63 Best Hotels in Seoul, South Korea

This Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, which opened in 2018, is an ideal place for creative types to meet like-minded people at some of the area's sleekest bars and restaurants and less so for groups looking to relax. Their 272 rooms offer a vibrant, colorful aesthetic and are named after their target clientele: the creator room, the editor room, the producer suite, and the director suite. There's a Blue Bottle Coffee on the first floor, a cocktail bar called the Side Note Club, and a library of art magazines on the third floor. Since many of the hotel’s facilities are open to outside guests, it can get quite crowded—especially if there is an event—and some have complained of noise, even in the upper floors.

Set within the International Finance Center Seoul complex in the Yeouido Business District, this sleek 37-story hotel has all the plush amenities you’d expect from an international business hotel chain, such as an indoor pool, a spa, a gym, an executive lounge, and six restaurants and bars, but the river and skyline views visible from nearly every guestroom and public space of the hotel are what really stand out.

Located near Yongsan Station, the Grand Mercure is the luxury option of the hotels at Seoul Dragon City, an accommodations complex (or hotelplex) made up of three hotel brands at four different price points. Although it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which elevator to use to access which facility, some may find it convenient to have so many different options in one place. Of these, the Grand Mercure is notable in that all of their rooms are pet-friendly and offer a small kitchenette. The hotel has a spa, sauna, and indoor swimming pool. Unlike many pools in the city, the indoor swimming pool is free for hotel guests.

The prime location across from Heunginjimun Gate along with luxurious amenities make the neighborhood’s only 5-star hotel worth the splurge. Serene, minimalist rooms and suites contrast with the bustling scenes of Dongdaemun Square out the floor-to-ceiling windows. A highlight is the visually stunning, marble-clad indoor pool area that has a fireplace and three sparkly chandeliers making it feel positively palatial.

A major overhaul of the well-known Capital Hotel resulted in this boldly designed Mondrian in 2020, and along with it posh facilities like a rooftop pool, Mediterranean restaurant, and bar. The reconstruction was done by Gansam Architects & Associates, an architectural group known for their creativity in projects like the Suncheon International Wetlands Center and the Jeju Provincial Art Museum. While the rooms here are a bit smaller than the average, the vibrant colors and posh in-house facilities make the hotel a worthwhile visit. Among the hotel’s facilities are two hotels (indoors and outdoors), a rooftop bar, and several boutique stores. Note that the overall design is impressive but there have been complaints about customer service issues in the hotel’s opening months.

Arguably the best hotel in Seoul, the Park Hyatt prides itself on personalizing the experience for each guest, and if you're willing to spend the money, there are few hotels in town that can pull off such an immersive stay, complete with top-notch restaurants and bars, rooms bathed in natural light, plenty of amenities, and city views for miles. There are three dining and drinks options, including Cornerstone, which features home-style Italian cuisine, the Lounge, a Korean teahouse with classic Korean dishes and desserts, and the Timberhouse, a premium vinyl bar offering up Japanese food and perfectly blended cocktails. The hotel is accessible, making it a good choice for those with limited mobility.

Opened in 2005, the Park Hyatt is one of Seoul's newest and most spacious hotels. The modern rooms have traditional Asian accents giving the hotel a decidedly east-meets-west feel. The rooms offer excellent views of Seoul through the floor-to-ceiling windows that, along with the bright, sleek interiors, give guests an even greater sense of space. Following the luxury hotel trend of ever more extravagant bathrooms, even standard rooms have impressive granite-walls. While the Park Hyatt is located away from the main tourist areas north of the river, with rooms like these it's hard to see any reason to leave.

Downtown Seoul's most strikingly unique luxury hotel offers all the comforts of a Marriott without sacrificing its local identity, plus a spa, fitness center, and six restaurants and bars. Planned by famous Italian designer Guido Ciompi, at first glance the Plaza appears almost too contemporary until one notices the incorporation of traditional Korean elements and patterns. Each type of guest room has a different style, though all combine clever design ideas, a rich color scheme, and ultramodern design. Service is unobtrusive but courteous and efficient. As with most hotels downtown, the standard rooms are a bit small, but the aesthetics and use of space are impressive.

