Grand Hyatt Seoul Review – Worth the Climb? My Calves Still Remember

View from a Grand Hyatt Seoul room showing the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, with a chair and table in the foreground

This is my honest Grand Hyatt Seoul review. I expected a scenic 20-minute walk from Itaewon Station to a luxury escape above the city.

Wrong.

It turned into a steep, sweaty climb. Ten minutes in, I was sweating. Twenty minutes in, I was regretting everything. When I reached the entrance, I wasn’t checking in—I was recovering.

Woman pulling a suitcase uphill on a steep street near Itaewon in Seoul, surrounded by delivery bikes and shops.

Staying at Grand Hyatt Seoul is a true luxury. But no one tells you about the hill.

Location & Access in This Grand Hyatt Seoul Review

The hotel isn’t close to a subway station. Itaewon and Hangangjin are the nearest, but the walk is far from pleasant—especially with luggage. Expect to spend on taxis or enjoy daily cardio.

Tall glass building partially hidden by lush green trees under a clear blue sky

That said, once you arrive, it feels like a mountain retreat. It’s quiet, green, and just far enough from Itaewon’s nightlife to actually sleep well.

The Room: Calm, Clean, and Seoul-Facing

Modern hotel room at Grand Hyatt Seoul with panoramic city view through large windows.

The highlight? The view. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the Seoul skyline, and the interior stays understated—wood tones, soft lighting, and a plum blossom painting that quietly reminds you you’re in Korea.

Sunny afternoon cityscape seen from a cozy indoor lounge area

Modern hotel room with a king-size bed and panoramic windows

Amenities: Everything You Expect, Nothing You Don’t

Balmain toiletries, a Nespresso machine, and a minibar that’s actually stocked. Not over-the-top, but everything is thoughtful and well-selected. This part of the Grand Hyatt Seoul review gets a solid check.

Balmain Paris branded body lotion and soap placed on a mint green counter

Breakfast & Lounge: Peace Over Pomp

The breakfast buffet covers the basics: fruit, gimbap, noodles, and eggs made to order. It’s not massive, but it’s quality. The lounge? Quiet, sunlit, and ideal for winding down—definitely a highlight if you value peace over noise.

Elegant dessert buffet with cakes, flowers, and glass chandeliers in a high-ceilinged lounge

Korean breakfast spread with fruit, noodles, gimbap, and simmered meat on a wooden table

Evenings by the Pool: City Lights, No Chaos

At night, the pool transforms. Dim lights, glowing water, a soft breeze. Whether you’re swimming or sipping, it’s a rare peaceful corner of Seoul.

Nighttime poolside terrace glowing with warm lights and outdoor diners

Final Word: My Grand Hyatt Seoul Review in One Line

Stone wall entry sign warmly lit at a luxury hotel entrance

If you’re a public transport traveler like me, the location may wear you out. But if you’re looking for views, calm, and a hotel that feels above it all—literally and figuratively—it’s worth the stay.

Just know: my calves haven’t forgiven me yet.

You can check Grand Hyatt Seoul’s official website for more details on rooms, facilities, and current offers.

Looking for other luxury stays in Seoul? Check out my honest reviews of
👉 THE SHILLA Seoul – Samsung-owned, serene, and slightly hard to reach,
👉 Park Hyatt Seoul – where the suite view makes or breaks the stay,
👉 Signiel Seoul – a sky-high experience where the weather decides everything.