Unbelievable Alpensia Luxury: Holiday Inn Suites Pyeongchang Awaits!
Unbelievable Alpensia? More Like… Surprisingly Understated! My Unvarnished Review of Holiday Inn Suites Pyeongchang
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans – and maybe a little bit of my lukewarm coffee from the "complimentary" (supposedly) in-room options. This review? It's not your polished travel brochure hype. It’s real. It’s messy. It’s me, post-ski trip, still slightly aching, and with a head full of opinions about the Holiday Inn Suites Pyeongchang, specifically their "Unbelievable Alpensia Luxury" promise. Let's dive in…
First Impressions (and a Cough Syrup Moment)
Getting there? Easy peasy. From the airport? A quick (and blessedly non-stressful) airport transfer. Shoutout to the taxi driver who didn't judge my ski bag that looked like a giant, sentient Toblerone. Parking? Free! (car park [free of charge]), which is a win in my book. And the lobby… well, it felt luxurious, in that slightly corporate, Holiday Inn kind of way. Polished floors, high ceilings, plenty of space to huddle in and avoid eye contact after a hard day on the slopes. There was a serious, but very friendly doorman, by the way. (Doorman).
Accessibility: Not Entirely "Unbelievable," But Decent.
Okay, I don't need wheelchair access or anything, but I did peek out of curiosity. (Facilities for disabled guests). The elevators were plentiful and the main areas seemed pretty easy to navigate. But let’s be honest they aren’t at a "Unbelievable" level, but at a basic, Holiday Inn level. They do have the stuff, but its more functional than fabulous. I'm talking wide hallways and ramps with a bit of a "we've-ticked-the-box" vibe.
Rooms: Spacious, But… Let's Talk About the Pillows.
(Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens).
My room? Big! (Extra long bed). HUGE. I practically got lost in it. The view was… okay. Facing some other hotel, but at least it had a window that opened (Window that opens) – always a plus for fresh air in stuffy hotel rooms. Now, the essentials were all present and accounted for. Air conditioning? Check. Decent Wi-Fi, thank goodness (Wi-Fi [free]). Cleanliness? Pretty damn good. (Daily housekeeping). No skeevy secrets tucked away, which is always a relief. The shower pressure was acceptable, and there were copious amounts of towels. BUT! The pillows, oh, the pillows. I swear, they were made of concrete. I ended up folding one in half and still woke up with a crick in my neck. And don't get me started on the mini-bar prices… highway robbery! (Mini bar).
Also, a small thing: the "complimentary" tea… tasted suspiciously like cardboard. (Complimentary tea). Still, minor quibbles. Comfortable spaces are hard to find the things that matter.
Internet: Reliable, Thank Goodness!
(Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Internet). Thank the digital gods. Reliable Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi [free]) in the rooms. I actually needed to work a bit (ugh, the joys of the modern world!), and the internet connection was fast enough to actually do stuff, so brownie points there. Also a LAN connection, in case you roll like that.
Food & Drink: A Mixed Bag of Delights and Disappointments
(A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant).
Breakfast was… well, it was breakfast. (Breakfast [buffet]). The buffet was sprawling, with the standard array of Western (Western breakfast) and Asian (Asian breakfast) options. I definitely loaded up on the bacon, and the coffee at least woke me up. But it wasn't gourmet. The coffee shop (Coffee shop) was a good refuge for some snacks and a good flat white!
Room service (Room service [24-hour]) was a godsend after a long day of skiing. The food wasn’t amazing, but hey, it’s room service, and it arrived quickly. The bar (Bar) was… well, it was a bar. Cold beer, friendly bartenders, and a happy hour (Happy hour) that saved my wallet.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The "Unbelievable" Promise Starts to Flicker
(Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]).
*This is where the "unbelievable" label gets *very* stretched*.
The pool with view (Pool with view) was the highlight. Seriously stunning, especially at sunset. The indoor pool and outdoor pool (Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool) were both clean and well-maintained. The sauna and steam room (Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna) were… fine. Hot and steamy. No complaints. The spa (Spa) offered a decent massage (Massage), but it wasn't the most mind-blowing experience I’ve ever had.
