The Classic 500 Executive Residence Pentaz

Housed in a pair of imposing 50-floor glass towers rising 50 floors, The Classic 500 Executive Residence Pentaz is a colossal hotel, and a landmark in this area of Seoul. The impressive atrium in the lobby stretches upwards for several stories, with a stunning tube chandelier hanging down from the ceiling. An abstract sculpture has a prominent place here, and the contemporary-style sofas and lamps complete the hotel's modern, minimalist look. Given its size, the hotel does have an almost mall-like vibe, with guests constantly coming and going, and a blend of international outlets like Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf all on-site. The mix of hotel rooms and apartment-style units means the hotel caters to a variety of travelers, and it attracts both tourists and extended-stay business travelers. 

The Classic 500 Executive Residence Pentaz is located in a busy area, with plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops all around. It's also a prime area for some great street food. The Lotte department store, next door, is a major perk for previous guests, as it's home to excellent shopping and diverse dining. Though it's not directly in the city center, most of the city's major attractions can be easily reached from here thanks to the hotel's proximity to the Konkuk University subway station, a few minutes' walk away. Getting to Gangam takes around 25 minutes by subway, while the Myeong-dong and Jongno districts both take closer to 35 minutes to reach. Getting to the Gimpo International Airport takes about an hour to an hour and a half by public transportation (15 minutes by cab). Incheon International Airport is a 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel, or around 90 minutes by public transit. 

The guest rooms and suites at The Classic 500 are exceptionally spacious by Seoul standards, and get a great deal of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. Even entry-level Deluxe Rooms start at a massive 555 square feet (52 square meters). The decor is chic and modern, with contemporary, clean-lined furniture and a color palette of earthy beige tones, white, and natural wood. The look is minimalist, particularly as there's nothing in the way or art or other design flourishes to be found. Many of the rooms on higher floors feature spectacular city and river views. Bathrooms are roomy and fitted with electronic toilets, walk-in rainfall showers, magnifying mirrors, and bathrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, irons, and ironing boards. Deluxe Doubles and Suites add seating areas and fully equipped kitchens with electric stovetops, refrigerators, combination microwave/convection ovens, large sinks, and washing machines.

Features are fairly numerous here, though some of the extra perks will cost you, which is a bit disappointing for a hotel in this category. The Classic 500's La Goutte restaurant serves Korean and international buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A wine bar with sommelier lends some upscale polish to the property and the wine list is huge. There are also Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets on-site. The hotel also has a huge fitness center with several treadmills, stair steppers, weight machines, and free weights, and is free for all guests. There's also a seasonal summer pool on the rooftop, but access costs extra and is expensive. There are also fees to use the sauna and other spa facilities, and to play indoor golf. Other useful on-site services include a 24-hour medical clinic, a pharmacy, a currency exchange office, and an ATM. Parking is available on-site for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.