I spent my first night in Seoul at the Grand Hyatt, a very nice property at the base of Seoul’s Mount Namsan.
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Grand Hyatt Seoul Review
I booked my stay for $180/night, which made more sense to me than using points (this is a Category 5 property in the World of Hyatt program).
From Seoul station to the hotel, the taxi took about 15 minutes and cost about 20USD.
The hotel grounds are full of finely-manicured mature trees.
Check-In
During check-in, my Globalist status in World of Hyatt was recognized and I was upgraded to a room with a view of Mount Namsa (I had booked the cheapest room, which faces the other direction). No suite upgrades were available (it was already approaching 10:00 pm).
I was presened with a guide letter detailing the hotel amenties:
Guest Room
As I stepped of the elevator on the 15th floor, I was greeted by a library of books in the elevaor area.
I found my room, 1553, down the hall.
The room was small, but had mirrors on both sides of the room which gave the illusion of. larger room. The room included a bed, round table with chair, and couch.
Coffee (Nespresso machine), tea, and water were included.
The bathroom was quite small, but had a toilet with a bidet, a single sink, and a shower (no tub). A window shade could be lowered to give privacy while in the bathroom (I still cannot figure out why bathrooms have windows into the bedroom…)
View from my room:
Grand Club
My favorite part of the hotel was the Grand Club, which (like many of its counterparts in East Asia) was posh and a true value-add to having Globalist status.
Breakfast included a well-stocked buffet with a selection of Korean and Western food items, omelets made to order, freshly-squeezed juices, and barista coffee.
Note: Globalists can only have complimentary breakfast here…not in The Terrace upstairs or via rooms service
Tea, coffee, water, juice, and soft drinks are available all day along with fruit and cake.
Because of my late arrival, I missed the evening spread, but I would imagine it is quite a generous spread and likely enough for a full meal (offered nightly from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm).
Fitness Center
The gym was packed at 9:00 am and still packed at 1:00 pm…I managed a workout, but it really felt crowded. I appreicated the gym had LifeFitness instead of TechnoGym equipment.
Interestingly, I came down in my own workout clothes, but everyone was wearing white Grand Hyatt workout gear, which I later noticed inside the locker room. Is this a South Korean thing? I rather like the idea of wearing workout clothes that are professionally laundered after each use.
Pools
Both the indoor and outdoor pools are located adjacent to the gym. Lifeguards monitor for safety and ensure that every person has a swim cap on (which you can purchase from the gym’s front desk, if needed).
The outdoor pool also has a nice garden area around it.
Wellness
My other favorite part of the property was the large wellness area adjacent to the gym. Like the gym, this was quite crowded too in the morning, but when I returned about 1:00 pm in the afternoon it was much quieter. Here there are two saunas, steam room, and a large heated pool with jets.
Culturally, I found it interesting that everyone is butt-naked here…but it made it easier not to have to dry off my swimming trunks…
Then everyone sits in fornt of a mirror on a little stool about a foot off the ground and gets ready.
Restaurants + Bars
As a Grand Hyatt, the hotel has several dining and drinking options.
- The Terrace – Breakfast and dinner are available here, buffet style.
- Gallery – Bar area of lobby
- JJ Mahoney – New York style bar bar
- Teppan – South Korean tasting menu
- Kauri – sushi
- The Steak House – Hanwoo beef, Australian Wagyu, and other fine meats and seafood cooked in a Spanish charcoal Pira oven
- Tenaki – yakitori-style cuisine with a variety of grilled skewers, appetizers, and deep-fried dishes plus Japanese sake and draft beer
- The Paris Bar – cigar bar live jazz performances
- The Deli – bakery and wine shop
- Room Service – available 24/7 with custom options available (you just tell them what you want) when at least 24 hours of notice is provided
Parking
If you are driving yourself, the hotel offers electric vehicle charging, including for Teslas. Most, however, appeared to be using taxis (as did I).
CONCLUSION
I chose to only stay one night so I could review the Park Hyatt Seoul as well, but I preferred this property and would happily return. Grand Club guests can expect a very nice lounge and the large fitness and wellness is quite nice, even though it does get crowded.
