Sofitel Ambassador Seoul

I booked directly with the hotel after checking various rates on Asia Rooms, Internet direct and Accor Hotel Groups website.

The rate that was offered directly from the hotel was the most attractive for me. I paid 176.000 KRW for one night including breakfast.

A swimming pool is also available in the basement together with a whirlpool.

Unique Quality: Try our the BARBER:-) I cut my hair (4mm) at the barber's at 8 o'clock in the morning. After that he gave me a "facial" program: He shaved my complete face! At first I was shocked. After I relaxed, I began to enjoy it. The shaving was done with a razor blade *brrr* An experience I would love to repeat one of these days:-)

Directions: Free shuttle bus from the aiport, very convenient!

Stayed here for 5 nights during Christmas 2007. Having paid for an extra bed, the room was way too small for the family (of four), especially as we had packed extra clothing for skiing. Our room was also a little too close to the lifts, and I had a little trouble sleeping on the first night. The room service tidying the room was not great but picked up over the course of the stay.

The view is not great (I was facing the front of the hotel), and the service at the buffet breakfast left a little to be desired.

The concierge was helpful arranging for our two ski trips to Bears Town and Phoenix Park, and even has a rule against tipping (perhaps I offered too little?)!

One great facility is the small indoor swimming pool, which the kids loved. Its about 1 metre deep so not brilliant for kids but a careful eye will overcome that. There is a hot tub overlooking the pool as well. Next to the pool is a gold practice area where you hit into a plastic sheet a metre or so in front of you (not great as you can't see the ball flight but at least you can grove your swing).

The hotel runs its own shuttle bus to tourist and shopping areas, but is infrequent at 1.5 hour intervals (i never actually caught it because of this). Luckily, the Dongguk University underground station is a short walk away and there are always taxis waiting outside for more urgent trips. The hotel is about 1.5 hours away from Incheon Airport by limousine bus (which leaves the hotel every 30 mins).

Being close to the university, there are some reasonably priced eateries close by - ask the concierge for directions.

Unique Quality: Swimming pool