Korea’s ‘Smart City’ welcomes Holiday Inn

SINGAPORE - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announced the opening of Holiday Inn Incheon Songdo, in the centre of the purpose-built, hi-tech city. Songdo, a newly built development regarded as one of the world’s ‘smart cities’, has been built with advanced technology and eco-friendly practices at its core.

The 202 room hotel is located in the centre of this up-and-coming city with Songdo’s Central Park situated right in front of the property. The hotel benefits from convenient transport links - it is directly connected to Central Park metro for travel around the city and, for international travellers, it is only 20 minutes by taxi to Incheon International Airport, Korea’s largest airport.

Its city centre location means being close to key city attractions, including Canal Walk shopping and restaurant hub, which is within a ten minute walk and Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, which is within a five minute drive. Incheon Dohobu Government office, Wolmi Traditional Garden, Sora Port and Chinatown are also close by.

From the reception and lobby on the 19th floor, guests have a clear view of the West Sea and the iconic Incheon Bridge. Three restaurants promise a variety of tasty dining experiences: Surache Dining, a modern restaurant with international dishes; Arts Deli, a fresh café perfect for a quick or light bite with salads, sandwiches and soups on offer; and its Lobby Lounge & Bar. At Touch Sky, the hotel’s rooftop bar, guests can enjoy sunset views, with the option of indoor and outdoor seating, and a private function room.

For conferences, weddings and events, the hotel has a total of five function rooms on its second floor, all with natural light and with generous pre-function areas. The hotel’s 320sqm
Ballroom can hold up to 240 people and the hotel benefits from a traditional Korean wedding ceremony room, its Pebaek room.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms and all rooms are equipped with wall-mounted flatscreen TVs, black-out curtains ensuring an uninterrupted night’s rest and a comfortable bed with a selection of six pillow types. Guests are guaranteed a great view, with all guest rooms starting from the 12th floor of the building.

The hotel also has the honour of starting its life with an athletic bang, as one of the host hotels of the 2014 Asian Games which is being held in Incheon.

Alan Watts, Chief Operating Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa, IHG commented: “Songdo has already been recognised as a city of the future and we’re proud that Holiday Inn, the world’s best known hotel brand with so much history behind it, can be part of that future. It’s an especially momentous time with the hotel opening as one of the hotel hosts of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. I’m confident that guests of the hotel will be treated to the friendliness, comfort and warm experience that the brand has been known for over the last 62 years.”

IHG now has eight hotels open across Korea, from city-centre hotels such as InterContinental Seoul COEX in the stylish Gangnam district to skiing and summer holiday havens such as Holiday Inn Resort Alpensia Pyeongchang.

The hotel will be open for bookings for stays from 6 October and there will be a special opening rate for guests - a 10% discount on the Best Flexible Rate, including breakfast for two guests, available for stays from 6 October 2014 to 31 January 2015. For IHG Rewards Club members, the special opening rate also includes a bonus 2,000 IHG Rewards Club points.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia