Hong Kong hotels stay resilient as Typhoon Noul disrupts travel

Disruptions caused by Typhoon Noul over the weekend brought Hong Kong to a halt, with more than 350 flights cancelled, attractions closed and rail services suspended, including the High Speed Rail to China.

Despite this, hotels remained operational to ensure guests had a safe stay while communicating closely with overseas visitors to help readjust their travel plans.

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong’s seaside lobby suffered shattered glass doors when it was hit by a super typhoon last September. This time, the property remained intact, with only some booking disruptions due to flight cancellations and travel delays. The hotel assisted affected guests with stay extensions where possible, provided updates on transport and flight disruptions, and ensured guests continued to enjoy a comfortable stay with access to its facilities and services.

Christina Cheng, general manager, said: “We have adopted a flexible and understanding approach by assisting affected guests with reservation amendments and alternative travel dates. Our team has also maintained close communication to provide timely assistance and support as guests adjust their travel plans.

“The safety and well-being of our guests remain our highest priorities. Throughout the typhoon, our focus was on providing flexibility, timely assistance and personalised support to those affected by travel disruptions. We are delighted that our arrangements were well received and helped ensure guests felt cared for, reassured and supported during a particularly challenging period.”

Likewise, The Hari Hong Kong remained in operation throughout the typhoon period and offered stay extensions, subject to availability, as well as assistance with alternative accommodation arrangements where needed.

General manager Edward E Snoeks said: “For guests unable to travel as planned, we are offering date changes and postponements, subject to availability. Our Reservations team remains in close contact with affected guests and travel partners to minimise inconvenience and facilitate alternative arrangements as smoothly as possible.

“Our team also provides personalised support from our Guest Experience and Concierge teams to help guests manage changes to their travel plans.”

Regal Hotels Group’s two airport-connected hotels – Regal Airport Hotel and Regala Skycity Hotel – have more than 2,300 rooms and layover contracts with all major airlines, enabling stranded passengers to transfer quickly without lengthy check-in procedures.

Balwin Yeung, chief commercial officer of Regal Hotels International, told TTG Asia: “Thanks to our long-standing relationships with the airlines and our extensive experience in handling flight disruptions, the guest journey is usually very smooth and efficient, despite the interruption to their travel plans. I think the best support is a quick and efficient check-in, as most guests are very tired after flying.

“During Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, our hotels typically run at over 90 per cent occupancy. Only a small number of guests choose to cancel their trips, and these are usually non-airline guests. We encourage them to change their travel dates rather than request a refund, and almost all are happy to do so. Their intention is still to visit Hong Kong, and if they cannot make it this time, they will usually plan another trip in the near future.”