as 12 square feet for the same price at a location two or three times that size. Asking for square footage likely will boost you chances of not placing your executives in one of the world's more expensive "closets."

* Third, book a hotel in the part of Hong Kong where your travelers will be conducting business. Hong Kong is essentially divided in two separate sectors: Kowloon, where the airport and majority of factories are located; and Hong Kong Island, a center of corporate offices, banks and diplomatic missions. While both are linked by the Star Ferry--which takes ten minutes to cross the harbor--plus one of the world's most efficient subway systems, road transport is a whole different ball game. In fact, an early morning taxi ride from one side of Hong Kong Harbor to the other--a distance of less than a mile--can take over an hour and cost more than $40.