Hotel Review: InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas
Located in Seoul, South Korea, COEX is an iconic destination that offers a multitude of experiences for visitors. It serves as a hub for conventions, shopping, dining, and entertainment, providing a diverse range of options to cater to various interests. With a movie theater, a mall, an aquarium, and an abundance of restaurants and shops, COEX presents endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment. With its indoor setup, the facility offers an all-weather advantage, allowing visitors to make the most of its venues regardless of external conditions. The most notable hotel attached to COEX has been InterContinental COEX Seoul. However, since its establishment in 1999, it has become outdated, and IHG introduced a brand new InterContinental property—InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas. The property is also connected to COEX, and it boasts a much more contemporary design compared to InterContinental COEX. As one would anticipate, the InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas comes with a higher price tag, but is the allure of this shiny new hotel worth the expense? Here is my review of InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas:
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
When booking an IHG property, I use my IHG Rewards Premier card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 140,000 IHG points and a free night certificate worth up to 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in three months. This is a limited-time offer, and with a 0.5 cents per point valuation, the sign-up bonus is worth $900. Please note that you may not be eligible to receive the bonus if you’ve received a sign-up bonus for the IHG Rewards Premier card within the last 24 months.
The Chase IHG Rewards Premier card could be a long-term keeper card in your wallet.
The IHG Rewards Premier card comes with a $99 annual fee but offers valuable benefits that will offset the annual fee. The IHG Rewards Premier card earns 26X points at IHG hotels and resorts and 5X points per dollar on travel, hotels, dining, and gas. All other purchases earn 3X points per dollar. The IHG Rewards Premier card features the following benefits:
Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status
Annual free night award—worth up to 40,000 points
Free fourth night on award stays
$50 United TravelBank
Reimbursed Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Application Fees
20% Discount When Purchasing IHG Points
The IHG Rewards Premier card is an excellent keeper card, and even if you don’t stay at IHG hotels frequently, it will yield value year after year.
Please consider using my referral link if you’d like to apply for the Chase IHG Rewards Premier card. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
Location
Located in the bustling Gangnam district of Seoul, InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas sits in the heart of Samsung-dong. Known for its corporate headquarters, Samsung-dong is teeming with Korean businessmen and women during rush hour. InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas is adjacent to COEX Mall, which houses a plethora of dining options and shopping destinations. While staying at InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas, make sure to explore the ancient Bongeunsa Temple, which dates back to the 8th century BC.
Check-In & Lobby Review
As our taxi pulled up to the hotel, a doorman kindly handled our luggage and escorted us to the front desk. Given our stay in late December, the lobby was full of festive Christmas decorations.
The Christmas tree at the lounge was a very popular photo spot among guests.
The check-in desk was very busy assisting crowds of guests, but thanks to my IHG Diamond status, we were able to bypass the long line. The front desk agent welcomed us with a smile and offered a complimentary upgrade to a junior suite.
Thanks to my IHG Diamond status, I was able to effortlessly bypass the crowds.
However, the junior suite was only available to check in around 5 PM because it needed to be cleaned and inspected first. We accepted the offer and decided to explore the lobby and the adjacent COEX mall while we waited for the room to be ready.
Guests could donate and offer a heartfelt gift of a teddy bear to those who needed it during the Christmas season.
While leisurely strolling through the lobby, we unexpectedly came across an art exhibition that happened to be free of charge. The exhibition encompassed notable artists such as Bernard Buffet, Nam June Paik, and GiAn84.
Nam Jun Paik is considered the creator of video art, and GiAn84 is a famous webtoon artist in Korea.
While the exhibition was petite in size, I cherished the opportunity to enjoy artwork without any cost. When you roam around COEX, I recommend checking out Starfield Bookstore, a must-visit spot renowned for its towering bookshelves, approximately 50 feet in height.
COEX has a variety of entertainment, dining, and shopping destinations; don’t forget to check out the Starfield Bookstore!
It is a fully functioning bookstore, and you can purchase books and other stationary goodies. COEX is home to countless shops and restaurants, including a Kakao Store, and it doesn’t get more convenient than staying at InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas. On our way back to the hotel, I found a GS25—a Korean convenience store—right around the corner from the lobby.
Korean convenience stores offer a wide range of products, from basic meals to essential over-the-counter medications.
You can find a wide variety of Korean snacks and beverages here, including alcoholic beverages and packaged food. After purchasing some candies and beer, we received a notification that our room was finally available, and we went up to the 10th floor, where our junior suite was located.
