Great job! A very enjoyable and consistent short film, as always, Kevin. I believe that sense of disenchantment of the property not living up to the brand's upscale and locally-inspired reputation would equally apply to the Andaz Condesa opened a few months ago here in Mexico City. As for the design of the Andaz Gangnam, I like the starting point of the design, but not quite the execution. But taste is subjective. I think I'd enjoy seeing that pale, birch wood color used in an imaginary renovation of the Park Hyatt Seoul's rooms. The rate at the Andaz Gangnam seems to be more affordable than that for the Park Hyatt, so I wouldn't rule it out as an option. I prefer the overall design concepts of the Hyatt hotel group over that at Marriott properties. I am really looking forward to what you have to say about the Hyatt Centric in Tokyo. Thank you and safe travels!
I would agree fully about Hyatt vs Marriott, but thinking about it- I think it's more becuase Marriott simply doesn't put any thought into new properties these days with a few exceptions (or so it seems). They've got their standard play book and they stick to it. Thanks for watching 🩴
Another good one Kevin! I recently stayed at Voco Gangnam which runs a little cheaper and is probably one or two steps down from the Andaz - also catering to nearby plastic surgeries (I think around $170 pn). The rooms are a little tighter and perhaps fewer amenities/dining options. Minibar was also free and the buffet had Korean fare (though I was ill the next few days - ymmv 🤢). Decent IHG Diamond recognition.
You see.. those hotels are mainly used by staycation folks living in Seoul and trying to look for a place to drink overnight. The dents in the room and not having korean dinner(only in morning for hangover purpose) are self explanatory after realizing the main users are.. anyways there are many good restaurants nearby(actually undergroudn passage to Andaz) although it was not something subject to review..
So you’re saying Koreans are master dent makers? 🤔 As for the food, I understand your point, but this isn’t a Korean hotel chain, this is an Andaz and there are certain brand standards that should be met, related to food offerings.
@@tfft During the later half in Covid era(late 2020-early 2022) Korea introduced a policy of closing all the bars at 10.. that actually made all the drinking places to shot down at their prime time. I do remember Andaz offering an promotion with a bottle of vodka for staycation folks(it is in Korean news somewhere) and lots of influencers and party people using that promotion to have some fun. Imagine 4-5 adults staying in those room and do what they would have done in clubs... no wonder the room is full of dent with only 4 years of use.. The food offering for both Andaz and Park Hyatt also does not include lots of Korean food because I am sure that brand standard(at least for high ranking officials of those chains) agree with not having many Korean food. It is sad, but... that is the fact of life I guess...Therefore one of the my main advices to travelers in Korea is to try delivery.. Anyways it was very nice to see your review in Seoul, especially because I involuntarily became an involved citizen due to Covid, which limited my business trips to HCMC and Jakarta..
Thanks for the great review Kevin. Next time you are in Thailand you should check out the Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, which has just opened. I am sure you will be more satisfied.
Great video as always. I do like the Andaz brand, quite enjoyed Munich and Bali - but it seems like I'll stick with my usual Marriott brands when I visit Seoul.
Transition king!!! Love the day to night shot! I stayed at the Grand Sheriton when I was there (not sure it's there anymore) and I don't they had any Korean food either. Strange omission!
Stayed there on my world of Hyatt points last year. I knew that bathroom floor will be a problem after a few years. These people who design these buildings are delusional like they don’t realize all that design won’t last commercial wear and wear. Career hotelier here 18 years in the business all NYC.
Can you also review budget brands like ibis, holiday inn etc. Also it will be nice to see the actual cleanliness of the room including the mattress and pillows. Many places I found these two things the most dirty / unhygin
Videos about cookie cutter brands are just as boring to make as they are to view lol. I have nothing against low cost accommodation, I’ve featured plenty of them on the channel… but there’s gotta be something special about it. Thanks for watching 🩴
Inclusions: NADA 😆 OK this had me giggling, not because l disliked the property but because l find those "vision statements" to be a crock overall, it's rare that a property actually lives up to those statements or perhaps l just don't "get it". Interesting that they built an entire annex to accommodate the balcony rooms 🤔 l love a balcony, so no complaints there. The "Ikea" inspired mini bar area screams "cheap" to me. The real question though, did you eat the pineapple cake??
Considering COVID happened and likely not many people were doing tourism the hotel room is surprising 😮 Maybe they opened in 2019 the lower portion of the hotel?
Seoul was a let down for me when I was there in May. Apart from rain every day I found it very expensive, the hotel was not that helpful even just asking for directions to the riverside walk I could see from my room was too much for them. The international taxis which are supposed to speak english (and charge more for this) did not know too much about their own city and could not (or would not) speak english or understand google translate. I did have 1 fantastic driver and was a pleasure and happy man. Korea is not high on my list to return. But as always your videos give great info for my future travels.Thank you👍🙏
I personally don’t like this hotel too. I personally liked Banyan tree Seoul.And if you visit Korea next time, can you do a review on Jeju island hotels?
