Conrad Seoul {KOR}
May 29, 2016, 8:13 pm
#226
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ORF
Programs: UA 1K MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Accor Silver, Marriott Gold, CAM Card
Posts: 392
We're here at present for an all-too-short 1-night stay on our way home from Australia to US. Check-in was excellent and the front desk agent gave us a very late check-out time to accommodate our evening return flight to the US. This was much appreciated. As far as staff interaction, I had an excellent conversation with this agent. I think that she was impressed (or more probably amused) that I knew that the 2013 Korean drama, Shark, had many scenes filmed in the impressive lobby of this hotel (I'm a fan of Son Ye-Jin, but that's another story!).
We were upgraded on this awards stay to an executive river view room. Regrettably, the air quality today in Seoul is poor, so views across the Han River are not optimal. I see that some construction is taking place right in front of the river view side of the hotel. Hopefully, these will be low-rise buildings for the most part and will not obscure the view of the Han River.
We had breakfast in the Executive Lounge, with a very nice choice. We had also been invited to eat breakfast at Zest, but we opted for the quieter option. Overall, this has been a first-class stay (as has been the case with all of our stays at Conrads in Asia).
We were upgraded on this awards stay to an executive river view room. Regrettably, the air quality today in Seoul is poor, so views across the Han River are not optimal. I see that some construction is taking place right in front of the river view side of the hotel. Hopefully, these will be low-rise buildings for the most part and will not obscure the view of the Han River.
We had breakfast in the Executive Lounge, with a very nice choice. We had also been invited to eat breakfast at Zest, but we opted for the quieter option. Overall, this has been a first-class stay (as has been the case with all of our stays at Conrads in Asia).
Last edited by jefftiger; Jul 12, 2016 at 6:47 am
Jul 8, 2016, 11:21 pm
#227
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: HNLICNSFO
Posts: 631
Stayed here twice in the past few months as a Diamond.
Both times upgraded to a river view executive room. Asked about any suite availability and was told I could upgrade for around $80 a night.
You can have breakfast at both Zest and the lounge.
Both times upgraded to a river view executive room. Asked about any suite availability and was told I could upgrade for around $80 a night.
You can have breakfast at both Zest and the lounge.
Jul 14, 2016, 4:34 pm
#229
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA,CX, BA, Priority Club, SPG, Hilton
Posts: 1,397
for those who cares, I was given a Conrad bear in July!! with a letter thank me for returning.
I didn't get one on my last 3 stays in the past 2 years. in the past, I also specifically asked for the bear, but they said it ran out, but available for sale
I didn't get one on my last 3 stays in the past 2 years. in the past, I also specifically asked for the bear, but they said it ran out, but available for sale
Jul 24, 2016, 1:54 am
#230
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 6,576
No bear for me in my stay this week. From what I was told they never upgrade diamonds to a suite unless you pay a supplement.
When I arrived there was a considerable queue at the lobby check in, so I asked if I could check in at the lounge instead as Diamond. Seems the doorman has no clue and had to call someone to check, only then was I accompanied up to the 37th floor to check in.
Not a Conrad that I'm clamouring to return.
When I arrived there was a considerable queue at the lobby check in, so I asked if I could check in at the lounge instead as Diamond. Seems the doorman has no clue and had to call someone to check, only then was I accompanied up to the 37th floor to check in.
Not a Conrad that I'm clamouring to return.
Jul 24, 2016, 2:49 am
#231
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Singapore
Programs: HHonors Diamond; A3 *Nothing ; BA Exec. Club Gold
Posts: 1,690
No bear for me in my stay this week. From what I was told they never upgrade diamonds to a suite unless you pay a supplement.
When I arrived there was a considerable queue at the lobby check in, so I asked if I could check in at the lounge instead as Diamond. Seems the doorman has no clue and had to call someone to check, only then was I accompanied up to the 37th floor to check in.
Not a Conrad that I'm clamouring to return.
When I arrived there was a considerable queue at the lobby check in, so I asked if I could check in at the lounge instead as Diamond. Seems the doorman has no clue and had to call someone to check, only then was I accompanied up to the 37th floor to check in.
Not a Conrad that I'm clamouring to return.
Yes it is a first world problem that a bear is not in the room. But it is a branding thing for Conrad hotels. A marketing gimmick that does work like cookies at doubletree. I personally collect these bears so if I choose to stay at a Conrad and don't get this, I would be disappointed. Similar to a doubletree stay when cookies where not given, it was a warning that other processes where also not followed. From that point it is usually just one of many things that are wrong in that property.
Telling any guest, and a diamond member, No bear, but available for sale.. That is just offensive to their top elite customers. And yes we do get easily offended by stupidity.
No suite upgrades when available but available for money is the same but more common across the brands.
No understanding of diamond benefits across the customer facing staff is adding to that.
It seems quite a lot of work to be done here to get this property to behave like a proper Conrad.
I am going to be in Seoul in October, if the reviews are not getting better I will stay at the Intercontinental instead.
