"My stay at Signiel Busan was, overall, excellent. The hotel is beautifully located right on the beach, the sea views are stunning, and the breakfast buffet offered an outstanding selection of high-quality food. The staff were professional, courteous, and genuinely eager to assist.
That said, there were a few disappointments that I would not expect from a five-star hotel. Check-in was advertised as 3:00 pm, but after a 2.5-hour train journey from Seoul followed by a one-hour taxi ride to the hotel, we arrived tired and looking forward to resting. Although the check-in process itself was smooth, our room was still being cleaned when we were escorted to it. The staff apologised sincerely and kindly offered complimentary drinks and snacks while we waited, which was appreciated, but the room should have been ready at the stated check-in time.
The room itself was well-appointed and comfortable. However, I found it puzzling that the sea-view balcony had neither chairs nor a table, making it impossible to sit outside and enjoy the view. I was also informed that smoking on the balcony was prohibited due to fire safety regulations. While I fully respect safety policies, it was disappointing not to be able to relax on the balcony with an occasional cigar while on holiday.
Overall, Signiel Busan is an excellent hotel with a fantastic location, exceptional service, and a wonderful breakfast. However, considering the premium price and the issues I experienced, I personally would choose"