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Hotel Review: RYSE, Autograph Collection

Hotel Review: RYSE, Autograph Collection

HongIk University has one of the best art programs in South Korea, and the area surrounding the campus has become a breeding ground for indie musicians and artists. Despite the increased presence of corporate shops, the youthful spirit of college students remains vibrant in the area, resulting in a burgeoning scene of pop-up shops and trendsetting in the Hongdae neighborhood. RYSE, Autograph Collection, is a new hotel that embodies the true spirit of Hongdae; its hip and trendy atmosphere is what Gen Zs want, and the hotel has reflected it perfectly. The RYSE Hotel offered a dynamic experience that combined subculture, sophistication, and spontaneity. Here is my review of RYSE, Autograph Collection:

entrance of the Ryse hotel in hongdae, seoul, south Korea

RYSE, Autograph Collection, is located at 130 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu,, Seoul, South Korea, 04038.

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 has 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. Click HERE to access my referral link. Thank you!

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 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

RYSE, Autograph Collection, is a boutique hotel located in Seoul, South Korea. It is situated in the bustling Hongdae district and is just 1000 feet away from the Hongik University Subway Station exit, so guests will have easy access to Subway Line 2. The hotel is located close to the Airway Train line, and visitors can travel directly from Incheon or Gimpo Airport. Hongdae is known for the underground club and indie art scenes, and you will experience its youthful ambiance as soon as you are near the hotel. The surrounding area is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops offering a wide variety of cuisines and merchandise, and the RYSE Hotel will serve as a great home base for those looking to explore the bustling city of Seoul.

 

Lobby & Check-In Review

We took an elevator up to the third floor since the front desk was not on the first floor.

open floor concept cafe with modular seating arrangements and spherical light fixtures hanging from high ceilings

The first floor of the hotel was used as a weVlcome floor and featured a rotating pop-up spot for cafes.

The interior of the lobby was nothing I had seen before; it felt like I was in a contemporary art gallery. The use of various materials, lighting, and the architectural flow of the space was refreshing and cohesive.

spherical lighting and red modern art installation in the middle of a spiral staircase

The captivating art installation and lighting design in the lobby exemplified the significance of art in the Hongdae area.

After checking in, the front desk representative informed me that my Suite Night Award had been approved. I was delighted to learn that I would be upgraded to the luxurious Producer suite. Additionally, she acknowledged my prestigious Titanium Elite status and graciously offered welcome amenities.

boutique hotel front desk check-in area with a guest checking in to a hotel

The RYSE Hotel recognized my Titanium Elite status and provided delightful snacks as part of my welcome amenity.

I had a choice between red and white wine; moreover, I could choose one snack from a selection of Yakgwa (traditional Korean deep-fried cookie), wonton churros, or toffee clusters. I had the option to receive an additional 1,000 bonus points, but I decided to go with a bottle of white wine and some wonton churros instead, and they were great late-night snacks. The third floor was also home to the Print Culture Lounge, where the hotel showcases extensive selections of interesting magazines, books, and vinyl records.

a design-centric hotel lounge area with modular sofas and wooden magazine stand

Visitors had the opportunity to peruse intriguing magazines, books, and vinyl records in the Print Culture Lounge.

With its vibrant fusion of global visitors and diverse cultures, Hongdae epitomizes the essence of this lively district in a delightfully retro-cool manner. The Print Culture Lounge perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Hongdae, creating an ambiance that is both captivating and nostalgic.

premium hotel lounge with modular seating arrangements with bright red carpet

The lounge showcased an eclectic presentation and design, skillfully combining contrasting colors and materials for a visually compelling ambiance.

The lounge's presentation and design were eclectic as the hotel mixed and matched contrasting colors and materials. I could envision the lounge being a safe haven for artists, where creatives get inspiration through various prints. The lounge had a limited selection of RYSE-branded merchandise for sale.

clothes and accessories displayed on the wall for purchase

The availability of RYSE-branded merchandise for purchase added an interesting element to the experience.

If you were in need of food or beverages, Corner Deli was conveniently located just around the corner. It was the hotel’s take on a snack stand and sold a wide variety of snacks, ramen, soda, and alcoholic beverages, including soju. It resembled a convenience store, which was the hotel’s precise intention.

