Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang!
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang! – My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little coffee) on the Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang. This isn't your grandma's Holiday Inn, folks. This is… well, it's a sprawling resort in the heart of South Korea, and let me tell you, my experience was a rollercoaster. So, grab a cup of something warm, because we're diving in deep.
First Impressions: The Arrival and Accessibility (or the Lack Thereof… Kinda)
Okay, let's be real. Getting there was a journey. The airport transfer (available, thankfully) was a godsend. But once we arrived… whoa. The place is monumental, like something out of a Bond film. First thing I noticed? Accessibility. Hmm. It's… there. There are elevators (a must!), and ramps. The lobby is wide open, which is good. But, and this is a big "but," maneuvering around the entire property felt a bit… challenging for anyone with mobility issues. The sheer size of this place is both awesome and a potential pain if walking long distances is a struggle. They do have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus and something I definitely need to investigate further next time.
The Check-in/out [express] option really saved me when all I wanted was a warm bed and a cold beer (more on that later). Contactless check-in/out is a great feature too, especially these days.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Minus the Minor Hiccups)
The rooms? Pretty darn good. Clean, comfortable, and with a view that made me want to burst into a cheesy song. Blackout curtains? YES. Thank you, because I need my beauty sleep. The internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was a lifesaver, because, you know, social media addiction. Internet access – LAN is there too. I mean, it's 2024, Wi-Fi better be included! The air conditioning worked like a charm, thank you very much.
Now for the little things that annoyed me. The desk was a bit cramped for a laptop workspace. And the refrigerator barely kept my water cold, and I had to beg for more free bottled water. Small potatoes, I know. But hey, I'm being honest!
The Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Delicious!)
Right, let's talk food. Dining, drinking, and snacking: Here's where things got interesting, and also where my waistband got a little tight.
- Asian breakfast/cuisine in restaurant: Definitely try this! I'm not normally a breakfast person, but their Asian options were mind-blowing. I got to try new things, it was so amazing.
- Restaurants: There were options! Lots of them. A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet] (a must), Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, it's like a food coma waiting to happen, and I was ready to dive in. I especially loved the Poolside bar. Imagine, sun, cocktails, and a view? Heaven.
- The Bar scene was great too, especially at Happy hour.
- International cuisine in restaurant was great. The staff offered to make Alternative meal arrangement if I needed.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a game-changer. Because, let's face it, sometimes you just need a burger at 3 AM.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Yay!
- Western breakfast/cuisine in restaurant: I didn't have much of it, because I was hooked on the Asian part, but good to know there were options!
- Snack bar
The Pools, Spa, and Relaxation Zone: Oh. My. Goodness.
This is where the Holiday Inn truly shines. Let's be real, I was there to unplug. I spent a good chunk of my time just wandering around the place, checking things out.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: This was amazing. Just pure joy.
- Pool with view: Spectacular.
- Spa/sauna and Spa: The Spa was awesome.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: Oh. My. Word. The massage? I think I may have fallen asleep and started drooling. I'm not even kidding. The way they got the knots out of my shoulders… bliss.
- Steamroom: Always appreciated this.
- Gym/fitness: I definitely tried to use the gym a couple times to work off all the food I was eating.
Cleanliness and Safety: Doing Their Best, I Think
Okay, here's where I get serious. With everything going on in the world, this is important. The staff at the Holiday Inn seemed to be taking cleanliness seriously.
- They had Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Good.
- They had a Doctor/nurse on call
- First aid kit
- They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, giving choices to guests.
- They seemed very dedicated.
For the Kids & Those Extras: A Mixed Bag
- Babysitting service: Nice to know!
- Kids facilities: They were there. I didn't see much of them, but for families, that's a big win.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area - Thank goodness
- Airport transfer - Absolutely
- Cash withdrawal - Great
- Concierge - helpful
- Elevator - Yay!
- Facilities for disabled guests - Important. More could be done.
- Food delivery - Good
- Invoice provided - Very organized.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, - convenient.
- Luggage storage - Always useful.
- Safety deposit boxes - Good security.
