Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Comfortable, Peaceful, Cozy, Warm, Friendly |
| Disadvantages: |
Expensive |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
This is definitely my most favourite hotel in Seoul. It's not the cheapest by far, but its location, facilities, decoration and the helpfulness of the staff make this a great hotel to visit or stay at.
***Location***
You couldn't be situated in a better place. The area is called Gangnam, south of the Han River which runs through central Seoul. Gangnam itself is the most affluent place in
Korea so standards are higher than other areas. There is a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops on the doorstop of this hotel.
***Transport***
The easiest way to get anywhere would be just to hop in one of the taxi's that always wait outside the hotel. Make sure they use the meter rather than quote you a price. Also grey taxis are cheaper than black taxi's. There really is very little difference in the actual taxi apart from the
price. If you don't want to use the taxi, walk to the subway, only 10 minutes away. If you are coming from the airport, then you can catch one of the regular airport buses from Incheon direct to Gangnam. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 15,000 won (7 GBP).
***Reception***
There is a lovely big marbled reception which is kept cool during the hot summer months. The staffs were extremely polite and helpful. Everyone I spoke to at reception could speak English without any difficulty. I was asked if I wanted the complimentary morning newspaper and morning alarm call. Once I had checked in, I was given a key card which not only served to open my room door, but also to be able to use the lift. I think this is a great idea for safety, but just make sure you get a key card for each person in your room so that someone isn't stuck in reception!
***Rooms***
I have only ever stayed in the 'Prime Deluxe' rooms which are the cheapest available. What I noticed first was the huge king size bed, the big fluffy pillows and the soft duvet. Just the sight of this made me smile from ear to ear. It is very difficult to find comfortable beds, with duvets in Korea. Koreans tend to go for rock hard mattresses and blankets, so this was a great start, and yes, I did jump on it!
I thought the decoration of the room was cozy and it made me feel like I was back in England or the U.S. rather than being in Asia. It had a serenity that was very welcoming after being outside in the hustle and bustle of
Seoul. The rooms have natural wood furnishings with cream/beige carpets and wallpaper.
Apart from the huge bed, there was a big T.V. showing cable network programs, so you could watch films, and the news in English. I really appreciated the CD player; this was a nice touch I thought. There was a fridge in the room with complimentary water and other beverages to buy. Also in the room was internet access should you wish, but you would have to pay extra for.
In the bathroom there was a whole selection of toiletries should you have forgotten anything back home. Nice white bathrobes and towels. The bathroom was clean and well maintained.
The built-in window seat is a great place to just stare out of, over the view of Gangnam. There are chairs and a table in the rooms, but I really just liked sitting in the window and watching the world go by.
I would highly recommend this room.
***Restaurants***
There are five restaurants to choose from and one bar:
Ritz Deli:
A great place where you don't need to dress up. Good as a meeting point.
Chee Hong:
Cantonese cuisine.
Hanazono:
Japanese cuisine.
Oksan Buffet:
I think they cook various dishes from around the world.
The Garden Restaurant:
Italian cuisine.
The Ritz Bar:
This is like a big lounge, nice soft couches, coffee tables as well as more formal tables and chairs. They regularly have a piano player and singer. What's nice is that they're not so loud that you can't hold a conversation with someone sitting next to you. It's nice background music that is relaxing. You must try the 'White Winter Russian'; it's my favorite cocktail in the entire world! Prices are steep but considering the setting it's worth it if you want somewhere to relax over a drink or two.
***Amenities***
In-room movie videos.
High speed internet access.
Voicemail.
Fax.
In-room safe.
Iron and ironing board.
Complimentary morning newspaper.
24 hour In-room dining.
Fitness club, swimming pool, steam and dry saunas, massage.
Concierge.
Laundry services.
Valet Parking.
