THE PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection

Wife and I stopped visited Seoul in June. Took an Uber from ICN to the hotel which arrived in the front. Bellhop promptly took our bags and the front desk asked us to check in on the concierge level due to my Marriott Status. Check-in was prompt, no upgrade which was fine as we did not spend much time in the room. The lounge was on the same floor. When we got to our room, our luggage was already delivered. Our room had one large window facing City Hall and that weekend it was taken over by Netflix for the premier of Squid Games 3. Got to see the stars of that show from our room that evening. Quite surprised at how elaborate the event was. Our King Bed room was tight with the bed in the middle of the room. There were plenty of plugs on one side and an electronic safe. Bathroom was also tight with an shower only. Did love the electronic shades and controls for the lights. Bed was comfy and slept great while we were there. There is a full gym and pool which guests of the hotel can use in the building/annex next door. We also had access to the lounge for breakfast which had eggs to order. Nespresso machine for my coffee. Lounge wasn't large but plenty of seats. The food offerings were generally the same every day. We also used the lounge at night for cocktails and snacks (tho you could get a meal if you wanted) but there are so many food options around the area. The hotel is right above the subway line and connected to the underground walkway which leads to Myeongdong. The hotel was solid. No issues with the room or service. Check-out was quick, no issues with the bill.

We had an overnight stop in Korea and Mrs Vicar booked The Plaza. We were both very happy with it. From the moment we arrived nothing was too much trouble for anyone and always with a smile. Unfortunately there was heavy rain upon arrival which meant our plan to walk about and check out the local scene for lunch came to nought. Instead we ate at the ground floor restaurant which was a welcome surprise. I can’t remember giving soup much of a mention before but the minestrone and clam chouda were definitely worth waiting for. I say waited for as they appeared after our quality club sandwich and burger. The waitress said it took time to cook them from fresh. It must have been something lost in translation… The hotel room was fairly compact as it had one of the largest double hotel beds we’ve experienced. It had the funkiest lighting we’ve seen complete with a control panel for the motorised curtains as well. The bathroom was spotless with an ample shower and a multifunctional toilet that came with its own control panel. It’s a thing in this part of the world.. The toilet also had an illuminated polar bear icon on top of it so you could find your way to it in the dark. Everything was scrupulously clean. All in all a great stay.

I’ve always thought a concierge’s main role is to assist guests and help them feel at home. However, this morning when I asked for help arranging a courier, I was surprised to be told there would be a concierge fee and that amount to 75% of the courier cost. When I suggested I might handle it myself, I was met with a dry, “But you don’t speak Korean.” I found this response quite unwelcoming. arranging a courier is no more complex than booking a restaurant, a service most hotels provide without extra charge. In an age when essentials like WiFi are free, it’s surprising to see such high fees for basic assistance. If a charge is necessary, it should be communicated with more hospitality and less judgment. Hospitality should make guests feel supported, not penalized for needing help or not speaking the local language.

The customer service in this hotel is phenomenal. The club lounge is one of the best I’ve been in and to a staff member. Everyone is friendly, helpful, and tries to meet your expectations. The hotel is also beautiful clean most everyone speaks English.

Great location, view from room is wonderful. Easy access to underground mall and public transportation. Would have liked an easier place for lunch/bar. The lounge is good, but a more bar-like environment would be nice. Laundry is expensive. Room service is reasonable and quick.