Four Seasons Seoul, Korea -- Reviews and Comments
Feb 7, 2018, 8:34 am
#136
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
We are staying over a weekend and booked into Club room through BESVISOR. Hoping that the Club lounge is a little quieter?
Feb 7, 2018, 8:44 am
#137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
It could be noisier than weekdays that's for sure. The Lounge breakfast is more continental than Korean or Western. That breakfast won't be as plentiful as Market Kitchen though. Koreans tend to flood the buffets at 8 to 9 so anytime before then should be less crowded.
Last edited by Aventine; Feb 7, 2018 at 11:18 am Reason: added more info
Feb 7, 2018, 9:37 am
#138
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
Is this a recent change? During my November/December stay breakfast was served at The Market Kitchen, which was a huge spread. The Club Lounge is a quiet heaven weekdays with caring service from their manager, she was always around looking after guests. The only area I found crowded was the pool area obviously.
Feb 7, 2018, 11:16 am
#139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
Is this a recent change? During my November/December stay breakfast was served at The Market Kitchen, which was a huge spread. The Club Lounge is a quiet heaven weekdays with caring service from their manager, she was always around looking after guests. The only area I found crowded was the pool area obviously.
Mar 17, 2018, 10:39 pm
#142
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,296
I am currently at the hotel for a 6 night stay, and will post a (long-ish) review soon. So far service has been inconsistent and definitely not up to the standards found in other luxury hotels in Asia (e.g. HK, Taiwan, Japan or even Thailand). On a positive note, the hardware really is as good as every other reviewer has said.
Mar 18, 2018, 12:32 am
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
I am currently at the hotel for a 6 night stay, and will post a (long-ish) review soon. So far service has been inconsistent and definitely not up to the standards found in other luxury hotels in Asia (e.g. HK, Taiwan, Japan or even Thailand). On a positive note, the hardware really is as good as every other reviewer has said.
Mar 18, 2018, 3:08 am
#144
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
I am currently at the hotel for a 6 night stay, and will post a (long-ish) review soon. So far service has been inconsistent and definitely not up to the standards found in other luxury hotels in Asia (e.g. HK, Taiwan, Japan or even Thailand). On a positive note, the hardware really is as good as every other reviewer has said.
Mar 19, 2018, 1:19 am
#145
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,296
So I've checked out of FS ahead of schedule; 4 nights instead of 6, mainly because I'm not feeling too well.
Lets start off with some pictures of the Studio Suite, the Palace View Executive Suite, the welcome amenity that I never got around to tasting, milk with a strand of hair in it and a bonus picture of Gyeongbokgung: https://imgur.com/a/4g3rR
Here's my review:
Booked into a Studio Suite under the FSPP for a 6 night stay.
Upon arrival, bags were promptly taken by bellboy to be delivered to room upon check-in. And here the troubles begin:
There was no in-room check-in. In fact, the associate didn't bother to escort me to my room, he barely walked out from behind the check-in counter. It wasn't a busy night either.
The associate only explained half of the FS PP benefits, did not mention the premium internet that comes with suite bookings (misleadingly, while junior suites are listed as Suites on the FS Seoul website, it is not considered eligible for premium internet, despite the FS PP welcome letter explaining that it comes with "all suite bookings").
The associate was also not truthful about upgrade availability. He neglected to mention it at all until I inquired, then claimed that only 1 night had upgrade availability. Later in the evening, I checked and found 5 out of 6 nights to be available.
We waited around 30 minutes in the room for our baggage (I wanted to get warmer clothes from the luggage), but nothing came. We were on a tight schedule so started heading out, when we saw our luggage still at the taxi stand where we arrived at. Informed bellboy, who promptly went and talked to front desk to get the luggage delivered.
At this point, I think these were major service failures but chalked it up to failure from a single front desk agent.
Upon return to hotel, I decided to talk to a (different) front desk associate about the upgrade situation. She upgraded me 2 categories up to the Palace-View Executive Suite. I was informed that this does not include the use of the executive lounge since the upgrade is "for the room only". This turns out to be false as I was able to access their Executive Lounge without additional charge. She also asked if I still needed the old room keys (I don't, and was going to return them without prompting, although this is the first time I've been asked by any hotel for their key cards, let alone a luxury property).