The fitness center (Fitness center, Gym/fitness)? Small. A few treadmills, some weights. If you're a serious gym rat, you'll be disappointed. It was better than nothing, but not even close to "unbelievable."
I attempted a body scrub (Body scrub), and body wrap (Body wrap) in the spa. It was okay. Decent. But, again, nothing that made me scream "Unbelievable!" like I was promised.
Cleanliness & Safety: Reassuring, but Not Obsessive
(Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment).
Okay, so they were clearly taking COVID precautions seriously. (Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol). Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, staff in masks, that whole shebang. It made me feel safe, which is important. I saw staff sanitizing everything, everywhere. (Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services). They’re trying, and i think it shows!
Services & Conveniences: Mostly Standard, with a Few Niceties
(Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center).
The concierge? Super helpful. (Concierge). The dry cleaning (Dry cleaning) came back promptly. The daily housekeeping (Daily housekeeping) was efficient, but they did leave a half-eaten bag of chips on my desk once (oops?). They had facilities for disabled guests (Facilities for disabled guests), which is a good thing. They also had a cash withdrawal machine (Cash withdrawal), which saved me a trip to the ATM.
For the Kids: Potentially a Parent's Paradise?
(Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal).
I’m not a parent, so I didn’t personally test this out. But from what I saw, the hotel seemed pretty family-friendly. There were kids’ facilities (Kids facilities), a babysitting service (Babysitting service), and kids’ meal (
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly planned itinerary. This is me, wrestling with jet lag, questionable translation apps, and a serious case of "Korean food, please, all the time." Here we go!
Trip Title: Alpensia Assault & Kimchi Chaos - Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Spicy Noodles
Hotel: Holiday Inn & Suites Alpensia Pyeongchang Suites By IHG (Because, let's be honest, the free breakfast is a major selling point.)
Day 1: Arrival (and the Existential Dread of "Hello?" in Korean)
Time: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Seoul Incheon Airport - Dear God, it's early.)
- Activity: Land, attempt to navigate the airport (seriously, the signs are cute, but my brain is not functional this early), find the train to Pyeongchang.
- Transportation: That fancy high-speed train that's supposed to whisk you away in record time. Fingers crossed it actually whisks me and doesn't leave me stranded in the countryside with a suitcase full of anxiety.
- Emotional State: Utter exhaustion. The kind that makes you question all your life choices. Also, a mild panic about remembering basic Korean phrases. ("Annyeonghaseyo" achieved, high five to myself!)
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Train Ride & Check-in)
- Activity: Nap (if possible), marvel at the Korean countryside (probably will be blurry through the window), try to decipher what the train announcements are actually saying. The best part of all of this is the actual, physical train ride.
- Transportation: Still the fancy train. This time, hopefully, awake.
- Emotional State: Hopefulness mixed with a touch of "I really hope I haven't booked the wrong hotel." And the ever-present fear of accidentally ordering something I can't eat. Seriously, I'm not sure if the language barrier will get the best of me.
- Anecdote: The train seats rock. Literally and figuratively. I feel like I could sleep standing up. If I feel a crash, I will wake up and get back to the agenda.
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Settling at the Hotel)
- Activity: Check-in, collapse on the ridiculously comfortable bed, unpack the suitcase (which, let's be real, will probably remain slightly disorganized for the duration of the trip).
- Emotional State: Finally, sweet, blessed relief.
- Quirky Observation: The hotel room is practically a palace. Seriously, this place is like a ski resort for royalty. Or maybe just for someone who really needs a nap.
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Lunch & Rookie Mistake Time)
- Activity: Plunge into the nearest restaurant. I am craving one of the local delicacies.
- Food: Bibimbap! Or maybe some spicy soup that I can't remember to pronounce the right way.
- Emotional State: Pure joy. Hungry joy. Maybe regretful joy when I realize I've accidentally ordered something that's way too spicy for my delicate Western palate.
- Rambling: Okay, so, I totally forgot to download a decent translator app. The one I have is like, "Translate this for you, sir?" and then gives me a series of emojis. Helpful. Not. My first Korean meal has to be authentic.
