Grand Hyatt Seoul: A Refined Stay in the Heart of South Korea

The Grand Hyatt Seoul is a flagship property in Asia, originally opened in 1978 as a Hyatt Regency and rebranded as a Grand Hyatt in 1993. Situated in a prime location near Seoul’s business district and just a short distance from Namsan Park and numerous embassies, it offers a luxurious, relaxing and comfortable stay.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul

With its grand design, spacious lobby, and timeless elegance, the hotel offers a uniquely immersive experience that stands out in today’s hospitality landscape. It also serves as an ideal location for Americans looking for a familiar brand with an elegant Asian twist.

Booking

Booking a stay at the Grand Hyatt Seoul can be done using World of Hyatt points or cash. For those looking to maximize value, points can often be a better deal, particularly given the sometimes steep cash rates that exceed $300 per night. Guests with Globalist status may enjoy generous upgrades, as the hotel is known for providing premium accommodations when available. In my case, I was given a rate of $300 per night, which includes breakfast and a standard room on the 11th floor.

Location

Nestled near Namsan Park, the Grand Hyatt Seoul offers a serene yet central location. The area is ideal for both business and leisure travelers, providing convenient access to Seoul’s business district, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of restaurants.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul

The nearby subway station is just a short walk away, making it easy to explore the city.

Check-In

Check-in at the Grand Hyatt Seoul is seamless, with the process typically starting at 3 p.m. Guests arriving later in the day may benefit from a quicker experience. As I stepped out of my taxi after a lengthy journey from Incheon Airport—which took well over 90 minutes—I was greeted warmly by two attentive bellmen eager to assist with my carry-on bag.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul

Their friendly demeanor and prompt service immediately set a welcoming tone, and I felt a sense of relief as one of them escorted me to the check-in desk, allowing me to absorb the stunning visual elements of the lobby.

The Hotel

The grandeur of the Grand Hyatt Seoul becomes immediately apparent upon entering its vast, elegantly appointed lobby, where soaring ceilings and expansive open spaces create an atmosphere of sophistication and luxury. The lobby sets the tone for the hotel experience, featuring meticulously curated artwork that spans a variety of styles and eras, complemented by plush seating areas that invite guests to relax and take in their surroundings.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul

For guests with a penchant for art, the hotel offers an enriching in-house art tour, guided by an informative brochure that highlights the impressive collection displayed throughout the property. This thoughtful initiative not only enhances the cultural experience but also connects visitors to the rich history of hospitality. Alas, due to my tight business schedule, I regrettably could not participate in one of these guided tours, but I noted that it would undoubtedly be a worthwhile endeavor should time permit during my next visit.

In the winter months, the hotel’s outdoor pool undergoes a charming transformation, turning into a picturesque ice skating rink. This seasonal feature adds a whimsical touch, inviting guests to embrace the enchantment of the season while enjoying the crisp, cool air of Seoul.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul

For those inclined towards wellness, the hotel offers a top-tier spa and a well-equipped fitness center, complete with a stunning 23-meter pool. These amenities provide exceptional options for relaxation and exercise, catering to both physical fitness and mental rejuvenation.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul

I made use of the fitness center on two occasions, rising early for a jet-lag-killing 50-minute run. The facility impressed me with its extensive range of modern equipment, all impeccably maintained. I appreciated the availability of fresh towels, sanitizing wipes, and a thoughtfully provided box of pre-packaged headphones, ensuring a hygienic and comfortable workout environment. 

The Room

The room assigned to me was a great example of elegant design, characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful layout.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Floor-to-ceiling windows adorned the walls, allowing an abundance of natural light to cascade into the space, creating an airy and uplifting ambiance.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

The overall atmosphere was warm and inviting, complemented by a soothing color palette and sophisticated furnishings. Thoughtfully arranged accents, such as an array of plush pillow options and well-placed window shades, added layers of comfort and personalization.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

The bathroom, though compact, embraced a modern aesthetic with sleek finishes and high-quality fixtures. It featured a spacious shower and a wonderful TOTO toilet equipped with all the bells and whistles these unique artifacts are known for.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Double lighting fixtures provided adjustable brightness levels, while shelving offered generous storage space for toiletries and personal items. 

