IC Seoul CoEx

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
The IC Seoul CoEx is next to the Convention Centre and above a sprawling mall in Gangham, the up-market area south of the river replete with shops and restaurants (and just around the corner from the “Gangham Style” statue for those keen to recreate Psy’s iconic dance). I booked the twin classic club lounge access room for a two-night stay using an Ambassador weekend voucher over the Easter weekend, then the same room for a one night stay the next weekend. Neither stay was upgraded: the first time, I was told that that the hotel was completely booked (which the website confirmed). The second weekend, I was told that the room I had booked was the highest twin category room available. Both times I was proactively offered the choice of 10,000 bonus points or a US50 credit voucher towards charges to the room.

How are the rooms?
Very spacious. We were on the 5th floor both times in a room overlooking the Bonguensa Temple and towards the river. The bathroom contained both a bath and shower, with the usual array of lovely full-sized Byredo “Bal d’Afrique” products. There was an Nespresso machine with six pods, and six bottles of water, both replenished daily. The rooms were kept impeccably clean, although they are beginning to show their age, especially the shower, and the casino-worthy green carpet throughout.


How is the exec. lounge?
Incredible. The staff were very friendly and welcoming at every visit. There was a good range of breakfast food in the lounge, with a calmer atmosphere than the main restaurant downstairs. Afternoon tea was served from 3-5pm with a tiered set of sweet and savoury snacks. Happy hour, with an extensive range of hot and cold food and an array of desserts, was served from 5.30-8pm. Staff were proactive in warning us when happy hour was due to conclude so that we could top up our drinks.

What was good and what was bad?
Good – exceptional staff throughout the hotel, including reception, the Ambassador / IHG Platinum desk, and the lounge. When the receptionist forgot to give us our welcome drinks vouchers at check-in, the lounge staff tracked us down and gave them to us with their apologies. The lounge facilities and staff were especially noteworthy. The breakfast buffet in the main restaurant was vast with an extensive wide range of Asian / Western options, live cooking stations. IHG Platinum members were also able to order an additional hot menu item à la carte (including Korean spicy soup, fish, etc). The 4pm checkout (extended to 5pm on request) was welcomed given we had a late flight on our final day.

Bad – the lack of upgrade, although we were proactively offered compensation / points in lieu. The rooms are a little dated, although very comfortable and kept impeccably clean throughout our stay.

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return? The room price was c.£200-250 per night during our stay in late March / early April when booked six months out. Given the quality of the restaurant and lounge facilities, the late checkout, and the location in what is an expensive city, the price seemed reasonable. I would definitely stay there again.