Hotel Review: AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam
In the past, I have had the pleasure of staying at multiple AC Hotels, which offer a fantastic combination of affordability and modern amenities. Personally, I consider AC Hotels as the European equivalent of the Moxy brand. Given that domestic AC Hotels tend to maintain a certain level of standardization, I was thrilled to discover an AC Hotel in Seoul, South Korea. It was a must for me to experience the Korean interpretation of this brand. While the hotel still possessed familiar characteristics, it was fascinating to observe the incorporation of uniquely Korean elements into a brand with European roots. Here is my review of AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam:
AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam is lcoated at 10 Teheran-ro 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of two 85,000 free night awards when you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months from account opening. On top of that, you can earn an additional 50,000 bonus points by staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels through January 31, 2024—totaling 125,000 bonus points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 125,000 points offer worth $1,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Situated in the vibrant YeokSam neighborhood of Gangnam district, AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam lives up to its name. This bustling area is renowned for housing numerous business headquarters, making it an ideal location for both domestic and international business professionals. Conveniently positioned next to the YeokSam Station, the hotel effortlessly caters to the needs of busy travelers. Moreover, guests will find themselves surrounded by a plethora of trendy shops and restaurants that Gangnam is famous for. With so much to explore and experience, you'll never be bored during your stay at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The lobby of AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam exuded a modern and minimalist atmosphere, accentuated by its tall windows that flooded the space with natural sunlight.
The AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam's lobby emanated a contemporary ambiance.
While there were limited seating options, a few seats near the entrance, adjacent to a currency exchange machine, suggested the hotel's popularity among international guests.
Guests could use a currency exchange machine in the lobby to convert international currencies into Korean Won.
Within the lobby, guests could find two distinct lounges—the Premier Lounge and the AC Lounge—highlighting a variety of comfortable spaces to relax and unwind.
Even though I was a Titanium Elite member, I was still required to pay about 8 USD for my fiancé to enter the AC Lounge.
The AC Lounge provided a serene and quiet space where guests could relax or stay productive. Similar to the lobby, its lofty ceiling created an inviting and airy feel to the lounge.
With its tall ceilings and airy ambiance, the AC Lounge seamlessly carried forward the same aesthetic as the lobby.
With numerous seating arrangements, it wasn’t difficult to find a table to get some work done while sipping on a cup of joe.
Apart from coffee and tea, the AC Lounge did not offer any complimentary food options.
On the other hand, the Premier Lounge proved to be a prime hub during happy hour, attracting guests for social gatherings.
The Premier Lounge provided a sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for late-night conversations.
Consistent with the lobby's minimalistic design, the front desk featured subtle recessed lighting, adding to the overall ambiance. Upon check-in, I received a delightful surprise—an upgrade to a more spacious room that came equipped with a massage chair. Massage chairs are highly sought-after amenities in Korea, and this was my first opportunity to experience one in the comfort of a hotel room.
Upon checking-in I was upgraded to a room with a massage chair. Needless to say, I was filled with excitement.
Furthermore, as a Titanium Elite member, I was presented with a choice of rewards. The options included 1,500 Marriott Bonvoy points, an AC Tonic for two at the Kloud Rooftop Bar, or a bottle of sparkling wine accompanied by a ham platter. Considering my uncertainty about visiting the bar later, I decided to opt for the wine and ham platter. During the check-in process, everything went smoothly. The receptionist provided me with essential information regarding breakfast and gym hours and their respective locations. However, it was only after my stay that I discovered that the hotel provides pate de fruits as a treat, and from 9 PM to 11 PM, they offer lavender pouches for sleep and relaxation. It was unfortunate that I found out about these offerings after my stay, as had the front desk representative mentioned them during check-in, I would have gladly taken advantage of these special amenities. After a mediocre check-in experience, I went up to the 15th floor, where my room was located.
Bedroom Review
Upon entering the room, I quickly discerned that the overall atmosphere aligned with the brand's European heritage. As I made my way to the room's entrance, I noticed the familiar open closet, housing a mini-fridge and a Nespresso machine.