Living Room & Bedroom Review
The junior suite had a small living space with a curved loveseat and a smart TV integrated into the wall. The loveseat offered decent comfort for sitting, although its low-back design made it less than ideal for extended periods.
The living room's design, conservative yet elegant, perfectly complemented the InterContinental brand's image and essence.
As far as a work desk was concerned, an oval desk was situated in the corner, along with an air purifier that kept the room free of pollutants and allergens. Despite the carpeted flooring in both the living space and bedroom, the suite didn't bear the weight of antiquity. In fact, I enjoyed the vibrant blue hues of the carpet.
The suite's living room was equipped with a portable air purifier, maintaining a pristine environment free from allergens.
The living room wasn’t truly separated from the bedroom; instead, it had a simple divider with a cabinet that housed in-room amenities such as a mini-fridge.
A Nespresso machine never fails to earn bonus points in my book.
The mini-fridge was stocked with an assortment of mixers and alcoholic beverages, featuring choices like champagne and gin.
The minibar sold an impressive array of alcoholic beverages, although the convenience store in the lobby offered them at more affordable prices.
Adjacent to it, on the cabinet surface, rested a Nespresso machine and complimentary bottles of water.
In Korea, bottled water is packaged without plastic wraps, aiming to minimize unnecessary waste and promote environmental sustainability.
However, I wasn’t able to locate coffee mugs or espresso cups, and I had to use my tumbler instead. Moving on to the other side of the room, the king-sized bed was perfect for a good night’s sleep.
The bedroom exuded an elegant ambiance consistent with the luxurious image of the InterContinental brand.
It featured an oversized gray leathered headboard, and the hotel utilized wooden accents to transform the entire wall into a captivating focal point. Each bedside featured an oversized wooden nightstand, along with a master control panel for easy temperature and lighting adjustments.
The bedside master switch not only had the capability to control the temperature but also accompanied a convenient charger with multiple adapters.
Another smart TV was embedded into the divider, and the viewing angle was much more enjoyable compared to the one in the living room.
The integrated lighting in the room divider reminded me of traditional Korean lanterns.
The remaining space in the bedroom was thoughtfully allocated for a cozy side table and a comfortable lounge chair. Complete with an ottoman, it provided a relaxing spot for lounging.
Despite being located in the bustling Samseong-dong, my suite at InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas remained quiet and tranquil.
Both the living room and the bedroom had sizable windows that overlooked the busy streets of Seoul. Despite its location in one of Seoul's busiest business districts, the noise cancellation was truly phenomenal. As expected from the InterContinental brand, the overall design language of the suite was kept conservative, but it seamlessly remained sophisticated and modern with traditional Korean aesthetics. For instance, the integrated lighting in the room divider and the wall lights above the nightstands reminded me of traditional Korean lanterns. Moreover, the dark wooden furniture could’ve appeared conventional and dull, but thanks to the abundant lighting in the room, it was transformed into an inviting atmosphere. Although the bedroom lacked any extraordinary features, it effortlessly fulfilled all expectations, perfectly embodying the InterContinental brand's commitment to delivering outstanding lodging experiences.
Bathroom Review
Although the suite had only one bathroom, it boasted an impressively spacious layout. The bathroom featured a double-sink vanity with a gorgeous floor-to-the-wall marble finish. Every corner of the bathroom was delightfully illuminated, mirroring the brightness of the living space.
Despite the presence of only one bathroom, it was finished with premium marble throughout, creating a refined atmosphere.
I was thrilled to discover that the hotel supplied Byredo products as toiletries since it’s one of my favorite luxury brands. The scent was Bal d’Afrique—the same scent that I used at Nobis Hotel Copenhagen and Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The Bal d’Afrique fragrance has luxurious notes of African marigold, violet, and Moroccan cedarwood that envelopes your skin. Their exquisite fragrances are alluring and long-lasting, leaving you feeling beautifully scented all day long.
With Byredo products, you won't even need to wear perfume since its scents are long-lasting.
The walk-in shower was also finished in the same beautiful marble material, and a rainfall showerhead elevated the experience. I adored the minimalistic aesthetics of the shower, and the hotel didn’t forget to install an ambient light bar to keep its look effortlessly modern.
The shower products were also by Byredo, ensuring a continued provision of luxurious toiletries during your shower experience.
The biggest perk of staying in the junior suite was having a standalone tub. Just like the shower, soft ambient lighting from the ceiling delicately illuminated the generous bathtub, spacious enough for two young adults to enjoy simultaneously.
The hotel skillfully utilized ambient lighting to not only illuminate the bathtub but also elevate the mood.
