Eight unique hotels for your next visit to Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis contrasting high-rise skyscrapers with Buddhist temples and traditional architecture. Between its many street markets and popular attractions is an equally vibrant range of hotels. Whether you’re exploring Seoul by neigbourhood or staying in one area for a special event, this list focuses on the most unique and beautiful hotels across the city. These hotels are worth visiting for restaurants and bars alone, even if you don’t stay there for the night.

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Cover image by Venancio Dionela.

Indoor pool at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, image courtesy of the property.

Note on rates: CAD prices are taken from aggregators like Expedia and TripAdvisor; South Korean won rates are taken from hotel websites.

Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul

Banyan Tree is a luxurious spa resort with a tropical feel set at the foot of Namsan Mountain, a ten-minute drive from Seoul. This is a full-service resort focused on health and wellness. Facilities include Banyan Tree Spa and Gallery, sauna, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, golf course, and an ice rink. Guests and visitors can dine at the Granum Dining Lounge (seasonal menu), Festa by Choonghy (contemporary European), and grab a beverage at the Moon Bar. Members also have access to the Members’ Lounge and Club Members’ Restaurant.

Ninety per cent of rooms have a personal pool, and some rooms are built specifically for business travellers. Rooms range from Bayan Room to Banyan Suits (equipped with a bathtub) and a range of Pool rooms and suites. The suites have separate sitting areas, while the Presidential Suite is divided into a living area with a dining room, living room and a relaxation pool, and a bedroom with two beds and an ensuite bath. Walk-in closets and wall-to-wall views are standard in all room types.

Above and below, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, image courtesy of the property.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

A luxury hotel located in the heart of Seoul, a short walk from major attractions. Guest amenities include three swimming pools, fitness facilities with group classes and weight training equipment, a sauna and a full-service spa, a barbershop and nail salon, and executive and kids’ lounges. Guests and visitors can dine at The Market Kitchen speciality restaurant, enjoy Italian food at Boccalino, Asian at Akira Back or MARU, or Chinese at Yu Yuan. The hotel also has a cocktail or two at the Charles H. secret bar and H. Bar, where you can indulge in a course-style cocktail experience. Make sure to check seasonal activities for special experiences.

Guest rooms feature a blend of modern and traditional decor, complete with top-of-the-line mattresses for a restful night’s sleep. Rooms range from Deluxe to Premier Family and speciality Suites. Standard Deluxe rooms are residential-style rooms, perfect for explorative city visits. Ambassador One-Bedroom Suite, on the other hand, accommodates three adults or two adults and two children, and has two bathrooms. All rooms have electronic lighting systems, have bedside controls for drapes, and can request a PlayStation/Xbox.

97 Saemunan-ro, Dangju-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea | Map link
Rooms starting at $616 CAD | ₩621,000 KRW
Book directly on fourseasons.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Above and below, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

L’Escape Hotel

The hotel is an attraction, an escape to Seoul and 19th-century Paris, inspired by the French architect Belle Époque. On-premises is a luxury spa, a stunning library, and a fitness facility. Dining options include contemporary, romantic restaurant L’AmantSecret, modern Chinese restaurant Palais de Chine, and a beautifully decorated Marqued’Amour bar.

The rooms are maximalist and romantic, decorated with canopy headboards, embroidered textiles, and clawfoot tubs. The rooms have voice-controlled curtains, lighting, and TV. Rooms range from Classic to Grand Deluxe and Suites. Guests who book suites gain access to the Le Escape Boutique Lounge, which includes breakfast and happy hour. The corner suite has a wrap-around window with a sitting room, while the Royal Suite and above have multiple rooms ideal for families and longer stays.

L’Escape Hotel, images courtesy of the property.