Upon entering my bedroom at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam, I was greeted by the familiar sight of the typical open closet found in AC Hotels.
The presence of a Nespresso machine at an AC Hotel was unexpected, given its price point, but I couldn't help but appreciate the touch of luxury it added to the room.
It was my first time encountering a Nespresso machine in rooms at AC Hotel.
The remainder of the bedroom was dominated by a spacious king-sized bed and a massage chair. The bed boasted an integrated headboard complete with convenient reading lights and charging ports, including a dedicated outlet.
The bedroom's clean aesthetics perfectly reflected the minimalistic and contemporary brand identity of AC Hotels.
To my surprise, the bed even showcased a master light switch, which is not commonly found in AC Hotels. However, due to the limited square footage of the room, the hotel could only furnish the space with petite nightstands on each side of the bed.
The nightstand was even equipped with a wireless charging pad for conveniently powering up cellphones.
Positioned snugly between the bed and the wall, the massage chair occupied a narrow space in the room. Upon initial inspection, its design bore a slight resemblance to the iconic Eames Lounge Chair by Herman Miller. Adjacent to the chair, a convenient remote controller had an assortment of buttons, offering various massage options to target specific areas such as the shoulders and lower back.
With just a simple click, the massage chair kneaded my body from the lower back to the shoulders.
While I didn't have the chance to explore all the chair's functions, I can attest that it provided a satisfying massage experience. It was the perfect remedy after a night out in Seoul. Facing the bed was a sleek floating media stand with a wall-mounted smart TV that greatly expanded the range of entertainment choices available to guests.
The bedroom was equipped with a stylish air purifier that operated continuously, ensuring the air quality remained at its peak.
In general, I found the bedroom to be quite impressive. It retained the beloved essence of the AC Hotel brand, while also incorporating premium amenities typically associated with upscale establishments. The room delivered a sense of understated elegance and sophistication, though the room was compact.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom and the bedroom were interconnected with minimal separation, leaving only the toilet and shower as private spaces. The bathroom featured a single sink vanity with a lengthy countertop, providing ample space for personal toiletries.
The generous countertop space in the bathroom made up for the presence of just a single sink.
Despite the limited space in the bathroom, it featured a separate water closet with an opaque glass door that added an extra layer of privacy.
The bathroom was practically connected to the bedroom, but at least the toilet and shower were private.
The walk-in shower was designed following the same format, and it cleverly utilized its small space by featuring a refreshing rainfall showerhead.
In spite of its compact and dimly lit nature, the shower booth featured a premium rainfall showerhead.
The communal toiletries provided were from the brand Korres, known for their light citrus fragrance.
The AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam, like other AC Hotels, provided Korres toiletries as a global toiletry choice.
It's worth mentioning that the lack of complete separation between the bathroom and bedroom might be a consideration for those sharing the room with someone else, but the inclusion of a water closet offsets this limitation to an extent. All in all, the bathroom prioritized functionality, and the hotel made effective use of the available square footage.
Gym Review
The gym was located on the B1 level and was open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. The hotel also housed a sauna on the same floor, but I didn’t photograph the facility to protect guests’ privacy. However, note that it is only complimentary to guests staying in deluxe rooms and above. Otherwise, guests staying in standard rooms would need to pay about 12 USD to enjoy the sauna. One of the distinctive amenities offered by the hotel was a dedicated play area designed specifically for preschool-age children and toddlers. Known as "Little Champion," this indoor play experience lounge provided a space where guests could spend up to two hours playing with their kids.
The kids lounge was exclusively accessible to children who were under 4 feet in height.
To ensure safety, parents were required to complete a consent form in the lobby before accessing the facility. Although I only had a brief glimpse of the area, it appeared to be well-equipped with ball pools, slides, and trampolines, offering ample entertainment for children. While I may not be a parent myself, I can imagine that having a semi-private and interactive indoor play space would be a significant advantage, eliminating the need to venture outside in search of suitable venues.
The play area appeared to be safe for kids, with cushioned flooring and rounded edges.