- Taxi service - easy.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge, Car park [on-site] - Great.
- Taxi service - Always available.
Now, for the "Unbelievable" Part…
This is where my internal monologue takes over (as it often does). Was it "unbelievable"? Well, it had its moments. That spa massage? Unbelievable. The view from the pool? Unbelievable. The sheer scale of the place? Unbelievable. The fact that I managed to navigate it all without getting totally lost? Perhaps also unbelievable (for me, anyway!).
The Verdict:
Would I recommend the Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang? Absolutely. It's not perfect (no hotel ever is!), but the pros far outweigh the cons. It's a place to escape, to relax, to indulge. And after the rollercoaster of the last few years, we all deserve a little escape.
My Quirky Anecdote:
Okay, I have to tell you this. One day, while lounging by the pool (because, priorities), I saw a guy wearing a pineapple-shaped floatie. A pineapple-shaped floatie. And he was just… vibin'. That image will forever be etched into my brain as the epitome of relaxation. This place does that to you. You start to embrace the pineapple floatie life.
Final Thoughts and a Persuasive Offer (Because Why Not?)
Look, if you're looking for a luxurious escape, with stunning views, amazing amenities, and a chance to unwind, the Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang is a solid choice. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the moment, forget about the world for a while, and maybe even find your inner pineapple floatie.
The "Escape to Paradise" Offer:
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang NOW and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a panoramic view (subject to availability). Because let's be honest, you deserve it!
- A voucher for a free massage at the spa. Because, after all that exploring, you'll need it!
- A welcome basket filled with local treats and, of course, a bottle of the finest Korean soju (for those who are inclined).
- Exclusive Access to the private viewing areas on the North side of the complex! Enjoy the scenery in private!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! So you can show off your hotel view and make me jealous.
This offer is limited, so don't wait! Your escape to paradise awaits! Click here to book! You deserve it. And, hey, maybe I'll see you there. I'll be the one with the pineapple-shaped floatie (just kidding… mostly).
Little Rock's BEST-KEPT Secret: Economy Inn! (AR)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy itinerary. This is the real deal. A messy, glorious, slightly chaotic love letter to a trip to Holiday Inn Resort Alpensia Pyeongchang. Get ready for a rollercoaster.
Trip: Operation Winter Wonderland (and Maybe a Little Skiing) - Holiday Inn Resort Alpensia Pyeongchang
Day 1: Arrival – The Great Korean Grocery Store Adventure and the Unexpected Comfort of a Cozy Room
- Time: 9:00 AM, Incheon Airport - Oh lord, the airport chaos. After surviving the customs gauntlet (always feels like running a marathon with your luggage), and the inevitable, almost-violent scramble to find the shuttle bus to Pyeongchang. This is where the first "interesting" bit comes – the shuttle driver spoke… well, zero English. But the universal language of frantic gesturing and pointing got us there. We ended up with a guy who drove like he was on a racetrack in a minivan, which was terrifying and exhilarating.
- Time: 12:00 PM, Check-in - Finally! The lobby of the Holiday Inn. It actually smells like Christmas even though its… well, not Christmas. A warm welcome, a quick efficient check-in, and we're off to our room. I had requested a high floor with Mountain View but was given a room… on the first floor that overlooked the back parking lot. But honestly? After the travel ordeal, that room was the coziest, most comforting thing I'd seen in a long time.
- Time: 2:00 PM, Grocery Shopping! - We decided to embrace local culture. We wandered off to the local grocery stores, filled with Korean snacks, weird fruit I couldn't identify, and ramen of every imaginable flavor. I bought a giant pack of seaweed snacks. No regrets. This is the real MVP of snack foods.
- Time: 4:00 PM, Room Reconnaissance and Snack Fest. - Okay, unpacking. And more importantly, a preliminary assessment of snack situation. Those seaweed snacks? Genius. I could live on those and instant ramen for the rest of my life.
- Time: 6:00 PM, Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant - After a full afternoon, we figured eating in-house was smart. The food was decent, safe. A nice change from the airport sandwiches. The service was incredibly friendly, even if there were a few translation hiccups. I definitely ate way too much.
