Earlier this month, I spent four nights at the Park Hyatt Seoul, while on vacation with Mrs yflyer.
We had previously only stayed at one other Park Hyatt property, the Park Hyatt Milan (A stunning hotel, very different from the PH Seoul). Apart from that, I have not had any exposure to the Park Hyatt brand. Well after this stay, I think I have a better idea of what a stay at a Park Hyatt property is about, and I have to say that I am impressed.
The Park Hyatt occupies a prime location diagonally opposite the COEX shopping mall in Gangnam, and not far from the Han river. The Samseung subway station is conveniently located right next to the PH entrance.
Looking at the sleek glass building from afar, it is not difficult to lump this hotel in the same category as any number of glitzy, modern, five-star hotels, with a bustling lobby, business people speaking loudly on cellphones, tons of restaurants, chock full of facilities one never has time to use, and efficient, rather than warm, customer service, but nothing could be further from reality.
The first clue that things would be different with the Park Hyatt was the understated entrance, which was elegant, and almost zen-like.
Not a huge, grand lobby or atrium to wow guests...we would be wowed in other ways...
We had our bags with us when we arrived. We were greeted by the bell staff at ground level, our bags tagged, and we were directed to the lobby, which is on one of the topmost floors in the hotel.
At the elegant, almost minimalist, reception area we were warmly welcomed as soon as the lift doors opened, for quick check-in formalities before being escorted to our room.
The lobby level, which had panoramic views of the surrounding area, had ample seating, and a very serene atmosphere. The lobby lounge serves a broad selection of F&B as well. On the evening that we checked in, many of the tables were taken, with diners conversing in hushed tones, but the overall atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.
And during the day, especially in the late morning or early afternoon, there were times when there was absolutely no-one in the lobby -- an amazingly tranquil environment.
This property had a small heated pool, located right next to the lobby.
Great views from the pool as well.
Mrs yflyer wondered whether she would be comfortable swimming in such a public area, in full view of the lounge area...I didn't think it would have been a showstopper for me. And during our stay, we did see the pool in use -- sending ripples of water running across the otherwise glass-smooth pool surface.
We had previously only stayed at one other Park Hyatt property, the Park Hyatt Milan (A stunning hotel, very different from the PH Seoul). Apart from that, I have not had any exposure to the Park Hyatt brand. Well after this stay, I think I have a better idea of what a stay at a Park Hyatt property is about, and I have to say that I am impressed.
The Park Hyatt occupies a prime location diagonally opposite the COEX shopping mall in Gangnam, and not far from the Han river. The Samseung subway station is conveniently located right next to the PH entrance.
Looking at the sleek glass building from afar, it is not difficult to lump this hotel in the same category as any number of glitzy, modern, five-star hotels, with a bustling lobby, business people speaking loudly on cellphones, tons of restaurants, chock full of facilities one never has time to use, and efficient, rather than warm, customer service, but nothing could be further from reality.
The first clue that things would be different with the Park Hyatt was the understated entrance, which was elegant, and almost zen-like.
Not a huge, grand lobby or atrium to wow guests...we would be wowed in other ways...
We had our bags with us when we arrived. We were greeted by the bell staff at ground level, our bags tagged, and we were directed to the lobby, which is on one of the topmost floors in the hotel.
At the elegant, almost minimalist, reception area we were warmly welcomed as soon as the lift doors opened, for quick check-in formalities before being escorted to our room.
The lobby level, which had panoramic views of the surrounding area, had ample seating, and a very serene atmosphere. The lobby lounge serves a broad selection of F&B as well. On the evening that we checked in, many of the tables were taken, with diners conversing in hushed tones, but the overall atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.
And during the day, especially in the late morning or early afternoon, there were times when there was absolutely no-one in the lobby -- an amazingly tranquil environment.
This property had a small heated pool, located right next to the lobby.
Great views from the pool as well.
Mrs yflyer wondered whether she would be comfortable swimming in such a public area, in full view of the lounge area...I didn't think it would have been a showstopper for me. And during our stay, we did see the pool in use -- sending ripples of water running across the otherwise glass-smooth pool surface.
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