Prince Hotel Seoul: Your Royal Escape Awaits!
Prince Hotel Seoul: Your Royal Escape Awaits!
Prince Hotel Seoul: Your Royal Escape Awaits? (A Review from a Real Person, Not a Robot)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just wrestled my way through the "Royal Escape" promise of the Prince Hotel Seoul, and let me tell you, my expectations were high. Seriously, Prince Hotel? I was picturing actual bowing and scraping and maybe a diamond-encrusted pillow. Reality, as always, was a little more… grounded.
SEO & Metadata (because apparently, Google needs a roadmap):
- Title: Prince Hotel Seoul Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Regal
- Keywords: Prince Hotel Seoul, Seoul Hotels, Luxury Hotels Seoul, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Restaurant, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Breakfast, Room Service, Airport Transfer, Family Friendly, Review, Seoul Travel, South Korea.
- Description: A brutally honest (and occasionally funny) review of the Prince Hotel Seoul, covering everything from accessibility and cleanliness to the spa, restaurants, and those all-important Wi-Fi speeds. Is it a royal escape? Read on to find out!
First Impressions: The Grand Entrance (and the Slightly Strained Neck)
The hotel is impressive, I'll give it that. Marble, chandeliers, the whole shebang. My neck ached after looking up at the lobby, because I kept expecting a flock of doves to magically appear (they didn't). Check-in was… mostly smooth? They did have a contactless option, which I appreciated (because, you know, germs) and the elevator situation was good, I think I saw a friendly bellman, or at least he looked friendly. This place is definitely aiming for opulence. The elevators are good, but you might face some delays, the lobby and public areas are vast
Accessibility: Navigating the Kingdom (Mostly Smoothly)
Okay, this is important. I'm not mobility-impaired myself, but accessibility is a big deal and I pay attention. Wheelchair access seems pretty solid, with elevators to all floors, ramps, and accessible rooms. This is a HUGE plus. I saw a few others who are dependent on wheelchairs using it, so it's good to see. The bathrooms are well-laid out with good space to move around, but might need a few more grab bars here and there. A real thumbs up for their efforts here
Rooms: Fit for… Well, Someone
My room was… perfectly adequate. It had all the expected things like air conditioning, a comfy bed, blackout curtains (bliss!), and a mini-bar (because, research). There was a desk for working, although the internet connection was slow at times, and a coffee machine (essential for survival). The toiletries were nice, nothing earth-shattering, but they smelled of something pleasant. It wasn't "royal", exactly (no crown-shaped chocolates, sadly) but it was clean. The room was non - smoking. Air conditioning made it a breeze. The blackout curtains were a godsend. The room was large, and they had a comfortable sofa, perfect for taking a nap.
BUT… and this is where the cracks start to show… my room was at the end of a LONG hallway, and that hallway felt like it stretched to another dimension. Seriously, if I needed to visit the ice machine, It was quite a hike.
Oh, and the internet? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! which is great on paper. But some days, it felt like I was trying to stream dial-up. I got by but it sometimes seemed unstable.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germ Warfare (They're trying!)
Okay, this is THE big one in this post-pandemic world. The Prince Hotel Seoul gets kudos for taking it seriously, Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol. The rooms get sanitized between stays. I actually felt fairly comfortable, which is saying something. They offer room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. They use hot water linen and laundry washing, and they even had hand sanitizer everywhere.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk food. The Prince Hotel Seoul boasts a selection of restaurants, and it was certainly an adventure. I'll start with the Breakfast buffet. It was decent, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet] and coffee/tea in restaurant items were available. I mean, there were eggs and bacon, which is a win in my book. They offered Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant options and a breakfast service. The coffee, however, was forgettable. The Bottle of water was a lifesaver.
I was also able to order Room service [24-hour]. Which was pretty good, especially at one or two in the morning.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone: Finding My Inner Peace (Mostly)
This is where the "Royal Escape" promised felt closest to reality. the Body scrub and sauna were amazing. The Spa/sauna was very nice and the Body wrap and pool with view was a must the Fitness center looked decent, the swimming pool [outdoor] was a great way to relax. I never tested the Foot bath or Gym/fitness but looked very nice. The steamroom was divine and I never wanted to leave. My skin felt like velvet when I left. Massage was available, but I didn't get that one.
