The two hotels to do in Seoul are the Grand Hyatt with a Han River view during the week to skip the weekend stay-cation crowd and the JW Marriott during the weekend. The members and executive lounges are fantastic. The Grand Hyatt has top tier facilities, I can sit in the dark and take in the Han River at night for hours, and immediate access to Namsan and Itaewon. The JW Marriott also has fantastic facilities, sits on a luxury mall, on a subway terminal, next to the Seoul Express Bus terminal. Luxury, facilities, views, and access.
I stayed there 8 yrs ago. It was a stunning hotel - reception at entry and upper levels. The room was stunning with expansive city views. The dining areas were superb - breakfast buffet selection was extensive. I’d definitely stay again
I’m an ‘any hotel that looks appealing for the price’ guy. I have 4 more Hilton stays coming this year, a couple in queue for publishing and plenty on the channel already.
Awesome review!!! We've been to Seoul a couple of times and have stayed in Sinsa and Hongdae areas, primarily due to use being tango dancers. Good to see what other areas are like. Thanks for sharing.
11:31 SLICK TRANSITION!! If you did that handheld - I take my hat off! Where does Park Hyatt sit in the Hyatt hierarchy? I just stayed at a Grand Hyatt in Abu Dhabi and while it said it was a five star hotel, I’m not entirely convinced. Was lovely though. Looking forward to the Andaz.
So, feel free to take off your hat 😉 Park Hyatt is the top of the top. Grand Hyatt (and also just Hyatt) are a bit of an outlier in the group in recent years since they’re not really expanding those brands much, resulting in a constantly aging portfolio of Grand Hyatts. My personal Theory was part of introducing the Andaz brand was a way to NOT have to fully refurbish all Grand Hyatts. The GH brand will transition to a more “classic” aesthetic over the years and then perhaps, die a slow death 😅
Even though you said you probably wouldn’t stay again , I really liked it. But like you, I’d research more accommodations near “ the thick of it all “ !! Great video yet again!!
I really, really liked this film. I love the design work of Super Potato. The aesthetic of the room is totally my cup of tea. I would probably only lighten the wood tone, but that's all. I really do plan to stay there next time I'm in Seoul. Perhaps combining a couple of nights at the Park Hyatt and another couple at the Andaz. And maybe an extra couple of nights at the Park Hyatt in Busan. If youtube ever came up with award ceremonies, you should be nominated for cinematography and for original screenplay! I very much enjoy your work and appreciate your effort and dedication.
I don't have a lot of content from Korea on the channel. Happy to help out with itinerary questions, but would need to limit it to via Patreon out of respect for those who pay me for the same advise. Thanks for watching 🩴
I actually find novelty and class in the concept of having the main lobby on a higher floor. It's cool to have the lobby lounge and sitting areas on a high floor with dominating skyline views. That being said, it shouldn't indeed be an inconvenience for guests who just want to go straight to their rooms
i hope you get to review Signiel Seoul, The Shilla and Lotte Hotel Seoul on your next visit, its seoul's most hyped hotels id like to hear your thoughts
I have been binge watching your videos for a couple of months now, and I really enjoy the production quality. Especially the Japan trip! I went to Japan for the first time this past March (and on JAL), and it was an amazing experience! It's definitely a place I'm hoping to go back to next year as I was able to quickly acclimate myself to the city outside of not being able to read some of the signs lol. Seoul, South Korea is also on the top of my list, so I'm watching your other reviews on Korean Airlines as well as your Hyatt videos. I think Park Hyatt offers the best mix of everything I like in a hotel. But the Andaz seems to be a crowd favorite on the Travel forums for Seoul.
To be blunt, I think most who would choose the Andaz are doing so either for location or instagramability. I've been to many Andaz properties in the past year or two and this is by far the only one I'd put in the "weak" category.
Hi Kevin, great reviews on both Park Hyatt Seoul and Andaz Seoul. In term of location and ease of accessibility to metro, which hotel would you recommend between Park Hyatt and Andaz? Thanking you in advance.
Hey Kevin! I don't normally watch your hotel reviews but started getting into Hyatts program a bit more this year. We stayed at the Hyatt Centric in Lima so will be interesting to see your Hyatt Centric review coming up. I wish Hyatt had a partner credit card here in Canada. Thanks again for another great video! And almost 55k followers! So glad to see your channel grow.
