After 4 months in South Korea and a 10-Day trip to its neighbor, Japan I was left with 2 nights in the metropolis of Seoul. After considerate deliberation between Classic 500, Sheraton D Cube, Conrad Seoul, Marriott Yeouido Park Centre and Fraser Place Seoul Central, I finally settled on Fraser Place Seoul Central because it was located “close to” Seoul Station and breakfast is included. Unfortunately it was a bad decision, the station despite its name suggest is closer to City Hall Station rather than Seoul Station and the “complimentary shuttle service” only runs on Sundays to Seoul Station. Bad luck, who to blame? The information, which was supposed to be in the welcome kit in the room wasn’t there during my stay and I wasn't provided with one even after sounding out. At least I got a room (not warm at all times) and a toilet, but drinking with a glass with a crack wasn’t amusing at all. On top of that, we were disturbed by the housekeeping despite putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign outside (thankfully no one was nude from the bathroom). Furthermore, the rooms facing the street ain't soundproof, traffic noise will be a concern if you are a light sleeping. Also, not mentioned on the official websites and Agoda yet... is the existence of non-smoking and smoking rooms. So remember to request for it, I wasn't aware of its existence until I took the...After 4 months in South Korea and a 10-Day trip to its neighbor, Japan I was left with 2 nights in the metropolis of Seoul. After considerate deliberation between Classic 500, Sheraton D Cube, Conrad Seoul, Marriott Yeouido Park Centre and Fraser Place Seoul Central, I finally settled on Fraser Place Seoul Central because it was located “close to” Seoul Station and breakfast is included.

Unfortunately it was a bad decision, the station despite its name suggest is closer to City Hall Station rather than Seoul Station and the “complimentary shuttle service” only runs on Sundays to Seoul Station. Bad luck, who to blame? The information, which was supposed to be in the welcome kit in the room wasn’t there during my stay and I wasn't provided with one even after sounding out.

At least I got a room (not warm at all times) and a toilet, but drinking with a glass with a crack wasn’t amusing at all. On top of that, we were disturbed by the housekeeping despite putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign outside (thankfully no one was nude from the bathroom).

Furthermore, the rooms facing the street ain't soundproof, traffic noise will be a concern if you are a light sleeping. Also, not mentioned on the official websites and Agoda yet... is the existence of non-smoking and smoking rooms. So remember to request for it, I wasn't aware of its existence until I took the lift after checking in.

Wifi is decent but it has a few hiccups and the management explained to me that in their effort to maintain a high bandwidth, they separate wifi accounts into various length of stays such as 1-day to 1-week….this means you have to change your wifi username and password after 1 night.

After an evening flight from Osaka to Incheon Airport and the subsequent hour-long train ride to Seoul, my friends and I were hungry. The front desk told us all delivery services have ended by 1130 and room service has ended as well. In the end, we have to search for convenience stores on our own and in the process. I located a 24 hour Korean restaurant just opposite among other eateries such as fried chicken shops. From this incident, I felt the concierge could have done better, even a hostel would take the initiative to inform us of a nearby convenience store or a restaurant that operates 24 hours.

After all these minor issues, (collectively, they were quite a nuisance) I have to contend with a keycard that won’t work on my second day. Fortunately, the management was able to rectify it on the spot.

The weakest link, acknowledged by the management they is the restaurant, First Floor which serves the breakfast buffet in the morning. Unless you are an early bird who eats his breakfast at 0630 Hours, which I did on my last day, the overworked restaurant during peak hours (8-10 am) basically leaves the guests to search for their own seats, kopitiam style. (Frasers Hospitality is a Singaporean establishment by the way).

Logistics aside, the food was adequate at the buffet, but not stellar or impressive as mentioned by preceding reviews but for its price, it is nonetheless a really good deal with salads, boiled/scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and a modest Korean selection. The only jams provided were Smuckers Orange Marmalade and Otogi’s Strawberry Jam along with butter.

The management explained that it was beyond their control due to manpower and infrastructure limitations which I fully understand. In Singapore colloquial language, we call this “lan lan suck thumb.”

These issues aside, I was informed by the management that due to hygiene issues, hotels in Seoul do not provide toothpaste, toothbrush, comb or shaver and in Frasers Hospitality, even on request.

As you can see these issues have been sounded out personally to the management during my stay and they have apologized and provided an explanation. The Operations Manager even cordially offered extends my check out or offer lunch on the house (in the property) but I have an early flight to catch. In response, he mentioned that he would make up for it if I ever visit Seoul or Fraser Place Seoul Central again.

Sadly, after this rather unpleasant experience, I doubt I would ever stay at Fraser Place Seoul Central again, I am really hoping that besides an apology and noting down my comments, Fraser would do something more to make up for it. Bad things aside, the staff at Fraser Place Seoul Central were very friendly and courteous and their kitchens provide non-stick pans! If you love a nice view, the Maple and Pine Terrace at the 23rd floor is worth checking out.More