Park Hyatt Seoul REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Apr 5, 2013, 1:06 pm
#181
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 8
March 2013 Review
I posted my review here, with more pictures of my stay: http://www.thetravelplaybook.com/gam...k-hyatt-seoul/
But here is the text below:
Introduction
Despite being connected to Seoul by rail, we elected to take a taxi to allow for as much time sightseeing as possible on our short overnight. It was Sunday evening, so traffic wasn’t an issue. All taxis in the city take credit card, and I had no problem using my Chase Hyatt card, which has no international fees. The cost of a taxi to the Park Hyatt was about $60 for the hour ride. No tip is expected in South Korea. You could definitely save money, but not time, by using the rail and subway connections (though for the Park Hyatt, it’s by no means quick- you’re looking at a 30 minute rail ride and a 45 minute rail commute. The subway is right outside the front door of the hotel, though).
Arrival
We were greeted by no less than five people at the tiny entrance to the hotel, who ushered us into an elevator the the sky lobby on the top floor of the hotel. They had radioed ahead to the front desk, and we were greeted by name when checking in.
Status Recognition
Very hard, but comfortable bed
We weren’t upgraded to a larger room despite my Hyatt Platinum status, but we did receive a higher floor (though they all are pretty high at this hotel) and the usual free internet.
Toto Toilet… and Stone
The whole hotel uses a lot of wood and stone throughout, giving it a very warm feel. It was a most welcome retreat from the cold March night we experienced.
The Room
Bathroom was spacious and very open (be sure to close the blinds!)
The room was well planned, making use of all available space in this smallish room. Windows looked out onto the busy streets, and the automatic blinds blocked any spies from other rooms peering in.
The “mini bar” was actually a number of drawers…
The bed was firm, but in a strange way delightfully so. I slept great, despite the jet lag. There are two televisions in the room- one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom. The bathroom itself had a rainfall shower and a large tub for soaking. The hotel provided bath salts and a ton of in-room amenities like combs and toothpaste.
These smell gooood.
The Spa
A great feature of this hotel is the top-floor location of its spa and pool. The spa had a hot tub, and plunge pool, and a sauna, and all the necessary amenities for preparing for the day, like hair gel and shaving kits.
The pool is gorgeous.
Above the changing rooms is the gym (the changing room has gym clothes, you only need to provide the shoes). In addition, the infinity pool looking out to the city is there as well. It is really a beautiful set up.
The Restaurants
That night, after returning from the city, we were a bit hungry so we decided to dine in the lobby’s restaurant, which was an expensive but delicious and convenient option. Cecelia had the sizzling rock rice and beef dish (name?) and I had a noodle bowl with beef that was exactly what I wanted to have in Korea. They all came with kimchi, and we were also given an appetizer of several vegetables and mushrooms on ice for dipping in a special dressing, also quite good.
Breakfast wasn’t included in my rate, since I don’t have Diamond status, but we decided to try the buffet anyway the next morning before our flight to Shanghai.
The spread featured both Western and Korean options, so I was able to try a little of both. Cecelia liked the black sesame porridge that was one of the Korean options. They had a full smoothie bar as well. Fresh honeycomb was available on the cheese bar, which became one of my new favorite foods. So. Good.
Conclusion
The Park Hyatt Seoul is a great hotel, and well deserving of its accolades given to it across the internet. It is in by no means an inconvenient location, as we were able to access Lotte World after a 5-minute car ride, but I would be interested to see if a more convenient hotel location to the UNESCO sites in the city is available in the future.
I used my Chase Hyatt free anniversary night for this hotel, so total cash outlay was $65 for the annual fee for the card, a good discount over the $300 a night room rate.
But here is the text below:
Introduction
Despite being connected to Seoul by rail, we elected to take a taxi to allow for as much time sightseeing as possible on our short overnight. It was Sunday evening, so traffic wasn’t an issue. All taxis in the city take credit card, and I had no problem using my Chase Hyatt card, which has no international fees. The cost of a taxi to the Park Hyatt was about $60 for the hour ride. No tip is expected in South Korea. You could definitely save money, but not time, by using the rail and subway connections (though for the Park Hyatt, it’s by no means quick- you’re looking at a 30 minute rail ride and a 45 minute rail commute. The subway is right outside the front door of the hotel, though).
