There aren’t many cities in the world with the kind of energy embodied by Seoul. It’s the bustling metropolitan capital city of South Korea, home to nearly 10 million people, but simultaneously the site of centuries of heritage and culture with roots dating back to 18 BC. It’s the kind of place where you can visit ancient Baekje relics and Joseon Dynasty royal palaces, while stopping for a quiet bite to eat from a Michelin-star restaurant or a smokey street food vendor. You know a place is special when even the convenience stores have a reputation for being incredible.
If you’ve never been to the city before or you’re simply hoping to broaden your horizons on a future trip, we’ve got you covered with our curated list of the best hotels to stay at in Seoul.
1. Nostalgia Hanok Hotel (Jongno District)
Address: 1 Bukchon-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03056, South Korea
Best for: A more traditional experience
Nostalgia offers a more boutique kind of accommodation. It’s set near the Bukchon Hanok Village in the middle of downtown Seoul (near major attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Anguk subway station). Each of their individually themed “Jae” (homes) are designed for tranquility and cultural immersion, catering to luxury travellers looking for a more authentic cultural experience. They offer daily breakfast service at Bukchon ONE Cafe, which serves up two set menu Korean breakfast options (you’ll need to preselect a breakfast time slot before you arrive), as well as optional airport premium pickup services and premium laundry services.
2. The Shilla Hotel (Jung)
Address: 249 Dongho-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: Tradition meets luxury
Perched on a hillock with views to both the east and west of Seoul, the Shilla Hotel (a favourite of our RUSSH Home editor Tamsin Johnson) is a hotel for those seeking old-world glamour. The estate is sprawling and decorated traditionally, with a fitness centre, golf driving range, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and a serene garden on site. There are also some fantastic restaurants to try, including Ariake, which is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Seoul. The Shilla is located a short walk from the Myeong-dong area of Seoul, which is the vibrant centre north of the river. The region is a little less noisy, but only a 20 minute walk or a five minute Uber ride away from the centre of Myeong-dong.
2. Ryse, Autograph Collection (Mapo-gu)
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, 130 Yanghwa-ro, RYSE, Autograph Collection
Best for: Artsy types who want to be in the thick of it
RYSE is a more trendy and art-focused hotel drawing inspiration from the streets of Hongdae. It’s located only 300m from Exit 9 of Hongik University Subway Station and comprises 272 rooms, a rooftop bar called Side Note Club that hosts DJs, a popular in-house restaurant called CHARR, and a Print Culture Lounge that stocks art books and niche magazines curated by RYSE. The rooms here are stocked with all the essentials and then some (like bathrobes, facial masks, and Bluetooth speakers). They’re also pet friendly.
3. Conrad Seoul (Yeouido)
Address: 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: Location, location, location
Conveniently located in the Yeouido neighborhood (often called the Manhattan of Seoul), this luxury 5-star hotel is situated within the International Finance Centre (IFC), offering direct access to IFC Mall, The Hyundai Seoul, and Yeouido Station. The Conrad’s 434 spacious rooms have panoramic views of the Han River and city skyline, featuring high-tech amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows. Along with its prime locale, it features a top-tier fitness centre, indoor pool, spa, and executive lounge.
5. Park Hyatt Seoul (Gangnam)
Address: 606 Teheran-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: A room with a view
In the heart of Gangnam is Seoul’s Park Hyatt, a sleek, minimalist tower of 184 spacious rooms. The 24th-floor indoor infinity pool is a definite draw card, as is its breathtaking view of the gangnam. Four on-site restaurants offer an array of cuisine options: from Italian cuisine at Cornerstone, to modern Korean at The Lounge. We’d suggest taking yourself to their vinyl listening bar The Timber House for some Japanese-style izakaya dishes though.
6. Mondrian Seoul Itaewon (Yongsan)
Address: 23 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: All the bells and whistles
The Mondrian Seoul Itaewon is the first Mondrian hotel in Asia, debuting with a modernist-inspired, high-tech vision. They have a 24-hour front desk, on-site free parking, free Wi-Fi, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools (outdoor pool is seasonal), sauna and spa, concierges and valet. They also have several on-site restaurants, including the Cleo, which offers a buffet breakfast of Western and Eastern staples (there are no a carte items).
7. L’Escape Hotel (Jung)
Address: 67 Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: A Parisian getaway in Seoul
L’Escape is a boutique hotel blending Belle Époque charm with Korean sensibilities. The rooms are incredibly stylised and sophisticated (design lovers, this one could be for you), designed by the eye of designer Jacques Garcia. The foyer envelopes a dream-like cherry blossom, checker-board floor tiles and regal portraits hung on the walls. If you’re looking for a room complete with flower-patterned canopy headboards, embroidered textiles, clawfoot tubs, and mirrored doors – this is your spot. And when you’re not in your room, you can also enjoy their sunlit Winter Garden and a French salon-style library,
8. Ananti at Gangnam (Gangnam)
Address: 74-6 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: Wellness tourism
Ananti is a wellness-focused boutique hotel situated inthe heart of Seoul’s Gangnam district (near Apgujeong Rodeo and Hak-dong Station). Each of the hotel’s 111 rooms are designed with vaulted, loft-style ceilings, separate sitting areas, private balconies and high-end amenities. You can visit their Salon de Mobydick bar, Poisson seafood restaurant, a luxury gym equipped for Pilates and Yoga, and a unique indoor/outdoor pool.
9. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (Jongno)
Address: 97 Saemunan-ro, Dangju-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: Luxury in spades
Nestled into the prime corner of Jongno-gu (within walking distance of key attractions like the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Seoul Plaza), the Four Seasons is where you should stay for unparalleled luxury. Rooms here feature floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and customisable beds, and the hotel is also home to several restaurants (including the Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine at Yu Yuan), a full Korean sauna (jjimjilbang) complete with hot and cold plunge pools, steam and dry saunas and dedicated relaxation areas.
10. Grand Hyatt Seoul (Yongsan)
Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Best for: Winter wonderland
The Grand Hyatt in Seoul is surrounded by Namsan Mountain and Han River, and within easy reach of Myeongdong Shopping Street, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Hongdae district – each around 40mins on the subway). The hotel’s 615 rooms are accompanied by a 24 hour fitness complex (Club Olympus), a spa (awarded as South Korea’s best), nine – yes nine – separate dining and entertaining venues, swimming pools and, to top it all off, its own ice rink in winter.
Feature image courtesy Four Seasons.