The toilet was in a separate water closet, and as with most luxury hotels in Korea, it had a bidet with various washing and drying functions to make your bathroom break more pleasant.
The bathroom came with a separate water closet complete with a bidet, ensuring privacy and convenience.
The bathroom was certainly more contemporary than the bedroom due to its minimalistic appearance. The hotel successfully incorporated the traditional design element synonymous with the InterContinental brand through the use of darker granite countertops for the vanity. Nonetheless, I still thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed the bathroom’s contemporary and refreshing look.
Gym Review
The gym was located on the third floor and was open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. The fitness center was massive—easily capable of accommodating many guests simultaneously. Along the floor-to-ceiling windows, LifeFitness treadmills were neatly organized, and each of them had a personal TV. Be aware that these are cable TVs, not smart TVs, so you won’t be able to watch your favorite Netflix shows.
The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provided a sense of openness, but the ceiling height was slightly lower than other hotel gyms.
Additionally, there were other cardio exercise machines, including stationary bikes and ellipticals, that were also accessible to guests. The gym floor offered a variety of TechnoGym strength machines, strategically placed to cater to different workout preferences.
The gym’s wooden flooring seemed dated and out of touch with modernity and style.
However, for serious lifters, there was a specially designed area with non-slip flooring, and I genuinely appreciated that the gym was committed to delivering a comprehensive selection of equipment, including full squat racks and Smith machines.
The gym's lifting area showcased a wide array of strength equipment, providing ample options for a comprehensive workout experience.
The squat rack was equipped with safety bars, and to ensure peace of mind for all, the gym floor was closely supervised by trained professionals. With adjustable benches and an abundance of free weights, I didn’t need to wait for another guest to complete their workout, and the wait time was minimal.
The gym had an abundant assortment of strength equipment, catering to guests of all skill levels.
Initially, I found it peculiar that the gym was quite occupied even though I visited right after breakfast. Surprisingly, the majority of the gym-goers were elderly individuals. Later, I discovered that the gym offers membership to non-guests, and its popularity among seniors is owed to its amenities, such as swimming pools and saunas.
The fitness center welcomed hotel guests and non-guests with the gym membership, so it wasn’t always empty in the morning.
Speaking of the swimming pool, an indoor swimming pool and saunas were located adjacent to the fitness center. The pool featured three 25-metered lanes, and while it offered sunbeds and seating areas, it wasn't specifically designed for leisurely lounging. Additionally, the absence of skylights in the ceiling created an environment that prioritized exercise rather than poolside relaxation.
After your workout, I suggest taking advantage of the sauna to soothe your muscles and rejuvenate yourself.
Both male and female saunas were available, but for privacy reasons, I didn’t take photos of the facility. The sauna experience in Korea typically offers communal hot and cold baths, but since Korean saunas involve nudity, you can comfortably store your clothing and belongings in a complimentary locker after getting undressed. Just like the hotel's overall ambiance, the fitness center embraced a conservative design approach, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. While the gym offered top-notch professional equipment, I couldn't help but wish that the hotel had ventured into more contemporary and innovative interior design choices for the facility.
Breakfast Review—Grand Kitchen
With my Diamond Elite status, breakfast was complimentary for my fiancé and me, and it was served at Grand Kitchen, located on the first floor. Breakfast was served from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
The interior of the Grand Kitchen subtly incorporated traditional Korean design elements.
The front desk recommended arriving at the restaurant before 7:30 AM to avoid the crowds. I followed their advice and was grateful that I did because there was a line of people when we arrived a few minutes before it opened its doors.
The dining area was incredibly spacious, showcasing private rooms tailored for group gatherings.
True to its name, Grand Kitchen represented a diverse array of cuisines from around the world. With numerous tables and even private rooms for groups, guests could indulge in a culinary experience catered to their desires.
The breakfast buffet served Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western culinary delights.
I began my meal with a combination of Korean and Chinese breakfast delicacies. I savored some kimchi-mandoo (steamed kimchi dumplings) and gimbap, and accompanied rice with various traditional banchans, also known as Korean side dishes.
Although my plate differed slightly from a traditional Korean breakfast, it was bursting with flavors.
They included radish kimchi, braised quail eggs and lotus roots, and spinach salad, which are very common everyday dish for Koreans.
While some Korean side dishes may be spicy, I recommend giving them a try to experience authentic Korean cuisine.
They were delicious, and if you hadn’t tried out some of these traditional banchans, the buffet would be a great opportunity to sample some.