Mondrian Seoul Itaewon

Located in Itaewon, Mondrian is a modern hotel with high-tech comfort rooms. One can easily get lost at the hotel, exploring the lobby Fores Zone, swimming at the Altitude Pool and Lounge or at the breathtaking indoor pool. The hotel also has a great fitness club, sauna, pilates room, golf range, and an actual arcade. Rooftopbar, Privelege, serves single-malt whiskeys and fine wines while Cleo restaurant is focused on Mediterranean cuisine, adopting Hollywood glamour. Mondrian Hotel also houses Blind Spot, open all day, serving teas and cocktails, and Rumpus Room, which has live jazz music on the weekends.

The rooms have been designed by an award-winning, Singapore-based interior design company, Asylum. They are airy and comfortable, with great amenities, including water purifiers, Bluetooth speakers, and in-suite rain showers. Rooms range from Signature King/Twin to large Suites with private terraces and dining rooms.

Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, images courtesy of the property.

Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador

Positioned on the banks of the Hangang River, the hotel is inspired by the interplay of art and nature, taking cues from historical poets and painters. Naturally, art can be seen throughout the property and is monumental to the space. The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, a large fitness centre, spa and sauna. The lobby is set on the 20th floor, offering a spectacular view of the river. There are X dining areas at the hotel, including the Restaurant Voisin (Korean), Bar Voisin (Korean), Lounge & Deck (sweet treats, tea, and coffee), and an artisanal bakery, Mapo Eight.

The guest rooms are airy, with high ceilings and oversized windows. Rooms range from Superior to Family and Suites. Superior rooms are standard-sized hotel rooms and have a city view, while some of the suites have dual vistas and a terrace.

Above and below, Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador, images courtesy of the property.

Signiel Seoul

Landmark hotel, holding 2 Michelin keys, located near Seokchon Lake and Lotte World. The hotel is set across floors 76 to 101 of the Lotte World Tower and includes multiple dining options, a wedding hall, and a convention centre. The property offers four types of rooms, from basic suites to grand deluxe and presidential suites. Each beautifully decorated room offers an unparalleled view of the city. All rooms are fully stocked with basic and premium amenities, including bathrobes and complimentary mineral water.

The main restaurant, STAY, is led by a 3-Michelin-starred chef, Yannick Alléno. Additionally, the hotel also houses Bicena, a Michelin 1-star restaurant for a fresh interpretation of Korean cuisine, Bar 81, a premium bar with the largest champagne selection in Korea, and of course, a comfortable lounge. Guests have access to the Signiel Spa, sauna and indoor swimming pool, top-of-the-line fitness centre, and luxurious business facilities.

Above and below, Signiel Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

The Shilla Seoul

Surrounded by greenery, The Shilla is set near Seoul Yeong Bin Gwan and Myeongdong Cathedral in the Myeong-dong neighbourhood. The hotel architecture is a mix of classic and contemporary architecture. The designer created guestrooms at the hotel range from standard to executive and suites, including the magnificent presidential room.

The property has luxurious meeting and event spaces, seven dining areas (five restaurants, two bars), and a bakery. Guests are also able to take advantage of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, spacious gym, indoor sauna, jogging course, walking trails, business amenities, and even an indoor golf range. The outdoor pool area includes private cabanas, available by request.

Above and below, The Shilla Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

Vista Walkerhill Seoul

The building feels like a blue glass sculpture nestled alongside the Hangang River, near Achasan Mountain in Gwangjin-gu. Vista Walkerhill is a wellness alternative to bustling city hotels. The hotel has a wellness club, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and a foot spa. On the 4th floor, guests will find the Skyard Botanic Garden, equipped with sunbeds, a yoga deck, and tea tables.

The rooms are bright and spacious, with modern facilities and a complimentary mini bar. Suite sizes range from Vista Deluxe to Studio and Presidential Suites. The most unique room, perhaps, is the Spa Suite, which has a large whirlpool facing a floor-to-ceiling riverview window. On site, guests can choose from a Buffet restaurant, Moegi serving traditional Japanese, Pizza Hill, or Myonwolgwan, serving Korean beef charcoal grill.

177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin District, Seoul, South Korea | Map link
Rooms starting at $323 CAD | ₩ 308,550 KRW
Book directly on walkerhill.com to access special offers or your preferred booking site: Expedia | Booking.com | TripAdvisor