Jeju is on my bucketlist, but I'm not sure I'd be able to get an audiance for the videos, so would need to wait until the channel is bigger! Thanks for watching 🩴
Ick! Looks like Ikea in the room. They need imagine that free snacks may be their only good point! I don’t like Andaz personally. Stayed in one in Mayakoba and compared to the Fairmont in the same nature preserve, it felt like a gap store. The one In Shanghai again felt too fake-hipster/commercial. Not luxurious at all. Thanks for the review 🙌🏽
Wait ? Did i just saw some chopsticks planted directly ( and holding) in the food at the buffet ??? I guess they dont care about their chinese patrons..
Oh wow! 3 times weekly? Soon you will review the whole hotels n airlines in the world in no time! Really appreciate ur hard work. Cant wait for more.
Appreciate that!
Can't wait for your Okura Tokyo video!!!!!!!!
Me too 🙃
Your free stylin was fire 🔥 😅😂
😅
Great job! A very enjoyable and consistent short film, as always, Kevin. I believe that sense of disenchantment of the property not living up to the brand's upscale and locally-inspired reputation would equally apply to the Andaz Condesa opened a few months ago here in Mexico City.
As for the design of the Andaz Gangnam, I like the starting point of the design, but not quite the execution. But taste is subjective. I think I'd enjoy seeing that pale, birch wood color used in an imaginary renovation of the Park Hyatt Seoul's rooms.
The rate at the Andaz Gangnam seems to be more affordable than that for the Park Hyatt, so I wouldn't rule it out as an option.
I prefer the overall design concepts of the Hyatt hotel group over that at Marriott properties. I am really looking forward to what you have to say about the Hyatt Centric in Tokyo.
Thank you and safe travels!
I would agree fully about Hyatt vs Marriott, but thinking about it- I think it's more becuase Marriott simply doesn't put any thought into new properties these days with a few exceptions (or so it seems). They've got their standard play book and they stick to it. Thanks for watching 🩴
1st haha, great video!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Thanks for reviewing! Was struggling to pick between Andaz, PH and GH.
Thanks for watching 🩴
wow i look forward to your return to singapore!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Another good one Kevin! I recently stayed at Voco Gangnam which runs a little cheaper and is probably one or two steps down from the Andaz - also catering to nearby plastic surgeries (I think around $170 pn). The rooms are a little tighter and perhaps fewer amenities/dining options. Minibar was also free and the buffet had Korean fare (though I was ill the next few days - ymmv 🤢). Decent IHG Diamond recognition.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Oooh..thank you for sharing comments of this Andaz. Have you tried Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach yet?
Not yet! Thanks for watching 🩴
You see.. those hotels are mainly used by staycation folks living in Seoul and trying to look for a place to drink overnight. The dents in the room and not having korean dinner(only in morning for hangover purpose) are self explanatory after realizing the main users are.. anyways there are many good restaurants nearby(actually undergroudn passage to Andaz) although it was not something subject to review..
So you’re saying Koreans are master dent makers? 🤔
As for the food, I understand your point, but this isn’t a Korean hotel chain, this is an Andaz and there are certain brand standards that should be met, related to food offerings.
@@tfft During the later half in Covid era(late 2020-early 2022) Korea introduced a policy of closing all the bars at 10.. that actually made all the drinking places to shot down at their prime time. I do remember Andaz offering an promotion with a bottle of vodka for staycation folks(it is in Korean news somewhere) and lots of influencers and party people using that promotion to have some fun.
Imagine 4-5 adults staying in those room and do what they would have done in clubs... no wonder the room is full of dent with only 4 years of use..
The food offering for both Andaz and Park Hyatt also does not include lots of Korean food because I am sure that brand standard(at least for high ranking officials of those chains) agree with not having many Korean food. It is sad, but... that is the fact of life I guess...Therefore one of the my main advices to travelers in Korea is to try delivery..
Anyways it was very nice to see your review in Seoul, especially because I involuntarily became an involved citizen due to Covid, which limited my business trips to HCMC and Jakarta..
At least Saigon and Jakarta both have beautiful Park Hyatts 😊
@@taewonhwang5416 thats interesting to know. thanks for the context
I was there 2 months ago and loved this hotel! Highly recommended on my end. Signiel is another strong recommendation for Seoul.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Thank You ✈️
Thanks for watching 🩴
Thanks for the great review Kevin. Next time you are in Thailand you should check out the Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, which has just opened. I am sure you will be more satisfied.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Great video as always. I do like the Andaz brand, quite enjoyed Munich and Bali - but it seems like I'll stick with my usual Marriott brands when I visit Seoul.