Arrival
We were greeted by no less than five people at the tiny entrance to the hotel, who ushered us into an elevator the the sky lobby on the top floor of the hotel. They had radioed ahead to the front desk, and we were greeted by name when checking in.
Status Recognition
Very hard, but comfortable bed
We weren’t upgraded to a larger room despite my Hyatt Platinum status, but we did receive a higher floor (though they all are pretty high at this hotel) and the usual free internet.
Toto Toilet… and Stone
The whole hotel uses a lot of wood and stone throughout, giving it a very warm feel. It was a most welcome retreat from the cold March night we experienced.
The Room
Bathroom was spacious and very open (be sure to close the blinds!)
The room was well planned, making use of all available space in this smallish room. Windows looked out onto the busy streets, and the automatic blinds blocked any spies from other rooms peering in.
The “mini bar” was actually a number of drawers…
The bed was firm, but in a strange way delightfully so. I slept great, despite the jet lag. There are two televisions in the room- one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom. The bathroom itself had a rainfall shower and a large tub for soaking. The hotel provided bath salts and a ton of in-room amenities like combs and toothpaste.
These smell gooood.
The Spa
A great feature of this hotel is the top-floor location of its spa and pool. The spa had a hot tub, and plunge pool, and a sauna, and all the necessary amenities for preparing for the day, like hair gel and shaving kits.
The pool is gorgeous.
Above the changing rooms is the gym (the changing room has gym clothes, you only need to provide the shoes). In addition, the infinity pool looking out to the city is there as well. It is really a beautiful set up.
The Restaurants
That night, after returning from the city, we were a bit hungry so we decided to dine in the lobby’s restaurant, which was an expensive but delicious and convenient option. Cecelia had the sizzling rock rice and beef dish (name?) and I had a noodle bowl with beef that was exactly what I wanted to have in Korea. They all came with kimchi, and we were also given an appetizer of several vegetables and mushrooms on ice for dipping in a special dressing, also quite good.
Breakfast wasn’t included in my rate, since I don’t have Diamond status, but we decided to try the buffet anyway the next morning before our flight to Shanghai.
The spread featured both Western and Korean options, so I was able to try a little of both. Cecelia liked the black sesame porridge that was one of the Korean options. They had a full smoothie bar as well. Fresh honeycomb was available on the cheese bar, which became one of my new favorite foods. So. Good.
Conclusion
The Park Hyatt Seoul is a great hotel, and well deserving of its accolades given to it across the internet. It is in by no means an inconvenient location, as we were able to access Lotte World after a 5-minute car ride, but I would be interested to see if a more convenient hotel location to the UNESCO sites in the city is available in the future.
I used my Chase Hyatt free anniversary night for this hotel, so total cash outlay was $65 for the annual fee for the card, a good discount over the $300 a night room rate.
May 12, 2013, 10:49 am
#183
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
I'm currently staying at the PH Seoul on a GP award stay. Upon arriving to the hotel, I was taken to my room which was xx01 right beside the elevator. Now, ever since I attained status in GP and SPG, I have NEVER been given a room right beside the elevator.
Staff at PH tells me that all award stays are put in xx01 rooms and are never given different rooms regardless of guest's status. They wanted more $$$ from me to move to the same room on another part of the floor that is quieter. Finally they agreed to move me to a different room but only after speaking with 3 different staff and 35 mins later.
Have others experience the same treatment? After all the reviews I've read on FT of this property, I expected a different level of service.
Staff at PH tells me that all award stays are put in xx01 rooms and are never given different rooms regardless of guest's status. They wanted more $$$ from me to move to the same room on another part of the floor that is quieter. Finally they agreed to move me to a different room but only after speaking with 3 different staff and 35 mins later.
Have others experience the same treatment? After all the reviews I've read on FT of this property, I expected a different level of service.
One positive thing is I am told I can order any breakfast off the room service menu and it can be my Diamond breakfast, which is fantastic (Y). Great value as well. Hotel is definitely beautiful, and nicely appointed.
