Grand Hyatt’s 3-year transformation glitters in Seoul

Three years in the making, South Korea’s iconic Grand Hyatt Seoul, has unveiled the transformation of its 615 guest rooms and suites.

A luxury property with its own distinctive style, Grand Hyatt Seoul welcomes guests via an antechamber leading to a study with a working fireplace. The central area branches into luxurious private quarters, including a private wing, dominated by a striking hand-painted wallcovering above the bed’s headboard.

The Presidential Suite (pictured above), which has indeed played host to numerous presidents, royalty and heads of state over the decades. Going up on the penthouse floor, there’s a 200 sqm Ambassador Suite, which has been re-configured structurally to maximise the views.

Both the Ambassador and Presidential Suites can be interconnected, forming the Grand Executive Suite, giving VIPs additional space. It can be configured as a secretary’s office, private gym, styling room or a media-communications ‘strategy-room’.

“Innovative, indulgent facilities”

“At Grand Hyatt Seoul, our ultimate goal is to provide innovative, indulgent facilities to our guests, supported by exemplary service,” said the hotel’s general manager Adrian Slater. “Our hope is that guests will find our new rooms a splendid space to rest and recuperate after a busy day of work or sightseeing in the dynamic city of Seoul.”

Grand Hyatt Seoul has been accommodating luxury travellers for 40 years. To update its status, the property also took the opportunity to integrate the latest tech into the rooms, while the property was being renovated. Room layouts feature contemporary room designs, maintaining the golden-oak finishes and clean lines of John Morford’s original design, complemented by new, subtle references to Korean culture.

The current design of its interior provides a more “open feel” — allowing natural daylight to flood the spaces and letting the views of Seoul sink in.

Grand Hyatt Seoul offers seven restaurants, two bars and a deli, as well as a flower shop, seasonal ice rink, 24-hour gym, outdoor pool, spa, and a meeting and event space. It’s a 7-minute walk from the Hangangjin Metro Station and 40 minutes from Gyeongbokgung Palace by metro.