Taking advantage of The Edit by Chase Travel perks at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon
Since opening in August 2020, the 295-room Mondrian Seoul Itaewon has staked a claim as one of the South Korean city’s swankiest hotels thanks to its trippy decor, striking modernist tower, bustling bars and restaurants, monumental art installations and general cool factor.
The hotel is also part of Accor Live Limitless, so you can earn and redeem points for stays there.
Perhaps more importantly for folks who want to maximize their credit cards, though, the hotel is part of The Edit by Chase Travel℠. That means travelers with eligible cards who make bookings through Chase can enjoy tons of value-added perks, including daily breakfast for two and on-property experience credits, among other benefits.
That’s why I decided to book a stay there during a recent visit to the South Korean capital. Here are all the ways my reservation through The Edit improved my experience at this already pretty great hotel.
Related: Enjoy luxury perks at our favorite hotels that are part of The Edit by Chase Travel
The Edit by Chase Travel benefits
The Edit by Chase Travel is a special subset of luxury hotels bookable through Chase Travel, where select cardholders receive extra benefits.
In order to make a booking through The Edit by Chase Travel, you must have one of the following cards:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)
- J.P. Morgan Reserve® Card
The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
From June 23 on, those who apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business receive up to a $250 statement credit biannually for The Edit bookings. They get up to $250 in credits on prepaid The Edit bookings with a minimum two-night stay from Jan. 1 to June 30 and another $250 from July 1 to Dec. 31 when using their eligible card for the booking. Those who held the Chase Sapphire Reserve before June 23 will be eligible for this benefit starting Oct. 26.
The benefits of booking through The Edit by Chase Travel include:
- A room upgrade at select properties when available
- Complimentary daily breakfast for two
- Credits of up to $100 for on-property charges, unique to each hotel, but typically including things like restaurant and spa charges
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Early check-in and late checkout when available
As you can see, these benefits — particularly the on-property credits and the daily breakfast — can really add up to significant value, especially if that upgrade clears. That’s why I was eager to try them out for myself.
My stay at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon with The Edit by Chase
Although The Edit has been around for a couple of years, my spring Seoul stay was the first chance I had to use this benefit thanks to my Chase Sapphire Reserve.
My two-night stay at the Mondrian cost around $530. That means if I were a new cardholder, my $250 biannual booking credit could have covered nearly half the cost of my stay right off the bat. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait until October to take advantage of that perk on future stays since I’ve had the card for many years at this point and that particular benefit hasn't kicked in just yet.
A room upgrade
When I checked in, I was informed that I had been upgraded from the standard signature king room I’d booked to a signature city king room (formerly known as a Pinnacle room). This was essentially the same room, just on a higher floor with better views, and would have cost $40 more per night, netting me an extra $80 in value.
At just 236 square feet, the room was compact but well laid out with an open-floor-plan bathroom with a single basin sink looking into the bedroom to one side of the entrance, plus a small water closet with the toilet. I especially enjoyed the Malin + Goetz Ciel products in the walk-in shower (it looks like the hotel might have switched to Grown Alchemist, though), which also had glazed blue tiles that reminded me of the rooftops of Seoul’s Hanok village.
The bedroom was mostly taken up by the large king-size bed, flanked on one side by a sconce and on the other by a globe-style hanging lamp.
There were also a small table with a high-backed leather armchair facing the window that served as a workspace, a wall-mounted TV and a minibar cabinet with a water filter and coffee- and tea-making accoutrements.
Though cozy, the room was comfortable enough for a solo traveler. My only quibble was that the weather was unseasonably hot and the air conditioning in the building had not yet been turned on for summer. The room really heated up during the day, though opening the windows cooled it off quickly enough.
Food-and-beverage credits at the bars and restaurants
The hotel is home to several restaurants and bars. I started my first evening there up at the rooftop Privilege Bar, which had both an outdoor terrace looking out toward Namsan Park, complete with a geodesic igloo, and an intimate indoor section featuring decor inspired by a traditional Korean folktale.