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Exploring the area)
- Activity: Walk around the hotel, take in the surroundings, and feel the crisp mountain air, and feel the chill.
- Emotional State: Feeling great, excited.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Dinner & Debrief)
- Activity: Dinner at the hotel restaurant or nearby.
- Emotional State: Tired, but happy.
Time: 8:00 PM – Bedtime (The Great Sleep)
- Activity: Time to rest.
- Emotional State: Sleep.
Day 2: Slopes, Sauna, and Sensory Overload
Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Breakfast Bonanza)
- Activity: The Buffet, oh my god. I will eat everything. Seriously, I'm going to try everything.
- Emotional State: Pure, unadulterated happiness. This is what life is all about.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Slopes Time, Sort Of)
- Activity: Attempt to ski/snowboard. I’m going to fall. Many times. Probably in front of small children who will undoubtedly be better than me.
- Emotional State: Tremulous excitement, quickly followed by abject terror. And the burning desire to not break anything.
- Anecdote: I may or may not have ended up on a bunny slope. And I may or may not have spent most of my time face-planting in the snow. But hey, at least the scenery was pretty!
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Lunch on the Mountain)
- Activity: Find somewhere to eat on the mountaintop.
- Food: Try some local specialties.
- Emotional State: Joyful, and ready for the next round of activities.
- Rambling: This is the place where my hunger strikes the most. The views from the mountain are breathtaking, literally.
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Sauna Time & Relaxation)
- Activity: Ah, the Korean sauna. This is where things get interesting.
- Quirky Observation: Okay, so, the whole naked thing is a bit… different. But once you get past the initial awkwardness, it's actually heavenly.
- Emotional State: The definition of relaxed after the sauna.
- Anecdote: I accidentally splashed a woman in the face with water. I don't speak Korean, and she didn't speak English, but I'm pretty sure she was telling me to be more careful.
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Afternoon Stroll & Souvenir Hunt)
- Activity: Wander around, take photos. Maybe bribe a local into teaching me a few more phrases.
- Emotional State: Feeling refreshed and determined to make the most of the day.
- Opinionated Language: Everything is more challenging than you thought!
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Dinner)
- Activity: Trying Korean BBQ this time.
- Emotional State: Still excited!
Day 3: Culture & Departure (Sigh, Farewell, Korea)
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Cultural Visit)
- Activity: Visit local attraction or sightseeing opportunities.
- Emotional State: I am excited and ready to explore the area.
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Lunch)
- Food: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Emotional State: Excited to try more food.
- Rambling: I hope this meal is delicious!!!
Time: 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Wrapping Up & Departure Prep)
- Activity: Do my last-minute shopping.
- Emotional State: The trip went so fast. And it's time to leave!
Time: 5:00 PM – ?? (Journey Home)
- Activity: Take the train back to the airport, fly home.
- Emotional State: Bittersweet. I miss the food already!
Final Thoughts:
This trip will be a whirlwind of spicy noodles, snowy slopes, and the constant, delightful confusion of not quite understanding what anyone is saying. It will likely be messy, unplanned, and full of hilarious mishaps. And that, my friends, is precisely how I want it! Bring on the adventure!
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Okay, so "Unbelievable Alpensia Luxury"... is that just a bunch of marketing fluff? Be honest!
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Unbelievable" is… well, it depends on your definition of "unbelievable." The Holiday Inn Suites at Alpensia? It's not the Ritz-Carlton. Let's put it that way. It *is* comfortable. The suites are genuinely spacious – a lifesaver when you're traveling with kids and the "luxury" part, well, it's a bit of a stretch. Think more "elevated Holiday Inn" than "ooh-la-la, champagne dreams." But hey, it's got its charms! And the *views*? Okay, *those* were pretty unbelievable, especially after a fresh snowfall. You actually *feel* like you're in the mountains, and that, my friend, is a win.
The suites... what's the deal with the suites? Are they actually roomy? Because, you know, kids.
