Grand Hyatt Incheon, Korea REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Oct 27, 2003, 8:23 pm
#1
Community Director Emerita
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,777
Grand Hyatt Incheon, Korea REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
The new Hyatt at the Incheon Airport opened on September 15. I used a FFN on my final night in Seoul. I was very happy with my choice. The hotel is beautiful, albeit the public areas outshine the rooms. The restaurants and spa are excellent.
TRANSPORT
One thing I quickly learned was that the staff of the hotel is eager to be helpful, but employees are still on their learning curves. I was told to go to the third level of the airport (the departure level) and take the Airport Complex Bus which picks up at doors 3 and 12. Subsequently, I learned that Hyatt has its own bus which picks up and drops off at door 12 of the arrivals level. The Airport Complex Bus is much like a school bus. It dropped me off at the closest intersection to the hotel. The Hyatt bus pulls up right in front.
CHECKIN
I had 6 employees bowing to me, and welcoming me to the hotel. I was the only one at check-in. I had two expiring Hyatt coupons, and asked for an upgrade with one, and an amenity with the other. The desk clerk tried for some time to upgrade me, at one point told me my rate was too low (free!) then realized I was already checked into a Regency Room. He didnt offer my coupon back, and since it expires momentarily, I didnt request it.
ROOM
The bellman took me to the club floor. He didnt show me the club room, and didnt suggest finding me a luggage rack on realizing there was none in the room. However, when asked, he agreeably went off to find one.
The room wasnt particularly remarkable. It had a king bed, a chair with a footstool, a desk, and a dresser with a large TV. The bathroom had the shower as part of the tub, rather than separate as is popular these days. The bathroom had a large window into the room, with the shade on the bedroom side. While the shade couldnt be on the bath side, due to the tub, it seemed voyeuristic to me to have the shade under the control of the person in the bedroom rather than the one in the bathroom.
The room key had to go into the power slot for the electricity to run. This meant that the digital clock was chronically flashing when I returned to the room. I travel with my own alarm clock, so I finally turned the room clock to the wall in annoyance.
The club floor attendant came with grapes and a letter of introduction. She was lovely, but unaware of the safe location in the room more signs of a new property.
CLUB ROOM
The club room was spacious, but designed to handle maximum people for breakfast, rather than comfortable lounging throughout the day. The only sofa was in the smoking room; otherwise the room was furnished with small tables and upright chairs. There was a panoramic view of the airport, even more magnificent when lit up at night.
The evening appetizers were lavish and imaginative. There were spicy and candied nuts, crackers, cheeses, shrimp, prosciutto and melon, bite sized sandwiches, and more. There was a cappuccino machine, as well as a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Breakfast was continental; no cooked choices were offered. Breads and pastries were delicious, again baked onsite.
I asked about my missing platinum amenity. Eventually, an elegant box of 9 luxurious chocolates was brought from their deli. These sold in the deli for roughly $12.
RESTAURANTS
The hotel calls its restaurant 8 because there are 8 separate restaurants, all co-located. I tried the Korean bbq and the noodle restaurants. The complex is gorgeous, very contemporary, with lots of natural colors. Each section of the restaurant is built around the kitchen, so you can watch your chefs make your dishes. Food is beautifully presented and well prepared. The restaurants are a real high point of the hotel. Eat here before heading to your flight the food is infinitely superior to any served on board.
SPA
I booked a salt scrub and massage, an 80 minute treatment for about $50. I highly recommend the spa. You can use the sauna for no charge if you are on the club floor. I was given a key, which unlocked a small locker for my shoes, then a large locker in the next room for my clothes. I then went into a room with a hot bubbling tub and a shallow cold tub. There were several shoulder height showers along the wall, with a small stool to sit on and a bucket to fill with water and toss on your body.
First I showered, as you need to enter the tub clean. After 10 minutes in the hot tub, my masseuse took me in a side room. She stripped to bra and panties, as this salt scrub was a wet process! She thoroughly scrubbed every portion of my anatomy with salt, with frequent hot rinses, and then began the entire process all over again. She then drizzled oil on me, and massaged me. Hot towels were put over my body, and I was massaged more. My skin is delightfully moist and supple still today.
INTERNET
I dont travel with a computer, and used the business center. Prices are high, 5000 won for 10 minutes. (This is roughly $30 for 1 hour.) I was told that high speed access in the room costs $20 for 24 hours.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
An adjacent shopping center is in the initial stages of construction. I saw a sign for a tour of the town of Incheon at the airport that sounded interesting. Id definitely check it out on a future stay.
CONCLUSION
This is a beautiful property, providing a comfortable stay for the night before of after a flight. The employees will only improve with time, as their attitudes are all great. The restaurants and the spa were the highpoint of my stay.
TRANSPORT
One thing I quickly learned was that the staff of the hotel is eager to be helpful, but employees are still on their learning curves. I was told to go to the third level of the airport (the departure level) and take the Airport Complex Bus which picks up at doors 3 and 12. Subsequently, I learned that Hyatt has its own bus which picks up and drops off at door 12 of the arrivals level. The Airport Complex Bus is much like a school bus. It dropped me off at the closest intersection to the hotel. The Hyatt bus pulls up right in front.
