Originally Posted by
zippy the pinhead
We're traveling as a family to Seoul next spring (2015) and planning to spend the majority of the stay at an AirBnB place north of the river. I have some IHG points burning a hole in my pocket and we're considering a stay at the IC Grand Parnas for a night, maybe two, in part because of the Samsung-dong airport terminal next to the hotel. I've never stayed in the hotel, so I know practically nothing about it, apart from the fact I worked in the neighborhood about 20 years ago and have popped in occasionally for a coffee, etc.
We have two kids, 9 and 12, and were leaning toward booking adjoining rooms. I emailed the hotel and they said it would be no problem to guarantee adjoining non-smoking rooms, but if we could make a go of it with one room, we probably would.
Any tips/advice that you could offer-- particularly if you've stayed at this property recently-- would be appreciated. We're sitting on the fence because who wouldn't want to stay at a nice hotel like this, but it's also a minor hassle to pack everyone up and taxi down there. However I'll be returning before the wife and kids, and they will be crashing with relatives south of the river, so it isn't that big of a hassle.
It looks like the Coex Mall renovation is supposed to be done by 12/2014, so presumably the construction-related annoyances will be gone by the time we're ready to go there.
Hi Zippy.
I travel to Korea 3-4 times a year for business and lately the Grand IC Parnas (GICP) has become my recent favorite. I've been blessed to be able to stay at most 4-5 star hotels for my biz trips and stayed a few top hotels in Seoul and so far it's my top choice.
Positives:
- Room quality
- Service
- Close to subway station
- Adjacent to Co-ex Mall (Now open)
- Adjacent to Hyundai Department Store
- Easy to get to/from with Taxi (All drivers know the hotel)
Negatives:
- High cost of incidentals (internet, parking, etc..)
- High cost of food ($40+ USD breakfast buffet, $85 USD lunch buffet, $18 coffee, $12 soft drink)
- Traffic on the main road
Tips:
- Eat Out: There are plenty of restaurants at the Co-ex mall and Hyundai department store and nearby restaurants so you really should avoid eating at the hotel.
- Don't let the kids mess with the cell phone and portable wifi (in every room provided by hotel) in hotel room. Incoming calls on the cell phone is free but there is a charge for outgoing calls. You will also get charged if you even unplug the portable wifi.
- Be weary of any special events. Many outdoor concerts/events are held just across the street from the hotel. Traffic will be a nightmare...
I usually pay around $250 per night there so I definitely recommend it if your family can stay with your points!
Enjoy!