Staying local and luxurious

By Yun Suh-young

Many are planning a trip overseas for the long Lunar New Year’s holiday, but for some, playing local and relaxing at hotels may be a better getaway. If you’re planning to book a hotel package, the following may be options you might want to take into account.

Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul

Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul in Namsan offers a Lunar New Year’s package from Feb.8 through 22. There are spa treatment programs for tired moms and ice skating and sledding activities for children.

The package includes breakfast for two at the Granum Dining Lounge, a 60-minute full body massage for one person, two tickets for ice rink and snow sledding rink, and a specially manufactured sheep doll. Package users can also access indoor swimming pool and fitness club for free.

Package price begins at 730,000 won (excluding VAT). For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 2250-8000, 8074.

The Ritz-Carlton Seoul

The Ritz-Carlton Seoul offers three types of Lunar New Year packages from Feb. 13 through 23.

The first type offers one night at a superior deluxe room at 140,000 won (excluding VAT). The second type offers one night at superior deluxe room along with room serviced dish for two (rice cake soup) at 168,000 won (excluding VAT). The third type offers a night at superior deluxe room with a 60-minute spa treatment at Pevonia Spa at 239,000 won (excluding VAT).

Package guests can also use the indoor swimming pool and fitness club without charges. Free Wi-Fi is available at rooms. Late check-out service at 2 p.m. is offered for more convenient rest.

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 3451-8114.

The Lotte Hotel Jeju

The Lotte Hotel Jeju offers a “Happy New Year” package from Feb. 16 through 26.

The package includes a night at a deluxe lake-view room and breakfast for two at any of the Korean, Japanese and Western buffet restaurants, a romantic winery tour for two tasting 12 different types of wine, and a sheep doll. For those staying for more than two days, signature dinner coupon for two is offered additionally.

On the day of the Lunar New Year (Feb. 19), traditional activities are offered at the outdoor garden. They include top-spinning, arrow-throwing, yut (traditional board game), and jegi(shuttlecock-looking tassel)-tossing games. Participants can also try on hanbok, traditional Korean dress, and take photos at the photo zone and taste jeon, Korean pancakes.

For inquiries and reservations, call 1577-0360.

Grand Hyatt Incheon

Grand Hyatt Incheon offers “Three Joys package” for the Lunar New Year, from Feb. 13 to 21 which includes complimentary breakfast and dinner for two children below 12 years of age.

The package has two options: “Fun” and “Full”. The “Fun” option includes a one-night stay in a Grand Deluxe King/Twin room, breakfast for two adults and free access to “Kinetic Sand Zone,” “Clay Art Class” and the “Bubble Magic Show,” which are programs that children and adults can all enjoy. Package guests will also have free access to the swimming pool, fitness center and sauna. The “Full” option includes all of the benefits of the “Fun” option, plus a complimentary dinner for two adults.

For inquiries and reservations, call (032) 745-1234 or visit incheon.grand.hyattrestaurants.com.

The Westin Chosun Seoul

The Westin Chosun Seoul offers “Winter Romance Love” package for couples’ romantic retreat through Feb. 28. The package comes in three types – Junior, Executive and Royal suites with prices ranging from 420,000 to 1.8 million won (excluding VAT).

Executive and Royal suites are specially decorated to provide a romantic atmosphere with balloons and flowers. Royal suites are decorated with flower petals scattered on the bed in the shape of a heart.

All package guests will receive in-room wine and Swiss premium chocolate Laderach, Sisley’s Orchid make-up pouch and flowers from the hotel’s boutique Kyukmul Gongboo. Royal suite guests will receive a hotel restaurant dining voucher worth 300,000 won. The package also includes buffet breakfast, afternoon teas and happy hours cocktails.

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 317-0404.

Park Hyatt Seoul

Park Hyatt Seoul presents “Stay & Dine at the Park” package until Feb. 28.

The package includes one-night stay in a luxurious guestroom for two, three-course dinner with a glass of wine, free access to fitness studio, swimming pool and sauna and free Internet access.

The main restaurant, Cornerstone, presents a special three-course dinner for two and wine paired by a sommelier. Complimentary homemade pasta is available for children aged 7 to 12 (for max. two children per family).

Package price starts at 495,000 won (excluding VAT). Package is not available on Feb.14, 19, and 20.

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 2016-1100, 1234.