Exceptional Service and a Heartfelt Souvenir
Our recent stay at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul was a delightful culmination of our Seoul adventure. Opting for the Fairmont over the Sofitel was a strategic choice, primarily due to its advantageous proximity to the Hyundai Mall and the convenient 30-minute bus journey to the vibrant Myeong-Dong.
Upon arrival, the luxury of our Signature Suite King with Gold Access was immediately apparent. The service was impeccable from the outset, with Ellie providing a seamless check-in experience and Jennifer ensuring our transition to our room was nothing short of perfect.
Our suite, Room 2201, was conveniently close to the elevator, a detail I always find practical. The suite was spacious, at 82SQM, providing plenty of room in the living and sleeping areas. However, I must express my significant disappointment with the view. Having requested a higher floor for a special occasion, I was expecting the stunning cityscape and Han River views as advertised on the hotel's website. Instead, nearby tall buildings largely obstructed the view from our suite, greatly diminishing the anticipated panoramic experience.
The master bathroom, though elegantly designed, had a single sink rather than a dual setup, which I found to be a surprising oversight in a suite of this caliber. Additionally, the sink design encouraged water splashing onto the mirror, a small yet noticeable inconvenience. However, with its innovative air vacuum feature, the heated and automated toilet was a delightful touch, enhancing the overall bathroom experience.
A minor hiccup occurred on our third day when a cigarette odor permeated our bedroom. The issue, also noticeable in the elevator area, was promptly addressed after we reported it to the Royal Service, who efficiently installed an air purifier in our room, resolving the matter swiftly while we were out.
Under Ellie's cheerful stewardship, the Gold Lounge was a haven of culinary delights, particularly during the evening cocktail hour. However, the dessert selection remained unchanged throughout our stay, a repetition that also echoed in the breakfast buffet.
While the variety of dishes was commendable, the lack of DAILY VARIATION was noticeable. Despite the lack of daily variety, each dish was a testament to the highest fine dining standards. The quality of the food was exceptional, with every item tasting as if it were prepared in a high-end restaurant. This was a welcome departure from other luxury hotels where the breadth of options often compromises the quality. The Fairmont Seoul managed to maintain an exquisite standard of taste and presentation, making it one of the most delicious breakfast experiences I have encountered in my travels. It is also worth noting that breakfast concluded at 10 AM, slightly earlier than other Fairmont locations in Southeast Asia that conclude at 10:30 AM.
The hotel's connection to the Hyundai Seoul mall is a convenient feature, offering an array of dining options should one miss the hotel breakfast. Its location, a short stroll from the Han River and close to Yeoudio and Yeouinaru Subway Stations, is ideal for explorers.
The convenience of the Fairmont Ambassador airport bus stop directly in front of the hotel, offering a direct and economical route to Incheon Airport for only 17,000 KRW per person, was the perfect finale to our stay.
A heartwarming surprise awaited us as we waited for our bus to arrive. Jennifer, the Gold Lounge Supervisor, went to the bus stop and gave us Korean Honey. It was an unexpected and delightful surprise. In my travels, I have made it a tradition to share a piece of my culture by gifting Filipino snacks to the front desk, lounge staff, and housekeeping staff, a small token of appreciation for their service. It has never been about expecting anything in return but rather a way to express gratitude. Therefore, receiving the Korean honey from Jennifer took me by complete surprise. It was a heartwarming moment that deeply touched me, transcending the usual guest-staff interaction. This thoughtful souvenir from Jennifer and the exceptional service she, Jeffrey, and Ellie provided elevated my experience at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, making it one of the most memorable highlights of my visit to South Korea.