South Korea's Brick Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury You Won't Believe Exists!
Brick Hotel: Seriously Luxurious… And They Really Mean It! (My Brain's Still Processing It)
Okay, so you're looking for a hotel in South Korea, right? Forget everything you think you know. Because let me tell you, the Brick Hotel… it's not just a hotel. It's a vibe. This ain't your grandma's Holiday Inn, folks. This is the kind of place that makes you question your entire life, wondering if you deserve this level of… well, let’s just say opulence.
First Impressions (and the Elevator Ride That Almost Killed Me From Sheer Awe)
Right from the start, the "accessibility" thing is on point. They’ve thought about everything. Elevators are huge, the lobby is spacious, and even the little ramps leading to the… um… everything… are smooth and unobtrusive. Seriously, if you're rolling anything, you're golden. I didn’t personally test the wheelchair accessibility that much because I luckily don't need to. But I saw other guests and they seemed super happy. I mean, this is Korea, they're serious about hospitality. Accessibility: Top marks!
Checking In: Smooth Sailing (and the Panic of the "Do I Belong Here?" Syndrome)
The check-in? Effortless. Contactless, even! The staff is ridiculously polite, the kind of polite that makes you want to confess your sins. And oh, the lobby! High ceilings, art that probably costs more than my car, and a scent that vaguely reminds me of… winning the lottery. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating slightly, but it's definitely a step up from the usual hotel air freshener. The staff is friendly and they are well-trained in their safety protocols, too. All the proper hand sanitizers and safety features were present without feeling forced.
Rooms: Where Luxury Makes You Question Your Decisions (and Your Budget)
Okay, the rooms. Where do I even begin? Think… immaculate. Think… ridiculously comfortable. Think… "are they sure I'm not in the wrong room?" The "free wi-fi in all rooms" and internet access (LAN) are lightning fast. And thank goodness for the "complimentary tea," because I needed a stiff cuppa after taking in the sheer scale of the place. Available in All Rooms: Basically Everything! I had a window that opened and I saw the amazing view.
- Air conditioning? Obviously.
- Air conditioning in public area? Yep, and it was glorious.
- Alarm clock? Check. (Though I felt too pampered to set it.)
- Bathrobes? Like, the most luxurious bathrobes I’ve ever felt. Probably worth more than my wardrobe!
- Bathroom phone? Yep!
- Bathtub? A deep, glorious, soul-cleansing bathtub.
- Blackout curtains? So you can sleep off the jet lag and that second helping of dessert at breakfast of course.
- Carpeting? Plush, expensive carpeting.
- Closet? Surprisingly large, perfect for hiding your shame (and all the souvenirs you'll buy).
- Coffee/tea maker? Yes, and a fancy one!
- Complimentary tea? See above.
- Daily housekeeping? Like clockwork, and subtly done.
- Desk? Perfect for pretending you’re working while secretly admiring the view.
- Extra long bed? It's a long bed, and it’s actually comfy!
- Free bottled water? Replenished daily, because hydration is key.
- Hair dryer? Powerful!
- High floor? I was on a high floor, and the view was stunning and awe-inspiring.
- In-room safe box? Because your passport is worth more than your dignity.
- Interconnecting room(s) available? I didn’t need one, but good to know the option is there.
- Internet access – LAN? Yep, if you prefer that.
- Internet access – wireless? More importantly, yes!
- Ironing facilities? Thank goodness, because my travel clothes were a mess.
- Laptop workspace? Plenty.
- Linens? Luxurious and soft, like sleeping on clouds.
- Mini bar? Oh yes.
- Mirror? A giant, beautiful mirror to examine your newfound luxury.
- Non-smoking? Absolutely.
- On-demand movies? Binge-watching potential!
- Private bathroom? Essential.
- Reading light? Perfect for pretending you’re cultured.
- Refrigerator? For the mini bar goodies, obviously.
- Safety/security feature? Comprehensive.
