By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Sizzling summer has come and it's time for many people to start dreaming of summer vacation. However, for people who cannot spare time for a weeklong holiday abroad, hotels in Seoul are rolling out their summer packages, which offer swanky services at fairly reasonable prices.
Most of the top hotels in Seoul offer a one-night stay in a deluxe or superior bedroom, free or discounted access to the gym, sauna and spa as well as offering wine and breakfast. A swim in one of the indoor or outdoor pools can also ensure a midsummer night's dream.
JW Marriott Seoul's ``Wow! It's Summer time!'' package not only offers gym and swimming pool access and a deluxe bedroom, but also two scoops of Baskin-Robbins' ice cream and a coupon for two people to CINUS cinema. Those who bring their movie tickets to Italian restaurant Olivo can get a free Margherita pizza. The package prices range from 189,000 to 279,000 won (tax not included).
``Summer Balance'' at the Grand Hyatt has strength in its spa program. The guests can choose from either the package's Spa Credit Voucher, with the choice of its a la carte treatment menu or special summer treatments. They have Lavender and Peppermint Body Massage, Skin Rescue Facial or Scalp and Hair Conditioning Treatment.
The Spa also offers sun block, tanning oil and after-sun lotion. The Ritz-Carlton's Summer Package offers the first 50 female guests a travel set from luxury skin care specialists ``Natura Bisse,'' which includes cleansing lotion, toner, eye cream and a VIP gift coupon.
Seoul Plaza gives guests the chance to measure its body mass index. It offers two bottles of Perrier sparkling water and an Elemis body mask.
The Imperial Palace offers InStyle magazine and a miniature bottle of Kenzo perfume and soap from July.
But if you're bored of the typical summer packages, you can also try some of the most ``exotic and different'' packages the hotels have to offer.
Many have learned about ``beauty'' through Barbie dolls and they are still some of the most sought after items among women today. In celebration of Barbie's 50th anniversary, the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill introduces the ``forever Barbie'' package.
It includes a one-night stay in The Club Suit Barbie room, which is decorated in pink and white, along with Barbie dolls. Guests can order Barbie chocolate by room service and receive a special anniversary gift bag with Barbie T-shirt, lip gloss, doll, sticker and a notebook.
The package is for two adults and a child between six and 13 years old, and includes Club Lounge breakfast and Happy Hour.
Grand Hilton Seoul's annual ``Promise for the Bikini Package'' has become a steady seller for the hotel.
Up to six females in a group can rent a suit with three rooms, a living room and kitchen ― at a bargain price of about 300,000 won. ``It is designed for a girls' night out or pajama party, which all girls dream of, and it is a bargain,'' the hotel's promoter Myung Ji-young said.
The rooms are filled with Evian, ginger ale, LORINA lemonade, a bottle of wine, cheese and mixed nuts. The girls can also enjoy Rexena deodorant, cooling mask and an ``Allure'' magazine. Also, one group per week gets a chance to receive slimming care at the Marie France center.
Imperial Palace has created a ``Mother-Daughter'' package.
It offers wine and dinner at Amiga restaurant and a photo shoot at Kwon Studio.