Globalist
Jul 25, 2016, 3:49 am
#232
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Anywhere
Posts: 6,576
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowU...oul-Seoul.html
That should get you seething as a Diamond member!
Jul 25, 2016, 5:51 am
#233
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SYD / TYO
Programs: QF Gold, OZ Dia, HH Dia, SPG Plat25, MR Plat, Hertz PC, Sixt Plat
Posts: 204
Well, I posted a review of my recent stay on Tripadvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowU...oul-Seoul.html
That should get you seething as a Diamond member!
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowU...oul-Seoul.html
That should get you seething as a Diamond member!
I agree with your comments.
Jul 25, 2016, 9:11 am
#234
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Singapore
Programs: HHonors Diamond; A3 *Nothing ; BA Exec. Club Gold
Posts: 1,690
Well, I posted a review of my recent stay on Tripadvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowU...oul-Seoul.html
That should get you seething as a Diamond member!
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowU...oul-Seoul.html
That should get you seething as a Diamond member!
I dropped a pm to Lauren to point attention to this tread. I sincerely believe the GM needs a bollocking and sent back to school.
Globalist
Jul 25, 2016, 10:24 am
#235
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: BA Gold, DL PM, , Hilton Diamond (from being in a bed), SPG Plat, MR Plat
Posts: 922
Disappointing to here the negativity about recent stays. I loved my only stay about 18 months ago. Got nights booked here for December but will changing if changes are not made. I choose Conrads where available as a 'genuine' diamond as I know I am going to be treated well. Let's hope I'm not off to the Millennium in December. Come on the GM!
Jul 25, 2016, 2:33 pm
#236
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 23
Thinking of booking a room, not sure which one
I've never stayed at hilton or conrad before, also don't have any HHonors membership,
I plan to book Conrad Seoul for one night on a Saturday in early September, probably from hotels.com cos I got a reward discount from previous stay.
My questions:
1. what are the differences between premium and executive room?
the description looks the same, so I google search to see the difference and it seems like executive room has better view or on a different floor maybe?
Is it just free breakfast at the lounge that is included?
2. I've heard about executive lounge access for some members,
if I'm not a member and not staying on executive floor,
there should be a regular restaurant that isnt an executive lounge where we can eat in right?
If so, what's the difference between these commoners restaurant and the executive lounge?
3. Does the corner suite offer way better view than regular room?
We only staying for one night and willing to pay extra if the experience in a corner suite is much better than in regular room, especially with the discount from hotels.com rewards.
4. Is it better to prepay for breakfast from hotels.com?
it seems like it cost about US$50 more for the room, and there's two of us
I wonder if it made no difference if we pay it when we're there
Would love to hear some tips from expert travelers out there
thank you
I plan to book Conrad Seoul for one night on a Saturday in early September, probably from hotels.com cos I got a reward discount from previous stay.
My questions:
1. what are the differences between premium and executive room?
the description looks the same, so I google search to see the difference and it seems like executive room has better view or on a different floor maybe?
Is it just free breakfast at the lounge that is included?
2. I've heard about executive lounge access for some members,
if I'm not a member and not staying on executive floor,
there should be a regular restaurant that isnt an executive lounge where we can eat in right?
If so, what's the difference between these commoners restaurant and the executive lounge?
3. Does the corner suite offer way better view than regular room?
We only staying for one night and willing to pay extra if the experience in a corner suite is much better than in regular room, especially with the discount from hotels.com rewards.
4. Is it better to prepay for breakfast from hotels.com?
it seems like it cost about US$50 more for the room, and there's two of us
I wonder if it made no difference if we pay it when we're there
Would love to hear some tips from expert travelers out there
thank you
Last edited by rosetyler; Jul 25, 2016 at 2:34 pm Reason: saying thank you
Jul 25, 2016, 7:07 pm
#237
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ORF
Programs: UA 1K MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Accor Silver, Marriott Gold, CAM Card
Posts: 392
Well, I posted a review of my recent stay on Tripadvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowU...oul-Seoul.html
That should get you seething as a Diamond member!
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowU...oul-Seoul.html
That should get you seething as a Diamond member!
Jul 26, 2016, 5:12 am
#238
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
I've never stayed at hilton or conrad before, also don't have any HHonors membership,
I plan to book Conrad Seoul for one night on a Saturday in early September, probably from hotels.com cos I got a reward discount from previous stay.
My questions:
1. what are the differences between premium and executive room?
the description looks the same, so I google search to see the difference and it seems like executive room has better view or on a different floor maybe?
Is it just free breakfast at the lounge that is included?
Executive Rooms grant access to the Exec Lounge
2. I've heard about executive lounge access for some members,
if I'm not a member and not staying on executive floor,
there should be a regular restaurant that isnt an executive lounge where we can eat in right?
If so, what's the difference between these commoners restaurant and the executive lounge?
