Seoul has always fascinated me — a city where ancient palaces rub shoulders with neon-lit skyscrapers, and tradition lives harmoniously with K-pop beats. On my most recent trip to South Korea’s dynamic capital, I chose to stay at the Grand Mercure Ambassador Seoul Yongsan, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for a city stay in Seoul.
Nestled in the Yongsan district, this modern property is part of the Seoul Dragon City complex, a mega lifestyle hub that combines four Accor brand hotels in one space. But what really drew me in was its proximity to Seoul’s buzzing neighborhoods like Itaewon, Insadong, Hongdae, and Myeongdong — each with its own distinct energy, perfect for exploring Seoul’s vibrant nightlife, indie music scene, street shopping, and food culture. Whether I wanted to spend the evening in a glitzy rooftop bar in Itaewon or immerse myself in the artsy chaos of Hongdae, I was never more than 15 minutes away by taxi or train.
But first — let’s talk about the hotel itself.
A Warm Welcome & First Impressions
Walking into the Grand Mercure Ambassador Seoul Yongsan, I was greeted by warm, minimalist interiors that felt chic without trying too hard. The staff at the front desk were exceptionally courteous and checked me in swiftly, offering tips for getting around and pointing me to the convenience store just across the lobby (which came in handy multiple times).
The rooms here are spacious, especially by Seoul standards, and mine offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. I was surprised by how quiet it was indoors despite being located in such a central district. But what truly won me over? The in-room kitchenette — an absolute gem for someone who loves having the flexibility to whip up a quick meal, especially when traveling as a vegetarian.
The In-Room Kitchenette: A Blessing for Vegetarians
One of the small challenges I anticipated during my Seoul trip was finding vegetarian food beyond the usual bibimbap or tofu stew. Thankfully, the kitchenette in my room was fully equipped with a microwave, induction stove, utensils, pans, plates, and even a rice cooker. It allowed me to prepare comfort food when I wasn’t in the mood to step out or needed a break from kimchi everything.
There’s a supermarket just a 5-minute walk from the hotel where I could stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, noodles, and even Korean sauces. And for days when I was too lazy to cook? The hotel’s breakfast buffet had a surprisingly generous vegetarian spread
A Hearty Breakfast That Delivers
The breakfast at A La Maison, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, became a daily ritual. Picture this: a spread of fresh fruits, yogurt, hash browns, sautéed mushrooms, baked beans, roasted veggies, freshly baked breads, and a made-to-order egg station. While many options catered to meat-eaters, I found more than enough to create a wholesome, satisfying vegetarian breakfast. Their miso soup, steamed rice, seaweed, and pickled sides also allowed me to enjoy Korean-style morning meals on some days.
What I appreciated most was that the staff were always helpful — once, they even whipped up a vegetarian omelet with extra cheese and spinach on special request. It’s that kind of thoughtfulness that makes you feel at home.
Amenities Galore: From Gym to Virtual Golf
It isn’t just a place to crash after sightseeing — it’s designed for comfort and fun.
The fitness center is well-equipped with modern cardio machines, weights, and ample space for floor workouts. I made it a point to squeeze in a short workout every morning, and it was never too crowded.
But the showstopper, especially for my partner (who’s obsessed with all things tech and games), was the virtual golf zone, Yes, you read that right. There’s an entire area dedicated to indoor screen golf, where you can simulate playing on world-famous courses. Even if you’re not a golf enthusiast, it’s a super fun experience — and a great way to blow off some steam after a long day of city exploration.
Rooftop Vibes & Nightlife Nearby
While the hotel itself has a few elegant bars and lounges (including Sky Kingdom, a connected rooftop bar that spans across multiple hotel towers), it’s the location that really wins for nightlife.
Itaewon is just a 10-minute cab ride away — and it has everything from underground clubs and gay bars to upscale lounges and casual pubs. One night we found ourselves dancing at a rooftop bar overlooking the Seoul Tower, and the next night, we were sipping cocktails at a jazz lounge in Hannam-dong, just a short walk from Itaewon.
On days when we didn’t want to venture too far, the Dragon City complex had its own buzzing vibe — with live DJ nights, beer on tap, and stylish locals hanging out.
Connectivity & Convenience
Yongsan Station is literally connected to the hotel via an indoor walkway, which makes getting around Seoul a breeze. From there, you can catch Line 1 of the subway or take the KTX (high-speed trains) if you plan to do day trips to cities like Daejeon or Busan. It also means you’re directly linked to I’Park Mall, which has everything from Uniqlo to a cinema, bookstores, and even a Gundam-themed café.
There’s also a convenience store within the hotel building, open till late — ideal for grabbing a late-night snack or emergency bottle of water (or in our case, some Korean banana milk and instant tteokbokki).
The Vibe & Design
Grand Mercure Ambassador Seoul Yongsan strikes that sweet balance between international comfort and Korean design sensibility. The interiors are sleek, with plenty of warm woods, soft lighting, and cozy lounge spaces scattered throughout. The lobby often had a low hum of people checking in, lounging with laptops, or catching up over coffee — it felt lively but never chaotic.
It’s also popular with both business travelers and long-stay guests, which explains why the amenities are so thoughtfully designed for comfort — especially the self-service laundry rooms (yes, another major plus if you’re traveling for more than a few days).
Final Thoughts: Would I Stay Again?
Absolutely — in a heartbeat.
Grand Mercure Ambassador Seoul Yongsan checks all the boxes: a central location with access to Seoul’s top attractions and nightlife, thoughtfully designed rooms with practical additions like a kitchenette, solid vegetarian options, and plenty of recreational amenities including virtual golf, a fitness center, rooftop bars, and indoor access to major transport hubs.
If you’re a traveler who likes a little bit of everything — culture, convenience, nightlife, and a quiet, cozy retreat at the end of the day — this place will feel like your Seoul home.
On my last morning, I sat by the floor-to-ceiling window in my room, sipping green tea, watching the Seoul skyline come alive. The streets buzzed below, but inside the Mercure, it was calm — like I’d found my perfect slice of the city.
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