May 13, 2013, 7:47 pm
#184
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP & AAirpass, Hyatt Courtesy Card, SPG Platinum
Posts: 991
I'm here on an award stay and I am having some issues as well, it's 2AM here and they promised a manager will call me tomorrow. I feel a bit mislead and not valued as a Diamond guest because I redeemed points, which is a bit disappointing(105K Points too!). I will report back after tomorrow morning. And them wanting more $$$ is part of the issue I am having.
One positive thing is I am told I can order any breakfast off the room service menu and it can be my Diamond breakfast, which is fantastic (Y). Great value as well. Hotel is definitely beautiful, and nicely appointed.
One positive thing is I am told I can order any breakfast off the room service menu and it can be my Diamond breakfast, which is fantastic (Y). Great value as well. Hotel is definitely beautiful, and nicely appointed.
May 14, 2013, 4:44 am
#185
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
GP T&Cs do not allow properties to withhold upgrades from guests because they are redeeming awards. Park Deluxe is the only other non-suite category at this hotel, so if there is Park Deluxe availability for all nights of a stay, any Diamond member booking a Park room is entitled to an upgrade.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; May 14, 2013 at 4:57 am
May 14, 2013, 5:23 am
#186
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
Hi all,
Wanted to report my experience here so far. I'm now in a Park Suite, as the management rectified my bad experience from check in. There were some major communication issues including some dishonesty going on... Please note that they will NEVER upgrade any Diamond paid or award to a suite without a suite upgrade cert(even if they tell you they will). Also they forgot my Diamond amenity. When I mentioned I wanted to points, they said award stays only qualify for the food and beverage amenity. Could anyone please confirm this? Did not know that.
Anyways, the good:
The hotel is absolutely beautiful, both deluxe and suite are well appointed. Amenities by Aesop is fantastic, they sell this at Barneys(very expensive as well). Tub is huge, can easily fit two. Floor to ceiling windows, with automatic window blinds and window shades. Room is all hardwood,marble and granite with lots of stone accents. They supply complimentary power adapters for the room, and also give you a transit pass for the subway pre-loaded with 3000KRW(although mine was only loaded with 700 when I went to use it, didn't bother to complain over $2)..
Location is good if you like shopping/casino, but far from historical sites and main attractions. More business district. And yes, it is a bit annoying that you have to go all the way up to the lobby on the 24th floor, than switch elevators to get down to your room.
Diamond breakfast is allowed in room and it is extensive and fantastic. Have yet to try out their restaurant Cornerstone, but I will report back when I do.
Service is A+, everyone is very nice and professional. A 5/5 for me, probably the nicest hotel I have stayed in yet. IMO, I'd save the suite upgrade and keep a deluxe room unless you need some living space for entertaining guests, as the size isn't much different. And as Mike is noting above, please make sure that as a Diamond they give you at least a Deluxe! Much more nicer than a standard room.
I will have a more detailed review on my trip report, including pictures very soon!
Wanted to report my experience here so far. I'm now in a Park Suite, as the management rectified my bad experience from check in. There were some major communication issues including some dishonesty going on... Please note that they will NEVER upgrade any Diamond paid or award to a suite without a suite upgrade cert(even if they tell you they will). Also they forgot my Diamond amenity. When I mentioned I wanted to points, they said award stays only qualify for the food and beverage amenity. Could anyone please confirm this? Did not know that.
Anyways, the good:
The hotel is absolutely beautiful, both deluxe and suite are well appointed. Amenities by Aesop is fantastic, they sell this at Barneys(very expensive as well). Tub is huge, can easily fit two. Floor to ceiling windows, with automatic window blinds and window shades. Room is all hardwood,marble and granite with lots of stone accents. They supply complimentary power adapters for the room, and also give you a transit pass for the subway pre-loaded with 3000KRW(although mine was only loaded with 700 when I went to use it, didn't bother to complain over $2)..
Location is good if you like shopping/casino, but far from historical sites and main attractions. More business district. And yes, it is a bit annoying that you have to go all the way up to the lobby on the 24th floor, than switch elevators to get down to your room.
