63 Best Hotels in Seoul, South Korea

Just a stone's throw from Garosu-gil, this hip hotel appeals to social, creative types with an art gallery, plus a Vietnamese cafe, airy rooms with natural woods, and a rooftop bar with unparalleled views all the way to N Seoul Tower.

Trendy industrial vibes permeate this urban hotel known for its rooftop restaurant with city views, a popular choice with the young set and travelers who place value on socializing and functionality rather than luxury. Quad rooms with two sets of bunks, private rooms, and "bark" rooms that have dog beds are available.

This quirky little hotel feels like you’ve stepped into a dollhouse—everything seems petite and whimsical—and while it’s clear that the brightly colored walls, faux flowers, and kitschy baubles are meant to attract a young, budget-conscious Instagram crowd, it’s also got all the necessary room amenities like kettles and strong Wi-Fi for a comfortable, albeit snug, stay.

This business boutique hotel is conveniently located near the COEX complex and the World Trade Center Seoul. The rooms are squeaky clean and well organized, and there's a convenience store in the lobby where you can stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. Hotel Peyto is, without a doubt, one of the best values in the neighborhood. 

For those who would rather spend their money on sightseeing, shopping, and meals, this is centrally located, affordable choice. The accommodations—while small—are spotless; perfect for visitors who expect to be out and about most of the day. Rooms are arranged by color theme: guests can choose from white, red, blue, or yellow accented rooms. There are computers in the lobby for guest use and a restaurant that serves an ok breakfast buffet.

The geometric black-and-gold facade and sophisticated lobby belie the affordability at this hip high-rise hotel. As the property name suggests, each room is individually designed with colorful artwork, fanciful lighting, or quirky architectural details. Despite the stylish rooms, amenity-wise this hotel is strictly no-frills—there’s barely even a sitting area in the lobby.

An excellent value for both business and sightseeing, the Ibis Ambassador is a reliable hotel choice in this location. While the rooms won't win any design awards, they are pleasant and comfortable, and the staff is quite warm and helpful. The hotel's real selling point, however, is its location in the center of Seoul's downtown shopping area, also a short taxi or subway ride from museums and Seoul's historic neighborhoods. For guests who just want a place to sleep, the standard rooms are fine, but if you want to spend some time relaxing in the hotel it is worth upgrading to a slightly larger room. It follows the Ibis formula to the letter, so if you've stayed at one before there are no surprises.

For a decidedly Korean take on a lavish European hotel, look no further than the Imperial Palace. The lobby looks a little like an extravagant version of a Venetian palace, but it comes across as nostalgic and charming (albeit with a touch of unintended kitsch). The rooms feel a bit dated, but are often adorned with furnishings and art that the manager found on overseas travels. There isn't much of interest in the immediate vicinity, but the main shopping and nightlife of Gangnam is a short taxi away. On the plus side, the service is excellent. While not for everyone, the Imperial Palace can make for a very interesting stay.

Located between Olympic Park and Jamsil Station, this boutique hotel checks all the main boxes: it has comfort, convenience, and value, along with an English-speaking front desk. It's just a stone's throw from Bangi Matgol food street, which should keep your stomach very happy. 

Seoul's most famous upper-end love motel, Jelly's lavish (if a bit silly) themed rooms appeal to visitors as much young Korean couples. While the words love motel may conjure images of illicit trysts, Jelly has led the pack by turning them into hip accommodation catering not just to couples, but groups of friends and solo travelers as well. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, such as the Persian Room, Princess Room, and, yes, even Bvlgari and Versace Rooms. The downside is that, like most of Seoul's love motels, check in is quite late: at 7 pm on weeknights and 11 pm on weekends. Located south of the river in Gangnam, the location is better suited for nightlife and shopping than sightseeing.

The name "palace" is your first inkling that this luxury hotel from Marriott has crisp, stylish rooms with beautiful city views and plenty of cushy amenities.

