8 Unique hotels in Seoul: Best luxury & boutique stays

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 neighbourhood or staying in one area for a special event, this list of unique hotels in Seoul focuses on the most striking and beautiful places to stay across the city, from riverside spa resorts to a Parisian-inspired escape. Several of these hotels are worth visiting for their restaurants and bars alone, even if you don’t stay the night.

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Cover image by Venancio Dionela.

Eight unique hotels for your next visit to Seoul. Indoor pool at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul — 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.

1. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul

Best for: couples wanting a private in-room pool

Banyan Tree is a luxurious spa resort with a tropical feel, set at the foot of Namsan Mountain, a ten-minute drive from central Seoul. This full-service resort is focused on health and wellness, with facilities including the Banyan Tree Spa and Gallery, a sauna, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, a 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 drink 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 the Banyan Room to Banyan Suites (equipped with a bathtub), plus 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 and relaxation pool, and a bedroom with two beds and an ensuite bath. Walk-in closets and wall-to-wall views are standard across all room types.

Eight unique hotels for your next visit to Seoul. Above and below, Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul. — Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, image courtesy of the property.

Private pool suite at Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul with Namsan Mountain view, image courtesy of the property.

2. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Best for: first-time visitors who want to be walking distance from major attractions

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 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 cuisine at Akira Back or MARU, or Chinese at Yu Yuan. The hotel also serves cocktails at the Charles H. secret bar and H. Bar, where you can indulge in a course-style cocktail experience. Check the hotel’s seasonal activities for special experiences during your visit.

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, perfect for explorative city visits, while the Ambassador One-Bedroom Suite accommodates three adults or two adults and two children, with two bathrooms. All rooms have electronic lighting systems, bedside drape controls, and PlayStation/Xbox on request.

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

Eight unique hotels for your next visit to Seoul. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul — Four Seasons Hotel Seoul guest room with modern Korean-inspired decor, images courtesy of the property.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, images courtesy of the property.

3. L’Escape Hotel

Best for: a romantic, only-in-Seoul Parisian escape

The hotel is an attraction in itself — an escape to 19th-century Paris, inspired by French Belle Époque architecture. On-premises is a luxury spa, a stunning library, and a fitness facility. Dining options include the contemporary, romantic L’Amant Secret, the modern Chinese restaurant Palais de Chine, and the beautifully decorated Marqué d’Amour bar.

The rooms are maximalist and romantic, decorated with canopy headboards, embroidered textiles, and clawfoot tubs, plus voice-controlled curtains, lighting, and TV. Rooms range from Classic to Grand Deluxe and Suites. Guests who book suites gain access to the L’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.

Eight unique hotels for your next visit to Seoul.

Parisian-style maximalist suite at L’Escape Hotel Seoul with canopy bed. L’Escape Hotel, images courtesy of the property.

4. Mondrian Seoul Itaewon

Best for: nightlife lovers who want a hotel with its own scene

Located in Itaewon, Mondrian is a modern hotel with high-tech comfort rooms. It’s easy to lose an afternoon here exploring the lobby’s Forest Zone, swimming at the Altitude Pool and Lounge or the breathtaking indoor pool, or visiting the fitness club, sauna, pilates room, golf range, and an actual arcade. The rooftop bar, Privilege, serves single-malt whiskeys and fine wines, while Cleo restaurant leans into Mediterranean cuisine with Hollywood glamour. Mondrian also houses Blind Spot, open all day for tea and cocktails, and Rumpus Room, which has live jazz on weekends.

The rooms were designed by award-winning, Singapore-based interior design firm Asylum. They’re airy and comfortable, with 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.

5. Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador

Best for: art lovers and river views

Positioned on the banks of the Hangang River, this hotel is inspired by the interplay of art and nature, drawing on historical poets and painters — a theme that runs throughout the property. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a large fitness centre, spa, and sauna. The lobby sits on the 20th floor, offering a spectacular river view. Dining options include Restaurant Voisin (Korean), Bar Voisin (Korean), Lounge & Deck (sweet treats, tea, and coffee), and the 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 with a city view, while some suites offer dual vistas and a private terrace.

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

6. Signiel Seoul

Best for: skyline views and Michelin-level dining

A landmark hotel holding two Michelin Keys, located near Seokchon Lake and Lotte World. The hotel occupies floors 76 to 101 of Lotte World Tower and includes multiple dining options, a wedding hall, and a convention centre. Four room types are available, from basic suites to grand deluxe and presidential suites, each offering an unparalleled view of the city and fully stocked with premium amenities, including bathrobes and complimentary mineral water.

The main restaurant, STAY, is led by 3-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The hotel also houses Bicena, a Michelin 1-star restaurant offering a fresh take on Korean cuisine, Bar 81 (home to the largest champagne selection in Korea), and a comfortable lounge. Guests have access to the Signiel Spa, sauna, indoor swimming pool, a top-of-the-line fitness centre, and business facilities.

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

7. The Shilla Seoul

Best for: classic luxury in Myeongdong

Surrounded by greenery, The Shilla sits near Seoul Yeong Bin Gwan and Myeongdong Cathedral in the Myeong-dong neighbourhood. The architecture blends classic and contemporary design, and guestrooms range from standard to executive and suites, including a magnificent presidential room.

The property has luxurious meeting and event spaces, seven dining areas (five restaurants, two bars), and a bakery. Guests can also make use of the indoor and outdoor pools, spacious gym, indoor sauna, jogging course, walking trails, business amenities, and 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.

8. Vista Walkerhill Seoul

Best for: a wellness-focused escape from the city centre

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 Seoul’s busier city hotels, with a wellness club, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and foot spa. On the 4th floor, guests will find the Skyard Botanic Garden, complete 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 is arguably the Spa Suite, which has a large whirlpool facing a floor-to-ceiling river-view window. On-site dining includes a buffet restaurant, Moegi (traditional Japanese), Pizza Hill, and Myonwolgwan (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

Vista Walkerhill Seoul, image courtesy of the property.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most unique hotel in Seoul? L’Escape Hotel stands out for its 19th-century Parisian design in the heart of Seoul, while Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is the top pick for guests wanting a private in-room pool.

Which Seoul hotels have private pools or spa suites? Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul (ninety per cent of rooms have a personal pool) and Vista Walkerhill Seoul’s Spa Suite (with a river-view whirlpool) are the standout options.

Which Seoul hotel has Michelin-starred dining on-site? Signiel Seoul houses STAY, led by 3-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, and Bicena, a Michelin 1-star restaurant.