GT Tested
Lotte Hotel Seoul
January 05, 2012
Alexandra YoungArrival/Check-in: Arriving at the Lotte impressed me. The doormen operated like clockwork, directing traffic and guests while looking stylish and professional. The front desk clerk asked for my name and directed me to the club floor lounge, and a bellman assisted me every step of the way. The club floor receptionist checked me in, told me the privileges that went with a club floor room, and the bellman then escorted me to my accommodations.
Guest Quarters: I was happy to see my renovated junior suite, which was smartly decorated in a modern motif with dark wood floors — and I was happy to settle in for some rest before a day of meetings. I had a separate living room and second bathroom. The main bathroom was large and well lit, with lots of mirrors.
Services/Amenities: The Lotte is like a small city and is attached to the Lotte Department Store, which can be accessed through the lower level of the hotel. The room offered me space and a wonderful place to relax, away from the hustle and bustle that is Seoul, but I spent most of my time in the club lounge. The club floor was a hybrid of a dining area and den/library with large windows exposing all of Seoul. Food and snacks were available all day, and helpful wait staff were on hand throughout the day. The service on the club floor was superb. Free wireless was also available in the club but paid for in the rooms.
I explored the fitness facility and, although it was a 5-star gym, the equipment was definitely geared toward Asian guests. Being a tall Westerner, I had difficulty using some of the equipment. The gym also had a nice studio for classes; I was allowed to use it when there was no class. The gym had a small golf driving range which was fun to experience in the middle of a big city.
The Lotte has diversified dining options within the hotel, not to mention those at the attached department store. I especially enjoyed the Italian restaurant, Peninsula, on the main floor. For a more formal experience, the Korean restaurant, Mugungwha, on the top floor is great for a client dinner or special occasion.
The Experience: The Lotte is in a fantastic location. Seoul is extremely spread out, so it’s best to book a hotel situated near your meeting places. In the evening there are tons of activities and shopping just steps from the hotel. The hotel has the New Wing and the Main Wing, and I found the wing names confusing. The Main Wing has been renovated recently, and both offer good-sized guestrooms. I would suggest the Main Wing Club Floor for business travelers, but the New Wing has a lovely ladies’ floor dedicated to women travelers.
Lotte Hotel Seoul
30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu
Seoul, Korea 100-721
tel 82 2 771 1000
http://www.lottehotelseoul.com/en