Day 2: Skiing (Sort Of) – Mostly Face-Planting and Giggles
- Time: 8:00 AM, Breakfast - Breakfast buffet was… well, it was a buffet. A slightly overwhelming selection of Korean goodies, Western fare, and a coffee machine that made coffee that tasted like sadness. Still, the coffee got us going though.
- Time: 9:00 AM, Gear Up! - The anticipation of skiing! We rented our gear - the boots felt like torture devices. We got on the bunny slope. I'd skied before, many years ago. Let's just say my skills had… atrophied.
- Time: 10:00 AM, the slopes - Me? Nope! Face-plant. Again. And again. This is where the day dissolved into laughter, and the pure joy of falling down in the snow. My cheeks hurt more from laughing than from the cold.
- Time: 1:00 PM, Lunch - We retreated to the lodge. Had some hot chocolate (needed that) and greasy fries. Perfect fuel for more humiliation.
- Time: 2:00 PM, More Skiing (Or at Least, Attempting to Ski) - We went back. Still mostly face-planting. I think I spent more time sitting in the snow.
- Time: 4:00 PM, The Great Escape - Calling it quits and getting back to the hotel! The warmth of the resort was a welcome treat.
- Time: 6:00 PM, Dinner and the Lobby - More comforting food. Then, wandering around the hotel lobby and taking pictures. The resort had a certain charm to it at night.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Culinary Delights – And the Karaoke Debacle
- Time: 9:00 AM, Breakfast- The coffee here is still sad. But the buffet offers a decent spread.
- Time: 10:00 AM, Local Exploration - We took a taxi to a nearby village. The language barrier was real but we managed. It's incredible how much you can communicate with smiles and pointing. Bought some souvenirs (mostly for the folks back home) and just enjoyed the local atmosphere.
- Time: 12:00 PM, Lunch - We found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The food was incredible. I have no idea what half of it was, but it was delicious.
- Time: 2:00 PM, Back to the Hotel - Needed a nap. Those mountain views and fresh air really work up an appetite for sleep.
- Time: 7:00 PM, Karaoke Night! - Oh, God. We found the hotel karaoke room. We thought, "Why not?" Well, let me tell you. Karaoke is not my forte. Imagine a cat being strangled by a ukulele. And then a bit more awkward. I may or may not have butchered a K-Pop song. (I did.) It was hilariously awful. But hilarious nonetheless. A true bonding experience.
Day 4: Relaxation and Farewell – So Long, Snow!
- Time: 9:00 AM, Breakfast - Same sad coffee. Ate a lot of pastries.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Relaxing at the hotel's facilities - Finally some time to decompress. The spa at the hotel was incredible. That relaxing massage was just what I needed.
- Time: 1:00 PM, Lunch - Ate a quick, easy lunch.
- Time: 2:00 PM - Packing up. Saying goodbye to the room was strangely emotional.
- Time: 4:00 PM, Departure - The shuttle, the airport, the long flight home. Goodbye, winter wonderland!
Final Thoughts: Honestly? This trip wasn't perfect. Not even close. But it was real. And that's what made it amazing. The awkward moments, the language barriers, the falls on the slopes… all of it added up to an unforgettable experience. Pyeongchang and the Holiday Inn Resort? Bring it on! I'm already planning my return!
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Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang! (Or Was It?) - The Unfiltered FAQ
Alright, alright, so you're thinking about this "Paradise" place. Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang, right? Buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to drop some truth bombs. It wasn't *quite* a walk on the beach, but hey, nothing ever is, is it?
1. Okay, the basics. What *is* the Holiday Inn Alpensia Pyeongchang, anyway?
Well, it's a Holiday Inn. That much is obvious. Think… large. Think… slightly dated, but clean. Picture yourself in the middle of the Korean Alps. During the Winter Olympics it was literally the *epicenter* of everything skiing and snowboarding. Now? Well, it's still got that Olympics-vibe, which is kinda cool. It's got a ski resort attached, which is the whole reason most folks go. It's got... things. Mostly, it's *there*. A gigantic, slightly-unassuming building nestled in the mountains.
