Originally Posted by
jpdx
Thank you, Aventine, always appreciate your insights about Korea! Agree that even though PH Seoul is only a Cat 6, it's a strong redemption of a Cat 1-7 cert when taking into account revenue rates. Getting to the PH from GMP is easy enough, but the transfer to GH ICN doesn't sound straightforward -- limousine bus to the airport, then shuttle bus to the hotel? I guess a taxi would likely save an hour, but not sure of cost. Is staying at GH ICN a good idea on a Saturday night? I assume upgrades are hard to come by and the club (Grand Cafe?) will be overcrowded and require waits and/or signing up for a time slot?
As for the voco, agree that it probably has the best location for exploring (I spent a few months in Seoul years ago, but my travel companion has never been), and it would be a decent compromise that doesn't involve moving hotels. For a 9am departure, would probably have to leave the voco around 6am, so GH ICN would mean an extra hour of sleep -- although the hassle of moving hotels the prior night pretty much negates that benefit.
GH Incheon almost always will give Globalists the 1 bedroom residence. Grand Cafe will be a zoo on weekends and I would expect the same with VOCO.
Although, I think Voco's lounge is nicer with Namsan views and better food quality. The cutbacks haven't started there yet. Voco's rooms are tiny and poorly refurbished.
From PH: Just catch the Airport Limousine bus at the City Air Terminal, go to Incheon Terminal 1 and then find the hotel shuttle bus at the arrivals doors.
I would really try to get to the airport 3 hours before your flight. The wait to get into the security check line can be pretty bad these days.