YES. Thank. The. Lord. The suites? Actually roomy. We're talking a separate bedroom (hallelujah!), a living area, and even a kitchenette. Now, the kitchenette wasn't exactly the Taj Mahal of kitchens – a microwave, a fridge, and some basic utensils. Don't expect to whip up a gourmet feast. But for heating up leftovers and making instant noodles at 3 AM (because, jet lag), it was a lifesaver. And the space! Oh, the space! My kids, bless their hearts, managed to spread their toys. Everywhere. But there was still *room* to breathe, which is a crucial thing in any family getaway. Honestly, the space alone almost justified the price. Almost.
Location, location, location. Is it actually close to the slopes? Because, carrying skis... not my favorite hobby.
Okay, this is a BIG selling point. Alpensia is right there! Like, you can practically *roll* out of bed and onto the lifts. Actually, that's a lie. You still need to get dressed, find your gloves, remember your lift tickets… the usual chaotic pre-ski ritual. But the proximity? Fantastic. We're talking a short, easy walk. Or, you know, a quick shuttle ride, depending on your energy levels. I got so much more skiing done because of how close it was. No long bus rides, no crazy parking situations. Just pure, glorious, mountain-filled convenience.
Food! What about the food? Is dining restricted to just the hotel?
The hotel has a few restaurants, yeah. And the buffet breakfast? Let's just say it's...filling. It had the basics, the scrambled eggs, the sausage, the toast thing. I'm a breakfast person, so I can't be mad. I survived. But if you're a foodie, you might want to venture out. Luckily, Alpensia isn't totally a culinary desert. There are other eateries in the little village. We found this tiny Korean BBQ place that was *amazing*. The kimchi? Spicy heaven. And the staff, even though they spoke almost no English, were so friendly. That's the real win, isn't it? Okay, and yeah, there are grocery stores, so you can stock up on snacks. Always a good idea.
Skiing or snowboarding? What's the vibe at Alpensia for winter sports? Is it good for beginners?
Oh, Alpensia is fantastic for skiing and snowboarding. The slopes are well-maintained, and they have stuff for all levels. My husband, the ski snob, was surprisingly happy (a rarity!). And for beginners? Perfect. They have gentle slopes and lessons available. The kids learned to ski there, and the memory… oh man, the memory! It's worth it just for that. But beware the crowds on weekends! Book your lift tickets in advance. Trust me. Otherwise, you are looking at a long wait.
Okay, okay, let's talk about the not-so-perfect parts. Any major downsides?
Alright, here's the truth bomb. The Wi-Fi? Sometimes, a bit flaky. I needed to upload photos, and it was a struggle. Also, the walls… they aren’t soundproof. I'm pretty sure I could hear my neighbors snoring some nights. And the *decor*... let's just say it's functional. Not exactly "Instagrammable." Also, and this is specific, the coffee machine in our suite made the worst coffee *ever*. I had to resort to instant, which, for a coffee snob like me, was a tragedy. A small, caffeinated tragedy, but a tragedy nonetheless. It also had a weird musty smell sometimes. But, you know, you get used to it after a while.
What about things to do *besides* skiing? Any other activities?
Okay, here's where things get a little… limited. Alpensia is all about the skiing. There's a few other restaurants and things near the hotel, so you are able to stretch your legs elsewhere, but it's not exactly a bustling metropolis. But there’s the indoor water park. My kids loved it. It was loud, crowded, and full of chlorine, but they had a blast. There's also the Alpensia Ski Jump Tower, you can take a look from up top. It has some amazing scenery! Honestly, though? Most of my time was spent on the slopes. And that was perfectly okay.
So, overall... would you recommend the Holiday Inn Suites at Alpensia?
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend it? Heck, yeah! If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, family-friendly ski vacation, then absolutely. It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice. The location is a huge plus. The suites are a lifesaver. The views are stunning. And hey, even with the mediocre coffee and the sometimes-dodgy Wi-Fi, we had a fantastic time. Would I call it "unbelievable luxury"? Maybe not. But would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just pack your own coffee, okay? Seriously, *pack the good coffee*.
Any tips for a first-timer? Give me the insider secrets!
Alright, listen up! Insider tips:Stay Finder Review
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