I love the concept of HyCen, I just wish the execution was a little more consistent. The one I stayed in in Milan could have been a (nice) 3-star property while the one in Tokyo gives most 5-star hotels a run for their money!
@tfft good to know! We LOVED the San Isidro Centric in Lima. It felt like a splurge, and I don't normally do that, but it was priced mid-range compared to other hotels in that area.
I really liked this property and your review. The reception on the 24th floor then changed lifts to go to your room level would be only a mild inconvenience as l have certainly stayed at my fair share of hotels with silly lift systems. I also looked up that odd "CItrus Bar" in the spa area quote: "Park club offering Eastern and Western light meals and selective beverages." Definitely, none of that is going on!! Wonder if it was also a casualty of the c19. Unsure whether l should be comforted or concerned with having a fire extinguisher under the desk in my room 🤷♀️. You would have heard a very annoyed 4th guest if l was told the fitness centre was closed all day "for cleaning," they would have been needing ear plugs themselves to block out my complaint!! The $100 F&B voucher also made it decent value for your stay 👍
Yeah I actually thought about you re: the gym. I don't know exactly what I said, but in a video a long time ago I said something, likely snarky, about a property's gym and how it likely wouldn't matter to most guests (maybe the Belmond Bali and how it didn't have a gym... don't remember). You commented something along the lines of, "I'M the guest that it would matter to!" and since then I've tried to be more... fitness center friendly in my videos haha. Growth comes in all forms 😅
Stayed there about 10 years ago as part of my “tour” of Asian Park and Grand Hyatts to experience some of the finest albeit understated architecture of the time. I did have an issue with finding the entrance after coming up from the conveniently located station. And was bowled over by the bathroom!
Hi Kevin, not sure whether you have read my second message on Patreon, where I explain inability to send you my regular “thanks”….Thank you for another lovely review 🙏🏼
Hi Kevin, Thanks for your reviews. They really temper my expectations as we've similar tastes in hotels. If it's not too much trouble at all, could you do a review on the room service? Am really big on overpriced food.😄😂
I generally have limited time in each property so room service would mean skipping a restaurant on site. When I stay multiple nights I usually include room service. Thanks for watching 🩴
We have to say hotels in the Asia always has the best design, biggest room and the most advanced facilities around. What's more, most of time much cheaper than their same name hotels in the West and US. Since you having been traveling a lot of time in Asia, why not go to check out some of the most amazing properties there in China or just go to HK, if that because a bit different and strict entry policy regrading visa? Living in EU for long time really miss luxury hotels in my Country.
I plan my travels a full year in advance. China reopening to the world very late and now their continued reduced airline networks make it prohibitally expensive. My guess is by 2025 they'll be back to normal. Thanks for watching 🩴
Hope someday I could see your jouney in China, you could do some pre-sereach as China has fully reopened since late 2022, and flights has been resumed to the level prior to Covid. China has so many options to chose and in my view it may be provide you with best value in the world, which means cheap but best design and facilities. For example, if you have been to Paris Four Seasons with over 2000 euro, but the room and design as well as facilities in Four Seasons Guangzhou are even better yet only cost you 300 euro, that's why I always think Asia has the best value for luxury hotel, and China is one of the most prominent place.@@tfft
Yah, I know they reopened, but their international flight capacity is no where near pre-covid levels, in fact they are almost in last place globally for international flight recovery since they had so many aircraft in storage. In August 2023 they had 9,100,000 international seats available. In August 2019, they had 18,400,000. Because of the reduced capacity domestic flights are still outrageously priced. Once everything is back to normal there, I'm happy to explore more. I've been many times.
Thanks for the review. When I was staying there in 2015 the suite had a distinct IKEA vibe to me. Even worse, the bed was hard as a rock, which got *a bit* better after they added some padding on top of the mattress. Location is good if you have business in the Gangnam area, but otherwise it’s quite far away from the sights. Overall I was not too impressed.
I am what they call internally, an ‘Earthist’… that’s what they refer to their best Globalist guests as… I’m kidding 😂 I’m just discoverist and that’s only bc of my Hyatt credit card.
I felt that the design is a bit more compact and restrictive. Not open enough except for those large glass windows. However the aesthetic is cool and modern.