CHECKIN
I had 6 employees bowing to me, and welcoming me to the hotel. I was the only one at check-in. I had two expiring Hyatt coupons, and asked for an upgrade with one, and an amenity with the other. The desk clerk tried for some time to upgrade me, at one point told me my rate was too low (free!) then realized I was already checked into a Regency Room. He didnt offer my coupon back, and since it expires momentarily, I didnt request it.
ROOM
The bellman took me to the club floor. He didnt show me the club room, and didnt suggest finding me a luggage rack on realizing there was none in the room. However, when asked, he agreeably went off to find one.
The room wasnt particularly remarkable. It had a king bed, a chair with a footstool, a desk, and a dresser with a large TV. The bathroom had the shower as part of the tub, rather than separate as is popular these days. The bathroom had a large window into the room, with the shade on the bedroom side. While the shade couldnt be on the bath side, due to the tub, it seemed voyeuristic to me to have the shade under the control of the person in the bedroom rather than the one in the bathroom.
The room key had to go into the power slot for the electricity to run. This meant that the digital clock was chronically flashing when I returned to the room. I travel with my own alarm clock, so I finally turned the room clock to the wall in annoyance.
The club floor attendant came with grapes and a letter of introduction. She was lovely, but unaware of the safe location in the room more signs of a new property.
CLUB ROOM
The club room was spacious, but designed to handle maximum people for breakfast, rather than comfortable lounging throughout the day. The only sofa was in the smoking room; otherwise the room was furnished with small tables and upright chairs. There was a panoramic view of the airport, even more magnificent when lit up at night.
The evening appetizers were lavish and imaginative. There were spicy and candied nuts, crackers, cheeses, shrimp, prosciutto and melon, bite sized sandwiches, and more. There was a cappuccino machine, as well as a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Breakfast was continental; no cooked choices were offered. Breads and pastries were delicious, again baked onsite.
I asked about my missing platinum amenity. Eventually, an elegant box of 9 luxurious chocolates was brought from their deli. These sold in the deli for roughly $12.
RESTAURANTS
The hotel calls its restaurant 8 because there are 8 separate restaurants, all co-located. I tried the Korean bbq and the noodle restaurants. The complex is gorgeous, very contemporary, with lots of natural colors. Each section of the restaurant is built around the kitchen, so you can watch your chefs make your dishes. Food is beautifully presented and well prepared. The restaurants are a real high point of the hotel. Eat here before heading to your flight the food is infinitely superior to any served on board.
SPA
I booked a salt scrub and massage, an 80 minute treatment for about $50. I highly recommend the spa. You can use the sauna for no charge if you are on the club floor. I was given a key, which unlocked a small locker for my shoes, then a large locker in the next room for my clothes. I then went into a room with a hot bubbling tub and a shallow cold tub. There were several shoulder height showers along the wall, with a small stool to sit on and a bucket to fill with water and toss on your body.
First I showered, as you need to enter the tub clean. After 10 minutes in the hot tub, my masseuse took me in a side room. She stripped to bra and panties, as this salt scrub was a wet process! She thoroughly scrubbed every portion of my anatomy with salt, with frequent hot rinses, and then began the entire process all over again. She then drizzled oil on me, and massaged me. Hot towels were put over my body, and I was massaged more. My skin is delightfully moist and supple still today.
INTERNET
I dont travel with a computer, and used the business center. Prices are high, 5000 won for 10 minutes. (This is roughly $30 for 1 hour.) I was told that high speed access in the room costs $20 for 24 hours.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
An adjacent shopping center is in the initial stages of construction. I saw a sign for a tour of the town of Incheon at the airport that sounded interesting. Id definitely check it out on a future stay.
CONCLUSION
This is a beautiful property, providing a comfortable stay for the night before of after a flight. The employees will only improve with time, as their attitudes are all great. The restaurants and the spa were the highpoint of my stay.
Jan 17, 2005, 2:02 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bloomington Indiana
Programs: MPO, Asiana Gold, United Premier, PC Platium/Ambassador, Platinum GP..
Posts: 160
Incheon Hyatt does not offer "day rate"
Incheon Hyatt does not offer "day rate". And, their spa is nothing close to that of Grand Hyatt Seoul. It does offer "spa" services such as aromatheraphy massage and sports, and other treatment.
Jan 17, 2005, 10:45 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA 2MM - UA 1P / Hyatt Diamond - SPG Plat / Hertz 5* - Avis 1st
Posts: 3,887
I have also used this hotel several times in 2004 as a night-before-the-flight-leaves stop, rather than getting up at the crack of dawn and fighting traffic from the Seoul Grand Hyatt.
SD1K's report is very accurate. The place never seems to have much business, but everyone is much cheerier and a little more helpful than the Seoul Grand Hyatt.
Other notes: The gym is not very big, and is in a very slender/narrow room facing the outside and pool, but if it isn't too busy, you can get in a nice workout.
The Amenities are usually nice, although I confess that I cannot remember them right now.