Chinese and Korean dumplings were prepared fresh at the open kitchen, right behind the serving station.
My fiancé was more interested in Japanese breakfast dishes, and the buffet offered a decent selection of options to choose from.
In Korea, roasted corn and sweet potato are typical seasonal treats during the winter months.
Since Japanese cuisine also utilizes side dishes for rice, the buffet served chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), picked veggies, and natto (fermented soybean).
Popular Japanese breakfast dishes such as natto and pickled veggies were available at the buffet.
I am a big fan of Japanese cuisine as well, and I went for a bowl of udon. However, you could either choose udon noodles or rice noodles and build your bowl with healthy toppings like bean sprouts, bok choi, mushrooms, and fried tofu.
Guests could build their udon bowls with various wholesome vegetables.
The portion exceeded my expectations, with pleasantly chewy noodles and a warm broth that was perfect for a cold winter day.
A bowl of warm udon immediately warmed my body, and I made mine with nutritious vegetables.
Of course, there were American classics like bacon, sausage, pancake, and waffle. Although I wasn’t interested in them, I did spot Bungeo-ppang, which are fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet red bean paste. These are popular street snacks in Korea, but unfortunately, it’s been disappearing. It was nostalgic to have one at the buffet, bringing back happy memories from my childhood.
In general, Boungeo-pang is more substantial than the one served at the buffet.
For those looking for a lighter breakfast option, the buffet showcased a salad bar and a decent selection of cheese and cold meat. While the vegetables were fresh, the quality of the cold meats and smoked salmon left a tad to be desired.
The quality of the cold meats and smoked salmon fell slightly short of expectations.
While an assortment of Brie, Emmental, and blue cheeses was on offer to complement the meats, they didn't quite garner the same level of favoritism as the other tasty dishes at the buffet.
While there were a few varieties of cheese available at the buffet, they weren’t as popular as other offerings.
The most popular items at the buffet were dessert pastries; trays of almond croissants, chocolate Danish, and cinnamon rolls were constantly replenished, and almost every child at the buffet grabbed a muffin as soon as they spotted them.
I highly suggest pairing delectable pastries with a cup of joe to kickstart your morning.
I had a chocolate Danish, which was really a pain au chocolat with cocoa dusting, and a small bowl of fruits. I paired the pastry with a cup of cappuccino, and it was a nice way to wrap up breakfast.
Guests could order coffee or tea at the cafe, but taking it to go was not allowed outside the restaurant.
In addition to its selection of caffeinated options, Grand Kitchen also provides a variety of alternatives, including refreshing freshly squeezed juices and dairy products.
These choices are perfect for those who prefer to avoid caffeine without compromising on taste.
The overall breakfast experience at Grand Kitchen was excellent, but it wasn’t the best breakfast buffet I had in Korea. Some less popular dishes were dry, and European offerings like cold meats and cheese were not as fresh as I’d have liked. Though the entrance was covered under my IHG Diamond Elite level, those without the status will need to pay about 55 USD per adult, which may be a bit hefty for some, given the selection of dishes and their qualities.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The location of InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas is unbeatable. Situated adjacent to the COEX mall, the hotel offers a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including an aquarium and movie theater. Its prime proximity to Bongeunsa Temple and Jamsil Sports Complex positions it as the perfect choice for tourists visiting Seoul.
The fitness center featured an extensive selection of strength equipment, including a full squat rack. It was unexpectedly crowded in the morning, but with complimentary access to an indoor swimming pool and sauna, you can complete your exercise and relaxation routine all at once.
My junior suite was a familiar and elegant Intercontinental bedroom. I appreciated a harmonious blend of traditional Korean design elements and modern Western elegance, and the luxurious amenities provided in the suite certainly didn’t disappoint.
Negatives
The design language of the hotel was slightly mundane. I appreciated that the quality of materials didn’t suffer, but perhaps the hotel could’ve been more adventurous with its interiors. It was worrisome that the hotel would become antiquated too soon, following the footsteps of its neighbor—InterContinental Seoul COEX.
Summary
All in all, InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas is a great choice for both leisure and business travelers. Its impressive location offers plenty of sightseeing, restaurants, and shopping options nearby. The hotel itself featured a well-equipped fitness center, a relaxing indoor pool, and a sauna area, as well as high-quality materials for a comfortable stay. While the design may lean towards a more conservative approach, it did not detract from the overall experience; it was still an upscale InterContinental property that we all know and love. If you are looking for an upscale lodging experience with convenient transportation and sightseeing options, InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas should be on your list. Would you stay at InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas? Leave us a comment below!
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