Korean convenience store selling ramen, snacks and beverages including soju and soda

Designed to emulate a typical convenience store, the hotel successfully captured the vibe.

However, unlike most convenience stores in Seoul that stay open 24/7, Corner Deli operates from 10 AM to 9 PM, so make sure to grab your favorite snacks before nightfall to satiate those late-night cravings. Lastly, the third floor was home to WORKSOUT—an expansive retail store showcasing unique clothing and accessory brands from all over the world.

workouts clothing store at ryse hotel selling clothes and accessories

Hongdae has always been a fashionable hub, particularly renowned for its distinctive streetwear trends.

The store covers the first, second, and third floors of the RYSE Hotel and was brilliantly designed by Andrea Caputo. With over 5,000 square feet of merchandise, you are almost guaranteed to find something that catches your attention.

running and hiking shoes and clothes displayed for purchase

Although the items were exceptionally unique, the prices were not budget-friendly.

If you are a streetwear aficionado, WORKSOUT would be a fantastic shop to pick out exclusive clothes and accessories.

an outdoor view of a vans stores in hongdae, seoul, south korea

The first floor of WORKSOUT is Vans by WORKSOUT—a collaboration store selling exclusive VANS products.

I thoroughly appreciated the lobby for its eccentric shops that reflected the hotel's dedication to art and its inherent connection to it. I was excited to see how my room would highlight the brand and went up to the 10th floor, where my suite was located. 

Bedroom Review

The RYSE Hotel’s intention to represent Hongdae’s bohemian lifestyle was immediately reflected as soon as I stepped into my suite. A textured concrete wall and warm hardwood flooring mixed and matched with industrial furniture frames.

hotel suite bedroom corridor with wooden flooring and industrial-style concrete wall

The interplay of a textured concrete wall and inviting hardwood flooring seamlessly blended with the industrial allure of the furniture frames.

I instantly witnessed the hotel’s strong embrace of subculture, even at the minibar, deviating from the typical setup found in ordinary hotels. Instead of an espresso machine, the hotel provided pour-over coffee packets and an electric kettle to facilitate the pour-over experience.

hotel bedroom minibar featuring a wooden retro wireless speaker and an electric kettle for pour-over coffee

The pour-over coffee packets were similar to the ones I received at Hotel St. George in Helsinki.

Beneath the mini-fridge was a refillable glass bottle filled with filtered water. Unlike other accommodations that require guests to refill the bottle themselves, the RYSE Hotel would take care of refilling it if the water level dropped below one-third. If you would like to sit down and enjoy freshly brewed coffee, you could use the dining table in the corner, accommodating up to four people simultaneously.

a dining table set with modern spherical lighting in a living room adorned with photography art

The dining table was big enough for a family meal, and I used it as my remote work station.

On the table was an array of thoughtful welcome amenities from the hotel. In addition to the bottle of white wine and wonton churros I received upon checking in, there was a bottle of red wine, a jar full of Dalgona candies, fish jerky, and a game of Gonggi.

wine bottles, dalgona candies, and wonton churros as welcome amenities presented on a black dining table in a hotel suite

Dalgona gained global popularity following its appearance in the Netflix series Squid Game.

Gonggi, a beloved traditional children's game in Korea, uses five grape-sized plastic weighted stones.

a traditional children's game called gonggi and its colorful game tools on a table

Gonggi was my favorite children’s game in Korea, and I used to play it all the time when I was in elementary school.

Because I hadn’t played it well in over a decade, it was such a pleasant and nostalgic surprise to encounter the game at the hotel. After playing a few Gonggi games, I checked out the bed; a king-sized bed was adorned with minimalistic decor and used a wall as a headboard.

a minimalistic bed on a wooden table with gray accent walls and nightstands

While I typically lean towards having a physical headboard, the seamless aesthetics of the wall complemented the overall ambiance exceptionally well.

I generally prefer to have an actual headboard, but its seamless aesthetics complemented the overall ambiance very well. Integrated dimmable wall lighting and a master light switch with USB ports and outlets made the bedside a convenience factor during my stay.

a gray nightstand in a hotel suite featuring a master light switch and complimentary korean faace masks on the nightstand

The RYSE Hotel offered complimentary facial masks to guests, creating a youthful and rejuvenated experience.