Diamond breakfast is allowed in room and it is extensive and fantastic. Have yet to try out their restaurant Cornerstone, but I will report back when I do.
Service is A+, everyone is very nice and professional. A 5/5 for me, probably the nicest hotel I have stayed in yet. IMO, I'd save the suite upgrade and keep a deluxe room unless you need some living space for entertaining guests, as the size isn't much different. And as Mike is noting above, please make sure that as a Diamond they give you at least a Deluxe! Much more nicer than a standard room.
I will have a more detailed review on my trip report, including pictures very soon!
Last edited by SKYEG; May 14, 2013 at 5:30 am
May 14, 2013, 9:06 am
#187
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP & AAirpass, Hyatt Courtesy Card, SPG Platinum
Posts: 991
Hi all,
Wanted to report my experience here so far. I'm now in a Park Suite, as the management rectified my bad experience from check in. There were some major communication issues including some dishonesty going on... Please note that they will NEVER upgrade any Diamond paid or award to a suite without a suite upgrade cert(even if they tell you they will). Also they forgot my Diamond amenity. When I mentioned I wanted to points, they said award stays only qualify for the food and beverage amenity. Could anyone please confirm this? Did not know that.
Wanted to report my experience here so far. I'm now in a Park Suite, as the management rectified my bad experience from check in. There were some major communication issues including some dishonesty going on... Please note that they will NEVER upgrade any Diamond paid or award to a suite without a suite upgrade cert(even if they tell you they will). Also they forgot my Diamond amenity. When I mentioned I wanted to points, they said award stays only qualify for the food and beverage amenity. Could anyone please confirm this? Did not know that.
May 14, 2013, 10:34 am
#188
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Osaka
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, UA
Posts: 3,158
Glad they made it up to you. Regarding the amenity options, the domestic 1,000 points have always applied to all stays, including awards, and no restrictions on award stays were announced or specified in the T&Cs when this new benefit was introduced. Overall, it sounds like this particular Park Hyatt is unwilling to honor all Diamond benefits on award stays, which is disappointing.
May 14, 2013, 11:30 am
#190
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,755
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt...-go-again.html
Contact the Gold Passport Concierge with specific details. They will make sure you receive your points and just as importantly, educate the property.
May 14, 2013, 11:30 am
#191
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP & AAirpass, Hyatt Courtesy Card, SPG Platinum
Posts: 991
Yes, but there are reports that the hotel is claiming that award stays are not eligible for Diamond upgrades along with reports that the hotel is unwilling to offer the new Diamond amenity point option on award stays. So it would seem that the property is not honoring all benefits on award stays, which is not how it is supposed to be.
May 14, 2013, 11:50 am
#192
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Osaka
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, UA
Posts: 3,158
Yes, but there are reports that the hotel is claiming that award stays are not eligible for Diamond upgrades along with reports that the hotel is unwilling to offer the new Diamond amenity point option on award stays. So it would seem that the property is not honoring all benefits on award stays, which is not how it is supposed to be.
Don't know about the denied room upgrades, but the point selection in place of amenity is very new and new info sometimes takes a bit of time in Asia (but at least all the machines work). The reviews of the PH Seoul seem to swing between "I'm not getting all that I'm entitled to" (with very few specifics) to "greatest hotel on earth" (again with limited specifics), so it is hard to give the reviews any credence.
Last edited by OsakaWino; May 14, 2013 at 11:55 am
May 14, 2013, 1:36 pm
#193
Join Date: May 2007
Location: YYZ, but my heart is in Asia
Programs: AC-SE, CX-DM, DL-G, Hyatt-DM, Hilton-DM, Fairmont-Plt, Marriott-S, Accor-Plt, SPG-G, IHG-Plt
Posts: 4,396
Yes, but there are reports that the hotel is claiming that award stays are not eligible for Diamond upgrades along with reports that the hotel is unwilling to offer the new Diamond amenity point option on award stays. So it would seem that the property is not honoring all benefits on award stays, which is not how it is supposed to be.
We had an award stay and they gave us a Park Deluxe.
May 14, 2013, 7:21 pm
#194
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614