Our room was overlooking the city and the river. The room interior was mostly grey; there was a sofa, large flat screen TV, bed, a writing desk and a small bath room. It might wasn't the largest, but it was excellent. Shower and bath tub were combined. The tub was comfortable, and there was enough water pressure for the shower. We had a sink and a hair dryer.
We liked the room. It was comfy. The only complained we had was that the hotel was generally cold. The air conditioning in our room provided only cold air, when switched on, no matter how high the temperature was.
There is twenty four hour room service available, but the hotel has numerous restaurants and bars, offering a wide range of cuisines (Paris Grill for European cuisine, The Chinese Restaurant, Akasaka and Tenkai for Japanese, Terrace, Poolside Barbeque, JJ Deli, Lobby Lounge, Paris Bar, Helicon and J.J. Mahoney's). Our preferred hang out was the lobby lounge. The teas and cocktails were great, and they serve the best aglio al olio we ever had. Beside this we used the club lounge. There are two levels, one for smoking, the other non smoking. There is also a library and computers free for the use of the Grand Club guests. The book collection is good, mostly in English and classics, for example a collection of Joseph Conrad novels. I borrowed the autobiography of the bodyguard of Sir Winston Churchill. I couldn't finish it completely, because we stayed too short (only two nights), but what I read gave good insights into the private/business life of the bodyguard and how Winston Churchill was. I loved to read on the sofa, while my better half worked at the desk. We both enjoyed looking out together over Seoul and watch time go by, changing from day to night.
The club lounge offered two warm dishes in the morning and during Happy Hour. After breakfast and before the cocktail hour the lounge was quiet, otherwise it was full, and we had difficulties finding a table. The lounge staff is very friendly though, refills all the snacks regularly and get you all the drinks you might want or pro-actively offer you to take one of the warm dishes. My fiancé liked especially the dessert selection. He isn't a big fan of fish and seafood, which most of the appetizers contained. It was ideal for me. There was also a selection of sparkling, red and white wine, beer, juices, coffee, tea and soft drinks. The hotel guests were a mix of Asian and American/European.
One couple had a good idea. They arrived way before the Happy Hour started and stayed until it was over, so they used the potential of the club lounge to the full.
The hotel also has an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, barber, hair dresser and spa.
We both went to the get a hair cut. His included a little surprise. My fiancé also got a hot towel shave, massage and was offered a manicure, but he had to refuse, because he had spent a few hours in A&E and had still a small wound on his hand, where an IV drop had been inserted and a blood sample been taken. More about our experience with the South Korean health care system later. The experience at the barbers had been a success. EW felt better and was relaxed. He is still missing his "crew".
I had a Korean massage at the spa, which was really great.
The Grand Hyatt has also a large garden, where the outdoor pool is located. When we stayed there, repair works to make everything ready for summer were ongoing.
The hotel is also good, if you want to play tennis. On the grounds are two courts. Lessons against a fee are offered too.
Unfortunately our holiday was over too soon as always. The hotel organized a limousine transfer by Hyundai. It was very luxurious and comparable to a Lexus or Mercedes. We have never seen this model type in Europe.
Our flight with KLM from Seoul Incheon International Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol was pleasant. The only disappointment was the lunch we were served. While the dinner had been excellent, the pasta dish was clumpy, flavorless and with way too much cream.
Fazit: We loved visiting all the cities and the resort (Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong and Jeju). We have gained great experiences and insights. Without any doubt we would return to any of them and the hotels we stayed at. Using new and known airlines like KLM, Aer Lingus, EVA Air, Korean Air and Cathay Pacific was exciting and a good learning curve about differences between them.
If you haven't done so, you can read all about it in all of the travel reports.
There are only two things left: Look out for the report about the health care system in South Korea and to wish you all happy travels!
Your Writer1976
©2011
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