I don't even know where to start when it comes to complimenting this hotel. But our 5-night stay at this property last week was certainly one of the best hotel experiences we have ever had. I am still in awe when I think back to it.
Right from a few months prior to arrival, all email correspondence - from GM Mr Cernia to concierges Windy and Jessie - was amazingly prompt and informative (despite our many questions regarding room type, airport transfers, tour bookings etc.)
The staff that picked us up at the airport (unfortunately don't remember their names) were friendly and helpful, and the transfer to the hotel very smooth. Then when you walk through the doors into the magnificent lower lobby, you are immediately struck by how swanky and sophisticated the property is. A huge necklace sculpture drops from the ceiling as the centrepiece to a very zen-style space. As we stepped out of the car, Michelle (from guest relations) was there to greet us and whisk us up to our in-room check-in. Once at our room (king suite with river view), we were also joined by Jack and hotel manager Mr Mauron who also greeted us personally and explained everything about our room. One of our queries before arriving was if there would be soy or almond milk at breakfast, since I don't eat dairy products. We were told yes, and I assumed this would just be made available in the breakfast room. Instead, complimentary mini cartons of almond and soy milk were provided in our actual minibar for me (and were regularly replenished). It was such a thoughtful touch, and one I had never experienced before!
The king suite itself was super luxurious and spacious, with a living room separate from the bedroom. The living room has a daybed that can be used as a sofa or a bed to sleep on for an extra person. The main bathroom is massive and all marble, with space-age toilet and unique wooden flooring in the shower cubicle. Amenities were all of excellent quality. There was also a separate washroom with toilet and basin leading off the living area. Everything was absolutely spotless, and housekeeping every day was perfect (special thanks to SeungHee and HyunJin). Big windows overlooked the city and river (and being on the 26th floor provided a great vantage point). Some lovely fans and stationery box had also been left for us. We had barely arrived and had already been made to feel SO special. It was honestly quite overwhelming.
The suite gave us access to free breakfast, afternoon tea and evening hors d'oeuvres in the executive lounge on the 9th floor. The breakfast was more than ample - with numerous cereals, breads, cakes, fruit, vegetables, Asian options, hot food (an open kitchen with chefs available to cook eggs, omelettes etc.). We didn't try the afternoon tea, but we did enjoy the evening hors d'oeuvres. The hot food served up each night was different, so there was great variety, with everything from beef, chicken, pork, lamb, chili con carne, several Korean/Asian options, seafood, rice, salads, fruits and a vast array of desserts. Everything I ate there was absolutely delicious. The lounge itself is very classy, with partitioned spaces. It is generally very peaceful, and the staff there are all exceptionally friendly and professional. Special thanks go to Dave & Lores the chefs, and Ashley, Hannah and the many other lovely ladies working in the lounge (unfortunately don't remember all their names), all of whom are top hospitality professionals. On our last day we checked out there, and the process could not have been smoother.
There are other dining options on site too, including a Japanese restaurant, a buffet serving Eastern & Western food, and the MoBo bar which has a unique indoor herb garden for cocktail garnishes. Very cool!
Plus the wellness facility in the basement is massive, with a huge gym, pool, squash & basketball courts, gaming area, multi-purpose sports area, and spa.
We also booked a day tour to the DMZ through the hotel concierge team, who were exceptionally helpful in providing info and arranging the best option for us. They work with a company called Cosmojin, and it proved to be a good tour experience. Windy and Jessie were once again very helpful here. No sooner had it been booked, and the written confirmation was promptly sent to our room.
Other notable staff mentions are:
Jeff, who took us on a comprehensive tour of the hotel, and was so friendly and knowledgeable.
Leo from the concierge team, who kindly wrapped our suitcase in bubble wrap on our last day after it had been damaged on the trip over.
Rowen, also from the concierge team, who initially helped us with our broken bag situation by promptly sending masking tape, bubble wrap and scissors to our room (this was before Leo stepped in to do it himself), and also arranged our departure transfer to the airport (which was again very smooth).
Barbara, Nicole, Jiny & Bonnie from the Loyalty Team, who were also all so wonderful and friendly.
They even left us a gorgeous card in our room on the last day to say they were going to miss us! It was so sweet and unexpected!
The hotel is located right above a premium shopping mall and next to the Express Bus Terminal which doubles as a metro station, serviced by 3 metro lines. We used the metro to get around everywhere and it was super clean, easy and safe.
I am not exaggerating when I say this was one of the best, if not THE best, hotel experiences we have ever had. I don't think I have ever encountered such amazing attention to detail. The friendly & personal service (without being over the top or fawning), top professionalism and English skills of every single one of the staff members we encountered at this hotel was exceptional. I have run out of superlatives because this place outdoes them all. Thank Mr Cernia and your incredible team for a simply wonderful, unforgettable stay at your fantastic property. There is no better place to stay in Seoul - this is a premium product worth every single cent and more. We were honestly made to feel so valued and welcome, and will definitely be back in the near future!
