Park Hyatt Seoul

Although the Park Hyatt is not a brand new hotel (it was built in the early 2000s), it feels modern and timeless. Standing 24 floors tall, the building is made primarily of glass and steel, but unlike most hotels of its calibre, it lacks a grand entrance. The lobby, in fact, is located on the top floor and consists of three reception desks -- one solid wood and the other two made from gray marble -- all framed by industrial-chic slabs of concrete. The lobby's lounge area is minimalist and bright, surrounded entirely by glass and has clusters of contemporary tables and chairs. The hotel offers self-contained nightlife in the hip and classy Timber House, which serves whiskey, sake, sushi,  izakaya-style plates, and cigars. Most evenings, live DJs play and the restaurant is packed. Guests here are generally well-heeled business travelers and couples.  

The hotel is located in a high traffic area of Gangnam, Seoul’s primary business and financial district. It sits across a busy street from the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, next to the metro's green line number two that circles the city. Samseong station is next door, a two-minute walk from the hotel’s entrance. The Hyundai Department Store is a five-minute walk away, as is the World Trade Center, while the Bongeun Temple takes 10 minutes to reach on foot. Myeongdong shopping district is about a 35-minute metro ride from the hotel. The hotel is about a 50-minute drive from Incheon Airport (traffic permitting) and about 25 minutes from Gimpo Airport by car or taxi. Both are also accessible by public transport as well. 

There are 185 rooms at the Park Hyatt, including 38 suites. All rooms are impeccably clean, featuring warm wooden accents and enormous, wall-sized windows with fantastic views of the city from most rooms. The look across all categories is a blend of retro tones -- like the yellow oak used throughout -- with contemporary minimalism. Hardwood floors are set with trendy woven-rag throws, and walls are cut in stylish angles, while furniture has a chic, Scandinavian mod quality. Beds are tucked into built-in headboards with inset reading lights and nearby switches to control room temperature. Rooms also have flat-screen cable TVs with DVD players and Bose Bluetooth speakers, minibars, and high-end espresso makers, plus safes and plates of fresh fruit that are replenished daily. Suites have separate living areas with dining tables, wet bars, sofas, and love seats, but can only sleep up to three guests. Bathrooms are big and modern, with real stone slabs on the walls, separate rectangular tubs with their own TVs, and walk-in showers with dark tile floors. Vanity areas with sinks are separate and high-end toiletries are provided. 

There are three restaurants including the lobby lounge and the Cornerstone restaurant where a bountiful buffet breakfast is served including made-to-order dishes, a variety of cheeses, meats, fresh produce and pastries. Breakfast is not included in room rates. The Cornerstone also serves lunch and dinner, specializing in authentic Korean dishes as well as international grilled meats and seafood cooked in a wood burning oven. The Timber House is equipped with fresh sushi bar, whiskey bar, and sake bar, and features live entertainment several nights a week. There is also a Citrus Bar serving fresh juice and cocktails. Room service is available 24 hours a day. 

The infinity pool is also located on the top floor and has views of surrounding rooftops, giving one the sensation of swimming in the sky above the buildings. Also surrounded by windows, the fitness center is the size of a standard fitness club and includes modern treadmills, bikes, and weight machines as well as an attendant. The spa is dark and relaxing, spacious and immaculate -- it offers a long list of massages and beauty treatments. The hotel is equipped with numerous meeting rooms of all sizes, complete with high-end audio/video capabilities. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and valet garage parking available for a hefty extra charge.