Arrival/Check-In: I actually had two arrivals at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. I had been on an around-the-world trip, flying from Washington, D.C., to Dubai and then on to Seoul. This presented me with a weekend in Korea and an overnight in Seoul before continuing to Taiwan. I left a bag containing half of my clothing at the Four Seasons so I would be a little leaner on the rest of the trip before returning to Seoul. When I returned, the Four Seasons car service picked me up at Incheon International Airport and we headed to the property, dropping off a colleague at another hotel nearby (which took more negotiation than it should have). Arriving at the Four Seasons, I was greeted by the friendly staff and escorted to my lovely and beautiful suite, where my luggage was waiting for me without my having to say a word or show a ticket. That meant a great deal to me and is a sign of excellent service.

Guest Quarters: A long hallway led to a large dressing room on the right that featured a lot of space for clothing (and, of course, my stowed bag) plus a safe deposit box. On the opposite side, a full white marble bathroom provided all the necessary amenities including a double vanity, a soaking tub and a rain shower. Lorenzo Villoresi Firenze toiletries complemented the experience. But the beauty of the guestroom was a little powder room immediately to the right as you entered the room — allowing your companion free access to the full bath, a wonderful plus when you have two in the room.

The main room featured floor-to-ceiling windows in the corner, offering magnificent views of the city. A king-sized bed with Four Seasons signature bedding provided the focal point. On the opposite wall, a large, flat-screen TV encased in a frame swiveled out 180 degrees to enable watching while working at the desk. The desk faced the room, but the floorto- ceiling windows behind it offered a lovely view of Seoul. Proper motorized blinds and drapes darkened the room for sleeping.

Services/Amenities: The hotel, popular with locals, offers a vast number of top restaurants. Chef Sawada Kazumi, previously of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred Banreki Ryukodo, heads up the impressive Japanese restaurant Kioku. Boccalino offers Italian cuisine, and Yu Yuan serves Cantonese dishes.

Make sure you stop in at Charles H., a speakeasy concept bar named after bon vivant Charles H. Baker, who traveled the world between 1920 and 1940 discovering new cocktails. The bar is so hidden I had to ask for assistance to find the door. It’s a great concept and fills up on Thursdays and Fridays, requiring reservations — even at the bar. Boccalino also features a nice bar. It’s a little more sleepy and intimate, but the bartenders are top-notch and even make their own signature cocktail.

The Experience: Terrific property, top service and everyone tries hard to make every guest pleased to be at the Four Seasons.

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu
Seoul, 03183, South Korea
tel 82 2 6388 5000
fourseasons.com