By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Holidaymakers are now busy planning to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the hot season. But if you don't have many options, a good alternative is to stay at luxury hotels for a relaxing break.
This time of the year, five-star hotels become more accessible and affordable as it is one of the slowest seasons for them.
Taking advantage of this, you can get a great deal that allows you to use their facilities such as swimming pools and fitness centers and enjoy various other offers.
The Millennium Seoul Hilton offers five summer packages, available from 170,000 won through to Aug. 31.
They have different dining options. The Summer Barbecue Package offers a complimentary happy hour BBQ buffet for two in the Oak Room for 250,000 won while the Wine Package, at 260,000 won, includes complimentary access for two to the Executive Floor Lounge, and a complimentary bottle of wine and cheese platter from room service, and a free gift.
The Sunday Champagne Brunch Package, at 330,000, offers a complimentary champagne brunch for two at Cilantro. For more information, call (02) 317-3000.
The Imperial Palace Hotel offers three types of ``Escape the Summer Heat Package Season 2'' through Sept. 15.
The Summer Suite Package offers an overnight stay in a two-story suite specially designed for partys, a pizza from room-service, free use of the indoor swimming pool and fitness center, and unlimited beer and wine with side-dishes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Club Imperial Lounge.
The package is priced at 307,000 won for three people and 285,000 won for two.
For more information, call (02) 3440-8000.
The Westin Chosun Seoul offers a special ``Latin American Summer Package'' available in July and August.
It offers two free entrance tickets for the fine art exhibition of ``the Contemporary Great Artists of Latin America'' at Deoksu Palace and free amenities such as seasonal fresh fruits and a freshly brewed espresso coffee from an in-room coffee maker.
The Latin Summer Deluxe is priced at 180,000 won, the Latin Summer Executive at 240,000 won and the exclusive Latin Summer Suite at 350,000 won.
For more information, call (02) 317-0404.
The Hyatt Regency Incheon offers summer packages that allow guests to visit nearby tourist attractions through Aug. 31.
Package guests can visit Muuildo, Silmido and Wangsanri Beach and enjoy a variety of free events such as the Wangsanri summer camp, storytelling and cocktail making classes.
The package includes a free shuttle service to the beach, free use of the beach camp, a Hyatt beach towel and bag and free access to the Club Olympus fitness center and sauna.
The package is available from 208,000 won. For more information, call (032) 745-1234.
The Seoul Plaza Hotel presents summer packages under the theme of ``Something-holic'' through Sept.11, available from 160,000 won.
The ``Vacation-holic,'' package targets family guests, offering beach towels for children, and sparkling wine and fruits. ``Morning-holic,'' targeting couples, provides breakfast for two at the Seven Square restaurant.
``Talk-holic,'' targeting friends, provides four bottles of beer, simple snacks and pecan pie and a room to enjoy a simple party.
For more information, call (02) 310-7710.
The Grand Hyatt Seoul invites guests to its outdoor swimming pool, sun decks and other resort facilities under Mt. Namsan.
Available through Aug. 31 starting from 187,000 won, the packages include one night's deluxe accommodation, use of the outdoor swimming pool, and complimentary use of the indoor swimming pool and gym. For more information, call (02) 799-8888.
The Grand InterContinental Seoul presents its packages through Sept. 15, offering various free gifts.
All the package purchasers will receive a handy oxygen bottle. Also, for guests who stay in a Club Junior Suite, a skincare gift kit from Origins will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
The summer package prices start from 199,000 won. For more information, call (02) 559-7777.
The COEX InterContinental Seoul also has summer packages that invite guests to take advantage of the COEX Mall's facilities.
The package include two tickets to the Megabox cinema, a discount coupon for the AK Duty Free Shop and two coupons for iced coffee available at Delibonbons.
The package is available from 169,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3430-8888.
The Sejong Hotel offers its ``Esthetic Package'' through Aug. 31, which features facial treatments.
Priced at 200,000 won for one person and 260,000 won for two, the package offers facial treatment that lasts for 90 minutes including an upper body massage.
A Dove overnight set and cooling mask pack is also offered as a gift. For more information, call (02) 3705-9115.
The Renaissance Seoul Hotel offers various summer packages available through Sept. 15.
The ``Family Fun Package'' is comprised of a deluxe room stay including breakfast, Megabox movie tickets and a special menu on the outdoor terrace and Beer Garden for 185,000 won.
The ``Refresh Summer Package'' includes a deluxe room, a hair care coupon, valued at 70,000 won and five travel mini products from Svenson for 250,000 won.
For more information, call (02) 2222-8600.
The JW Marriott Seoul offers a special summer fun package titled ``Wow! It's Summertime,'' available through Aug. 31.
It includes cocktails for two at the Bar Rouge and a complimentary day pass to the Marquis Fitness Club and swimming pool with the price starting at 189,000 won. Two movie tickets for Cinus Central Theater are also offered.
The Marquis Fitness Club and Spa offers a wide range of beauty and holistic treatments and offer guests reserving a Junior Suite a complimentary Kerastase hair care set.
For more information, call (02) 6282-6282.
The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul presents summer package with a luxurious private sun deck through Aug. 31.
The private sun deck of newly renovated rooms presents exotic features with natural wood floor, gold color marble and palm trees.
The package serves two tropical cocktails and body slimming oil from Clarins. The swimming pool and fitness club are available for free.
The cost is 215,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3451-8114.
The Sofitel Ambassador Seoul presents four summer packages.
The ``So Well-being Hydro Summer'' package at 224,000 won includes one night in a luxury room and complimentary hydrotherapy, which helps improve blood circulation,
The ``So Well-being Summer Cinema'' package at 205,000 won offers two movie tickets while serving complimentary waffles and iced drinks at the Deli.
All packages include ``baby-sitter'' service upon reservation.
For more information, call (02) 2275-1101.
The Novotel Ambassador Gangnam offers a ``Best Value'' package at 99,000 won and ``Summer Free'' package for 159,000 won, available through Sept. 15.
The Sheraton Grand Walkerhill offers four different ``Aloha'' summer packages with prices ranging from 215,000 won to 375,000 won.
The hotel offers a ``Tropical'' themed outdoor pool area decked out in Hawaiian decor. A poolside book cafe with over 1,000 books will be provided for guests who purchase a package.
A Hawaiian dance team from the Polynesian Cultural Center and a native Hawaiian head chef from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel have been invited to create Hawaiian festivities.
For more information, call (02) 2022-0000.
W Seoul-Walkerhill introduces summer packages called "Summer in the City" available through Aug. 31, where guests can use the indoor pool ``WET'' and outdoor pool ``River Park.'' Prices for the package range from 355, 000 won.
Guests can also use the luxurious private deck, the W Tanning Deck, overlooking beautiful Han River at the additional fee of 30,000 won. For more information, (02) 2022-0000.