The hotel: This was the perfect choice for my first time in Seoul. After doing my research reading through many reviews on different forums, I chose FS due to it's location and reputation for wonderful service. The building is easy to spot and very close to the bus and train station. I arrived very early to this hotel based on my flight schedule from the states, and unfortunately I was not able to check-in early. A small criticism - I was never notified my room was ready (but I already went about my day and dropped my bags off with the bell staff, so a non-issue). Once I was ready to check-in, staff communicated expertly in English and were helpful.
The room: I booked a club level, double-bed room. In all honesty, barring the lobby, the hotel is really designed for corporate travelers. I would have loved to see more cultural flair, but it's very business aesthetic. Having said that, the views are incredible, with floor-to-ceiling windows. All appliances were functional, and plenty of space for two travelers. The room was very clean and housekeeping provided daily turndown service. There were no wifi issues during my visit. My mom enjoyed the sitting ledge in the shower after long walking days.
Club lounge: This was a real perk during my stay. The lounge had very friendly and accommodating staff. Breakfast had a nice selection of dishes (pastries, regional food, meats, cheeses etc.). The afteroon had a nice tea break. It was great to pop in during the day for a nice respite from sightseeing. The lounge never felt busy or rushed, which I really appreciated.
Onsite Restaurants: The breakfast buffet at the Market kitchen is extensive. I'd recommend visiting at least one day to try all the different dishes out. My mom and I visited Maru for afternoon tea. What a delight! Each pastry and small dish was expertly crafted and tasted delicious. I only wish there were more tea selections, but it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I dined at Boccalino one night for dinner. The restaurant design is beautiful. While the food was good, I wasn't quite blown away, and there are many other options to dine elsewhere. Charles H. bar is a definite must-do. The cocktails are terrific and so are the small dishes.
Staff: Staff really did shine here. I never encountered any language barriers and they always seemed appreciative of the few Korean words I spoke :) Concierge was able to accomodate any dining request I had. Someone would always say hello and smile whenever I walked through the lobby.
The area: This hotel is in an excellent location. The airport bus stop is right across the street. Numerous other bus lines also run by the hotel. The Line 5 train is right around the hotel. The trains and buses were easy to use (but I also say this as a NYer with bus and train experience back home). There are palaces and shopping/dining within walking distance.
Summary:
+ Clean
+ Great area
- Can be expensive
- Designed for business travelers