@@tfft The downside of this hotel is that you can see the bathtub in the room from the street. There's some innovation going on right now, so I think it'll turn into a really cool hotel if I visit in about a year
The two hotels to do in Seoul are the Grand Hyatt with a Han River view during the week to skip the weekend stay-cation crowd and the JW Marriott during the weekend. The members and executive lounges are fantastic. The Grand Hyatt has top tier facilities, I can sit in the dark and take in the Han River at night for hours, and immediate access to Namsan and Itaewon. The JW Marriott also has fantastic facilities, sits on a luxury mall, on a subway terminal, next to the Seoul Express Bus terminal. Luxury, facilities, views, and access.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
I stayed there 8 yrs ago. It was a stunning hotel - reception at entry and upper levels. The room was stunning with expansive city views. The dining areas were superb - breakfast buffet selection was extensive. I’d definitely stay again
Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfftwhat camera do you use to film if you dont mind?
iPhone 😉
Please stay at Conrad Seoul!! Going there for my bday
Perhaps next time! Thanks for watching 🩴
I’m an ‘any hotel that looks appealing for the price’ guy. I have 4 more Hilton stays coming this year, a couple in queue for publishing and plenty on the channel already.
Thanks for the info + video!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Awesome review!!! We've been to Seoul a couple of times and have stayed in Sinsa and Hongdae areas, primarily due to use being tango dancers. Good to see what other areas are like. Thanks for sharing.
You win the 🏅for being my first tango dancers to comment today 😉 Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft 😁😅😆 Enjoy your weekend. Hopefully bump into you if you're ever in Melbourne or overseas on one of your sojourns.
Thanks!
Thanks for watching 🩴
11:31 SLICK TRANSITION!! If you did that handheld - I take my hat off! Where does Park Hyatt sit in the Hyatt hierarchy? I just stayed at a Grand Hyatt in Abu Dhabi and while it said it was a five star hotel, I’m not entirely convinced. Was lovely though. Looking forward to the Andaz.
So, feel free to take off your hat 😉 Park Hyatt is the top of the top. Grand Hyatt (and also just Hyatt) are a bit of an outlier in the group in recent years since they’re not really expanding those brands much, resulting in a constantly aging portfolio of Grand Hyatts. My personal Theory was part of introducing the Andaz brand was a way to NOT have to fully refurbish all Grand Hyatts. The GH brand will transition to a more “classic” aesthetic over the years and then perhaps, die a slow death 😅
@@tfft As a filmmaker - I doff my cap to you sir!
@11:34..the transition shot is amazing!!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Even though you said you probably wouldn’t stay again , I really liked it. But like you, I’d research more accommodations near “ the thick of it all “ !! Great video yet again!!
Yeah, I mean I liked it as well… I just don’t think it’s a destination unto itself like many PHs are.
I really, really liked this film. I love the design work of Super Potato. The aesthetic of the room is totally my cup of tea. I would probably only lighten the wood tone, but that's all. I really do plan to stay there next time I'm in Seoul. Perhaps combining a couple of nights at the Park Hyatt and another couple at the Andaz. And maybe an extra couple of nights at the Park Hyatt in Busan.
If youtube ever came up with award ceremonies, you should be nominated for cinematography and for original screenplay! I very much enjoy your work and appreciate your effort and dedication.
Appreciate that! Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Hi Kevin, support your authentic review all the way from Hong Kong
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thank you for this review
Hey love the channel! I am going to Korea and staying 10 days. What other hotel would you recommend that is 5 stars!
I don't have a lot of content from Korea on the channel. Happy to help out with itinerary questions, but would need to limit it to via Patreon out of respect for those who pay me for the same advise. Thanks for watching 🩴
Thanks
Thanks very much for the support ❤️
I actually find novelty and class in the concept of having the main lobby on a higher floor. It's cool to have the lobby lounge and sitting areas on a high floor with dominating skyline views. That being said, it shouldn't indeed be an inconvenience for guests who just want to go straight to their rooms
I've found them to be charming in certain circumstances, but when you occupy the full building, it just seems unnecessary. Thanks for watching 🩴
Kevin you're a legend.. keep going bro 😍
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
i hope you get to review Signiel Seoul, The Shilla and Lotte Hotel Seoul on your next visit, its seoul's most hyped hotels id like to hear your thoughts
Thanks for sharing ✈️
I have been binge watching your videos for a couple of months now, and I really enjoy the production quality. Especially the Japan trip! I went to Japan for the first time this past March (and on JAL), and it was an amazing experience!