For those who don't mind being a few subway stops away from Seoul's more popular areas, the JW Marriott is a good mix of class and convenience. Rooms are new, clean, and (for Seoul) spacious, the service excellent, and one of the best hotel gyms in Seoul can be found here. As all rooms have free wireless internet and it's a short walk from Seoul's central business district, the JW Marriott is also an excellent choice for business travelers. Also, the hotel is located above a mall with a variety of shopping and restaurant options. Ask for a room above the 15th floor facing the river for spectacular views.

This locally owned hotel with a snazzy, columned facade and a New York theme is set on a bustling street near the National Assembly Building. The rooms and suites are fairly traditional, but there are also brightly colored kids’ rooms with tents, whimsical murals, or race-car beds, and some have river views. The Big Apple inspiration extends to a steak house and a sports bar displaying baseball memorabilia. Despite its polished ambience, the hotel is a fairly affordable choice in what can be an expensive area.

It may not stand out in any single category but the Koreana offers travelers the best combination of location, space, and value of any high-end hotel in Seoul. While the hotel's 30-year history shows in some of its clean but dated standard rooms, the recently renovated business and executive floors are on par with those of newer hotels, at a fraction of the price. Situated in Seoul's downtown, just a short walk from many sites, the Koreana is a good choice for travelers looking for a hotel with well-kept, comfortable rooms at a good price.

A ten-minute walk from Myeongdong central, this belle époque–inspired hotel designed by Jacques Garcia (also known for his work at the NoMad Hotel in New York) has become one of the most popular in the area since opening in 2018. As such, the hotel is filled with dark, rich colors and lavish patterns. Another known feature of the hotel is its receptiveness to pets, and the entire 9th floor has suites that are dog- and cat-friendly. The hotel has a Starbucks Reserve, a cocktail bar called Marque d’Amour, and two restaurants. Palais de Chine, their modern Chinese restaurant, is a favorite among Seoulites.

Opened in 2018, Seoul's third L7 location is on brand with others in the Lotte chain, known for bringing big design into smaller quarters. The hotel's 340 rooms, most of which are 24.8 square meters, may be a cozy fit for many, but they’re clean, well-maintained, and much more affordable than most in the neighborhood of the same standard. The hotel’s star feature is the outdoor swimming pool on the 22nd floor, a large space accompanied by a bar and adorned by colorful lounge chairs. While the pool is only open during summer, few hotels of this price range feature an outdoor pool in this corner of the city. There is an extra surcharge to use the pool, as with most Korean hotels. Noticeably missing are facilities for children and affordable in-house dining options, but the hotel does have a guest laundry on the fifth floor and a 24-hour lounge with a pool table and record player on the 21st floor.

Just across the street from West Seokchon Lake and Lotte World theme park, the Lake Hotel is a solid place to base your stay in Jamsil. It's a proper tourist hotel, so they speak English and are used to international visitors, and the rooms offer views of the lake and city beyond. 

A good base for sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife, the Lotte Hotel is just a few steps away from Euljiro 1-ga Station. While the rooms have a classic, Western luxury hotel feel, some of the furnishings do need to be updated. Two noteworthy highlights include its direct access to the Lotte Department Store and the free use of the pool (unusual in Seoul). Savvy visitors can often find excellent discounts, which makes the Lotte a good deal for what it is—a quality, conveniently located, high-end tourist hotel. Conventions and weddings are often held here and groups often buy out rooms in packages. 

Manaedang is about as close as you can get to a B&B experience in Seoul. Originally the house of independence activist, poet, and Buddhist monk Han Yong-woon (nicknamed Manae—thus the name), Manaedang has a new lease on life as a guesthouse. The real draw of Manaedang is the same as that of bed and breakfasts worldwide—the feeling of being in someone's home, and of meeting other guests. The bright, clean rooms have a traditional feel, but with modern touches such as internet access and air-conditioning. Not all rooms have a private bathroom so if that's an issue make sure to check when booking. And as with any of the hanok guesthouses, the bedding consists of futons rather than mattresses.

