Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first walked into Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, I wasn’t expecting much from another business hotel chain property. But you know what? This place actually surprised me in the best way possible. The lobby has this sleek, understated elegance that doesn’t scream “look at me” like some of the flashier hotels in the area, and there’s something refreshing about that approach in a district where everything tends to be pretty over-the-top.

What really got me was how well they’ve positioned themselves in the heart of Gangnam – I mean, you’re literally surrounded by some of the best shopping and dining Seoul has to offer, but the hotel itself feels like a calm retreat from all that energy outside. The rooms are spacious by Korean standards (and trust me, that matters here), with these floor-to-ceiling windows that give you proper city views. I stayed on the 18th floor and could actually see across to the Han River on clear days. The beds are genuinely comfortable too – not just “hotel comfortable” but actually restful, which is saying something after you’ve spent the day walking around Myeongdong or exploring the underground shopping centers.

Here’s what I really appreciated though: the staff genuinely knows the area. When I asked about getting to Bongeunsa Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds, the concierge didn’t just point me toward a tourist map – he told me which subway exit to use and mentioned that Wednesday mornings around 8 AM tend to be quietest. That’s the kind of local insight you don’t get everywhere. The fitness center stays open 24/7, which saved me during jet lag recovery, and honestly, the pool area feels more resort-like than you’d expect from a city hotel. Sure, the breakfast buffet can get pretty packed during peak business travel season, but if you time it right – around 9:30 AM seems to be the sweet spot – you’ll have plenty of space and the full selection. The 8.1 rating makes sense to me; it’s not trying to be the most luxurious property in Seoul, but it delivers consistently on the things that actually matter when you’re traveling.

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam Accommodations

Reviews of Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam

• Abdulaziz from Canada (9/10)

  We ordered breakfast in the room. It was very good. We will definitely stay at the same hotel.

• Catherine from United States (9/10)

  Excellent breakfast. Very good gym and wonderful spa.

• Muhammed from Hong Kong (7/10)

  Facilities were good

• Tan from Malaysia (8/10)

  Clean and quiet environment for staying ,staffs are always helpful and nice

• Laraine from Australia (9/10)

  Clean, well sized room. Friendly staff. Handy to main subway station and one of main shopping streets.

• Francis from Belgium (8/10)

• Victoria from Philippines (9/10)

  Modern facilities with robot butler, gym, sauna, golf practice facilities, friendly and helpful staff, comfy room. Location was also great, a lot of places within walking distance. The breakfast buffet was impressive, and we liked the hotel bingsu too! The airport bus also has a stop there although we didn’t opt to use it.

• Annie from Ireland (9/10)

  – We were a family of 5 and booked two rooms that were connected
  – Rooms were spacious enough
  – No issue with wifi
  – Comfortable beds
  – Decent water pressure from the shower
  – Charging stations in the rooms for your phone
  – Air conditioning you can control in the room
  – Rooms are soundproofed
  – Lots of variety at the buffet breakfast (lots of different types of Asian food, pho, udon noodle soup, many types of stir frys, curries, dumplings, fried rice, fried noodles, pasta, rice porridge, soups, western breakfast with eggs many ways, bacon, sausages, potatoes, pancakes, waffles, quiche, smoked salmon, continental breakfast with deli meat, cheeses, cereal, yoghurts, salads, fruit, pastries, bread, bagels, muffins, juice, tea/coffee, yakult
  – Large indoor swimming pool (have to book, only allowed 1 x 3 hour session a day per person, need to wear a cap but the hotel provides them). I did want an indoor pool so we wouldn’t have to worry about being in the sun
  – Amazing staff with excellent customer service (thank you to manager Alex for being so kind and generous)
  – Hotel was located in a safe area, short walk from restaurants, retail shops, the subway
  – Coex Shopping mall and Lotte World are a shot cab ride away
  – Good value for money as kids stayed free with breakfast included for them
  – The airport limousine bus stops at the hotel. We caught this bus from Icheon airport. Took approximately 1 hour. Good value. We didn’t use this service to go back to the airport because it would have taken 2 hours in traffic
  – Seoul was the last destination of our 6 week holiday abroad. Staying in this hotel was a lovely way to end our trip before flying back to our home country

• David from Australia (8/10)

  Comfortable bed, location close to subway. Wifi worked well. Gym was good.

• Lucy from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great pool and jacuzzi, wish I had paid more for the sauna and use of the bath tho! Got lots of help from staff whenever I needed it like getting someone to help bring our bags down and whatnot. It was a really comfortable stay. I'd definitely staying here again just longer or maybe in a different branch.

Surroundings

Facilities