- Satellite/cable channels? To keep your mind empty.
- Scale? So you can see how much you've indulged.
- Seating area? Comfy.
- Separate shower/bathtub? Yes!
- Shower? Amazing pressure.
- Slippers? Plush slippers.
- Smoke detector? Present and accounted for.
- Socket near the bed? Yes!
- Sofa? Yes!
- Soundproofing? You can't head the bustling city!
- Telephone? For room service, of course.
- Toiletries? High-end and delightful.
- Towels? Fluffy and plentiful.
- Umbrella? Very handy.
- Visual alarm? I didn’t experience it, but it’s good to know it’s there.
- Wake-up service? Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]? Unbelievable.
- Window that opens? Yes!
Cleanliness and Safety: They Really, REALLY Mean It!
This place is cleaner than my conscience… and believe me, that’s saying something. They are on top of the hygiene stuff and take great care in keeping their guests safe. I saw how the staff cleaned and it was meticulous. Anti-viral cleaning products? Absolutely. They were all around. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha. Individually-wrapped food options? More on that later. The hotel, from top to bottom, shows that they care about keeping you safe. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes! Staff trained in safety protocol? They were totally on their game, and I felt really safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Waistline's Worst Nightmare (But My Taste Buds' Heaven)
Okay, let's talk about the food. Prepare to drool. A la carte in restaurant? Yup. Asian breakfast? Yep. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Oh, yes. Bar? Yes, a very fancy bar. Breakfast [buffet]? The mother of all buffets. Seriously, get ready for options. Breakfast service? Absolutely. Buffet in restaurant? Yep. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Endless coffee and tea. Coffee shop? Yes, and the coffee's good. Desserts in restaurant? Kill me now, they're amazing! International cuisine in restaurant? Yes. Everything! Poolside bar? Yes, and it had me hooked! Restaurants? Multiple. All amazing. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, and it's worth it. Salad in restaurant? Yes. Snack bar? Yep. Soup in restaurant? Yes. Vegetarian restaurant? Yes. Veggie options are plentiful. Western breakfast? Yes. Western cuisine in restaurant? Yes.
My favorite part? The Poolside Bar. On a hot day, it's the only place to be. It might have been the cocktails, or the view, or the fact that I wasn't expected to do anything except relax. Bottle of water? Of course! The service was fantastic. I probably spent way too much time there because it was bliss.
Things to Do / Ways to Relax: Spa Day Was… Life-Changing
Okay, so the Brick Hotel really understands the art of relaxation. Body scrub? You bet. Body wrap? Yup. Fitness center? Seriously well-equipped. Foot bath? A welcome bonus! Gym/fitness? Yes. Massage? Absolutely. The massage… oh, the massage. It was transcendental. Pool with view? Yes. Sauna? Yes. Spa? Yes. Spa/sauna? Yes! Steamroom? Yes. Swimming pool? Yes (outdoor, too!)
I spent an afternoon in the spa, and the experience was… well, I can't really describe it. It was like my body had all the tension gently pulled out of it, leaving me feeling lighter than air. Honestly, the spa alone is worth the cost of the room.
Getting Around: Effortless, Naturally.
Airport transfer? Yes. Car park [free of charge]? Absolutely. Car park [on-site]? Yes. Car power charging station? Yes. Taxi service? Readily available. Valet parking? Yes! I didn’t need to worry about any of that stuff.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fortress of Awesome
I didn’t travel with kids, but it’s clear they're welcome here. Babysitting service? Yes. Family/child friendly? Absolutely. Kids facilities? Yes! **Kids meal
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Your Dream Aloe Apartment in Greece!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my barely-planned-but-mostly-hoped-for South Korea adventure, specifically, the chaotic beauty that is the Bricks Hotel. This isn't your perfectly curated travel blog, this is the raw, unfiltered, "did I even pack pants?" version.
Day 1: Arrival and a Very Confused Nose (Arrival in Seoul - The Bricks Hotel!)