It's definitely a place I'm hoping to go back to next year as I was able to quickly acclimate myself to the city outside of not being able to read some of the signs lol.
Seoul, South Korea is also on the top of my list, so I'm watching your other reviews on Korean Airlines as well as your Hyatt videos. I think Park Hyatt offers the best mix of everything I like in a hotel. But the Andaz seems to be a crowd favorite on the Travel forums for Seoul.
To be blunt, I think most who would choose the Andaz are doing so either for location or instagramability. I've been to many Andaz properties in the past year or two and this is by far the only one I'd put in the "weak" category.
Another fantastic review. Thank you
Thanks for watching 🩴
Great and unbiased review as usual, great video👍👍👏👏👏
Thanks for watching 🩴
Hi Kevin, great reviews on both Park Hyatt Seoul and Andaz Seoul. In term of location and ease of accessibility to metro, which hotel would you recommend between Park Hyatt and Andaz? Thanking you in advance.
They're both very close to the metro. Andaz overall is more centrally located. .
Thank you Kevin for your prompt response. Keep up those unbiased reviews. Great stuff.
Great review 😮
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Hey Kevin! I don't normally watch your hotel reviews but started getting into Hyatts program a bit more this year. We stayed at the Hyatt Centric in Lima so will be interesting to see your Hyatt Centric review coming up. I wish Hyatt had a partner credit card here in Canada. Thanks again for another great video! And almost 55k followers! So glad to see your channel grow.
I love the concept of HyCen, I just wish the execution was a little more consistent. The one I stayed in in Milan could have been a (nice) 3-star property while the one in Tokyo gives most 5-star hotels a run for their money!
@tfft good to know! We LOVED the San Isidro Centric in Lima. It felt like a splurge, and I don't normally do that, but it was priced mid-range compared to other hotels in that area.
Another venue to cross OFF my list for Seoul. Many, many thanks, Kevin.
Thanks for watching 🩴
I really liked this property and your review. The reception on the 24th floor then changed lifts to go to your room level would be only a mild inconvenience as l have certainly stayed at my fair share of hotels with silly lift systems. I also looked up that odd "CItrus Bar" in the spa area quote: "Park club offering Eastern and Western light meals and selective beverages." Definitely, none of that is going on!! Wonder if it was also a casualty of the c19. Unsure whether l should be comforted or concerned with having a fire extinguisher under the desk in my room 🤷♀️. You would have heard a very annoyed 4th guest if l was told the fitness centre was closed all day "for cleaning," they would have been needing ear plugs themselves to block out my complaint!! The $100 F&B voucher also made it decent value for your stay 👍
Yeah I actually thought about you re: the gym. I don't know exactly what I said, but in a video a long time ago I said something, likely snarky, about a property's gym and how it likely wouldn't matter to most guests (maybe the Belmond Bali and how it didn't have a gym... don't remember). You commented something along the lines of, "I'M the guest that it would matter to!" and since then I've tried to be more... fitness center friendly in my videos haha. Growth comes in all forms 😅
I’ll take efficiency over warmth anytime! 😀🌟
Same here!
Stayed there about 10 years ago as part of my “tour” of Asian Park and Grand Hyatts to experience some of the finest albeit understated architecture of the time. I did have an issue with finding the entrance after coming up from the conveniently located station. And was bowled over by the bathroom!
Once the PH Kuala Lumpur opens, you’ll need to come back and have another go at the new properties in the region. Thanks for watching 🩴
Thank You✈️
Thanks for watching 🩴
Thank you very much. I'm an Australian going for an interview for a chef 👨🍳
Good luck!
Dear Kevin. Now it is time to thank you for all your really fair and unadulterated reports. I really appriciate it. 🙏
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Hi Kevin, not sure whether you have read my second message on Patreon, where I explain inability to send you my regular “thanks”….Thank you for another lovely review 🙏🏼
Will reply to you over there!
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your reviews. They really temper my expectations as we've similar tastes in hotels. If it's not too much trouble at all, could you do a review on the room service? Am really big on overpriced food.😄😂
I generally have limited time in each property so room service would mean skipping a restaurant on site. When I stay multiple nights I usually include room service. Thanks for watching 🩴
like your video 🎉🎉
Thanks for watching 🩴
Another very enjoyable review to watch 😊
Nearly 20 year old hotel but it looks beautiful - the room, breakfast, pool, so nice! Very impressive 😊
Thanks for watching 🩴
JUMEIRAH ULUWATU in BALI
❤ all your videos
🔔🔔🔔
I sleep on the opposite side of those controls too. That would bug me, especially since I’m in charge of the tv remote at home 😂
Never understood it!
