Seoul Hotel Guide: Park Hyatt Seoul

Opened in April 2005, this 24-story glistening glass tower designed by hip Japanese architecture firm Super Potato is remarkable in the business district of Gangnam for its lack of neon signage. Instead, only a small, street-level hand-carved stone slab announces the building's purpose, which makes it difficult for taxis unfamiliar with this neighborhood to find. Guests should carry the hotel's card with a map in Korean on the back and be aware that the hotel is located directly opposite COEX, the international convention and exhibition center.

One set of sleek high-tech low-lit elevators whisks guests up to the top floor lobby designed entirely of Japanese aji stone, including the reception facilities. The young English-speaking staff is elegantly attired. A swift check-in procedure leaves almost no time to glance around the cool lobby lounge decorated with orange leather chairs. Through a glass partition is the hotel gym with its infinity pool and excellent views over Seoul.

One flight above street level with floor to ceiling windows, Cornerstone feels like outdoor dining but without the traffic noise or the weather. Designed by Super Potato, this breakfast-to-dinner venue has open kitchen facilities and a gorgeous glass refrigeration unit to show off the exceptional fruits and vegetables that go into each dish. Try the simple grilled tuna steak. Breads are baked on-site but taste authentically European, as do the tiramisu and fruit pies. Down below, the Timber House is gaining buzz as the neighborhood's hot spot for after-work drinks and late-night jazz, but also boasts an excellent sushi and sashimi bar and a popular selection of Havana cigars. Coffee drinks and light snacks are available for guests in the sleek lobby lounge as well, and a fresh juice bar serves the spa and fitness facilities.

Seoul's best lap pool has an infinity perspective overlooking the bustling city. Adjacent is a compact but well-equipped fitness center with treadmills and stair climbers and equally dramatic views. The spa has three treatment rooms; massages are strong, which is how locals like them. Products are imported from Europe. Changing rooms offer cold and hot plunge pools as well as steam rooms. A relaxation area offers snack service from the extensive fresh juice bar menu that takes full advantage of Korea's fantastic fruit selection.

Six meeting rooms are located on the third floor. Designed for small business meetings and functions, these elegant masculine rooms are equipped with built-in LCD projector, flat-screen TVs, wireless LAN and espresso machines. A business center with technology concierge is available around the clock but translation and related services must be booked in advance. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. Car rental (with or without driver) can be arranged through guest services.

There are no pets allowed at this hotel. Service dogs are welcome, however.

Of the hotel's five elevators, two serve the lobby and three are reserved to take guests to the room floors and facilities. Stark hallways filled with world-class Korean antiquities resemble museum galleries. The guest rooms provide high-tech toys amidst contemporary, architectural furnishings. Japanese toilets warm on cold nights as do the thick goose-filled duvet covers. Three in-room plasma TVs keep guests up-to-date on world news from bed to bath while Bang and Olufsen stereos can be loaded with a wide selection of compact discs from the hotel's library. Housekeeping is fast and discreet. Toiletries from Aesop are organic, enhancing the natural theme conveyed by light woods and rough stone finishes. The presidential suite stands out for its living room furnished with delicate Korean wood carvings and a custom desk of hand-finished wood.

Of the guest room inventory, 77 rooms are for smokers and 108 are designated smoke-free. Two rooms are wheelchair-accessible.

Round-the clock-room service is available. Service is prompt and friendly, with attention to detail on the delivery tray that may include a small cactus, to brighten the late-night meal.

The arrival of this new hotel raises the bar for lodging standards in this developing country. While other hotels may be easier for the taxi driver to find, such as the long established Shilla, Grand Hyatt and Sheraton hotels, none offers the same level of luxury service and room comforts as this one.