Park Hyatt Seoul

HND to GMP with Japan Airlines First Class Lounge
Park Hyatt Seoul
ICN to NRT with Korean Airlines Lounge

Chase Hyatt credit card free nights
The Chase Hyatt credit card is best known for its generous sign-up bonus of 2 free nights at any Hyatt property worldwide, including flagship properties like the Park Hyatt in Tokyo and Sydney, which can regularly run for over $600 per night.  The card also offers an annual anniversary free night that can be used at category 4 properties, which typically includes mid-tier Hyatt Regency hotels.  Category 4 hotels rarely include flagship Park Hyatt properties, especially at bustling cities like Seoul.  However, the Park Hyatt Seoul is an exception and an excellent redemption value for this annual benefit.  Furthermore, the card grants you automatic Platinum status, which includes perks such as room upgrades, free WiFi, and late checkout.

Park Hyatt Seoul
The Park Hyatt Seoul is located at the busiest intersection in Seoul's financial district.  I entered the hotel at 9:45 am to check-in early and the 1st-floor bell boys already knew my first name when I told them my last name.  I was personally ushered to the lobby on the 25th floor, and our bags were taken to our room.  Upon check-in, I was given a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room and free WiFi pursuant to my Platinum status perk.  What's interesting is that the lobby is located on the top floor and the rooms are on the 4th-23rd floors.  So after taking the elevator up to the check-in desk, I was then escorted down to my room on the 8th floor.

The 55-square-meter room was filled with electronic controls that powered the shades, dampers, and excessive lighting.  The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a nice view of the famed COEX building, which is the largest underground mall in Asia.

The bathroom had a small sauna and two shower head options.  The vanity kit was littered with useful amenities that were synonymous to the Tokyo Park Hyatt's.  I left the room at 10:15 am and returned at night to find a bundle of large seedless grapes and a personalized welcome card on the table.

Breakfast
The buffet breakfast is located on the 2nd floor.  It's hardly a deal at 40,000 Won (~$36.50 USD), but definitely worth the food and experience.  Upon getting seated, you're offered eggs cooked to your liking and your choice of beverages.  I opted for scrambled eggs diced with smoked salmon and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Pastries

Fruits

Smoked meats, fish, and cheese

Hot Korean breakfast items

Gelato for breakfast, anyone?

My personal favorite: fresh fruit smoothies blended to your liking.  I chose strawberries, oranges, and apples.  This breakfast was definitely a good start to the day, and could last you at least through the afternoon.  Unfortunately, this was also my last day in Seoul, so I'd spend the entire afternoon flying.

Bottom line
At $400 per night, this hotel is easily the best redemption value for a category 4 hotel whether using points or your credit card annual free night certificate.  It's one of the best hotels in Seoul at a prime location, and service is excellent, though somewhat inferior to the Tokyo Park Hyatt's unparalleled service.  Upon checkout, I was given a complimentary luxury taxi ride to the bus station at the Coex, which offers nonstop service to ICN every 20 minutes.  It's less than a kilometer away, but still a nice complimentary amenity.  And if you're a Diamond member, you'll be given a complimentary upgrade to a suite along with free breakfast buffet.

Next: ICN to NRT with Korean Airlines Lounge