A glass wall that offered a direct peek into the bathroom was positioned above the headboard. Luckily, there was a switch where you could transform the glass into an opaque wall, concealing the bathroom and ensuring privacy. On the opposite side of the bed stood a smart TV, uniquely mounted on a black pole.

hotel bedroom featuring a smart tv wall mounted on a pole and a charming seating area with gray couch in the corner

Although the black pole used to mount the TV wasn't to my liking, its smart TV features more than made up for any reservations I had.

However, I couldn't help but wish that the hotel had opted for a more seamless and aesthetically pleasing approach by directly wall-mounting the TV. Rather than having a designated workspace, the bedroom showcased a cozy nook with a sleek gray felt sectional and a contemporary coffee table.

retro-chic style living space with artistic coffee table in the corner of a suite at Ryse hotel in seoul

The retro-chic design of the lounge chairs and coffee table provided a refreshing departure from the standard furniture found in cookie-cutter hotels.

Although the couch and lounge chair might not have been the epitome of comfort, I couldn't help but appreciate their retro-chic design. Oversized windows allowed a healthy amount of natural light into the bedroom, and because Hongdae is primarily a university town, the view from the room stayed residential in character.

a residential view of the hongdae neighborhood in seoul south korea

You could see the main building of HongIk University from the suite.

The bedroom was a great combination of indie furniture and the latest technology, intertwined with a few retro-chic elements. The overall ambiance of the bedroom may not exude a mature and sophisticated setting. Nonetheless, it held a distinct charm that resonated with those in search of a quirky yet stylish room and captured the vibrant and youthful spirit for which Hongdae is known.

Bathroom Review

The spacious suite I stayed in had a large bathroom located directly behind the open bedroom area. The bathroom showcased an elegant terrazzo countertop and a double sink vanity featuring backlit mirrors, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic accentuated by white subway wall tiles.

modern bathroom sink with terrazzo vanity top and circular backlit mirrors

The minimalist aesthetic worked well with clean white subway tiles and an elegant terrazzo vanity top.

One fascinating technological feature of the suite was the privacy wall in the bathroom. The glass wall facing the bathroom mirrors was completely transparent, potentially allowing those in the bedroom to see into the bathroom.

privacy window wall behind the bed

The privacy wall could remain deactivated when the bathroom was in use.

However, the glass wall could be transformed into an opaque state by simply toggling a switch, ensuring complete privacy.

privacy window panel activated and showing opaque glass

When the bathroom was in use, you could activate the privacy wall for added privacy.

The bathroom showcased a standalone tub; although it was deep, it was not large enough to accommodate two adults simultaneously.

deep freestanding bath tub with matte black faucets surrounded by terrazzo tiles

The deep freestanding tub wasn't spacious enough to be used by two people at once.

On the other hand, the walk-in shower, which was also adorned with terrazzo tiles, had ample room and included a convenient small bench. The water from the rainfall showerhead felt invigorating every time I showered.

spacious walk-in shower adorned with terrazzo tiles and white subway tiles featuring matte black faucets and showerheads

The walk-in shower, finished with minimalistic flair, also featured trendy retro terrazzo tiles.

The toiletries were provided in communal bottles in an effort to minimize plastic waste. there was no indication of the brand, but the products were easy on my skin and had a pleasant floral fragrance.

communal shampoo, hair conditioner, body wash bottles on a terrazzo countertop

The tub and walk-in shower were well-equipped with ample toiletries.

Lastly, the water closet housed a toilet with a bidet, complete with various washing and drying functions. All of the walls within the bathroom were made of clear glass, creating an open and airy atmosphere.

spacious bathroom with terrazzo tiles featuring a bathtub, walk-in shower, and a water closet separated by glass walls

I appreciated the fact that the bathroom had all its walls constructed with clear glass, fostering an open and airy ambiance.

The simple yet upscale atmosphere of the terrazzo-tiled bathroom complemented the hotel's distinctive character. In contrast to generic accommodations in Seoul, it provided a refreshing and invigorating experience.