It was a smooth process moving rooms, but the welcome amenities (that we have yet to touch) weren't moved to the new room.
The executive lounge is excellent. The service there was consistently (and consistency is truly in short supply at this property) great, and the food items are surprisingly good quality. I wish the front desk and concierge could achieve the level of polish the executive lounge staff has.
I have had no issues with housekeeping. Requested items (through the app) were delivered promptly, rooms were cleaned well, cables were tied for me with velcro strips, and I was supplied with some microfibre cloth and cleaning solutions for the laptop and tablet. Fruits were replenished every day.
Concierge has been friendly and mostly helpful. Wanted to go to Charles H on a Friday evening so concierge escorted me there, and it was understandably full. Ended up securing me a reservation for Saturday night instead.
Booked a haircut at the hotel Barbershop, and the barber was on his mobile phone. Ended up starting the appointment 5 minutes late. The haircut itself was good and service was good (although he spoke very little English), if you discount making your client wait on you.
Of all the food outlets, I've only had the buffet breakfast in the Market Kitchen and dinner at Yu Yuan. For the Market Kitchen, service is inconsistent. On the good days, staff would proactively come and refill the cups, clear the table of plates and fold my napkin neatly on the table. On bad days, none of those would occur. It seems to have nothing to do with how many customers are seated, and more to do with which staffs you have that day. Sometimes they would acknowledge that my rate includes breakfast so I did not have to sign a bill. On other days, they would come by with a bill for me to sign anyways. Found a piece of hair in my milk today, notified a waitress and the response was literally these two words: "Uhh yeah". At least she replaced the milk?
Yu Yuan has great service for the night I was there, and the decor is excellent (consistent with the quality of the rest of the hotel). The food is good Chinese fare, but does not rank nearly at the same level as excellent Chinese restaurants in cities like Hong Kong.
The hardware at this hotel is really top notch, but the service issues are pretty significant still (and the body wash smells like Dove). I think FS Seoul can get away with it since there just isn't much competition in Seoul in terms of luxury hotels (no MO/Peninsula/RC/StR), and if I were to return to the property in the future, I would absolutely opt for a club room or an executive suite to make use of the executive lounge.
Lets start off with some pictures of the Studio Suite, the Palace View Executive Suite, the welcome amenity that I never got around to tasting, milk with a strand of hair in it and a bonus picture of Gyeongbokgung: https://imgur.com/a/4g3rR
Here's my review:
Booked into a Studio Suite under the FSPP for a 6 night stay.
Upon arrival, bags were promptly taken by bellboy to be delivered to room upon check-in. And here the troubles begin:
There was no in-room check-in. In fact, the associate didn't bother to escort me to my room, he barely walked out from behind the check-in counter. It wasn't a busy night either.
The associate only explained half of the FS PP benefits, did not mention the premium internet that comes with suite bookings (misleadingly, while junior suites are listed as Suites on the FS Seoul website, it is not considered eligible for premium internet, despite the FS PP welcome letter explaining that it comes with "all suite bookings").
The associate was also not truthful about upgrade availability. He neglected to mention it at all until I inquired, then claimed that only 1 night had upgrade availability. Later in the evening, I checked and found 5 out of 6 nights to be available.
We waited around 30 minutes in the room for our baggage (I wanted to get warmer clothes from the luggage), but nothing came. We were on a tight schedule so started heading out, when we saw our luggage still at the taxi stand where we arrived at. Informed bellboy, who promptly went and talked to front desk to get the luggage delivered.
At this point, I think these were major service failures but chalked it up to failure from a single front desk agent.
Upon return to hotel, I decided to talk to a (different) front desk associate about the upgrade situation. She upgraded me 2 categories up to the Palace-View Executive Suite. I was informed that this does not include the use of the executive lounge since the upgrade is "for the room only". This turns out to be false as I was able to access their Executive Lounge without additional charge. She also asked if I still needed the old room keys (I don't, and was going to return them without prompting, although this is the first time I've been asked by any hotel for their key cards, let alone a luxury property).
It was a smooth process moving rooms, but the welcome amenities (that we have yet to touch) weren't moved to the new room.
The executive lounge is excellent. The service there was consistently (and consistency is truly in short supply at this property) great, and the food items are surprisingly good quality. I wish the front desk and concierge could achieve the level of polish the executive lounge staff has.
