BACKGROUND Sheraton D Cube opened in September 2011. It is housed in an impressive building over 40 storeys high, especially striking since it stands tall in the less-developed area of southwestern Seoul in which it is located. It is part of the D Cube City complex, which includes a mall of fashion favourites, a variety of dining options and a theatre and concert hall. Directly below it is Sindorim Station, linking you directly to Seoul’s comprehensive subway network. This is a godsend, since getting to this location by taxi in rush hour can be tedious, and costly.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel’s interior design oozes sophistication, a hallmark of the Sheraton brand. Marble floors, champagne and dark-red tones, glass sculptures and the like greet you as soon as you enter and are whisked to the 41st floor sky lobby – the highest in the city.
Once up there, a truly expansive and unobstructed view of Seoul welcomes you... as does the lobby lounge, Feast restaurant and the Link@Sheraton business corner, all of which are often abuzz with seemingly relaxed, satisfied guests – testament to the success this property has already enjoyed in its short lifespan. Business Traveller Asia-Pacific readers even voted it best new business hotel in Asia in this year’s reader poll (see page 54).
Executive suite guests are escorted to a separate, exclusive check-in desk on the limited-access 38th floor Club Lounge. There are specially designated lifts to get you to and from these floors to other parts of the hotel – a system that takes some getting used to.
The standout feature of this hotel however, has to be the exceptionally friendly, personable and genuinely caring staff. Each one encountered – from check-in to F&B – made an impression.
WHERE IS IT? As mentioned, the property is located on the outskirts of Seoul. This, however, does mean that it is closer to the airports than most city-centre Seoul hotels – 15km from Gimpo and 55km from Incheon. Sindorim Station is immediately accessible from the hotel, on level B1. This station is on lines 1 and 2, the main subway lines in Seoul, so its relatively remote location really isn’t that much of an issue.
ROOM FACILITIES My 72 sqm corner executive suite was divided into three sections by sliding doors: a living and work area, bedroom and wonderfully spacious bathroom with a tub overlooking the city. It was comfortable, particularly the desk chair and the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed II – which is a dream come true for those with any form of back issue. The air con was a little loud, and the control panel required some contemplation, but overall the suite was more than satisfactory.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Offering stunning views from the 41st floor, Feast is the hotel’s signature restaurant. In a setting of warm wood tones the international buffet, flanked by open kitchens, offered an outstanding variety of fresh cuisine. Fit Café on the 28th floor provides mocktails and healthy treats for those wanting to rejuvenate after a workout or spa treatment, and this, as well as an upmarket Deli and the Lobby Lounge Bar, fill this property’s F&B complement.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There is 1,700 sqm of meeting and events space, mostly located on floors 6 to 8. The grand ballroom is the largest, measuring a sizeable 900 sqm. There are also nine meeting or conference rooms catering for between four and 140 people, and two boardrooms, one of which is located on the 40th floor. The attached mall is an added bonus for corporate groups planning a conference in this property.
LEISURE FACILITIES Aequalis Spa is located on level 28; highlights include the steam showers, heated stone bed and, again, the city views. There is also a gym, screen golf room, indoor swimming pool, and a sauna and steam room that stays open until 10pm. D Cube City also contributes significantly to entertainment choices, offering shopping and musical theatre productions within a short walk of your room.
VERDICT This one-year-old property has already established a solid fan base due to its beautiful décor, exceptional staff and breathtaking views – features that more than make up for its less central location.
Fact File
- How many rooms? 269 in total, including double rooms that are deluxe or club king, two disabled access rooms and five “her” rooms. There are 12 suites divided into executive, honeymoon, hospitality and presidential categories.
- Room highlights The expansive view of Seoul, contemporary and sleek décor, and the extremely comfortable bed and workspace.
- Price The internet rate for a king executive suite in mid-November is 360,000 won (US$323).
- Contact 662 Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, tel +82 2 2211 2000, www.starwoodhotels.com
Alex Andersson