The fitness center was located on the underground level. In spite of its location, the fitness center was bright, thanks to dynamic lighting fixtures adorning the ceiling. It was well-equipped to cater to general workouts and more. The cardio machines were positioned in close proximity, showcasing the hotel's efficient utilization of space.
The fitness center at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam was one of the nicest AC Hotel gyms I’ve visited.
Surprisingly, I found a Smith machine available, enabling me to engage in heavy weightlifting exercises without requiring a spotter. Besides, there was a wide range of free weights, spanning from lighter options to heavier ones, along with a diverse selection of dumbbells. The gym also provided an assortment of medicine balls, kettlebells, and foam rollers for stretching purposes.
For a budget-friendly business hotel, the gym was equipped with the newest gear from top to bottom.
While the workout facility may not have been the largest or most cutting-edge, I was content with the variety it offered. It proved more than sufficient to keep me engaged, particularly considering it was part of a budget-friendly business hotel.
Bar Review—Kloud Rooftop Bar
AC Hotel Gangnam had a rooftop bar called Kloud Rooftop Bar, located on the 21st floor. It operated from 6 PM to 1 AM, and the bar incentivized regular hotel guests by offering a 10% discount on their bill, while long-term hotel guests enjoyed an even more enticing 20% discount. Although the criteria for determining regular versus long-term guests remains unclear, the discount undoubtedly gave hotel guests a welcome advantage by reducing the overall expenses on their bills. The bar was divided into two sections—indoor and outdoor. Since I stayed during the winter season, the outdoor area was closed, but the indoor space was fully operational.
If you're feeling adventurous, I suggest exploring the world of traditional Korean liquor and giving it a try.
The interior showcased a modern design, featuring a lengthy wooden bartop and an open area adorned with artificial grass and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Despite being indoors, the ambiance gave the illusion of being outside.
The presence of artificial grass and transparent glass walls created an atmosphere that simulated the experience of being outdoors.
The seating arrangements consisted of tasteful marble tables and comfortable chairs. After we were seated, we ordered cocktails and wine. While the prices were slightly higher than anticipated, the overall ambiance made it worthwhile.
The cocktails at Kloud Rooftop Bar were beautifully executed and complemented well with the delicious bar snacks.
Furthermore, for those seeking late-night snacks, the bar provided a dinner menu ranging from light bites to steaks and lobsters. So, if you desire a food and drink pairing, do try their delectable offerings.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Even with its affordable nightly rate, my room at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam exceeded expectations. Notably, it was equipped with a Nespresso machine, a smart TV, and even a massage chair for ultimate relaxation. Additionally, to my surprise, the hotel featured a sauna, which is a unique amenity not commonly found in other AC Hotel properties.
The hotel’s prime location is ideal for business travelers as many global company headquarters are nearby. Moreover, guests will find an abundance of dining and shopping options in close proximity to the hotel.
Negatives
Compared to my previous stays at hotels in Seoul, the check-in experience at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam left me feeling underwhelmed. The receptionist neglected to provide important details, which unfortunately resulted in me missing out on a few perks during my stay.
I was relieved when I received an upgrade to a slightly larger room, as the original one would have been too cramped to accommodate a companion. While it's important to have realistic expectations when it comes to hotel rooms in Seoul, I would suggest considering booking a bigger room if you plan to stay at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam.
Summary
The AC Hotel brand is known for its affordable rates, and AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam fell within the same price range as other AC Hotels. However, the amenities offered at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam were notably more impressive compared to others in the brand. Despite the compact size of the bedroom, it boasted luxurious features such as a Nespresso machine and a smart TV. In addition, my upgraded room included a massage chair that provided a relaxing experience at the end of each day. The hotel also pleasantly surprised me with its small yet comprehensive fitness center, as well as the inclusion of a sauna. Although I didn't have the opportunity to have breakfast at the hotel, I thoroughly enjoyed the chic atmosphere and delicious cocktails at Kloud Rooftop Bar. For those seeking a clean and budget-friendly hotel in Seoul with unique upscale amenities, I highly recommend considering a stay at AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam.
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