Gym Review

Located on the fourth floor, the hotel's gym was accessible 24/7, offering guests the flexibility to work out at any time. While not overly spacious, its tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows created an open and welcoming atmosphere, offering an extra breathing room.

boutique hotel gym at ryse hotel in seoul featuring bench press and training equipment

Considering the hotel's size, the fitness center boasted a comprehensive array of workout equipment.

The addition of hardwood flooring added a touch of warmth to the otherwise industrial environment.

an assortment of cardio workout machines on a wooden floor facing large windows overlooking Hongdae in seoul

The hardwood floor provided an interesting contrast to the exposed concrete appearance of the wall.

Cardio exercise machines all faced the windows, overlooking the busy streets of the Hongdae metro area.

cardio and core training exercise machines in a gym with wooden flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows

From the cardio area, guests could enjoy panoramic views of the bustling streets of the Hongdae metro area.

As for strength training, the gym offered only free weights, which necessitated an age restriction (19 years and older) due to liability concerns, a practice uncommon in American hotel gyms. Of course, the restriction did not apply to me, allowing me to appreciate the presence of an Olympic-grade barbell and weight plates.

dumbbell rack on a padded area with kettlebells and dumbbells for strength exercises

The weightlifting area was well-padded, allowing me to execute deadlifts without concerns about causing damage to the floor.

The weightlifting area was thoughtfully equipped with padded flooring, enabling me to perform deadlifts without worrying about causing damage to the floor.  The only downside was that if the area was occupied, it would be challenging to find space for weightlifting, and guests may need to work with someone else.

hydration station at the gym with a carpet with a motivational message

The inspirational message on the carpet had a reminiscent touch of what W hotels are known for.

The gym had a dedicated space for bodyweight exercises, complete with mirrored walls and padded mats.

corner of a gym featuring mirrored walls and black yoga mats for core exercises

One corner was specifically designated for bodyweight exercises, featuring mirrored walls and padded mats.

I saw some guests practicing yoga, and for those seeking more dynamic workouts, medicine balls or gym balls were available for use.

a neatly organized wall shelf featuring black gym balls, yoga mats, and medicine balls for exercises

I appreciated the uniformity of having all the workout gear in a sleek black color.

Despite the age restriction and limited weightlifting space, the gym featured an inviting and functional environment for both basic and advanced exercise routines, encouraging guests to push their limits.

Bar Review—Side Note Club

Following our dinner, we made our way back to the RYSE Hotel and ventured up to the 15th floor to check out the hotel's rooftop bar, Side Note Club.

entrance of an upscale cocktail bar called side note club in seoul

Side Note Club is an upscale bar that crafts inventive cocktails utilizing distinct Korean ingredients.

Open from 4 PM to 12 AM on Sundays, and from 6 PM to 2 AM throughout the rest of the week, the bar sought to showcase the art of mixology with a contemporary flair.

upscale and mature lounge bar showcasing an LP record shelf and wooden bar shelf featuring whiskey and cognac

The bar featured a refined setting where patrons could leisurely savor their drinks while enjoying some music.

Accompanied by carefully curated playlists, the atmosphere was set for an unforgettable experience. As we approached the bar, a receptionist warmly welcomed us, standing next to a glowing neon sign, while the ambient sounds of hip-hop jazz filled the air, adding to the overall vibe.

a bright purple neon sign at side note club at ryse hotel in seoul south korea

Given its popularity, I strongly recommend making a reservation in advance for Side Note Club.

Side Note Club was very popular, so I highly suggest making a reservation beforehand. I reserved private window seats earlier, as they were the most desirable seats at the bar.

velvet couches with a table by a large window overlooking hongdae at night

Securing window seats during peak times might pose a challenge without a reservation.

We ordered a few rounds of drinks, starting with Blue Grape and Red Cloud. Blue Grape used vodka as a base, and the white wine delightfully accentuated the grape flavor. Red Cloud was a pisco-based cocktail mixed with Yeontae Kaoliang liquor—a traditional Chinese liquor. The interesting fruity aroma from Pisco and Yeontae Kaoliang liquor and herbal notes from Yellow Chartreuse resulted in a delightful combination.

a pisco cocktail with yellow chartreuse and a vodka based drink in a tall glass with a slice of grapefruit as a garnish

The delightful combination of pisco and Yeontae Kaoliang liquor was truly enjoyable.

