As mentioned in my last blog post I had a weekend stay in Seoul in December and decided to try the brand new Conrad hotel which opened in mid November. As I am a big fan of the Conrad brand it took just a few seconds to decide where to stay. So I booked one night using Points and Cash for a standard room. I was really looking forward to this trip. So was Conrad Bear, my travel companion :-) He hoped to get a new playfellow at this Conrad hotel.
A couple of days prior to my arrival I sent an email to the Conrad Seoul begging for an early check-in, as my flight from London Heathrow arrives at approx 9 a.m. Hiltons do typically not allow an early check-in so it is a hit and miss with various properties. That’s what I like while being a InterContinental Hotel Group Royal Ambassador. Staying at an IC, early check-in as well as late check-out are guaranteed benefits. Way to go, Hilton HHonors! That would be a really good enhancement for Hilton HHonors Diamond members. Luckily the Conrad Seoul answered and promised to try to provide a room as early as possible.
Was at the hotel at approx 11:30 a.m. and indeed, they let had a room ready for me. Nice. Thank you, Conrad Seoul!
From the airport to the Conrad, which is located in Seoul’s financial district, there are several options (time and KRW provided by hotel information brochure):
- Subway: 55 min for 3.750 KRW
- Hotel Limousine: 50 min for 120.000 KRW
- Taxi: 50 min for 60.000 KRW
- Airport Bus: 90 min for 15.000 KRW
I took the subway:
- Korail Airport Railroad at Incheon International Airport station
- Transfer to Subway line 5 at Gongdeok Station
- Get off at Yeouido station which provides direct access to Conrad Seoul (Exit #3)
At Yeouido station I found it a bit difficult to find the right way to the hotel entrance but I finally managed to get there.
The check-in area looks a bit strange and does not look like a hotel lobby, if you ask me. Just a couple of check-in counters. No seating or lounge area. Or did I miss something? Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture.
Check-in process was very friendly and efficient. What I was missing was a short introduction to the hotels’s facilities or services (will come to this point when I write about the InterContinental London Westminster).
I went to my room on the 34th floor. My plan for the day was to take a shower after the long travel, relax a bit and take a spa treatment.
Here some pictures of my room:
There was someone waiting for us :-)
Conrad was happy about it. So far he only got an Elephant at the Conrad Bangkok and a small (and not really cozy) bear from the Conrad Tokyo. Nothing in Istanbul and Hong Kong.
Delicious chocolates and a good bottle of red wine!
Don’t they look cute? Mr Charming and his new girl friend?
Conrad Bear from the Conrad Singapore and Conrad Seoul. 
the minibar even has Haribo Goldbären (in German language!).
Beautiful view out of my window.
Well, a lot of construction to be completed in the area.
As it was still a couple of minutes earlier than noon, I went upstairs to the Executive Lounge for a very short breakfast. Wow. The lounge is awesome! And staff was very attentive and friendly.
Later in the afternoon I went to the SPA floor and asked for an appointment. Luckily I just had to wait less than five minutes to get an available slot and I relaxed during a 90 minutes treatment.
Next morning I had to be at the Incheon airport early so I was the first guest in the lounge. There’s a buffet style breakfast with hot items and you can even get cooked to order eggs. Unfortunately HHonors Gold or Diamond members do not get the opportunity to take the (free) breakfast in the regular restaurant.
Check-out was again friendly and I took the subway back to the airport.
The Conrad Singapore is still my favorite hotel but frankly with just a narrow margin. I really like the location in Singapore and the hotel lobby, of course. Really enjoy sitting there in the evening listening to live piano/vocal music. That’s what I am missing in Seoul. Rooms are similar in my opinion. Comparing the Executive Lounges, the winner is definitely Seoul. Breakfast in Singapore is my favorite as it is allowed to use both restaurants (and the Executive Lounge, too). But there needs to be a difference between the properties, no question!
Edit (03.01.):
Just got a nice eMail from the GM of the Conrad Seoul. „We actually have the option for our Executive Floor guests to choose to have their breakfast in our lounge on level 37 or at our restaurant Zest on level 2″. Thank you!
Regards,
Dieter