Overview
For travellers passing through Incheon International Airport (ICN), the Walkherhill Transit Hotel in Terminal 1 offers a convenient and comfortable respite. While spending a full day in the terminal isn’t glamorous, this hotel provides an ideal solution for maximising rest between flights.
Location and Accessibility
The hotel is strategically located within the departure lounge of Terminal 1. You won’t need to exit the airport or go through immigration – it’s right there, a beacon of comfort amidst the hustle and bustle. As a weary traveller, this convenience was a godsend.
How to Get to the Transit Hotel
Navigating from the arrival hall at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to the transit hotel is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Arrival at Terminal 1:
- Once you disembark from your flight, follow the signs to the arrival hall on the 2nd floor.
- Quarantine Form Check:
- Before reaching the arrival hall, you will meet a quarantine form check.
- Inform the staff that you are a transfer passenger. They will direct you to a side passage to speed up the process.
- For Transit Passengers:
- If you have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, follow the signs for transfer passengers.
- Go to the transfer security screening area on the 2nd floor.
- Security Screening:
- Go through the security screening process. Make sure you have your boarding pass and passport ready.
- Go to the Departure Floor:
- After clearing security, head to the departure floor on the 3rd floor.
- Finding the Transit Hotel:
- The Incheon Airport Transit Hotel is located on the 4th floor of Terminal 1.
- Take the escalator located across from Boarding Gate No. 11 to reach the 4th floor.
- Check-In at the Transit Hotel:
- The hotel is situated in the duty-free area, so you do not need to clear immigration or customs.
- Make sure your luggage is checked through to your final destination, as you won’t be able to claim it at Incheon Airport.
The queue is to Martina Lounge. The entrance to the Transit Hotel is on the right hand side.
The Good
- Location: The hotel is located airside, before immigration, making it easy to access without leaving the secure area.
- Clean and Comfortable: Recently refurbished, the rooms are compact but clean and well-maintained.
- Restful Environment: Perfect for catching up on sleep and relaxing between flights.
There is a convenient shop before the entrance to the hotel on the 3rd floor, in case you forgot something or want to grab some drinks and snack.
I found the Transit Hotel to be a reliable choice. My goal was simple: rest and catch up with my sleep and get over jet lag. And in that regard, it delivered.
The Not-So-Good
- Basic Amenities: Don’t expect luxury – think functional and practical.
- Terminal Stay: Spending a full day in the terminal can be monotonous, but it’s a practical choice for those with early morning departures.
Have to be careful when entering the bathroom. There is a step up and we all get tripped a couple of times.
Booking Options: Tailored to Your Needs
The hotel offers flexible booking options:
- 6-Hour Stays: Ideal for short layovers.
- Day Use (8 AM to 8 PM): If you want to explore Seoul during the day.
- Night Use (8 PM to 8 AM): Catch some z’s without leaving the airport.
- 24-Hour Use: For those who defy time zones and need a full day’s rest.
Given our arrival and connection, we’ve reserved the Night Use room – it’s an ideal choice. The Night Use is a block of 10 hours. For example, we arrive early for check in at 6.30 pm, so our check out is 6.30 am.
Conclusion: A Haven in Transit
Incheon Airport Transit Hotel isn’t a luxury resort, but it’s a haven for travellers caught in the whirlwind of transit. It’s where you can close your eyes, stretch your legs, and recharge. As I boarded my next flight, I felt grateful for this little oasis within the airport’s concrete walls.
Next time you’re passing through Incheon, consider a pit stop at this unassuming gem. Your travel-weary self will thank you.
The Travelling Wee 
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