- 8:00 AM: Fly into Incheon Airport. Ugh, airports. The sheer volume of humanity, the fluorescent lights, the stale air… it’s enough to make a saint swear. The flight went… fine? I mostly slept, dreamed of Korean BBQ, and worried about the tiny, questionable airplane bathroom.
- 9:30 AM: Collect luggage. Somehow, miraculously, my bag made it. (Victory!) Now, to navigate the customs labyrinth. Let's hope they don't notice the smuggled-in emergency stash of peanut butter crackers… shhh!
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Incheon Airport Express train. The journey was smooth. Got a glimpse of the glittering Seoul cityscape. I was excited, but also terrified of the traffic.
- 12:30 PM: Arrive Bricks Hotel. The building looks…well, it is bricks. Solid, dependable bricks. Check-in was…a process. Let’s just say my attempt at speaking rudimentary Korean ("Annyeonghaseyo! Room please?") was met with a polite but slightly bewildered stare. Eventually, a very kind person with excellent English sorted me out. The room… is small. REALLY small. But hey, it’s clean (phew!) and has a surprisingly powerful shower. The aesthetic is "minimalist-slightly-sterile," which is fine. I'm here to explore, not feng shui.
- 1:30 PM: The first test: FOOD. Absolutely ravenous. Luckily, there's a little (read: tiny) convenience store downstairs that's a lifesaver for a jet-lagged, hangry traveler. Grabbed some instant noodles (Spicy Fire Noodles, naturally - embrace the chaos, right?). The smell when I was cooking it in my room? Absolutely amazing. My nose, however, didn't agree. I think I’m officially allergic to kimchi (or at least its potent aroma). Still, delicious, and oh so satisfying. A small victory in a foreign land!
- 3:00 PM: Explore the neighborhood around the hotel. Bricks Hotel is smack-dab in the middle of… something. A business district? A residential area? Honestly, I'm not sure yet. Lots of sleek buildings, but also some charming little cafes and shops. The air smells… complex. A mix of exhaust fumes, street food, and something floral I can't quite place. Interesting!
- 4:00 PM: The first culture shock: the sheer number of people. I mean, I knew Seoul was a bustling city, but seeing it firsthand is a different beast. Dodging scooters, weaving through crowds, and trying not to accidentally bump into anyone. So far, so good, except for one guy who shot me a look that suggested I'd just singlehandedly ruined his day just from existing. Oops.
- 5:00 PM: Lost. Utterly, wonderfully lost. Wandered aimlessly down some side streets, stumbling upon a tiny tea shop. The aroma of ginseng was potent. Decided to drink some tea. It was delicious. And the woman working there (who spoke zero English) was just so kind and welcoming. Found a little oasis inside. It was perfect.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to find dinner. Decided to stay nearby. Found a little Korean place. Ordering was an adventure, mostly involving pointing at pictures and hoping for the best. Ended up with a massive bowl of something with noodles, and an array of side dishes. It’s likely I didn't know what half of it was, but OMG it was exquisite.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Shower. Crash. The jet lag is hitting hard. Planning out Day 2… or at least, vaguely thinking about it.
Day 2: Temples, Trains, and a Tale of Two Toilets
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, regretting the spicy ramen. (Why did I do that?) Coffee, desperately needed. The tiny in-room kettle is surprisingly effective.
- 10:00 AM: Visit to Bukchon Hanok Village. Absolutely gorgeous! (Even if everyone else seems to have the same idea.) So many traditional houses with their curved roofs and intricate details. Spent ages wandering the narrow alleys, snapping photos like a tourist possessed. Had a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss feeling the sun on my face.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch near Bukchon Hanok Village. Another Korean restaurant. This time, armed with a phrasebook and a slightly better understanding of the menu. Ordered some bibimbap, which was heaven. No kimchi this time! Victory!
