InterContinental Seoul Parnas Review: Club Lounge Tips
Get the most out of your luxury stay at Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. Read our insider guide to booking the Club Lounge and securing the best views.
Loading...
Get the most out of your luxury stay at Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. Read our insider guide to booking the Club Lounge and securing the best views.
It features a direct connection to Coex Mall,
sits right by Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) and Samseong Station (Line 2),
and boasts a lounge that easily ranks in my personal TOP 5!
Let me introduce you to the Westin Parnas,
which reopened last year after a stunning renovation~
- Scroll all the way to the bottom for a quick summary! -
1. Best Lounge Spots & Hours
I've listed the hours in the summary at the bottom!
Since reopening after its renovation in September,
I've booked stays at the Westin Parnas four times—during the Chuseok holiday in October, then in December, January, and February—
and the lounge system was different every single time.
That's how incredibly popular it is,
and it's easily the highlight of the hotel!
October
No cleaning time. If you snagged a spot starting from lunch,
you could keep the best seats.
December
Cleaning time introduced. Face-to-face reservations required.
January
Reservations via the Catch Table app.
February 2026
QR code reservation system introduced. Booking starts at 17:30.
While the lounge is incredibly popular on its own,
there are definitely "prime spots" that everyone aims for.
There are probably tips for queuing early, mid-way, or late,
but personally, I always go for the "Open Run" (lining up before opening).
After visiting a few times, my absolute favorite spot (the best seat in my book)
is the double view of Bongeunsa Temple and the Han River.
To find it, walk all the way past the inner door inside the lounge...
...to the very last corner seat.
Even if they happen to change the seating layout in the future,
aim for this general area.
This spot offers a stunning, wide-open view of both Bongeunsa Temple and the Han River—
it's the ultimate prime spot!!!
Out of all the reservation systems, my best record
was getting 2nd place in line, haha.
The person who got 1st place took that exact seat.
I got a strong feeling they were a local resident and hotel regular...;;
You know the vibe.
Maybe a resident of Samseong IPARK
or Cheongdam Leel,
who just looked out their window, saw the beautiful Han River, and thought,
"Should we head over to Westin Parnas today?"
It felt like those locals secretively snagged the 1st place spots.
I was perfectly happy with 2nd place, lol.
The view near the entrance isn't bad, but...
It's a partial Han River view? A slightly awkward building view?
And you have to stretch your neck to catch a glimpse of Bongeunsa Temple...
(Though, to be fair, it's still way better than having no view at all!)
The windows near the entrance mostly look out at surrounding buildings,
but as you step further in, one section at a time,
you get closer to the prime spots.
If you turn one more corner past
the double view of Bongeunsa and the Han River,
you'll find the "Grand Grandmother Seat" (the grand family table).
Whether it's friends booking 2 or 3 rooms together
or a large multi-generational family,
this is where group guests (?) usually sit.
From here, you get a view of the Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs area and Bongeunsa Temple.
The sofas here are super cozy, so it's a great spot too.
Since the entire 30th floor is dedicated to the lounge,
the deepest corner furthest from the entrance overlooks Seonjeongneung.
Because it's quite far from the main Happy Hour food station,
people mostly use it as a quiet workspace.
Near the entrance, there's a small PC station
and a multi-function printer (which lets you print up to 15 pages in black and white).
It's perfect for quickly taking care of any light work!
Except during cleaning hours, from 06:30 to 22:00,
tea, soda, and juice are continuously available.
Here is the snack selection.
It looks like a simple spread just to fill the space, but they are surprisingly delicious!
I highly recommend the peanuts—second from the left. Seriously addictive!
They started off with everyday classics like apples and tangerines, and then...
From 14:00 to 16:00,
the Sweet Delight afternoon dessert spread
is actually really impressive.
The selection changes every time you visit,
so there's always something new and delicious to try.
While the Sweet Delight is lovely,
the Happy Hour is the real deal!
The lamb chops are the main star,
but I have to start with the cakes just to show you
how seriously they take their dessert game! haha
The salads are also top-tier!
Incredibly fresh and wonderfully crisp.
You absolutely must try the endive salad.
It's basically the Hermès of the salad world.
A single leaf can easily run you around ~$1!
