Review: Grand Hyatt Seoul (Grand Suite)

What benefits to expect when you stay at Grand Hyatt Seoul as a World of Hyatt Globalist member?

The hotel opened in 1978 and was last renovated in 2019. It has a total of 615 rooms.

I booked a night through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program to receive US$100 F&B credit during my stay. Travellers can also get similar benefits through Hyatt Privé.

This property requires 17,000 to 23,000 points per night for award stays in a standard room.

Related: Sweet Spots: Best ways to redeem World of Hyatt points

Location

The hotel is located in central Seoul. However, it is not within walking distance to any subway stations.

The good news is, taxi/ride-hailing prices are reasonable in Seoul. For example, my 15-min Uber ride from the hotel to Myeongdong costed KRW 8,000 (US$6)

• 15 mins drive to Myeongdong
• 20 mins drive to Itaewon
• 20 mins drive to Gangnam
• 30 mins drive to Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
• 1 hr drive to Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Arrival

Upon arrival, we were assisted with our luggages and directed to the reception.

Upon checking my reservation details, the front office staff told me that they have upgraded us to the Grand Suite room (as a Globalist member recognition) but the room was not yet ready. She then brought us to the Grand Club lounge to complete the check-in process and wait.

Grand Suite

Room 1160 is 52sqm/560sqft in size.

It is a pretty small suite, with a rotating TV console separating the living room and bedroom. But the unblocked view from the room is fantastic!

The hotel had also kindly included welcome amenities like a bottle of red wine, fruits and local snacks, as part of the FHR booking benefits and Globalist member recognition.

The bathroom was really dark with black walls in most parts. It felt like I was in a W hotel!

Grand Club lounge

Globalist members and guests staying in rooms/suites with club access can get complimentary entry to the Grand Club lounge from 6.30am to 11pm.

The lounge looked well-renovated and large enough for a hotel of this size.

My favourite areas are the mini rooms near the window and the more-private booth seats.

Daytime snacks

The Grand Club offers light snacks like cakes and cookies from 11am till 5pm.

Evening cocktail

The evening cocktail spread was good for a light dinner. Food and drinks were of high quality, with a mix of Korean and western cuisine available for selection.

Breakfast

Guests with FHR bookings get complimentary breakfast for 2 at The Terrace restaurant, regardless of membership status.

The panoramic view from the restaurant is fantastic; aim for one of the tables near the window!

Food quality and variety was just okay for a hotel at this price point.

Using my US$100 AMEX FHR credit

As shared above, I’d made my booking through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Bookings made through FHR are eligible for a US$100 F&B credit per stay.

During check in, the staff mentioned that the hotel recognizes US$100 as KRW 130,000, which is a fair conversion, upon comparing the “Google rate”.

This credit was good for 3 delicious dishes that we ordered via room service!

Internet speed

The WiFi speed was fantastic throughout my stay.

Other facilities

Ice Rink

Hotel guests get complimentary access to the Ice Rink area and discounted rates to use it.

Tennis courts

From the Ice Rink, take the stone stairs down to reach the tennis courts.

Swimming pool

Gym

My ratings

This is how I am rating my stay:

Bottom line

Grand Hyatt Seoul is an iconic luxury hotel built in the 1970s. Travellers looking for some ice-skating fun in the winter months will enjoy having an ice rink within the property.

Keep in mind that there are no convenient subway stations near the property and taxi/ride-hailing is the best option.