Travelers will feel well-connected to Hongdae's best shopping streets at this clean, contemporary hotel near Hongik University. There's also a fitness center and the unfussy rooms have free Wi-Fi, plus TVs, nice bathrooms, and coffee makers.

Centered in the heart of Seoul's downtown, Metro Hotel is a comfortable, no-frills tourist hotel and one of the best values in the area. Although simple, rooms at the Metro Hotel are clean, comfortable, and large for the price. The customer service speaks to the Metro's long history and is a step above most other comparable hotels (and even some higher-end ones). Their complimentary kids room is nice for families. The Metro is an excellent choice for both business travelers and for sightseers who want somewhere comfortable to come home to.

If you're looking for a place to crash near Seoul Station, this high-rise from the trusted brand, located at the foot of Namsan mountain, is a good bet. Though the decor can feel a bit dated, it's a solid stay for such a good location, decent size rooms, and amenities including four restaurants, a spa, and casino.

Marriott's trendy boutique hotel brings value for money with small but thoughtfully designed rooms and a central location in Insa-dong. Make sure to take in the panoramic views from the bar, Seoul at Moxy, sip cocktails at the rooftop, or enjoy free coffee and tea in the Grab and Go Lounge, which is open 24 hours a day. Rooms are clean and simple, with TVs and fluffy bedding.

Set in a futuristic skyscraper, this sophisticated hotel is in the heart of Dongdaemun only a few minute's walk from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the area's many shopping malls. The modern rooms, combined with eateries and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spacious gym with sweeping city views make this pricey stay worth the splurge.

This mid-range hotel between Jamsil and Sports Complex subway stations not only offers a convenient location, but also clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious rooms for what you pay. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants within a minute or two on foot, along with city views, free Wi-Fi, and large ensuite bathrooms.

Established in 1979, The Shilla Seoul has built its reputation from a time when there were few high-end hotels in the city; now it contains La Yeon, a two Michelin-starred restaurant, and all the trappings of a true luxury hotel. Although some rooms have scenic views of Namsan mountain, the location is less than ideal for sightseeing, although most tourist areas are just a short cab ride away. The hotel sets itself apart from other brands of similar caliber by incorporating Korean design into the lobby and rooms, with each room being slightly different from the next.

A new addition to the neighborhood, the Jamsil branch of this French brand hotel brings not only luxurious design, but also attentive service and an added dose of class and sophistication to the Jamsil area. Rooms are bathed in white with shades of grey, giving everything a sleek, clean feel. The service is attentive and personalized, and the location can't be beat.  

For a truly unique experience, the Templestay program allows visitors to experience life in a Korean Buddhist temple. While the details will vary from temple to temple, the accommodation is generally simple but pleasant; note that the bed is a Korean-style futon on the floor. Programs usually include meditation and other cultural activities such as a tea ceremony or traditional Buddhist temple cuisine cook class. The focus here is on the experience itself, not the accommodations, so be prepared for a predawn wake-up call. As temple programs vary, it is best to check out the website or visit the information center in Insadong. While the temples are spread throughout the country, there are a number in and around Seoul.

This Japanese chain is a sure bet when it comes to comfort and value, and their Gangnam location doesn't disappoint. The rooms are clean, and the location can't be beat. Don't expect too much in the way of services or amenities, but if you're looking for a nice, business-style hotel, Toyoko always delivers, and the free breakfast is a definite plus. 

This location of the international hotel brand is an excellent choice for those looking to stay close to the Dongdaemun action on a budget; rooms have the basic amenities (TVs and Wi-Fi), but there’s a shared lobby space with a microwave and fridge. Being set in a sleek high-rise makes it feel more upscale, and the gym, rooftop garden, and trendy lobby cafe give the property a polished flair.