THE PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection

The hotel and its facilities were fabulous, and we had a wonderful trip with exceptional staff. But the room was unbearably hot every night. We left the windows open, and the hotel even brought us a fan. Apparently the air conditioning is switched off at this time of year, so there was no way to cool the room with AC.

Callum from the Executive Lounge deserves a special mention. His friendly, professional manner helped make this a memorable stay, and the whole team made me feel at home from the moment I arrived. I was there for two nights in mid-November as a Titanium member, but didn’t get a room upgrade. The property is right in the city center, with public transport and several major shopping areas close by. It was my first visit to The Plaza Seoul, and I hope to return soon.

The gym is a full-sized one next door, with free weights, benches and cardio equipment, so it’s a great choice if fitness matters to you. The hotel is also handy for downtown businesses, tourist spots and lots of restaurants. Service was courteous and professional, and the breakfast buffet was excellent, though very pricey. My first room, on the 10th floor, had a broken AC, so I was moved to the 19th. It worked somewhat better there, but the room would still have been uncomfortably warm without the window vents. I’m giving four stars because the rooms are a bit outdated.

I understand the hotel wants to keep a quiet lounge for business travelers, but its rule against children entering under any circumstances goes too far for a place that calls itself family-friendly. Staff did explain the restriction. I was staying with my polite, well-behaved 11-year-old daughter, who was a registered guest, and she couldn’t come in even with me. That also meant I couldn’t use the lounge at all, since I wasn’t willing to leave her alone in the room. As a paying guest and Marriott loyalist, I lost access to a benefit included in the value of my stay. Children shouldn’t be treated as lesser guests, and parents shouldn’t have to choose between their child’s safety and an amenity they paid for. Designated family hours or a separate section seem like reasonable options other hotels use. Instead, the strictest possible rule penalizes parents and takes away a paid benefit simply because they’re traveling with children. Families aren’t asking for special treatment, just fair access. Until the policy changes, I wouldn’t recommend this property to families. Other Marriott hotels manage quiet areas and family access better without excluding parents.