RichardInSF

Doesn't the Park Hyatt have a (smallish but indoor) pool? If that meets your needs, it might be worth considering.

Aventine

It's not a Ritz Carlton that evokes memories of RC Tokyo, Hong Kong or other A-list RC properties. More Ritz Carlton in name alone.

uclabruin82

I would not recommend the Park Hyatt based on its pool. I cannot speak to the other pools being considered as I have only stayed at the PH. However, the pool at the PH is very visible from the lobby area, so you are basically swimming 10 feet away from where someone is having afternoon tea or evening drinks. Plus, there are not a lot of seats/loungers by the pool to just relax.

Aventine

One whole family could fill that pool. Agreed that it's not the best pool in Seoul for extended family lounging.

MSPeconomist

The Westin Chosun (spelling?) has a large but older indoor pool. It's in a great location for tourist activities. It's large but nicer inside than the impression given by the 1970s style exterior, although don't forget the small historic temple on the hotel grounds. The place seems busy with Korean families on weekends, so much so that the lounge extends hours, has shifts, and permits the breakfast buffet downstairs.

A somewhat crazy idea is the GH at ICN. It has three indoor poolls, including one for kids, with lots of outdoor deck space near that one and the large one in the new building. There are two good lounges too. Korean familites apparently do come for weekend staycations. I'm not sure whether the monorail on the island is operating yet, but the frequent shuttle to the airport would make an excursion to downtown Seoul easy using the airport train/subway.

Aventine

I had thought of recommending it to stargold too but it's so far away from the city. Not sure if he's going to be staying at a hotel or staying with his/her relatives in Seoul. I wouldn't want to be commuting back and forth from the airport to wherever in Seoul they live. You can get to transfer stations for many Seoul subway lines but not relaxing. You could drive but the traffic, gas and tolls start to add up and then more stress. Good luck stargold.

grumbler

Anyone know about status of Four Seasons Seoul ? Is it still ontrack for fall 2015 ?

Aventine

Oct 1st opening. That's what I've heard.

stargold

Thank you - I did consider it briefly, especially as it is so cheap on GP points, but I honestly couldn't see my family going for it, mainly due to the reason Aventine mentioned - too far and inconvenient for the type of break we are contemplating.

I am going to put SNAs on two rooms on points (and hence flexible) at the Westin and may take them if they clear, but the darned outdoor pool seems to be such a draw!

Aventine

The only thing I don't like about Westin is the car traffic in Myeongdong. Can be impossible at times.

Breaking the hotels down for traffic ease of accessibility (surrounding area, driveway, prox. to highway) would be:

Best

Shilla, GH tied
Conrad
W hotel, Walker Hill

Worst
Sindorim D-cube Sheraton
Westin, Lotte
JW Marriott Seoul

PanAmWT

I see. Thanks.

Aventine

Sorry. I wish I had better news to give you about RC Seoul.

stargold

However, it is also priced quite competitively as a result Think of it as a nice (but dated) Marriott, rather than "cream of the crop" as they are in the flagship cities.

Aventine

Yes, but it's a mockery of the Ritz name. You always associate it with the best of the best but that one is...ok at best?

Rather be at the hippest Marriott in town in JW Marriott Dongdaemun. Not priced too badly either.

RockyMntFlyer

Did a quick search of this thread and found only one old reference to the Plaza Hotel (across from City Hall). Any thoughts from those that have stayed there. It gets good reviews online. Is it actually a luxury hotel, in the same category as others discussed here? Looking at a club level room.

Thanks!