Just look at my plate... I piled up more endive than lamb chops!
I'm usually not a fan of greens,
but I'll eat endive all day long lol.
And finally, the highly anticipated lamb chops!
The absolute centerpiece of
the Westin Parnas Happy Hour is hands down the lamb chops.
To be honest, I rarely eat lamb chops anywhere else,
but I always make an exception for the Westin Parnas Happy Hour!
Their lamb chops are seriously to die for.
There's absolutely none of that gamey smell, just a clean, savory flavor,
so clearing 4 to 5 plates of lamb chops is my absolute baseline.
Aside from the lamb chops, they always serve a live noodle station,
one chicken or meat dish, and one seafood option...
But my absolute favorite was the Andong Jjimdak (braised chicken) haha. (Gotta love the K-style touch!)
I ended up talking so much about the lounge because it was so incredible!
The fitness center is also quite impressive (?),
but since the room view is just as important,
let's go in this order: Room View -> Pool -> Fitness Center.
2. The Room & the View
Out of all my visits here,
the best view I ever got was the high-floor view.
I didn't get the high-floor Bongeunsa Temple view,
but I did get the high-floor Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs view.
On a quiet day—especially with that Titanium elite status—you get a great high-floor view.
Back in January, I thought I got the Bongeunsa view thanks to my Titanium status...
But it turned out to be a low-floor Bongeunsa view...
They definitely said it was a Bongeunsa Temple view,
but as soon as I opened the room door...
I was greeted by a COEX rooftop view???? Wait, what??
You literally have to press your face against the glass and crane your neck to see Bongeunsa...
Honestly, the high-floor view was much more open and pleasant haha.
Looking down, the view of the fitness garden was nice,
but I still think the high-floor view is much better.
The worst was during the Chuseok holiday when the hotel was fully booked and I was a Platinum tier.
I got a view of... the AC outdoor units of the neighboring building.
Compared to the AC unit view,
the "crane-your-neck Bongeunsa view" is definitely better.
But if I had a choice, the ranking would be:
1. High-floor Bongeunsa + Han River double view
2. High-floor view
3. Low-floor Bongeunsa view
4. Low-floor "whatever-is-there" view
I think this is the order.
The room itself is pretty standard, so let's breeze through this part.
As for the amenities...
Westin is usually considered a mid-tier brand within the Marriott family,
so properties abroad aren't typically as fancy as the ones in Korea...
But in Korea, with that premium local touch and the incredibly hard-working staff,
under the prestigious 'Chosun' or 'Parnas' brand name, it feels quite upscale.
Yet, the toiletries and amenities still strictly follow the standard Westin tier.
It's not that they're bad, but...
While some luxury hotels offer brands like Bvlgari, Diptyque, or Penhaligon's...
here, the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are
all from Westin's signature line.
There are two cozy Heavenly robes provided,
and having the bathtub and shower booth completely separated from the toilet
is a major plus!
*
Strangely, many Marriott properties separate the spaces
but then use those frustrating semi-transparent doors -.-
But here, they are completely and privately separated.
3. Swimming Pool
06:00~22:00 / Swim caps mandatory (No rentals, purchase only)
The pool at the Westin Parnas is absolutely beautiful.
It gets wonderful natural light during the day, but...
it has such a moody, stylish vibe at night too.
Right by the window at the end of the pool,
there is a warm, relaxing jacuzzi.
The view and the city nightscape from here are just gorgeous.
They provide rentals for life jackets, kickboards, and more.
Since Westin Parnas leans a bit more toward a business hotel style,
I did wonder if it's the best fit for families traveling with kids.
The executive lounge is one of its biggest highlights,
but kids aren't allowed inside...
Still, when you consider the direct access to COEX,
by most parents' standards,
it's considered a pretty solid and convenient hotel choice.
*
I guess if you have kids, you end up giving up the lounge at any hotel anyway, right???
That's usually how it goes.
If they offered a Lounge To-Go service like Sheraton Incheon,
it would probably be a massive hit!
4. Fitness Center
06:00~22:00 / Workout wear rental available 24 hours
The stunning view of Bongeunsa Temple and state-of-the-art facilities are the main highlights.
They feature Technogym equipment,
and they even have a Power Plate.
