Andaz Seoul Gangnam

Andaz Seoul Gangnam: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Andaz Seoul Gangnam stands out as a "Luxury Lifestyle Hotel" in the heart of Seoul's vibrant Gangnam district, earning a prestigious Michelin Key selection for its blend of modern living and local culture. Guests frequently praise its exceptional service, prime location, and stylish design, making it a highly recommended stay for both leisure and business travelers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Andaz Seoul Gangnam is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests providing full recommendations for their stay. Reviewers often describe it as an "absolutely great stay" and an "unusual and wonderful hotel" that pays special attention to detail. It consistently receives high marks for location (9.4), cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.5), and staff (9.5).

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Andaz Seoul Gangnam:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "absolutely stellar," "very friendly," "polite and very helpful," and "attentive." Many highlight the concierge's willingness to go above and beyond, even making reservations at local establishments for guests.
• Location: The hotel's location in Gangnam is a major draw, especially its direct connection via elevator to Apgujeong subway station (Orange Line), offering convenient access to major attractions across the city. It's also within walking distance of numerous cafes, bakeries, restaurants, the Hyundai Department Store, and Apgujeong Rodeo Street.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a modern, well-curated, and stylish design that blends traditional Korean aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. The lobby features a dynamic screen of artistic imagery, contributing to an "of-the-moment, artistic, dynamic atmosphere."
• Amenities: The property offers excellent facilities, including a modern and clean gym (The Summer House), a spa, and an indoor swimming pool that is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Andaz Seoul Gangnam are generally well-received for their comfort, spaciousness, and design. Premier King rooms, for example, are noted as being adequately sized for families. Key features include:

• Comfort: Beds are described as "incredibly comfortable" and provide "much-needed rest." Bed sheets and other furnishings contribute to a comfortable sleep.
• Design & Features: Rooms often feature angled walls and modern decor with artistic touches, sometimes incorporating a yellow and aqua color scheme. Many rooms include Nespresso machines and a variety of TWG teas. Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in the minibar are a notable "Andaz way" perk, though some recent reviews indicate this may be "reimagined". Suites often feel like luxury apartments with spacious living areas and separate bedrooms.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are frequently praised for being huge, exceptionally well-designed, and often feature double vanity sinks, a separate shower area (with great water pressure), and a freestanding bathtub. Some suites even offer a second toilet. Smart toilets are also a valued feature.
• Technology: Rooms are equipped with smart tablets for controlling lighting and curtains, though some guests have found them less intuitive or requiring multiple attempts, particularly for English language settings. An abundance of universal power outlets and USB charging ports are a welcome modern convenience. Air purifiers are available, especially in premium rooms or upon request.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Andaz Seoul Gangnam, particularly breakfast, receives mixed but generally positive reviews.

• Breakfast Buffet: The breakfast buffet is extensive and offers a wide variety of both Western and Asian, including traditional Korean, options. Highlights mentioned include fresh fruits, an egg station with cooked-to-order dishes, salad options, fresh breads, baked goods, cheese, assorted meats, and fresh juices. Many consider it among the best breakfast buffets in Seoul's Hyatt hotels. However, some guests have noted that the selection can be "decent but on the lower end" of their preferred range, with the menu not rotating much daily, leading to a sense of repetition after a few days. The quality of the food itself has been described as "average" by some.
• Restaurants: The hotel has multiple dining options, including Jogakbo (featuring Bites & Wine, Seafood Grill, and Meat & Co. Steakhouse). There's also a cafe-style beverage/bakery on the ground floor. Room service is available and has been praised for the quality of dishes.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Andaz Seoul Gangnam is consistently highlighted as a strong point, with staff receiving excellent feedback.

• Hospitality: Staff members are described as "stellar," "very friendly," "polite and very helpful," and "attentive." Many guests appreciate the proactive and accommodating nature of the team, with one reviewer noting that "the word NO was not in their vocabulary."
• Concierge Services: The concierge desk is particularly praised for its helpfulness, including checking business hours during holidays and making reservations for local restaurants that might otherwise be inaccessible to tourists.
• Personal Touches: Guests have reported receiving generous welcome amenities, such as fruit, wine, and dessert, particularly when celebrating special occasions or with loyalty program benefits.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in Gangnam-gu is a significant advantage, providing both convenience and access to a vibrant neighborhood.

• Public Transport: A major highlight is the direct elevator access from the hotel to Apgujeong subway station (Line 3), making it incredibly convenient for exploring Seoul. Most major destinations are reachable within 20-25 minutes by subway.
• Neighborhood: The surrounding area is rich with cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, including the Hyundai Department Store and Apgujeong Rodeo Street. It's also a mix of a business district and a lively nightlife area. For those interested in medical tourism, the area is noted for its numerous medical facilities.
• Airport Access: While a taxi from Incheon International Airport (ICN) can take 70-80 minutes, the limousine bus 6006 stops directly outside Apgujeong Station, a short 5-minute walk from the hotel. However, some note the airport limousine bus does not stop directly in front of the hotel, requiring a 5-10 minute walk with luggage, which can be less ideal during warm, humid months.

7. Value & Pricing

Andaz Seoul Gangnam is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Average room prices can be around $404, which is higher than the average hotel room in Seoul but is perceived as offering "unrivaled value for money" due to the level of opulence and sophistication. Starting rates can range from around $20 to $299 depending on the room type and dates. Many guests, especially those utilizing loyalty points (e.g., Hyatt Globalists), find it to be a worthwhile value.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues have been noted by guests:

• Breakfast Repetition and Quality: The most consistent complaint revolves around the breakfast buffet, with some guests finding the selection to be on the lower end of their preference and the menu lacking daily rotation. The quality of the food itself has been described as "average" by a few.
• Room Condition/Maintenance: Despite being a relatively new hotel (opened in 2019), some reviewers have noted minor cleanliness issues like dirty glass or dusty areas, and concerns about the durability of materials, with some rooms showing dents and scuffs after only a few years. Specifically, the bathroom floor in some instances was noted to have "rotted through and warped the wood" from getting wet.
• Inconsistent Technology: The smart tablet controlling room functions (lighting, curtains) has been described as not working as smoothly as intended, sometimes requiring multiple attempts, particularly for English speakers.
• Globalist Benefits (Breakfast for Multiple Rooms): For guests with Hyatt Globalist status booking multiple rooms, there have been instances where only one room's breakfast was covered, leading to unexpected charges for the second room's guests.
• Noise (Specific Rooms): One reviewer noted some noise due to a room being right outside a highway viaduct.
• Desk Area Design: In some rooms, the desk area in front of the TV has been described as narrow, with a chair that doesn't match the table's height, leading to a less comfortable workspace.

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