Exec Lounge is available for the top tier members, HHonors Diamonds and those who book the above mentioned rooms. There are regular restaurants of course, but for those with access to the lounge, the food and drinks are free/included in the lounge.
3. Does the corner suite offer way better view than regular room?
We only staying for one night and willing to pay extra if the experience in a corner suite is much better than in regular room, especially with the discount from hotels.com rewards.
Not a better view per se, but much more room.
4. Is it better to prepay for breakfast from hotels.com?
it seems like it cost about US$50 more for the room, and there's two of us
I wonder if it made no difference if we pay it when we're there
Have no idea..
Would love to hear some tips from expert travelers out there
thank you
I plan to book Conrad Seoul for one night on a Saturday in early September, probably from hotels.com cos I got a reward discount from previous stay.
My questions:
1. what are the differences between premium and executive room?
the description looks the same, so I google search to see the difference and it seems like executive room has better view or on a different floor maybe?
Is it just free breakfast at the lounge that is included?
Executive Rooms grant access to the Exec Lounge
2. I've heard about executive lounge access for some members,
if I'm not a member and not staying on executive floor,
there should be a regular restaurant that isnt an executive lounge where we can eat in right?
If so, what's the difference between these commoners restaurant and the executive lounge?
Exec Lounge is available for the top tier members, HHonors Diamonds and those who book the above mentioned rooms. There are regular restaurants of course, but for those with access to the lounge, the food and drinks are free/included in the lounge.
3. Does the corner suite offer way better view than regular room?
We only staying for one night and willing to pay extra if the experience in a corner suite is much better than in regular room, especially with the discount from hotels.com rewards.
Not a better view per se, but much more room.
4. Is it better to prepay for breakfast from hotels.com?
it seems like it cost about US$50 more for the room, and there's two of us
I wonder if it made no difference if we pay it when we're there
Have no idea..
Would love to hear some tips from expert travelers out there
thank you
Jul 26, 2016, 8:56 am
#239
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,786
I've never stayed at hilton or conrad before, also don't have any HHonors membership,
I plan to book Conrad Seoul for one night on a Saturday in early September, probably from hotels.com cos I got a reward discount from previous stay.
My questions:
1. what are the differences between premium and executive room?
the description looks the same, so I google search to see the difference and it seems like executive room has better view or on a different floor maybe?
Is it just free breakfast at the lounge that is included?
Higher floor and executive lounge access
2. I've heard about executive lounge access for some members,
if I'm not a member and not staying on executive floor,
there should be a regular restaurant that isnt an executive lounge where we can eat in right?
If so, what's the difference between these commoners restaurant and the executive lounge?
The Zest restaurant actually has better food than the executive lounge here but the wait could be long. Executive lounge you just walk, sit yourself, and eat breakfast. Our Zest wait time was from 15 min to 40 min.
3. Does the corner suite offer way better view than regular room?
We only staying for one night and willing to pay extra if the experience in a corner suite is much better than in regular room, especially with the discount from hotels.com rewards.
We got a corner room and it has 2 huge windows and really good 180 degree view of both the river and the rest of the city.
4. Is it better to prepay for breakfast from hotels.com?
it seems like it cost about US$50 more for the room, and there's two of us
I wonder if it made no difference if we pay it when we're there
I paid for meal for my niece visiting us at the Zest restaurant and I think it was around $25 to $30 US. The breakfast was really really good at Zest though. I would say it is one of the best breakfast I had at any Conrad or Hilton. But again, the wait could be long.
Would love to hear some tips from expert travelers out there
thank you
I plan to book Conrad Seoul for one night on a Saturday in early September, probably from hotels.com cos I got a reward discount from previous stay.
My questions:
1. what are the differences between premium and executive room?
the description looks the same, so I google search to see the difference and it seems like executive room has better view or on a different floor maybe?
Is it just free breakfast at the lounge that is included?
Higher floor and executive lounge access
2. I've heard about executive lounge access for some members,
if I'm not a member and not staying on executive floor,
there should be a regular restaurant that isnt an executive lounge where we can eat in right?
If so, what's the difference between these commoners restaurant and the executive lounge?
The Zest restaurant actually has better food than the executive lounge here but the wait could be long. Executive lounge you just walk, sit yourself, and eat breakfast. Our Zest wait time was from 15 min to 40 min.
3. Does the corner suite offer way better view than regular room?
We only staying for one night and willing to pay extra if the experience in a corner suite is much better than in regular room, especially with the discount from hotels.com rewards.
We got a corner room and it has 2 huge windows and really good 180 degree view of both the river and the rest of the city.
4. Is it better to prepay for breakfast from hotels.com?
it seems like it cost about US$50 more for the room, and there's two of us
I wonder if it made no difference if we pay it when we're there
I paid for meal for my niece visiting us at the Zest restaurant and I think it was around $25 to $30 US. The breakfast was really really good at Zest though. I would say it is one of the best breakfast I had at any Conrad or Hilton. But again, the wait could be long.
Would love to hear some tips from expert travelers out there
thank you