Services & Conveniences: The Extras (and the Oddities)
The Prince Hotel Seoul offers a wide range of services. Cash withdrawal, concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, invoice provided, ironing service, luggage storage, safe deposit boxes. I was particularly impressed with the convenience store because it was exactly what I needed.
Now for the oddities. They had a shrine, which I found unexpected.
Getting Around: Navigating the City and Beyond
Airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service, and valet parking The Airport transfer was convenient. Taxi service and Valet parking was very smooth, however, car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] was not used during my stay.
For the Kids: Family Fun (I can only guess)
I did see a few families around, and the hotel seems pretty accommodating. Babysitting service , Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal Those are great options, but I can't give you any firsthand insights because I don't have kids.
The Verdict: Is It a Royal Escape? (Maybe)
The Prince Hotel Seoul is a solid hotel with a lot going for it. It's comfortable, generally clean, and offers some luxurious touches, especially in the spa. However, it's not perfect. While the staff were generally helpful, sometimes service felt a little impersonal. The Wi-Fi could be improved, and the long hallways were a pain.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with reservations. If you're looking for a comfortable, well-equipped hotel with good accessibility and a nice spa, the Prince Hotel Seoul is a good choice. Just don't go expecting actual bowing and scraping. And bring your own crown.
Escape to Paradise: Private Pool, Beach Walk & Cicada Market Await in Hua Hin!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. We're going to the Prince Hotel in Seoul, South Korea, and things are gonna get… real. Expect typos, tangents, and maybe a complete meltdown or two. Consider this less a travel GUIDE and more a psychological profile of a traveler in transit.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lagged Nonsense, and Questionable Kimchi Decisions
Pre-Departure (aka the Panic Hour): 8:00 AM - HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, DID I PACK MY PHONE CHARGER?! (Checked. Twice. Success?) Quick breakfast – toast, because I'm too wired to eat anything that requires actual effort. Last-minute email check. Realize I forgot to download offline maps. Commence minor existential crisis.
The Flight (aka the Longest Movie Marathon Ever):
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Flight to Seoul! This is it. Okay, deep breaths. The recycled air is already turning my skin into a desert. Attempt to sleep. Fail. Watch three terrible movies I wouldn't normally touch with a ten-foot pole. The guy next to me is already snoring. Audible sigh.
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: More movies, snacks, and the agonizing feeling of my legs cramping. Did I mention the air is dry? I feel like a shriveled prune. Land in Incheon. Success! ish.
Arrival & Hotel Debacle (aka My First Korean Phrase):
- 7:00 PM: Customs is a blur of smiles and efficiency. Now, the AREX train. This is a breeze! Until I realize I have NO IDEA WHERE THE FREAKING PRINCE HOTEL IS. Google Maps! (Thank god for the offline maps I (finally) downloaded.)
- 8:00 PM: Finally, finally, the Prince Hotel. It looks fancy. The room is… adequate. Maybe a little… sterile? Did I remember to tip the bellboy? Oh, crap. Face palm.
- 9:00 PM: Kimchi. Oh, the glorious, fermented, spicy kimchi. Order room service, because public eating is a no-go at this point in my jetlagged state. The first bite is… intense. My eyeballs water. My nose runs. My stomach protests. But… I can't stop. This kimchi thing is addictive.
Emotional Rollercoaster:
- High: "This is it! I'm in Seoul! I can DO THIS!" (Said with a shaky voice and a desperate grin).
- Low: "Everything feels… off. Am I speaking English too loud? Am I offending people? Is this kimchi going to kill me?" Pace back and forth in the room.
- Mixed: "This hotel… is pretty, but the wallpaper stares at me. It's judgemental."
Bedtime Ritual:
- 10:00 PM: Attempt to sleep. It's like trying to sleep in a… I don't know, a constantly illuminated fishbowl? My brain is buzzing. The city sounds… magical and slightly terrifying at the same time. Consider taking a sleeping pill, but nooooo, I will not succumb to the siren call of pharmaceutical sleep aid. Read my book on Korean history until my eyes cross.
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanok Village, and Cultural Overload
Morning Awakening (or Lack Thereof):
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Briefly. Feel the lingering tendrils of jet lag clinging to my brain. Drag myself out of bed. Wonder if the complimentary coffee at the hotel is actually drinkable. (It's … okay.)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast – the lukewarm eggs in the buffet. At least I have a view.