The standard fitness center hours are 06:00–22:00,
but if you want to work out after hours, just ask at the lobby
and they will guide you to the after-hours facility.
But the absolute highlight has to be the screen golf room!
The fitness center and pool are both on the 3rd floor,
but if you go up one more floor, you'll find the screen golf area.
It's open to hotel guests too,
so if you love golf, you should definitely check it out.
This post is getting waaaay too long (it's already massive)...
I'm getting a bit tired, and I'm sure you guys might be too!
So I'll cover the breakfast buffet and the direct connection to COEX Mall
in my next post.
📍 Westin Seoul Parnas Quick Summary
524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
1. Executive Lounge (30F)
No children under 13 allowed
(Please inquire separately regarding kids' access for breakfast)
Operating Hours - 06:30~22:00
Service Break/Cleaning - 17:30~18:00
Meeting Room - 2 hours of use (advance reservation required)
PC Zone - 15 complimentary B&W printouts
Up to 2 additional guests (besides the 2 registered guests) can join for an extra fee
Breakfast: 06:30 - 10:00
Light Snacks: 11:00 - 17:30
(light bites, tea, juice, etc.)
Sweet Delight: 14:00 - 16:00 (~$23)
(features premium desserts like mini cakes and finger foods)
Happy Hour: 18:00 - 21:00 (~$77)
(a proper dinner spread featuring lamb chops & alcoholic drinks)
Westin Night: 21:00 - 22:00
Happy Hour reservations can be made via QR code starting at 17:30
(As of late February 2026)
*
Since everyone has a different idea of the "perfect spot,"
I'll dive into the details in the main post.
2. Rooms & Views
Low Floor < Low Floor with Bongeunsa Temple View < High Floor < High Floor with Bongeunsa Temple View
3. Indoor Pool (3F): 06:00 - 22:00
Closed on the 4th Tuesday of every month
Swim caps are mandatory (no rentals, purchase only)
No tubes, fins, or beach balls allowed
4. Fitness Center (3F): 06:00 - 22:00 / 24 Hours
The fitness center is closed on the 4th Tuesday of every month,
but the main gym floor remains open.
06:00 - 22:00 is for the main fitness center,
but there is a smaller gym open 24 hours.
Many people only check out the 3rd floor,
but the 4th floor actually has some great spots, including screen golf!
*
Lounge and facility hours/policies
are subject to change, so make sure to double-check at check-in!
Happy Hour runs from 18:00 to 21:00, and reservations can be made via a QR code provided from 17:30. The signature dishes include clean, odor-free lamb chops and endive salad.
Wearing a swimming cap is mandatory, but rentals are not available; they can only be purchased on-site. Tubes and flippers are not allowed, but life jackets and kickboards are available for rent.
The best spot to enjoy a simultaneous view of Bongeunsa Temple and the Han River is the seat located at the very last corner past the inner middle door of the lounge. The entrance area mostly offers standard city building views, and the view gets better the further inside you go.
The main fitness center operates only until 10 PM, but there is a separate small-scale fitness area that is open 24 hours. If you wish to use it outside regular hours, you can inquire at the lobby to receive guidance from the staff.
There is a small workspace equipped with a PC and a multifunction printer near the lounge entrance. You can print up to 15 pages in black and white for free here.
An honest 2026 review of Lotte's luxury 5-star hotel, Signiel Busan. Discover why the gorgeous Mipo Port views and top-tier service make it the ultimate Haeundae getaway.
Discover why Sono Calm Delpino in Goseong is the ultimate Gangwon-do family resort. Compare Sonobel, Sonokam, and Sonofelice for the best Ulsanbawi views.
Discover Brown Dot Hotel in Jeonju, offering premium amenities like LG Stylers and latex beds at budget-friendly rates. Perfect for your 2026 Jeonju trip!
We compare the pools at three of Jeju Island's top 5-star resorts—The Shilla, Lotte, and Parnas—to help you find the ultimate family getaway.
An honest review of our family staycation at Parnas Hotel Jeju. Explore the ocean-view rooms, amazing breakfast buffet, and the iconic infinity pool.
Dive into our review of the Parnas Hotel Jeju swimming pool. Discover the record-breaking infinity pool, warm kids' zones, and poolside dining tips for 2026!