2. So, is it actually "Paradise?" You know, like, beach and cocktails paradise?
Hah! Paradise? Buddy, you’re in *Korea*. There’s no beach. Unless you count the enormous, empty snow-covered expanses in the winter. No cocktails, unless you brave the (slightly overpriced) bar. It's mountain paradise. Think crisp air, pine trees, and snow... or maybe some luscious greenery if you go at the right time of year. But paradise? That depends on if you dig being away from the city. And possibly your relationship with the word "skiing."
3. Okay, skiing. What's the ski scene like? Is it any good? Because if the skiing isn't good, then what's the point.
Alright, let's get real. The skiing is... decent. It's not Whistler, okay? Don't go expecting insane backcountry runs and heli-skiing. The slopes are pretty well-groomed, which is excellent if you're a beginner or intermediate skier. The lifts are modern. Lines? Occasionally. But nothing that'll make you want to tear your hair out. The views? Spectacular. You're surrounded by mountains. The snow quality, well it all depends on the snow that day... but generally, it's decent. Let's just say it's a good place to learn, perfect your turns, and enjoy the scenery. Plus, I got to see a kid absolutely *wipe out* on a bunny slope, which... well, you know. Entertainment. (Don't tell anyone I said that.)
4. What about the rooms? Were they... clean? Because clean is important.
Yep! The rooms were clean. I mean, *really* clean. Like, suspiciously clean. I half expected a team of spotless robotic maids to jump out of the closet. Okay, maybe not *that* clean. But, yeah, no complaints there. Regular rooms. Good enough. No bugs, no questionable stains, no weird smells. That's all I need, frankly. However, my window faced the parking lot, and I could hear some late night chatter. Next time I will make sure I get a room with a view!
5. The food? Was it... edible? Because hotel food can be a gamble.
Ah, the food. Okay, so there's a buffet. It's... a buffet. Think of it as a strategic nutritional choice. You got your usual suspects: eggs, bacon (questionable quality), toast, some Korean options. The coffee? Let's just say it wasn't Starbucks. But hey, there was enough. And look, I'm not a food critic, I'm a person who gets hungry after a long day of trying not to fall off a mountain. The *real* gem was the Korean restaurant down the street. Try it. You won't regret it! (But the buffet, with it's fluorescent lighting... that was a bit of an experience.)
6. What about the hotel’s amenities? Pools? Gym? Anything to do other than ski?
Yes, they had some stuff! There was a pool - a bit small, but swimmable. A gym – I didn’t go (judging is allowed). They had a game room. And a karaoke place. (I'm not making this up). There are shops selling ski gear. The surrounding area itself offered other little things, like hiking trails and other winter activities. You are not utterly stranded.
7. Okay, downsides? What sucked? Be honest now. Don't sugarcoat it.
Alright, here's the unfiltered truth. The price. It can be a bit... steep, especially during peak season. The location. While gorgeous, it's a bit remote. You're not exactly stumbling into bustling nightlife. The buffet. I already said it. (The lighting!) I had a little trouble with the language barrier a few times. And... and... the elevators. They. Were. Slow. And sometimes, they smelled faintly of... something. Not terrible, just... a thing.
8. So, the elevator. Expand on that, please. Because I'm now obsessed with this elevator situation.
Okay, alright, you got me. The elevators. I'm not exaggerating when I say I spent a significant chunk of my life waiting for those things. Imagine a gentle, almost apologetic, ascent. Like the elevator knew it was keeping you from something important, like breakfast. Or, you know, the slopes. It felt like a slow motion film. Especially when carrying heavy ski gear. One time, I swear, it stopped between floors for a solid five minutes. I started to sweat. I even tried pressing the "close door" button, but it had no effect. (Was it even working?) I was starting to consider the stairs. Then, finally, *ding*. And there, I was, looking at a room of strangers, all of us with the same defeated look in our eyes. The elevator... It builds character, I guess?