Gyeongbokgung Palace (aka Crowds and Ancient Grandeur):
- 10:00 AM: Oh. My. God. The palace is breathtaking. Seriously. GORGEOUS. The architecture is stunning. Those colours! Those roofs that go up to the sky! But… the crowds. Thousands of people. Tourists, locals, all vying for the perfect Instagram shot. I get jostled. Lost my camera. Found my camera. Take a deep breath. Focus. Admire the architecture and the details.
- 11:30 AM: Discovering the Secret Garden. This is the moment. This is why I came to Seoul. This feels different. Peaceful maybe. Might sit here for an hour.
Lunch Disaster (aka My Chopstick Fail):
- 1:00 PM: Lunchtime! Find a small, crowded local restaurant. I attempt to wield chopsticks. Fail. Miserably. Rice goes everywhere. The elderly woman at the next table gives me a pitying smile and silently gestures for me to use… the spoon. Humbling.
- 1:30 PM: Food is divine! The bibimbap is a flavor explosion, even with rice stuck to my face. This is what I came for!
Hanok Village (aka Charm and Unexpected Rain):
- 2:30 PM: The Hanok Village is charming. Quaint houses, cobbled streets, the scent of… something delicious. I'm taking pictures but feel like an imposter. I don't belong here. But I love it. Start to walk around. It starts to rain! I find a tiny shop selling tea and take in the scenery.
- 3:30 PM: Lost in the moment and decide to learn more about Hanok houses.
Emotional Breakdown (mini):
- High: "I'm actually doing it! I'm exploring a new city, immersing myself in a different culture!" Feel like an adventurer.
- Low: "Feeling overwhelmed with the amount of Korean I don't understand." Feel like a failure.
- Mixed: "I'm falling in love with Seoul… and also questioning every single life choice that led me here."
Dinner & Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Dinner - Decide to be brave and attempt a Korean BBQ. The grilling part is intimidating! Burn my hand. Laugh. Eat a lot of meat.
- 8:00 PM: Head back to the hotel.
- 8:30 PM: Shower.
- 9:00 PM: Crash into bed.
Day 3: Itaewon, Shopping, and the Search for the Perfect Coffee
Sleep, Coffee, and a Sudden Urge to Learn Korean:
- 9:00 AM: Sleep. Wake up with some energy.
- 10:00 AM: The hotel coffee isn't bad today.
- 11:00 AM: Decide, spontaneously, to start learning the Korean alphabet. Seriously, it seems so cool!
Itaewon (aka Diversity and Delicious Street Food):
- 12:00 PM: Itaewon is a different vibe. International restaurants, shops brimming with imported goods, and a more relaxed atmosphere. I feel a little more comfortable here.
- The street food! Oh, the street food! Everything is delicious. Trying everything.
Shopping Spree (or a near existential crisis in a cosmetics store):
- 2:00 PM: Search for the coolest clothes!
- 3:00 PM: Enter a cosmetics store. It is a rainbow of skincare products. Feel overwhelmed. So many options! So many things I don't understand! The sample lady tries to help, but everything is lost in translation. Leave with a tiny jar of something mysterious.
Coffee Quest (aka the Elusive Perfect Cup):
- 4:00 PM: The search for the perfect cup of coffee begins. Seoul is known for its coffee culture, so I'm on a mission. Try three different cafes. Each one is… good. But not perfect.
Evening Meal, and a Moment of Contemplation:
- 6:30 PM: Dine at a local restaurant.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel.
- 9:00 PM: Write in my journal. Reflect on my day.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Last Day in Seoul
Morning Farewell and packing, with Tears:
- 9:00 AM: Wake up with the realization that the trip is ending.
- 10:00 AM: Order breakfast via room service.
- 11:00 AM: Pack.
- 12:00 PM: Check out, tears are streaming down my face.
Airport Departure:
- 1:00 PM: Head to the airport.
- 2:00 PM: Go through security.
- 3:00 PM: Wait for the flight.
Post-Trip:
- Back home, unpacking, there is an empty feeling
Prince Hotel Seoul: Ask Me Anything (Seriously, I've Been There)
So, is Prince Hotel Seoul REALLY worth the hype? Like, are we talking REAL royal treatment?
Alright, let's be real for a second. "Royal treatment?" Nah, not exactly. More like... *very very nice* treatment. Think less 'bow down to the emperor' and more 'really, REALLY good concierge service who remembers your name after the first day.' I mean, I was expecting a tiny, maybe slightly underwhelming room, but the view from my suite? Breathtaking. Seoul sprawled out like a glittery, electric city. And the bed? Oh. My. God. Like sleeping on a cloud made of angels.