For our second round of drinks, I wanted a cocktail to be more traditional with an uncommon or unique Korean ingredient. The cocktail that caught my attention was called Kingdom. The bartender kindly offered me a sample of Lee Gang Ju, a traditional type of Soju used in the drink. It proved to be a fascinating Soju with intriguing pear, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon notes, a flavor combination I had never experienced before.

a cocktail made with traditional soju featuring haribo gummies as a garnish

Lee Gang Ju was a traditional Korean soju, exhibiting a complex profile with intriguing herbal notes.

We also ordered a drink called K Punch, which combined cognac and rice wine, and the addition of muscat liqueur, Schisandra, and grenadine syrup transformed it into a delightful sweet and sour concoction. The cocktail was accompanied by fun-sized Haribo gummy bears, adding a playful touch. While the drinks were slightly pricey, each cocktail was flawlessly crafted, and the intimate ambiance of the bar created the perfect setting for a romantic date night.

Although the drinks carried a slightly higher price tag, each cocktail was impeccably crafted.

Whether you're a mixology enthusiast or simply a music lover, I highly recommend paying a visit to Side Note Club at the RYSE Hotel.

Breakfast Review—CHARR

At The RYSE Hotel, you'll find two breakfast options. On the first floor, there's Tartine Coffee Shop, which serves up a delightful selection of light sandwiches, pastries, and specialty coffees.

coffee shop with lofty ceilings selling merchandise and cakes

Tartine Coffee Shop has been replaced with Blue Bottle Coffee and may change to a different venue since it’s a temporary pop-up.

If you're in the mood for a traditional breakfast buffet, head up to the fourth floor and visit CHARR. Thanks to my Titanium Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, my fiancé and I were fortunate enough to enjoy a complimentary breakfast at CHARR.

CHARR welcomed guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and if you're lodging at The RYSE Hotel, you'll enjoy either a 10% or 15% discount, depending on your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

The breakfast service at CHARR runs from 7 AM to 11 AM daily, but the restaurant also welcomes guests for lunch and dinner. As an added bonus, if you're staying at The RYSE Hotel, you'll receive a 10% discount as a guest, and if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you'll enjoy a 15% discount.

industrial restaurant dining space with concrete flooring and black and gray dining tables with a few people dining

The restaurant's interior, staying true to its name, predominantly featured black and gray tones.

The culinary team at CHARR specializes in grilling, so I recommend trying their dry-aged steaks. CHARR's dining space expertly utilized a color scheme primarily centered around black and gray tones, enhancing the smoky essence of its cuisine.

hotel buffet at RYSE hotel in seoul with a chef cooking an omelet next to food stations

The industrial ambiance seamlessly matched the restaurant's character, enhancing the smoky essence of its cuisine.

The industrial atmosphere seamlessly complemented the restaurant's persona. When it came to the breakfast buffet, CHARR offered a mix of traditional Korean dishes and Western fare. Alongside familiar breakfast items like sausages, waffles, hashbrowns, and baked ham, there were some unique twists.

hash browns and waffles at breakfast buffet next to condiments

While the restaurant did provide some traditional American breakfast choices, they weren't particularly noteworthy.

Instead of scrambled eggs, the restaurant served boiled eggs, but they also prepared fried eggs and Japanese omelets for guests.

boiled eggs, omelets, and fried eggs individually portioned next to at breakfast buffet

Among the three egg options, I highly recommend the Japanese omelet.

The omelet itself was fluffy and buttery, so it didn't necessarily require additional toppings or fillings like traditional American omelets.

fluffy japanese omelet on a plate next to a dollop of ketchup

My morning began delightfully with the fluffy and buttery Japanese omelet.

