Need to Escape? Try Some Hotel Deals
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
If you haven't managed to secure some time for a summer holiday but are still dreaming about an escape from rat-race life, staying a few days at a hotel may be a good option.
Hundreds of staff will be serving you around the clock; three top-class meals will be provided; and you will be able to enjoy swimming, sun bathing, exercise, clubbing, massage and other forms of pampering.
Whether you like a secluded holiday ― being away from noise and crowd but enjoying a quiet atmosphere and natural environment― or fancy urban lifestyle that includes shopping sprees and tours, there are hotels to meet those needs. Here are two very different hotels to show what you can do for your very last-minute vacation:
Seclusion Is Exclusive
Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel in eastern Seoul is located in the middle of a small mountain. Surrounded by thick woods, located next to the Han River, it is quite hard to believe that it is in Seoul, where more than 12 million people are jammed.
Walkerhill sees exclusiveness as its selling point. The hotel was once used by many politicians and businessmen as a secret saloon during the past authoritarian eras and is still loved by people who do not want to on the radar of the media or other people.
``There is a long walking track along Mt. Acha. We have an outdoor swimming pool with dozens of sun beds. We hold summer night parties here with many celebrities,'' Kim Seon-mi, the hotel promoter, said.
There is a golf training course, a tennis court, a casino, a duty free shop and many other entertainment facilities. ``There is basically everything that you need for some leisure,'' Kim said.
If you are worried about boredom, you may be surprised to find that there are various programs.
The Riverpark Beer and BBQ Party is one of the best sellers at the hotel. The whole family can enjoy an unlimited amount of beer and BBQ buffet at the Riverpark's lazy river pool. Swimming, food and music will bring back the romance and relaxation to life, Kim said.
The Cherry Berry Dessert Promotion provides 15 different desserts made with cherries, blueberries, raspberries and more. The 30,000-won menu also offers coffee and tea.
The TODES show, a hybrid show of Russian, Spanish, modern, ballet and other dance routines, is featured in the hotel's in-house theatre. The TODES Package offers a one-night stay in a Deluxe Room and two S-seats for the show at 195,000 won, tax and service charge excluded. Adding 100,000 won provides an upgrade in seats at the show and dinner at The View restaurant.
``The hotel has a view of the Han River on one side and a mountain on the other. It is considered the best location according to Feng Shui," Lee Joo-hee, an office worker, said. She had used a package program for the hotel several months ago and said it was great. ``It was very romantic ― there was a great view, exquisite food and wine and we enjoyed every bit of them,'' she said.
Have Fun at City Central
If you can't bring yourself to give up the fancy nightlife and shopping sprees for your holiday, staying at the center of the capital might be a good idea.
Lotte Hotel is located at the heart of Seoul ― beside the Myeong-dong shopping district and the Euljiro finance district. City Hall and various governmental departments are right around the corner ― and all the city has to offer.
``You can just go shopping, eat something at the trendiest district of Myeong-dong, go sightseeing to old palaces or Cheonggyecheon, go to the movies or concerts and everything is just outside the hotel. The traffic is great and the rooms are clean and modern,'' Min, an office worker, said. She said her foreign clients always ask for the hotel, saying it is convenient. ``So I tried going along. I loved it," she said.
The hotel's ladies floor is probably one of the most distinctive aspects of the hotel. The whole floor gives access to women only and the Ladies Package is a huge hit among women wanting a girls' night out.
A night's stay in a deluxe room, breakfast in the club lounge, a Vidi Vici sunscreen travelers kit, a Vidi Vici full make-up coupon, Davidoff aroma rich coffee and tumblers are all available for just 220,000 won. There are whirlpool bathtubs, hair styling gadgets, free drinks, organic juice, mask packs, herbal teas among other items in each room.
``We weren't sure at first whether it could be a good thing but it is one of our best sellers,'' Moon In-young, the hotel promoter, said.
The Business Life package offers a one-night stay in a deluxe room, a brunch coupon for Delica Haans and free Internet access at the price of 230,000 won. The re-Fresh Life package provides a night's stay in a deluxe room, two cocktails in the Pierre Bar and two tumblers at a price of 230,000 won.
``You can have free access to the hotel's fitness club and indoor pool. You also get a half-price discount for the golf course and 10 percent off for restaurant use,'' Moon said.