Where to Stay in Seoul

Park Hyatt Hotel, Seoul

The Park Hyatt Hotel, Seoul is full of surprises–starting with the check-in area located on the 24 floor, at the top of the hotel. Adjacent to the reception area, guests in the lobby lounge can view the fashionable Gangnam District through the glass surrounding the indoor swimming pool. “The most spectacular views in any hotel are on the top floor,” said Janet Lim, marketing communications manager. “In most hotels, these views are only available to those who have access to the executive lounge or the expensive lounge bars, which normally dominate the upper floor of the hotel. Here the views are available to everyone.”

The lavish, spa-inspired bathroom in my room was almost as large as the bedroom, both of which had a three-and-a-half- meter glass wall with a magical view of the Seoul skyline, stretching past the COEX (Convention and Exhibition Center) to the hills on the horizon.

Dining options at the hotel include: The Lounge, serving excellent Western and Korean dishes, the Cornerstone, which specializes in Italian-inspired dishes prepared in a wood-fired oven, and Timber House, offering Japanese cuisine. All of which are impressive.

The natural stone and wood architecture gives a sleek, modern and elegant touch to the hotel, which is in perfect harmony with the contemporary art that decorates the place. This produces an intimate and personal feeling. No tours clutter the lobby or occupy the elevators. The hotel is an island of tranquility in an ocean of bustle and noise.

Service from the multilingual staff is impeccable as the needs of guests are dealt with promptly and efficiently. I highly recommend this hotel, regardless of whether you are visiting Seoul for business or pleasure. tj

The complete article can be found in Issue #276 of the Tokyo Journal. Click here to order from Amazon.