While I enjoyed a Western-style breakfast, my vote ultimately went to the buffet's Korean dishes. I found that CHARR captured the spirit of authentic Korean breakfast items that locals enjoy daily. The restaurant served classic banchans (side dishes) such as kimchi, salted squid, roasted seaweed, and pickled garlic stems.

a rice cooker containing white rice and an assortment of traditional korean banchans for breakfast

While some of their traditional Korean banchans might be too intense for some, I encourage everyone to give them a try.

These banchans held a special place in my heart as they reminded me of cherished childhood flavors. For my breakfast plate, I opted for rice and an assortment of banchans, completing my meal with a comforting bowl of spicy chicken soup known as Dakgaejang, which happens to be one of my favorite Korean soups.

a plate of white rice and fried rice with traditional korean banchans and a bowl of spicy soup for breakfast

Dakgaejang, a mildly spicy chicken soup rich with various vegetables, serves as a comfort food for many Koreans.

While the food quality at CHARR wasn't exceptional, I appreciated that the hotel didn't shy away from serving common and typical Korean dishes. These dishes were familiar to me, but I encourage everyone to try them. For those seeking more familiar American and European options, the restaurant offered cold cuts of meat and cheese, including smoked salmon.

cold cuts of meat and fresh cheese on wooden cutting boards at breakfast buffet at ryse hotel in seoul south korea

I didn’t try certain charcuterie dishes as they seemed processed and unnatural.

Nonetheless, I noticed some of these items seemed processed and unnatural, so I moved on to the salad station. There, I found traditional salads like mixed greens, but what caught my attention were the unique items like broccoli and sweet pumpkin salad, and som tam (Thai papaya salad) that are popular in Asia.

an assortment of salads with tongs at breakfast buffet at ryse hotel in seoul

I appreciate it when breakfast buffets serve unconventional salads, such as Thai papaya salad.

To wrap up my meal, I grabbed some pre-cut fruit and indulged in pastries such as apple turnover and lemon cream cheese filo.

serving trays full of pre-cut fruits like pineapple, orange, watermelon at buffet

I concluded my meal with a selection of freshly cut fruits and pastries.

However, the quality of the pastries evidently suggested that these pastries were store-bought, and I wished that the hotel had taken the time to source artisanal baked goods or freshly bake them in-house.

mountains of pastries like croissant and apple turnover displayed for breakfast at buffet at ryse hotel in seoul

I wished the hotel had invested in sourcing artisanal baked goods or freshly baking them in-house.

Overall, CHARR presented a decent selection of Korean and international dishes for its breakfast buffet. Though the quality of some items could be improved, I particularly enjoyed the familiar local Korean fare as it evoked childhood memories and a sense of nostalgia.

Positives & Negatives 

Positives

  • Side Note Club was one of the best hotel bars I had been to. The level of execution from highly skilled bartenders was remarkable, and I appreciated the bar’s effort to incorporate traditional and modern Korean ingredients, including traditional Korean soju. 

  • The RYSE Hotel is more than a hotel—it is a multiplex venue. It hosts art exhibitions and pop-up events and fosters unique collaboration opportunities with various genres of art and fashion. 

  • The hotel featured an upscale yet unique ambiance that was achieved by a harmonious mix of materials, colors, and textures. The aesthetics and design of the hotel brilliantly captured the spontaneous and eccentric nature of Hongdae

Negatives

  • Although a minor concern, it is worth mentioning that the hotel lacks a dedicated drop-off area. Consequently, if you happen to arrive by taxi, exercising caution while opening the door becomes imperative. 

Summary

RYSE, Autograph Collection, is located in Hongdae, where you can encounter the latest fashion, music, art, and food trends in Seoul, and the hotel successfully encapsulates the vibrant and youthful nature of the surrounding area. As a result, the RYSE Hotel was more than just a lodging accommodation. It housed a print shop, a rotating pop-up cafe, a streetwear shop with exclusive collaborations, and a craft cocktail bar focused on Korean ingredients. The RYSE Hotel’s eclectic expression of its brand identity through the use of color, texture, and materials was a treat to savor during the entire duration of my stay. I highly recommend staying at the RYSE Hotel when you are in Seoul, South Korea; you will find yourself captivated by its distinctive atmosphere and details.

Use Rakuten & Earn AMEX Membership Rewards Points

Use Rakuten & Earn AMEX Membership Rewards Points

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