I enjoyed a signature smoky whiskey cocktail that would have cost about $14, though I used part of my The Edit credit toward it.
That meant I had plenty left for dinner at the signature Middle Eastern restaurant down on the ground floor, Cleo. There, I enjoyed a selection of mezze and dips served with freshly baked bread and a succulent chicken shish kebab for my main. The total came to around $60, including a glass of wine, but not for me since I could use another portion of my $100 on-property credit toward the bill. And I still had some money left over.
Cleo is also the hotel’s breakfast spot, so I ambled down here in the mornings for my complimentary meal, which included a buffet of hot Western and Asian dishes, pastries, fruit, cereal and juices, plus coffee and tea drinks. There were no a la carte options, but the selection was more than sufficient to fuel up for a big day out in the city. The hotel charges about $42.50 per person for rates that include breakfast, so having this included as part of the rate that I booked, which was equivalent to a flexible rate without breakfast being advertised directly by the hotel, represented significant savings.
I would have used some more of my on-property credit at Rumpus Room, a casual bar up on the second floor adjacent to the reception area that resembles a fashionable living room with tufted leather chairs and shelves displaying art books. However, I had been given drink tickets for two glasses of house wine or cocktails, so those were a nice (free!) way to start my second evening before heading out to dine at a nearby restaurant.
The hotel’s colorful lobby bar, Blind Spot, is also a bit of a scene as people filter in and out throughout the day for coffee and, later, cocktails at the marble counter beneath a huge digital screen depicting nature scenes.
If that inspires you, check out the “Forest Zone” just inside the hotel entrance, a sylvan scene inspired by a Korean fairy tale that feels like a magical life-size diorama. And, yes, you’ll see selfie-takers frolicking here at all times of day or night.
The hotel has an outdoor pool and bar called Altitude as well, but this was closed during my stay since it had not yet reopened for the summer season, which runs from May to September. Entrance actually costs extra — $25 to $40 per adult, depending on the date — so that can be another good way to put your The Edit credits to use.
Other amenities
There’s no spa where you can use your The Edit credits at this hotel; however, there is a large basement arcade with shops, restaurants and cafes, plus a large, comprehensive fitness complex that hotel guests can use along with paying members of the public.
The facilities include an expansive, well-equipped gym, beautiful locker rooms and an indoor pool with fun lighting effects. There are also a Pilates studio and even an indoor golf range.
Thanks to my The Edit booking, I was also able to extend my checkout until 2 p.m. rather than the usual time of noon, which came in handy since my flight was not until the evening. That gave me extra time to enjoy breakfast, get in a workout, repack and head to the airport in a leisurely manner upon my departure.
What else to know about the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon
Overall, my The Edit by Chase booking netted me tons of extra value, even on a short two-night stay at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon.
As the hotel’s name suggests, it sits in the lively Itaewon district, which is known for its bars and restaurants that attract young Koreans and foreigners alike. That said, the hotel is a little removed from the most vibrant areas of the district and resides in a hilly part of the city, so you might need to take Ubers or taxis to go out in the evening.
In fact, many of the city’s main sights and tourist districts, like Insadong, Dongdaemun and even Gangnam across the Han River, are quick and inexpensive Uber rides away, but it can take a while for Ubers to get to the hotel, so be sure to order one well in advance.
It takes 70 to 90 minutes to get from the hotel to Incheon International Airport (ICN) and costs around $45 to $60 in an Uber, which feels relatively inexpensive for such a long ride.
The hotel does tend to get busy around public holidays and on weekends since its event spaces are popular for various functions, so you might end up waiting for the elevator for quite a while.
For those with accessibility needs, the hotel has Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant signature king rooms, but be sure to call ahead to ensure a room you book meets your individual requirements.
Overall, the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon was a fun place to spend the weekend in Seoul, with kind staff who helped me navigate the city.
You can get tremendous value during a stay when booking through The Edit by Chase, as I did, thanks to benefits like room upgrades, on-property credits and complimentary daily breakfast. Plus, if you are able to take advantage of the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business’ biannual $250 The Edit credits, your stay might not even end up costing that much.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.