Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam

Location is not good as there is nothing to do, not even bars or restaurants, around it. At least there is a Starbucks next door. You must take a cab or the subway to get anywhere for food. The lobby is over the top, and soon you feel you're back in the 70's. Lots of old furniture, mirrors, yellow-stained marble (not natural stain, though) - seems like it was ages ago when this hotel last saw a face lift, which is something easy to get in Seoul! Hotel restaurants are extremely expensive (US$10 for a soda, anyone? $100 for dinner buffet without alcohol, $60 for Chinese food, $30 glass of wine, etc). Absolutely a rip off! Concierge was clueless. Reception staff nice and efficient. Room was average size but decor was terrible. You will be able to see yourself from many different angles in the bathroom. There are mirrors even in the shower stall! Paint peeling off the wall. Good luck figuring how to flush - lots of buttons and no translation into any other language. But it was fun pushing buttons to see what happened. Mattress was hard. I only saw 2 electric outlets in the room and both were hidden inside a drawer. Some did not even work. Go figure! Light controls for the room are attached to the side of the night stands - again quite an interesting place to put them. Feels like the hotel is playing tricks with the guest! Free wifi and 2 complimentary bottles of water everyday. Bathroom toiletries were average. Mini bar, bath robe, slippers available in the room no coffee / espresso machine as you'd expect from a so called 5- star hotel. Just a keg to heat water and pour over instant coffee. Don't remember if there was a safe. Very quiet, though, which I appreciated. Hallways smell of stale air. Anyway, Seoul has lots of much better hotel choices, at similar or even lower rates. Avoid this place! It probably had its glory days decades ago but it's time to close shop.

Our stay at Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam was a truly memorable introduction to Seoul's more elegant side. From the moment we arrived, the hotel made an impression: its grand interiors, chandeliers, classic furnishings, and art-filled spaces create the feeling of entering a palace in the heart of Gangnam. The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet never intimidating, thanks to the genuine warmth and kindness of the entire team. One of the first things that catches everyone's attention is the beautiful bear in the lobby. It has become a charming signature of the hotel and an attraction in its own right, with guests and visitors stopping to take photos and videos before continuing into the grand public spaces. It adds a delightful and unexpected sense of personality to an otherwise very elegant setting. We stayed in the Residence Deluxe, ideal for family, and it was an excellent choice for a comfortable couple stay in Seoul. The residence is spacious, thoughtfully designed, and feels far more like a refined private apartment than a traditional hotel room. With a separate bedroom featuring a queen bed and a living area, it comfortably accommodates a small family while still offering privacy and a calm space to unwind after a day exploring the city. The living area and fully equipped kitchen were especially valuable. Having an induction cooktop, refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, and dryer made the stay feel effortless, particularly for families or guests spending more than a few nights in Seoul. The in-room clothing care system was another thoughtful touch, while the spacious bathroom - with both a bathtub and a separate shower - created a relaxing end to busy days exploring Gangnam and other areas in Seoul. Every detail was designed with convenience in mind, from the smart TV and tablet to the generous storage and blackout curtains. Breakfast at Buffet Familia was one of the highlights of the entire stay. It is easily among the most complete hotel breakfast buffets in Seoul, offering an impressive variety of Korean and international dishes in a bright, spacious setting. The Korean selection was particularly enjoyable, allowing guests to begin the day with authentic local flavors, while the international options catered beautifully to every preference. Freshly prepared items, a wide range of hot dishes, breads, fruits, salads, pastries, and desserts made breakfast feel like a true culinary experience rather than simply a morning meal. The hotel's overall facilities add even more value to the stay. Guests can enjoy a fitness club, indoor pool, sauna, seasonal outdoor pool, lounges, and spaces dedicated to Korean cultural experiences. Whether traveling for leisure, business, or an extended family visit, there is a strong sense that the hotel has been designed to offer much more than a place to sleep. What truly completes the experience is the service. Every member of the team we encountered was kind, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. From the front desk to the restaurant staff, there was a consistent level of care that made the stay feel personal and well looked after. Grand Mercure Imperial Palace Seoul Gangnam combines the grandeur of a classic palace-inspired hotel with the practical comforts that modern travelers need. For families in particular, the Residence Deluxe offers an exceptional balance of space, privacy, convenience, and five-star hospitality in one of Seoul's most vibrant neighborhoods. Highly recommended for: Families seeking spacious, apartment-style accommodation in Seoul; travelers who appreciate classic elegance and warm Korean hospitality; and guests looking for one of the city's most abundant and enjoyable hotel breakfast experiences. Review Highlights - Must-Experience Feature: Residence Deluxe, ideal for family, with a separate bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, washer-dryer, clothing care system, and spacious bathroom with bathtub and separate shower | Best Feature: Buffet Familia breakfast, with an extensive selection of Korean specialties and international favorites | Vibe: Palace-inspired elegance with a warm, welcoming personality | Service: Consistently kind, attentive, and gracious throughout the hotel | Moment: The beautiful bear in the lobby, a beloved hotel icon that draws guests and visitors for photos and videos.

This stunningly beautiful hotel is situated in a convenient, while relatively calm, Gangnam area. The already memorable interiors are made even more unforgettable by the excellence of the staff (all exquisitely polished in their elegant uniforms). Mrs.Magan Kim, the delightful and super efficient concierge manager, made sure we could only be utterly comfortable and content with every detail of our month-and-a-half stay. Eline and all the others at the concierge desk were helpful with all sort of details, from hair salons bookings to taxis. Our housekeeper Soelma was excellent: very hardworking but always cheerful, and going the extra mile. The restaurant of this hotel serves delicious buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and my only regret is that it was impossible to taste everything. What I had was, however, superb, and once again, the professional service elevated the experience further, under the perfect supervision of the regal maître d’. And the valet service personnel was always so courteous and helpful, that we would have liked to give them all a standing ovation. We want to go back. Obviously!!😄