I have had no issues with housekeeping. Requested items (through the app) were delivered promptly, rooms were cleaned well, cables were tied for me with velcro strips, and I was supplied with some microfibre cloth and cleaning solutions for the laptop and tablet. Fruits were replenished every day.
Concierge has been friendly and mostly helpful. Wanted to go to Charles H on a Friday evening so concierge escorted me there, and it was understandably full. Ended up securing me a reservation for Saturday night instead.
Booked a haircut at the hotel Barbershop, and the barber was on his mobile phone. Ended up starting the appointment 5 minutes late. The haircut itself was good and service was good (although he spoke very little English), if you discount making your client wait on you.
Of all the food outlets, I've only had the buffet breakfast in the Market Kitchen and dinner at Yu Yuan. For the Market Kitchen, service is inconsistent. On the good days, staff would proactively come and refill the cups, clear the table of plates and fold my napkin neatly on the table. On bad days, none of those would occur. It seems to have nothing to do with how many customers are seated, and more to do with which staffs you have that day. Sometimes they would acknowledge that my rate includes breakfast so I did not have to sign a bill. On other days, they would come by with a bill for me to sign anyways. Found a piece of hair in my milk today, notified a waitress and the response was literally these two words: "Uhh yeah". At least she replaced the milk?
Yu Yuan has great service for the night I was there, and the decor is excellent (consistent with the quality of the rest of the hotel). The food is good Chinese fare, but does not rank nearly at the same level as excellent Chinese restaurants in cities like Hong Kong.
The hardware at this hotel is really top notch, but the service issues are pretty significant still (and the body wash smells like Dove). I think FS Seoul can get away with it since there just isn't much competition in Seoul in terms of luxury hotels (no MO/Peninsula/RC/StR), and if I were to return to the property in the future, I would absolutely opt for a club room or an executive suite to make use of the executive lounge.
Mar 19, 2018, 1:58 am
#146
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
So I've checked out of FS ahead of schedule; 4 nights instead of 6, mainly because I'm not feeling too well.
Lets start off with some pictures of the Studio Suite, the Palace View Executive Suite, the welcome amenity that I never got around to tasting, milk with a strand of hair in it and a bonus picture of Gyeongbokgung: https://imgur.com/a/4g3rR
Here's my review:
Booked into a Studio Suite under the FSPP for a 6 night stay.
Upon arrival, bags were promptly taken by bellboy to be delivered to room upon check-in. And here the troubles begin:
There was no in-room check-in. In fact, the associate didn't bother to escort me to my room, he barely walked out from behind the check-in counter. It wasn't a busy night either.
The associate only explained half of the FS PP benefits, did not mention the premium internet that comes with suite bookings (misleadingly, while junior suites are listed as Suites on the FS Seoul website, it is not considered eligible for premium internet, despite the FS PP welcome letter explaining that it comes with "all suite bookings").
The associate was also not truthful about upgrade availability. He neglected to mention it at all until I inquired, then claimed that only 1 night had upgrade availability. Later in the evening, I checked and found 5 out of 6 nights to be available.
We waited around 30 minutes in the room for our baggage (I wanted to get warmer clothes from the luggage), but nothing came. We were on a tight schedule so started heading out, when we saw our luggage still at the taxi stand where we arrived at. Informed bellboy, who promptly went and talked to front desk to get the luggage delivered.
At this point, I think these were major service failures but chalked it up to failure from a single front desk agent.
Upon return to hotel, I decided to talk to a (different) front desk associate about the upgrade situation. She upgraded me 2 categories up to the Palace-View Executive Suite. I was informed that this does not include the use of the executive lounge since the upgrade is "for the room only". This turns out to be false as I was able to access their Executive Lounge without additional charge. She also asked if I still needed the old room keys (I don't, and was going to return them without prompting, although this is the first time I've been asked by any hotel for their key cards, let alone a luxury property).
It was a smooth process moving rooms, but the welcome amenities (that we have yet to touch) weren't moved to the new room.
The executive lounge is excellent. The service there was consistently (and consistency is truly in short supply at this property) great, and the food items are surprisingly good quality. I wish the front desk and concierge could achieve the level of polish the executive lounge staff has.
