W Seoul to offer 'Hot Spring' package

W Seoul-Walkerhill’s outdoor Hinoki bath tubs / Courtesy of W Seoul-Walkerhill

By Kim Se-jeong

Freezing while waiting for a bus or a taxi is an everyday story for many Seoul residents during the winter. However, there’s a place in Seoul where a winter day can be refreshing and warm: the WATER Zone at W Seoul-Walkerhill.

The outdoor sauna deck on the third floor of the hotel has two Hinoki tubs overlooking the Han River and the highways that run along. Skyline in Gangnam, southern Seoul is in sight too.

Hinoki is a Japanese word referring to a type of tree. Famous in Japan, traditional bath tubs made of the Hinoki tree have also earned recognition in Korea and made it into its hotels.

The hot water in the Hinoki tubs protects the body from the icy, often subzero air. Fresh air fills the nose ― the colder the day is, the fresher the air feels at the deck.

This warm yet refreshing experience is available through the W Seoul’s “Hot Spring” package throughout the month of March.

“Wonderful” room

The package includes a one-night stay in one of W Seoul’s 252 colorful rooms, breakfast buffet for two and access to the gym, stylish swimming pool and the Water Zone. In addition to the two Hinoki bath tubs, the Water Zone has different types of therapeutic hot spring waters. The package costs 300,000 won, excluding service charge and tax.

Although the hotel appeals mostly to a relatively young, stylish clientele, this package caters to a wider range of customers.

“We are confident that this package will attract those who want to relax, regardless of their taste and age,” Yang Hannah handling public relations at the hotel said.

The Water Zone is also connected to AWAY spa where clients can avail of the “Unscented Treatment,” a body treatment that uses unscented oil.

The treatment is not part of the “Hot Spring” package but can be purchased separately. It is also available through “Live Well” package, which includes all the “Hot Spring” package benefits. The “Live Well” is available year-round and costs 525,000 won, excluding service charge and tax.

AWAY Spa

W Seoul opened in 2004 and is one of 45 W Hotel properties around the world.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, which owns the W Hotel brand, has a very distinct style and aesthetic that are reflected in its properties’ design, Yang said. For example, W Seoul’s lobbies, elevators and rooms feature the strong red, blue, pink and green colors. The furniture in its properties also conveys its sense of style. These touches let clients know that Starwood cares about even the smallest of details.

W Seoul also tries to cater to people with neutral design aesthetic. Its signature restaurant, Kitchen, at the lobby embodies this aesthetic, with the restaurant’s many wooden artworks.

W Seoul offers many other packages that are available year-round to a wider range of people.

The “Baby Me” package is for expecting couples, while the “Girls Getaway” package is for career women looking for private venues for parties with friends. The “Dreams in Romance” package is couples seeking to create a romantic atmosphere, while the “Wedding Night” package is available for couples on their honeymoon.

For more information and reservations, call W Seoul at (02)465-2222 or visit www.whotels.com/seoul.