Have you tried AMAN resort, Kevin?
That seems fun
Thanks for watching 🩴
I love these videos I thank you for sharing your experiences
We have to say hotels in the Asia always has the best design, biggest room and the most advanced facilities around. What's more, most of time much cheaper than their same name hotels in the West and US. Since you having been traveling a lot of time in Asia, why not go to check out some of the most amazing properties there in China or just go to HK, if that because a bit different and strict entry policy regrading visa? Living in EU for long time really miss luxury hotels in my Country.
I plan my travels a full year in advance. China reopening to the world very late and now their continued reduced airline networks make it prohibitally expensive. My guess is by 2025 they'll be back to normal. Thanks for watching 🩴
Hope someday I could see your jouney in China, you could do some pre-sereach as China has fully reopened since late 2022, and flights has been resumed to the level prior to Covid. China has so many options to chose and in my view it may be provide you with best value in the world, which means cheap but best design and facilities. For example, if you have been to Paris Four Seasons with over 2000 euro, but the room and design as well as facilities in Four Seasons Guangzhou are even better yet only cost you 300 euro, that's why I always think Asia has the best value for luxury hotel, and China is one of the most prominent place.@@tfft
Yah, I know they reopened, but their international flight capacity is no where near pre-covid levels, in fact they are almost in last place globally for international flight recovery since they had so many aircraft in storage. In August 2023 they had 9,100,000 international seats available. In August 2019, they had 18,400,000. Because of the reduced capacity domestic flights are still outrageously priced. Once everything is back to normal there, I'm happy to explore more. I've been many times.
is it jumeirah uluwatu in bali?😊
🔔🔔🔔
Thanks for the review. When I was staying there in 2015 the suite had a distinct IKEA vibe to me. Even worse, the bed was hard as a rock, which got *a bit* better after they added some padding on top of the mattress. Location is good if you have business in the Gangnam area, but otherwise it’s quite far away from the sights. Overall I was not too impressed.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Michael, this hotel was constructed in the early 2000s
Two categories, cool! Is it okay to ask what your tier is within WOH? No need to response if it is too personal 😅
I am what they call internally, an ‘Earthist’… that’s what they refer to their best Globalist guests as…
I’m kidding 😂 I’m just discoverist and that’s only bc of my Hyatt credit card.
I felt that the design is a bit more compact and restrictive. Not open enough except for those large glass windows. However the aesthetic is cool and modern.
Agree! Thanks for watching 🩴
When are you coming to the philippines?
When they open more high end resorts 😅
Kidding (but also true…). Trying to get there next year.
Jumeirah Uluwatu in Bali :)
🔔🔔🔔
Special food needs..ie gluten free...lactose intolerant etc...can u include these.
I mean, I show the menus and any relevant sections of the buffet lol
ИНтересный отель. Рада, что вам он понравился. Понравилось сочетание холодного камня и деревянных панелей.
Me too! Thanks for watching 🩴
Lindo demais
Thanks for watching 🩴
First Time in Seoul-what is the best Hotel you think?Thank you
Depends entirely on where you need to be, Seoul is huge and transport times are sometimes long.
Come to Estonia :D
I’ve been! (Before the channel). Absolutely love Tallinn!
@@tfft Would be amazing seeing a video there!
와
Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft The downside of this hotel is that you can see the bathtub in the room from the street. There's some innovation going on right now, so I think it'll turn into a really cool hotel if I visit in about a year
Good design is timeless, true. And nothing worse than modern with vinyl floors etc, when the classic had say wood.
Wait until you see the floors in my next hotel video 😆
What's wrong with Dasani??? Lol
It’s tap water… lol
It does appear to be an odd design.
Situations like this I’d really just love to have a chat with the designer haha. Thanks for watching 🩴
I agree, but that's Korean's....quirky and distant.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Simply too old of a hotel. Intercon. Parnas opposite to it got a renovation and now much better
I've seen the IC and have to wonder what part of the PH you think is so old lol. To each their own. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft you mentioned yourself that the color tone of the wood in the rooms.....
Thanks
Thanks very much for the support ❤️