I have had no issues with housekeeping. Requested items (through the app) were delivered promptly, rooms were cleaned well, cables were tied for me with velcro strips, and I was supplied with some microfibre cloth and cleaning solutions for the laptop and tablet. Fruits were replenished every day.
Concierge has been friendly and mostly helpful. Wanted to go to Charles H on a Friday evening so concierge escorted me there, and it was understandably full. Ended up securing me a reservation for Saturday night instead.
Booked a haircut at the hotel Barbershop, and the barber was on his mobile phone. Ended up starting the appointment 5 minutes late. The haircut itself was good and service was good (although he spoke very little English), if you discount making your client wait on you.
Of all the food outlets, I've only had the buffet breakfast in the Market Kitchen and dinner at Yu Yuan. For the Market Kitchen, service is inconsistent. On the good days, staff would proactively come and refill the cups, clear the table of plates and fold my napkin neatly on the table. On bad days, none of those would occur. It seems to have nothing to do with how many customers are seated, and more to do with which staffs you have that day. Sometimes they would acknowledge that my rate includes breakfast so I did not have to sign a bill. On other days, they would come by with a bill for me to sign anyways. Found a piece of hair in my milk today, notified a waitress and the response was literally these two words: "Uhh yeah". At least she replaced the milk?
Yu Yuan has great service for the night I was there, and the decor is excellent (consistent with the quality of the rest of the hotel). The food is good Chinese fare, but does not rank nearly at the same level as excellent Chinese restaurants in cities like Hong Kong.
The hardware at this hotel is really top notch, but the service issues are pretty significant still (and the body wash smells like Dove). I think FS Seoul can get away with it since there just isn't much competition in Seoul in terms of luxury hotels (no MO/Peninsula/RC/StR), and if I were to return to the property in the future, I would absolutely opt for a club room or an executive suite to make use of the executive lounge.
Lets start off with some pictures of the Studio Suite, the Palace View Executive Suite, the welcome amenity that I never got around to tasting, milk with a strand of hair in it and a bonus picture of Gyeongbokgung: https://imgur.com/a/4g3rR
Here's my review:
Booked into a Studio Suite under the FSPP for a 6 night stay.
Upon arrival, bags were promptly taken by bellboy to be delivered to room upon check-in. And here the troubles begin:
There was no in-room check-in. In fact, the associate didn't bother to escort me to my room, he barely walked out from behind the check-in counter. It wasn't a busy night either.
The associate only explained half of the FS PP benefits, did not mention the premium internet that comes with suite bookings (misleadingly, while junior suites are listed as Suites on the FS Seoul website, it is not considered eligible for premium internet, despite the FS PP welcome letter explaining that it comes with "all suite bookings").
The associate was also not truthful about upgrade availability. He neglected to mention it at all until I inquired, then claimed that only 1 night had upgrade availability. Later in the evening, I checked and found 5 out of 6 nights to be available.
We waited around 30 minutes in the room for our baggage (I wanted to get warmer clothes from the luggage), but nothing came. We were on a tight schedule so started heading out, when we saw our luggage still at the taxi stand where we arrived at. Informed bellboy, who promptly went and talked to front desk to get the luggage delivered.
At this point, I think these were major service failures but chalked it up to failure from a single front desk agent.
Upon return to hotel, I decided to talk to a (different) front desk associate about the upgrade situation. She upgraded me 2 categories up to the Palace-View Executive Suite. I was informed that this does not include the use of the executive lounge since the upgrade is "for the room only". This turns out to be false as I was able to access their Executive Lounge without additional charge. She also asked if I still needed the old room keys (I don't, and was going to return them without prompting, although this is the first time I've been asked by any hotel for their key cards, let alone a luxury property).
It was a smooth process moving rooms, but the welcome amenities (that we have yet to touch) weren't moved to the new room.
The executive lounge is excellent. The service there was consistently (and consistency is truly in short supply at this property) great, and the food items are surprisingly good quality. I wish the front desk and concierge could achieve the level of polish the executive lounge staff has.
I have had no issues with housekeeping. Requested items (through the app) were delivered promptly, rooms were cleaned well, cables were tied for me with velcro strips, and I was supplied with some microfibre cloth and cleaning solutions for the laptop and tablet. Fruits were replenished every day.
Concierge has been friendly and mostly helpful. Wanted to go to Charles H on a Friday evening so concierge escorted me there, and it was understandably full. Ended up securing me a reservation for Saturday night instead.
