voco Seoul Gangnam

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

voco Seoul Gangnam, an IHG Hotel, offers a stylish and comfortable retreat in the vibrant Gangnam district, consistently receiving high praise from guests. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it stands out for its modern design, exceptional service, and unique amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for voco Seoul Gangnam is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as comfortable, pleasant, and exceptional. Review aggregators reflect this high satisfaction: Agoda shows an average rating of 9.0 for solo travelers and 9.0-9.2 for families, while Booking.com reports a "Fabulous" 8.8 out of 10 based on over 700 reviews. Google Maps users give it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and Trip.com rates it 9/10. The hotel is particularly commended for its staff, cleanliness, and prime location.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud voco Seoul Gangnam for several standout features:

• Exceptional Service & Staff: The hospitality is frequently described as amazing, friendly, professional, and very helpful, with many staff members fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese.
• Unique Communal Kitchens: A highly appreciated amenity is the self-service communal kitchen available on each guest room floor. These well-stocked spaces provide basic kitchenware, filtered water, and ice, proving very convenient for longer stays or for heating up takeout.
• Complimentary Minibar: The free minibar, replenished daily with drinks and snacks including domestic beer and makgeolli, is a delightful perk that adds significant value.
• Modern & Stylish Design: The hotel boasts a new, chic, and contemporary design with vibrant accents of yellow, navy, indigo, and gold against warm neutral backdrops, creating an uplifting and energizing atmosphere.
• Hinoki Bathtubs: Premium rooms often feature Hinoki bathtubs, offering a serene and relaxing "onsen experience" that guests particularly enjoy after a day of exploring.
• 24-hour Self-Service Laundry: The availability of a 24-hour self-service laundromat is a practical convenience, especially for extended vacations.

3. Room Quality

The 151 guest rooms and suites are generally described as clean, modern, comfortable, and well-designed. The decor is cheerful and contemporary, with a consistent color scheme seen from the lobby to the rooms. King-sized beds are noted for their plush comfort. In-room amenities include universal power outlets, USB-A charging ports, and flat-screen TVs. Many guests appreciate the Hinoki bathtubs in premium rooms for a luxurious soaking experience. While some describe standard rooms as "small but functional" or "a little tight," especially for opening large suitcases, the hotel offers a range of room types, including more spacious suites. Housekeeping is efficient and tidies rooms daily. Views from the rooms can include cityscapes or even distant mountains. The hotel also uses eco-friendly bamboo key cards.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's all-day restaurant, Amarillo, is a key part of the dining experience. Its name, meaning "yellow" in Spanish, reflects the hotel's vibrant color scheme.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet at Amarillo is highly rated and described as delicious, featuring a mix of international cuisines (waffles, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses, salads, bacon, hash browns, scrambled eggs) alongside Korean dishes. A made-to-order egg station offers options like poached eggs, eggs benedict, and omelets. Breakfast typically costs around 38,000 KRW for adults.
• Other Meals: Amarillo also serves lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, with a menu including sandwiches, snacks, grilled meats, and Korean delicacies.
• Outdoor Terrace: An outdoor terrace with fairy lights and a fireplace offers a charming spot for evening drinks and relaxation.
• Room Service: For those preferring to dine in their rooms, efficient room service is available.
• Communal Kitchens: The shared kitchens on each floor provide a convenient option for guests to prepare their own simple meals or enjoy takeout.

5. Service & Staff

The service at voco Seoul Gangnam consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight the staff as friendly, professional, warm, and exceptionally helpful. Their proactive assistance, such as offering luggage storage for early arrivals or helping with taxi arrangements, is often mentioned. Many staff members are multilingual, with proficiency in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese, which greatly enhances the guest experience for international travelers.

6. Location & Accessibility

voco Seoul Gangnam boasts a strategic location in the fashionable Sinsadong area of the Gangnam district.

• Neighborhood: It sits in the heart of Sinsadong, surrounded by trendy boutiques, charming cafes, and numerous dining options. The popular Garosu-gil shopping area is just across the road. The area is also convenient for medical clinics.
• Public Transport: The hotel is a short 5-10 minute walk to Sinsa subway station (Line 3 and Shinbundang Line), providing easy access to other parts of Seoul. Airport bus stops are also conveniently nearby.
• Attractions: While a short taxi ride from major tourist sites across the river, it's close to attractions like the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum, Bongeunsa Temple, Seven Luck Casino Gangnam, and the COEX Convention Centre (all within 1-2 miles).
• Airport Access: A taxi or rideshare from Seoul-Incheon International Airport typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

7. Value & Pricing

The hotel is generally considered to offer good value for its quality, especially for IHG members. Rates average around $190 USD per night, with prices starting from approximately $115-$126, though these can vary significantly based on room type and season. Weekends, in particular, can see higher prices due to demand from medical tourism and group tours. The complimentary minibar and the array of facilities like the communal kitchens and laundry room contribute positively to the perceived value. IHG elite members often enjoy benefits like upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Room Size: Some guests find the standard room sizes to be on the smaller side, making it challenging to fully open large suitcases.
• Noise: Soundproofing can be an issue, with occasional reports of hallway noise being audible from inside the rooms.
• Lack of Dedicated Drop-off/Pickup Point: The absence of a dedicated area for vehicle drop-off and pickup at the hotel entrance can be inconvenient, particularly during inclement weather.
• Non-Smart TVs: Some guests note that the in-room TVs are not "smart TVs," meaning they may not support direct streaming from personal accounts like Netflix.
• Hinoki Bath Size: A few guests have found the Hinoki bath in certain rooms to be smaller than expected, describing it as more suitable for a foot bath than a full soak.
• Late Check-out Policy: There are instances where elite members found the late check-out policy to be somewhat restrictive, requiring persistence to extend it beyond the minimum.
• Third-Party Booking Limitations: Guests booking through third-party sites may find that their IHG One Rewards elite benefits, such as earning points, are not recognized.

Sources

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