- 1:30 PM: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace. More crowds, but the palace itself is magnificent. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking. Got a little lost trying to find the Secret Garden. Found a serene spot behind some trees and just watched the world go by.
- 3:30 PM: Train travel. This is where I admit my organizational skills are, shall we say, lacking. Got on the wrong train. Twice. Eventually, with a lot of confused pointing and help from incredibly patient locals, I managed to get on the correct one. The journey was mostly spent staring out the window, watching the Seoul landscape whirl by. The train was smooth, and I was very tired.
- 5:00 PM: The toilet incident. Okay, storytime. I really needed the bathroom. Like, really needed it. Ducked into a seemingly empty convenience store. Found the bathroom. Locked. Waited patiently. Ten minutes passed. Finally, a woman emerged, gave me a look of utter bewilderment. Turns out, the bathroom was for employees only. Cue mortification. Ran to the nearest public restroom. It was… a squat toilet. Now, I've travelled, and I've seen things. But. This was a new level of challenge. Consider it a character-building experience. It's a story for the grandkids, I tell ya.
- 6:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Exhausted. Hungry. And in need of a quiet night.
- 7:00 PM: Okay… well. I knew I wanted to relax. So I went to the convenience store below again. I grabbed a few beers, and then decided I just needed more snacks. I'm a mess, but hey, I'm embracing it.
Day 3: More Korean Food, More Adventures (and More Questionable Decisions)
- 9:00 AM: My alarm went off, but I chose to sleep through it.
- 10:00 AM: Finally rose. Coffee. The ritual.
- 11:00 AM: Myeongdong. More crowds! But hey, the energy is infectious. The street food is a siren song, beckoning me with its delicious (and often unrecognizable) offerings. Tried some Korean waffles. Delicious.
- 1:00 PM: Okay, so, I heard the best ramen was here. This place, a little hole-in-the-wall joint, packed to the gills. I knew exactly what I was looking for. Had to wait in line, but it was totally worth it. Spicy, savory, the broth was a symphony of flavors. So. Good. Even my nose seemed to be adapting to the kimchi smell.
- 2:30 PM: Got lost in the beauty shops. So many skincare products, all promising eternal youth! Bought a face mask that is currently giving me the skin of a baby cherub. Probably a mistake in the long run, but hey, I'm feeling good!
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to learn Korean (using a phrasebook). Epic fail. "Where is the bathroom?" is the only phrase I seem to be able to master.
- 5:00 PM: Wandered into a little independent bookstore. Found a beautiful book of Korean poetry (that I can't read). Still purchased it. A memory of the trip.
- 6:00 PM: Decided to try something different for dinner. A little tteokbokki place. The rice cakes were smothered in spicy sauce. A culinary adventure, and a minor fire hazard for my mouth.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted again. Feeling a strange mix of exhilaration and sheer, utter weariness.
Day 4: The Day of the Sickness
- 9:00 AM: woke up. Stomach ache. Food poisoning.
- 10:00 AM: Vomiting. I was so tired.
- 1:00 PM: Sleep
- 5:00 PM: Still sick
- 7:00 PM: I miss
Brick Hotel: Should You Even Bother? (An Utterly Unfiltered FAQ)
Okay, spill it. Is this "Unbelievable Luxury" hype real, or just a bunch of Instagram filters?
Alright, look, I'm a cynical traveler, seasoned in the art of overhyped hotels. So, when I saw "Unbelievable Luxury" plastered everywhere for the Brick Hotel... my eyes rolled so hard I thought they'd get stuck. But, and this is a BIG but, *it's actually pretty damn real*. Think less glitter and more… solid, meticulously crafted beauty. The quality of the stone, the way the light hits the artwork – it all just *feels* expensive. Forget the filters for a sec; the *texture* alone is mind-blowing.
However... and this IS important... My first room? Ugh. It had a tiny, *tiny* stain on the carpet. Like, practically microscopic. I'm ashamed I even noticed it, but it was there! And I'm the kind of person who's usually thrilled just to find a clean-ish bed. So, yeah. The hype is real, but perfection? Not entirely. More later on that.