Booked a haircut at the hotel Barbershop, and the barber was on his mobile phone. Ended up starting the appointment 5 minutes late. The haircut itself was good and service was good (although he spoke very little English), if you discount making your client wait on you.
Of all the food outlets, I've only had the buffet breakfast in the Market Kitchen and dinner at Yu Yuan. For the Market Kitchen, service is inconsistent. On the good days, staff would proactively come and refill the cups, clear the table of plates and fold my napkin neatly on the table. On bad days, none of those would occur. It seems to have nothing to do with how many customers are seated, and more to do with which staffs you have that day. Sometimes they would acknowledge that my rate includes breakfast so I did not have to sign a bill. On other days, they would come by with a bill for me to sign anyways. Found a piece of hair in my milk today, notified a waitress and the response was literally these two words: "Uhh yeah". At least she replaced the milk?
Yu Yuan has great service for the night I was there, and the decor is excellent (consistent with the quality of the rest of the hotel). The food is good Chinese fare, but does not rank nearly at the same level as excellent Chinese restaurants in cities like Hong Kong.
The hardware at this hotel is really top notch, but the service issues are pretty significant still (and the body wash smells like Dove). I think FS Seoul can get away with it since there just isn't much competition in Seoul in terms of luxury hotels (no MO/Peninsula/RC/StR), and if I were to return to the property in the future, I would absolutely opt for a club room or an executive suite to make use of the executive lounge.
Did you tell GM or hotel manager about these issues? Or do you consider the Palace view suite to be compensation enough?
Mar 19, 2018, 2:17 am
#147
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,296
Check-in was bungled. You're supposed to be able to do an in-room check-in no matter the time of day when you're with FSPP. They have an entire guest relations department just for that. I would also want my luggage to be with me up to the suite. I would have been pissed to see it just laying there at front door area. The nerve and laziness of those guys.
Did you tell GM or hotel manager about these issues? Or do you consider the Palace view suite to be compensation enough?
Did you tell GM or hotel manager about these issues? Or do you consider the Palace view suite to be compensation enough?
Mar 19, 2018, 4:20 am
#148
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
@Dave510
Concierge can be hit or miss I agree but for future stays, try and ask for Eda — she will take care of you no doubt. They are working on the Concierge aspect but keep in mind they are pioneering these type of services in Korea at this level.
No excuse really for the check-in, which should have gone so much better. I wish you had tried more restaurants, arguably I am really fond of all of them. This is a big hotel so the decision to move breakfast to The Market Kitchen was natural. I agree some front liners are still a bit green, but all of them were well intentioned and caring. Yes it is not perfect yet but they are working on it. I too had a minor issue there with a tea not delivered but the manager took care of it and made it up in a gracious way.
I would really hope you would email all these comments to the hotel’s Hotel Manager — she is a FS superstar and would take them seriously 100%. I know they are able to deliver a flawless experience.
I think they have a lot of business guests who have different priorities which is not really an excuse but I think the problem arose when they did not pre-assign a room to you, to which you were brought up right away. Not sure where they make the cut as who to include in ops meetings, could be FSPP Suite level onwards. Still these issues shouldn’t arise.
No excuse really for the check-in, which should have gone so much better. I wish you had tried more restaurants, arguably I am really fond of all of them. This is a big hotel so the decision to move breakfast to The Market Kitchen was natural. I agree some front liners are still a bit green, but all of them were well intentioned and caring. Yes it is not perfect yet but they are working on it. I too had a minor issue there with a tea not delivered but the manager took care of it and made it up in a gracious way.
I would really hope you would email all these comments to the hotel’s Hotel Manager — she is a FS superstar and would take them seriously 100%. I know they are able to deliver a flawless experience.
I think they have a lot of business guests who have different priorities which is not really an excuse but I think the problem arose when they did not pre-assign a room to you, to which you were brought up right away. Not sure where they make the cut as who to include in ops meetings, could be FSPP Suite level onwards. Still these issues shouldn’t arise.
Mar 19, 2018, 5:46 am
#149
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
@Dave510
Concierge can be hit or miss I agree but for future stays, try and ask for Eda — she will take care of you no doubt. They are working on the Concierge aspect but keep in mind they are pioneering these type of services in Korea at this level.