One time, I totally spilt coffee *all* over the pristine white sheets. The mortification! I was ready for the disapproving glares. Instead? They sent up fresh sheets, apologized for any inconvenience, and even left a little plate of cookies to cheer me up. (Spoiler alert: It worked.) Definitely a step up from my usual hotel experiences, which usually involve wrestling with dodgy shower heads and questionable stains.
Rooms: What's the deal? Are they as fancy as they look in the photos?
Okay, the photos are... mostly accurate. Emphasis on *mostly*. The suites are stunning. Like, 'I could live here forever' stunning. The regular rooms? Still lovely! Clean, well-appointed, and honestly, much better than I'm used to. Don't expect literal gold faucets (though... maybe some of the *really* fancy suites might have them?) Think sleek, modern, and comfortable. The bathrooms are seriously impressive. And the little details! Like the free, high-quality toiletries. I may have accidentally filled my suitcase with mini-shampoos on my way out. Sue me!
One tiny, *tiny* gripe? The lighting in the standard rooms was a bit...mood killer. A bit too dim to actually, you know, *see* properly. I found myself squinting a lot. Seriously, how am I supposed to apply my makeup when I can barely see my own face?! A minor, nitpicky problem, but worth noting if you rely on good lighting like I do.
Food, Glorious Food! Is the dining experience worth the expense?
Oh, the food. The food! Okay, so the breakfast buffet? Absolutely worth it. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT skip the breakfast buffet. It's a culinary adventure. From fresh fruit to pastries that will make you weep with joy, to a Korean breakfast section that blew my mind (kimchi pancakes? Yes, please!), it's pure heaven.
The other restaurants? A bit more of a mixed bag, to be honest. The fancy French place was, well, fancy. And expensive. And honestly, I think I preferred the amazing street food I gorged on in Myeongdong. The hotel's rooftop bar, though? Excellent. Cocktails with a view? Sign me up! Just be prepared to loosen your purse strings a little. Okay, a lot.
Location, Location, Location! Is it actually close to everything?
Yes, *mostly*. It's in a good location, in the heart of things – you're not too far from *anything*. Easy access to public transport. And you can walk to a bunch of shops and restaurants. That being said, it's not *perfectly* central. Sometimes you'll have to factor in a bit of a taxi ride or a metro journey.
I got a bit lost one day, exploring the area (shocking, I know). Ended up 20 minutes walking away from the hotel and was suddenly exhausted. That's on me, though. The hotel staff offer excellent directions. Don't be a stubborn idiot like me. Just *ask*. You'll have to, eventually.
Spa & Wellness: Worth a splurge or skip it?
The spa... Ugh, yes. Yes, yes, YES! Worth it. Absolutely worth it. I went for a massage after a particularly brutal day of shopping (my feet were screaming). It was pure bliss. The therapists are incredibly skilled. The ambiance is tranquil. I nearly fell asleep mid-massage which has *never* happened. The facilities are stunning and the whole experience left me feeling like a new human.
It was so good, in fact, that I booked *another* massage the next day! And then I realized… I was probably spending more on spa treatments than on my actual hotel room. Oops. No regrets! Self-care, people! Treat yourselves. You deserve it.
Hidden Gems: Any tips or tricks to make the most of my stay?
Okay, here's the inside scoop. Ask for a room on a higher floor for the best views. Also, tip the housekeeping staff. They work *hard*, and it really makes a difference. Don't be shy about talking to the concierge; they're absolute lifesavers. And, most importantly, embrace the chaos! Seoul is an amazing city, and Prince Hotel is a great base to explore it.
Oh! One more thing. If you're feeling adventurous, try the local street food. It's delicious, cheap, and a true cultural experience. Just maybe pack some stomach medicine, just in case. You've been warned. (I may or may not have learned that lesson the hard way...).
Anything to complain about? (Be honest!)
Okay, I've already mentioned the lighting thing. And the price can be a little eye-watering. Also getting into the main entrance through all the taxis can feel busy. And sure, the elevators *can* get a little crowded during peak hours, but that's pretty standard for any hotel.
Honestly, though, considering the overall experience, the service, and the location, these are just minor quibbles. The Prince Hotel is a quality experience. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe I'll go book another trip right now... oh, but the prices... hold on. Let me check my bank account...
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