Yeah I loved the Bali property. Perhaps just a concept better suited for resorts. Thanks for watching 🩴
This was helpful! I was debating between booking either Andaz to capitalize on Hyatt Points or going for something more unique with Ananti
More unique, I’d say… Thanks for watching 🩴
Thanks Kevin. It wasn't on my list and don't think I'll add it...!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Kevin I love love love your commentary!!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Transition king!!! Love the day to night shot! I stayed at the Grand Sheriton when I was there (not sure it's there anymore) and I don't they had any Korean food either. Strange omission!
Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴
Do know if the hotel is strict on accuracy?
We’re 2 adults 3 kids. I was thinking a suite with the one bed/living area
I love this andaz a lot more than PH. PH location is so far from many touristy place. In fact GH is probably the best for tourist.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Stayed there on my world of Hyatt points last year. I knew that bathroom floor will be a problem after a few years. These people who design these buildings are delusional like they don’t realize all that design won’t last commercial wear and wear. Career hotelier here 18 years in the business all NYC.
Agreed
Can you also review budget brands like ibis, holiday inn etc. Also it will be nice to see the actual cleanliness of the room including the mattress and pillows. Many places I found these two things the most dirty / unhygin
Videos about cookie cutter brands are just as boring to make as they are to view lol. I have nothing against low cost accommodation, I’ve featured plenty of them on the channel… but there’s gotta be something special about it. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft wow
Inclusions: NADA 😆
OK this had me giggling, not because l disliked the property but because l find those "vision statements" to be a crock overall, it's rare that a property actually lives up to those statements or perhaps l just don't "get it". Interesting that they built an entire annex to accommodate the balcony rooms 🤔 l love a balcony, so no complaints there. The "Ikea" inspired mini bar area screams "cheap" to me. The real question though, did you eat the pineapple cake??
I had a bite. I’d say it’s over promise : under deliver ratio was right in line with the hotel as a whole 😂
Considering COVID happened and likely not many people were doing tourism the hotel room is surprising 😮
Maybe they opened in 2019 the lower portion of the hotel?
Nope, full hotel. Thanks for watching 🩴
Here we say "che brut andazz" 😅😅😅
Thanks for watching 🩴
Lindo demais
Thanks for watching 🩴
Seoul was a let down for me when I was there in May. Apart from rain every day I found it very expensive, the hotel was not that helpful even just asking for directions to the riverside walk I could see from my room was too much for them. The international taxis which are supposed to speak english (and charge more for this) did not know too much about their own city and could not (or would not) speak english or understand google translate. I did have 1 fantastic driver and was a pleasure and happy man. Korea is not high on my list to return. But as always your videos give great info for my future travels.Thank you👍🙏
Yeah, Seoul is a very specific flavor of major city which I find you're either gonna love or gonna hate. Thanks for watching 🩴
Do agree with korean tourism
Don't ask questions that have no answer. They put the staircase there because they could 😆
Maybe that’s where the Korean kitchen was supposed to beeeee! Haha
@@tfft : 🤣🤣🤣
I personally don’t like this hotel too. I personally liked Banyan tree Seoul.And if you visit Korea next time, can you do a review on Jeju island hotels?
Jeju is on my bucketlist, but I'm not sure I'd be able to get an audiance for the videos, so would need to wait until the channel is bigger! Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft Or Guam videos?
Guam is more likely to come sooner, but I am already fully booked for this year- perhaps 2025!
Upping the ante to three times weekly? Kevin you are a WORKHORSE
If it wasn’t for the small detail of needing to travel, I’d probably be up to five times a week 😅
Man of culture zooms into hotel no 420🗿
Thanks for watching 🩴
Jumeirah uluwatu
🔔🔔🔔
Very surprised to see the room was so tatty….but a great video, nonetheless.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
All those weird sharp corners and edges, I would constantly hurt myself….for 300$/night ????
Well, $200... but yeah. Thanks for watching 🩴
Ick! Looks like Ikea in the room. They need imagine that free snacks may be their only good point! I don’t like Andaz personally. Stayed in one in Mayakoba and compared to the Fairmont in the same nature preserve, it felt like a gap store. The one In Shanghai again felt too fake-hipster/commercial. Not luxurious at all. Thanks for the review 🙌🏽
New premium properties using materials you’d expect in a Wyndham Garden are really becoming my ultimate pet peeve! Thanks for watching 🩴
Lmao @ medical tourists
Medical tourism is a $2B industry in Korea...
@@tfft Completely true, and fascinating that it’s so commonplace there
Don’t think I would stay here.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Wait ? Did i just saw some chopsticks planted directly ( and holding) in the food at the buffet ??? I guess they dont care about their chinese patrons..
I almost said something about it in the video, but it didn’t involve rice, so I just let it go. But yes, it made me uneasy lol.
Rice or not. That Is kind of a big no-no. With chopsticks. Further more. It does not look gracious Holding plates on the side perhaps ?