Seoul Hotels
Hotels in Seoul range from the super-deluxe, 5-star international and national brands to yoegwan - clean, comfortable, budget family inns found by word of mouth around downtown Seoul. All hotels in Seoul offer a high standard of service. For something really traditional, sleep on the floor in a hanok (traditional Korean house).
The Seoul hotels below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories:
Luxury (over ₩300,000)
Moderate (₩100,000 to ₩300,000)
Cheap (up to ₩100,000)
These Seoul hotel prices are for a double room per night, including tax and breakfast (unless otherwise stated).
Luxury
JW Marriott Dongdeamun Square Seoul
This hotel's relatively small size - 170 rooms on 11 floors - and the elegant, luxe room decor makes for more of a boutique feel than you'd expect from a chain hotel. It's located in Seoul's premier shopping district, close to Dongdeamun Design Plaza, and amenities include an indoor pool lit by chandeliers, a large fitness centre and two restaurants. The rooftop bar has views of Dongdaemun Gate, an iconic landmark in the city.
Address: Jongno-gu, 279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 2276 3000.
Website: http://www.jwmarriottddm.com
Lotte Hotel Seoul
The refurbished wing of this huge super-deluxe hotel in Seoul is a good bet for those who want to stay in the heart of the city and close to shopping areas – there's even a large duty-free store on site. A good choice of dining includes French and Italian restaurants. A personal trainer and sports lab analysis are available in the fitness centre.
Address: Jung-gu, 1 Sogong-dong, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 771 1000.
Website: http://www.lottehotel.com/seoul
The Shilla
Celebrities, royalty and heads of state have stayed at The Shilla, which is set in 9 hectares (23 acres) of woodland yet known for its state-of-the-art technology. Modern public areas belie traditionally furnished rooms. The restaurant, La Yeon, has three Michelin stars - the first restaurant to receive such an accolade.
Address: Jung-gu, 202 Jangchung-dong 2-ga, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 2233 3131.
Website: http://www.shilla.net
Moderate
Fraser Place Central Seoul
A luxury home-from-home is offered by these serviced 'residences' in Seoul, from studios to three-bed and penthouse apartments. Relaxation is further aided by the attractive leisure facilities - a large pool, steam and sauna rooms and peaceful atrium garden.
Address: Jung-gu, 202 Uijuro 1-ga, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 2220 8888.
Website: http://www.fpcs.co.kr
Grand Ambassador Seoul
This good, centrally located deluxe business hotel offers great views over the Seoul cityscape. There's easy access to the main markets and historic palaces, and facilities include six bars and restaurants plus a health centre with hydrotherapy pool.
Address: Jung-gu, 287 Dongho-ro, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 2275 1101.
Website: http://www.pullmanhotels.com
Cheap
Anguk Guesthouse
Anguk Guesthouse offers traditional, comfortable Korean-style, wooden-shuttered rooms, which are centrally located for sights and shopping but also offer hikes in the nearby forest. Use of a kitchen and laundry is complimentary but walls are thin so earplugs might come in handy.
Address: Jongno-gu, 72-3 Anguk-dong, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 736 8304.
Website: http://www.anguk-house.com
Beewon Guesthouse
Choose from Korean- and Western-style rooms or dormitories at this Seoul guesthouse, handily situated near Insa-dong and almost opposite Changdeokgung Palace. Kitchen and internet facilities are available. Discounts are offered for stays over two nights.
Address: Jongno-gu, 28-2 Unni-dong, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 765 0670.
Website: http://www.beewonguesthouse.com
K-POP Hotel Seoul Station
Only a short walk from Seoul Station, this hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to a central location and low price. The rooms are tiny, it's true, but they are light and modern and offer underfloor heating, minifridges and flat-screen TVs. There's also a lounge area, a basement cafe and rooftop terrace. Laundry facilities don't include dryers, though.
Address: Jung-gu, 542 Namdaemunno 5, Seoul,Telephone: +82 2 773 2500.
Website: http://ss2.kpophouse.co.kr
