ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived in Seoul in the evening and was treated to dinner by our local representative, Jeff Gapshin Hwang, and his son, Franco (named after me). After an enjoyable time, they dropped me off at LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL, where I was booked in the recently renovated Executive Tower. Check-in was swift; I did have extra bags full of gifts, which they promptly delivered to my room.

I call the property my home away from home, as I first stayed here in 1989 on a return trip from Singapore and Malaysia. While in Malaysia I ran up the tiled stairs of the Malaysia Airlines Headquarters building, climbing them two at a time to get the perfect shot of my colleague, David Hammond, posing at the bottom of the massive and slippery staircase. I slipped and slammed my right knee, which became swollen and sore. I suffered through the day and my flight to Korea, but the Lotte staff knew what I needed. They sent a rubber hot water bottle filled with ice to my room to bring down the swelling, and that did the trick. This is the level of service I have always come to expect during my many stays at LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL.

GUEST QUARTERS: I was booked at the property for several nights and found the accommodations comfortable, fresh and functional. The entry opened to a hallway with a dressing room on the right that connected to the large bathroom. Straight ahead, the hall led to the bedroom with a king-sized bed and two end tables against the far wall. An alcove functioned as a coffee center and minibar with high-end spirits and wines. The wall on the left held a large, flat-screen TV; to the right a round table with two chairs sat near the floor-to-ceiling windows running the entire length of the room. At the foot of the bed a settee and marble coffee table provided a comfortable space where I often camped out to check emails.

The bathroom featured double sinks set in a black marble top and amenities branded by the 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain line of soap and lotions. The tub and shower were in a separate room, so the tub would get a little wet when the shower ran, but there was superb water pressure. A separate room held the commode, one of those Japanese electric toilets with sprays and warm seat.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Service is always tops at the Lotte, and I enjoyed an end-of-the-day drink in the world-famous Peninsula Lounge & Bar in the lobby and Pierre’s Bar on the 35th floor of the Executive Tower.

Le Salon, the business luxury lounge in the Executive Tower, is a must destination; here I enjoyed daily breakfast, and cocktails and snacks in the evening. The lounge offers enough food that dinner is not required. The team were very attentive and helpful.

However, the property boasts many tempting restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, such as Mugunghwa (modern Korean), Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul (French), Momoyama ( Japanese) and Toh Lim (Cantonese). And you’ll find many local restaurants within walking distance.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Le Salon serves a wonderful breakfast buffet and tasty smoked salmon.
• Check out the beautiful architecture and lovely chandelier in the Peninsula Lounge & Bar.

LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL
30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu Seoul, South Korea
tel 82 2 771 1000
lottehotel.com