What's the single *best* thing about the Brick Hotel? Don't give me platitudes!
Honestly? The *bathrooms*. Seriously. I know, I know, it sounds shallow, but hear me out. I've never, EVER, taken a bath and felt like I was *actually* cleansing my soul. And I'm not even a bath person! But these bathrooms... they're like tiny temples of zen. The soaking tubs are enormous, the water pressure is volcanic, and the toiletries? Oh, the toiletries. They smell like a mix of pure luxury and the Korean skincare aisle. They actually have a little shelf next to the tub, ready for your phone and perhaps a glass of wine. Pure bliss.
I had a *day* and felt like the stress was dripping away with every single drop of the water. And the complimentary bath salts? I may or may not have smuggled a small supply home. Don't judge me!
Is it *actually* worth the price? Because, let's be honest, it looks spenny...
Alright, let's talk money. Yes, it's pricier than your average hotel. *Considerably* pricier. I nearly choked when I saw the final bill. But... (and this is where I struggle!), I can see where the money goes. The materials, the service, the *feeling*... You're not just paying for a room; you're paying for an experience.
Here’s the deal: If you're backpacking and living on ramen, then RUN. But if you’re looking for a splurge, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of indulgence… then *maybe*. I’m still mentally debating if that mini-bar should have even been included, but I will admit the little packet of seaweed chips was perfect with the soju. Dammit, Brick Hotel!
The service... is it as flawless as they claim? (or is it a front?)
Okay, the service is generally *amazing*. But… here's my "but." It's polite, efficient, and almost eerily perfect. They know your name, your breakfast preferences, and somehow they always seem to anticipate your needs. It's a level of service I'm not used to, and honestly, it felt a bit… unsettling at first. Like, am I being secretly surveilled? Are they judging my choice of pajamas?
My biggest issue? While I asked for more towels, I also got an unsolicited fruit platter, which was nice.. but felt a bit...excessive, and a tad wasteful. It’s like they're trying *too hard*. But hey, I’d take that problem over rude service any day! I actually still keep the welcome note by my bed, because the penmanship was so beautiful.
What *specifically* made you go, "Wow, this is actually kinda amazing"?
Okay, I’ll tell you, it was the *details*. One day, I left my shoes outside my room to be shined. When I returned, they weren't just shined; they were positioned *perfectly* on a little shoe rack, with shoe trees inside. And a tiny sprig of something fragrant tucked in one shoe. Not only were they immaculate, but there was a little note saying "Enjoy your day." I almost cried. I mean, it's not rocket science, but it's that level of *thoughtfulness* that sets it apart.
And then there's the… the *breakfast*. Freshly squeezed juices, pastries that practically melt in your mouth, and a menu that changes daily. I'm not even a breakfast person, but I found myself waking up early, just so I wouldn’t miss it. The whole experience? It just felt… special. Still, the shoe thing. They nailed it.
Anything about the hotel that was a complete letdown? Be honest!
Okay, here’s the honesty bomb. The gym. It was… tiny. Like, seriously small. And the equipment seemed a little dated. I was expecting a state-of-the-art sweat palace and instead got a slightly cramped, forgotten corner. Not a dealbreaker, for sure, but it didn't quite meet the "unbelievable luxury" bar.
Okay, spill: Is it worth the trip to South Korea *just* for the Brick Hotel?
This is a tough one. Here's the thing: South Korea is *amazing*. The food, the culture, the history – it's all incredible. If you're planning a trip to Korea, the Brick Hotel could certainly *elevate* the experience. It's a luxurious cherry on top of a delicious sundae.
However, would I fly across the world *solely* to stay there? Probably not. It's a fantastic hotel, but not the *only* reason to visit a whole country. The Brick Hotel is the kind of trip you build *around* a broader South Korean adventure. But damn, if you are there, you MUST go.
