Korea - Calling Korea experts!

Shall I book either Novotel in Seoul, or are they both in the middle of nowhere???

Those Accor sale prices are tempting indeed. No question you'll get the most out of your money there, comfort-wise.

Location is sub-optimal for sightseeing, but there will be millions of people around, not rice fields :) . Both Novotels are close to subway (http://www.urbanrail.net/as/seou/seoul-map.htm) stations. The Gangnam one is in the main/new business district; no idea what is in Doksan, probably a new dormitory town. Both areas are recent and culturally barren, but should have all the services needed, as most of Seoul's residential expansion has been south of the river (where both Novotels are). Just don't take a cab to go across the river (to the old Seoul) at rush hour.

Don't know about the Novotels' but I've stayed a number of times at the Sofitel Ambassador and love it. Not sure if it's in the cheap night promo but if it is I'd strongly recommend it.

Has pool, gym, indoor driving range, shuttle bus into the CBD, free wifi etc

I decided to shun the promotional prices (just pre-paid a 6-night stay in TYO) and will probably go with the Sofitel (which I had my eye on from before, and which wasn't part of the promotion)...

I've stayed at the Sofitel and the Novotel Gagnam. For just touring around the city, I don't think either one surpasses the other. You had a fair hike to get to a subway stop from either one. The Novotel is right next door to the Ritz Carlton, on the south side of the river. It's up on a hill, so walking to and from subway was a challenge. As I have only gone there for pleasure, I did not take advantage of the hotel amenities, just using the room as a place to crash.

I found the Novotel met my needs and would simply choose one hotel over the other based upon price.