Getting to the airport in the morning is very easy with the Hyatt bus, and starting the day of travel home off by avoiding the Seoul - to - Incheon drive is a big plus.
Hyatt.com rates are pretty good there as well.
SD1K's report is very accurate. The place never seems to have much business, but everyone is much cheerier and a little more helpful than the Seoul Grand Hyatt.
Other notes: The gym is not very big, and is in a very slender/narrow room facing the outside and pool, but if it isn't too busy, you can get in a nice workout.
The Amenities are usually nice, although I confess that I cannot remember them right now.
Getting to the airport in the morning is very easy with the Hyatt bus, and starting the day of travel home off by avoiding the Seoul - to - Incheon drive is a big plus.
Hyatt.com rates are pretty good there as well.
Jan 17, 2005, 11:22 am
#5
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGL/GfL
Posts: 12,122
I enjoyed my stay there last week. Although two negatives:
- The high speed internet did not work in my room
- The club room was taken over by a group of loud engineers from GE, who clearly felt it was their private club and who were very noisy and talked on mobile phones sufficent to drown out the jumbos talking off.
Bus is efficent, although you could walk.
- The high speed internet did not work in my room
- The club room was taken over by a group of loud engineers from GE, who clearly felt it was their private club and who were very noisy and talked on mobile phones sufficent to drown out the jumbos talking off.
Bus is efficent, although you could walk.
Jul 7, 2006, 4:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Any new info on this property? I am inbound at 6 AM and outbound at 4:30 PM. Would you book a room for the night before or the day of? I am D with Hyatt. Thanks
Jul 7, 2006, 7:28 pm
#7
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
Originally Posted by RTWSTARALLIANCE
Any new info on this property? I am inbound at 6 AM and outbound at 4:30 PM. Would you book a room for the night before or the day of? I am D with Hyatt. Thanks
Jul 7, 2006, 10:34 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Boston, Jo'burg, HK
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Lifetime Diamond, CX Gold, Mrs. Pickles travels for free
Posts: 13,181
Originally Posted by Markie
Bus is efficent, although you could walk.
I've stayed here a couple of times, it is an excellent airport hotel, way better than even something considered "great" in the US, such as the new GH DFW. I particularly like their indoor pool with lanes, and their small but quite nice fat-man's triathlon area (10 minute sauna, 10 minute jacuzzi, 10 minute steam room).
Jun 9, 2008, 6:03 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Alexandria, VA, USA NW Platinum Elite Since 1999, United GoldMM, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz #1 Gold, IC Ambassador, Avis Chairman's
Posts: 7,445
Just an FYI... I've been here a few times over the past year and just found out this little tidbit.
Was walking down the hallway and noticed a door tag that read "Gold Passport Morning Beverage"... well I've gotten this with turndown at GH Tokyo, HR Osaka, GH Taiwai, etc. but never at HR Incheon. I walked down to the Club and asked how I am suppose to get one and they replied "oh, we give them out when you check-in"... As I mentioned, I was here as recently as last month and never got one, even as a Diamond!
Make sure you ask if you don't get one!
Was walking down the hallway and noticed a door tag that read "Gold Passport Morning Beverage"... well I've gotten this with turndown at GH Tokyo, HR Osaka, GH Taiwai, etc. but never at HR Incheon. I walked down to the Club and asked how I am suppose to get one and they replied "oh, we give them out when you check-in"... As I mentioned, I was here as recently as last month and never got one, even as a Diamond!
Make sure you ask if you don't get one!
Aug 17, 2008, 6:49 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
Quick question. I land at 5pm on SQ17 from YVR and connect onto SQ's flight at 9am the next morning. Is it worth styaing here or will I have sufficient time to stay in Seoul city?
Aug 17, 2008, 8:46 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Calgary
Programs: A Few
Posts: 2,339
I did this exact routing last year. Chose to stay at Incheon Hyatt. I was checked in and sitting in the Club Lounge by 6pm and had a leisurely breakfast the next morning before taking the 2 minute shuttle back to the airport. It was the right choice for me. Add about 3 hrs of traveling back and forth if you go into Seoul for the night.
Aug 17, 2008, 10:17 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
I did this exact routing last year. Chose to stay at Incheon Hyatt. I was checked in and sitting in the Club Lounge by 6pm and had a leisurely breakfast the next morning before taking the 2 minute shuttle back to the airport. It was the right choice for me. Add about 3 hrs of traveling back and forth if you go into Seoul for the night.
Aug 17, 2008, 11:07 am
#13
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Calgary
Programs: A Few
Posts: 2,339
I'm trying to do the same again this December but the hotel is only accepting certs at the Elite or higher rate my arrival day.
Aug 17, 2008, 2:24 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Calgary
Programs: A Few
Posts: 2,339
The hotel was recategorised up one level this year from Classic to Choice. It was last year I used a $99 Classic cert.
I'm staying Dec 27, but there is no point in using a cert when they will only accept an Elite ($249) or Inspire ($319) cert on that day.
I'm staying Dec 27, but there is no point in using a cert when they will only accept an Elite ($249) or Inspire ($319) cert on that day.