Practicality was evident throughout the suite’s design, with pocket doors that allowed for convenient separation of spaces, a cleverly designed side closet that maximized storage capacity, and a generously sized coffee and tea station.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

This station came equipped with a high-end Nespresso machine, accompanied by four pods of two distinct coffee variations, catering to my jet lag-induced caffeine cravings effortlessly.

The coolest item in the room was a delightful water dispenser that provided hot, cold, and room temperature water on demand. Every time I used it, the machine played a catchy tune. I wished I could bring it home with me!

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Although the minibar was well-stocked with an enticing selection of snacks and beverages, I opted to leave it untouched, as the prices were significantly inflated.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Despite the absence of universal plugs, there were two traditional USB ports available. Thankfully, I had brought numerous travel adapters with me, so keeping my electronics properly charged was never an issue. The room’s overall functionality and refined elegance more than compensated for any minor inconveniences, creating an exceptional and enjoyable stay.

Food and Beverage

The hotel boasts a spacious breakfast room, The Terrace, located on the ground floor, conveniently situated across from the lobby. I was pleased to find that the room rate included a complimentary breakfast, something I always value during my travels in Asia.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Despite the breakfast room’s ample size, seven live buffet stations, and the abundance of options available, I was somewhat taken aback by the rather sparse selection of Asian breakfast items.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Typically, high-end hotels in Asia showcase an impressive array of dumplings, dim sum, and a comprehensive noodle bar. In contrast, this establishment offered a modest noodle station accompanied by a limited selection of traditional Asian delicacies.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

However, the international offerings were commendable, featuring an enticing array of freshly baked breads, an assortment of cereals, a well-curated charcuterie board, and an inviting egg station where guests could have their eggs prepared to order.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Throughout the hotel, coffee was consistently brewed using Nespresso capsules, ensuring that each cup delivered a rich and satisfying experience.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of dining at the hotel’s upscale 322 Sowolro Steak House on two separate evenings. This exquisite restaurant specializes in serving top-quality cuts of beef sourced from Australia and cooked in a Spanish charcoal Pira oven by the chefs from the restaurant’s open kitchen.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

On both occasions, I indulged in a mouthwatering Australian wagyu tenderloin, exquisitely cooked to perfection and accompanied by a delightful medley of grilled seasonal vegetables that complemented the rich flavors of the beef.

The attentive servers added a unique touch by allowing guests to choose from a selection of knives. Options ranged from traditional Japanese blades to classic French and American steak knives, each designed to elevate the dining experience.

Furthermore, the server brought a beautifully arranged tray featuring six distinct sauces and mustards, thoughtfully curated to pair with the succulent beef. I found myself gravitating towards the piquant Dijon mustard sauce on both nights, as it perfectly enhanced the flavor of the tenderloin.

Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella

Yet, the crowning glory of these dinners was undoubtedly the duck fat French fries. They were undeniably some of the best I have ever tasted—perfectly crispy, richly flavored, and a true indulgence that left a lasting impression. Reason for my return to this restaurant the evening prior my departure back to America.

On one morning before heading out for meetings, I stopped by the hotel’s coffee shop, where guests can order various kinds of coffee and tea, as well as snacks, wines and liqueurs. The store was impeccably stocked and its attendants were always smiling and accommodating.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Seoul

Sadly, however, during a too-early 5:00 AM checkout, there wasn’t a single place available where I could grab a cup of coffee for my long trek back to Incheon. This small service would have been greatly appreciated at that time.

Verdict

The Grand Hyatt Seoul is a timeless and luxurious property that embodies the grandeur of a bygone era. From its expansive lobby to the curated artwork and exceptional service, the hotel offers a memorable stay. While the breakfast could benefit from a more extensive Asian selection, other aspects, including the comfortable accommodations, superb amenities, and attentive staff, more than make up for it. For those considering a stay, using Hyatt points can provide excellent value, particularly for longer stays or those with elite status. The Grand Hyatt Seoul is a quintessential choice for travelers seeking both luxury and a sense of history.

Best For

• Travelers seeking a luxurious, flagship Grand Hyatt experience
• Business and leisure travelers who appreciate proximity to both nature and city life
• Guests looking for exceptional service and amenities
• Families returning for multigenerational stays
• World of Hyatt members looking to maximize their points and status benefits

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