The finest of all of Seoul's traditional hanok lodgings, everything at Rakkojae—from the master bedroom's heated jade floors to the elegant Korean-course meals—is orchestrated to help guests better experience and understand Korean tradition. Built entirely with the same traditional techniques used in temples, and renovated by a craftsman who is also a national treasure, staying at Rakkojae gives the impression of visiting the home of a Joseon-era aristocrat. The quiet, traditional hanok residences of Bukchon add to the feeling of being transported back in time. Rakkojae also offers guests the opportunity to experience a tea ceremony, Korean earthen sauna, or (for an extra fee) a traditional Korean performance.

Sevilla is a simple, inexpensive business hotel with one distinguishing feature—its proximity to Incheon Airport. Central Seoul is just over an hour away from the airport, so Sevilla is useful for anyone arriving late at night or with a flight first thing in the morning. The hotel offers a free shuttle for the short 15 minute drive from the airport. For those traveling at a reasonable hour, there are better places to stay in Seoul itself.

It should come as no surprise that the hotel occupying the 76th to 101st floors of Seoul's tallest high rise is also one of the most luxurious in the city; when it comes to pampering its guests, Signiel pulls out all the stops, with gorgeous rooms, million-dollar views, a Champagne bar, world-class service, and a Michelin-star restaurant to boot.  None of this comes cheap, of course, but look no further if you're in the mood to treat yourself.

Open since 2018, this stylish accommodation in the Jongno 3-ga neighborhood has "petit" yet clean rooms, plus facilities like an airy rooftop lounge and café. While the rooms are relatively small at approximately 10 square meters (108 square feet, the twin room), the facilities are well-maintained, and the simple, white design of the rooms gives the illusion of spaciousness. To make up for the lack of sunlight within the rooms themselves, the shared facilities include a rooftop lounge and a cafe, also open to the public. The hotel’s attention to detail can be observed in the small things, such as sockets and soft lighting conveniently located near the bed and free coffee available to guests at all times.

Launched in 2022, this hotel from the Marriott side brand brings classic, modern European design to the heart of Gangnam. Born as a collaboration with renowned Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan in 2011, the AC brand focuses on customized guest rooms, open spaces, and no unwanted extras. The AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam keeps this spirit alive, with a spacious, airy lobby that emphasizes clean lines and a modern sensibility. The rooms are sleek and spacious while not skimping on comfort, and the hotel also offers an exclusive lounge, rooftop bar, and supervised play area for kids, as well as standards such as a health center, three restaurants, sauna, and valet parking. 

A 10-minute walk from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, this simple yet serviceable hotel is a good option for the price tag, and while on-site amenities are fairly limited, there is a rooftop terrace. From the minimalist lobby to keyless room access via smartphone, it’s all about fuss-free service.

Another Marriott property, this chic boutique hotel features clean, colorful rooms and a river-adjacent location that makes it quick and easy to get into central Seoul. Aloft Seoul Gangnam is a great choice for travelers who are looking for comfort and convenience while also keeping an eye on value.

A recently renovated hotel near Insa-dong, the Amid Hotel is a safe choice for families, guests in town for business, and larger groups. There is a breakfast buffet called the Bansang, a fitness center with all the essentials, and a coin laundry. The rooms range from a Standard Single, sleeping one person, to the Executive Suite with a king bed and a Jacuzzi-style bathtub. All the rooms come with goose-down bedding and blackout curtains to keep the otherwise sunny rooms dark when you'd like to sleep in.

With a prime location for shopping in Apgujeong, this stylish Hyatt is a comfortable base in one of Gangnam's wealthiest corners. The hotel incorporates locally inspired elements, such as traditional Korean patchwork weavings called bojagi into their aesthetic. The Jogakbo Restaurant has three concepts: Bites and Wine, Seafood Grill, and Meat & Co. Rooms are clean, bright, and feel quite spacious for Seoul.

Technically a serviced apartment, Artnoveau City makes a comfortable and useful base for those visiting for longer periods of time. As the name implies, the relatively spacious rooms have a consistent art nouveau design theme. While not as elegant as the top-level luxury hotels, Artnouveau feels like a classy city apartment. Even the standard rooms have a kitchenette and separate living and bedroom areas, making it a good choice for visitors who want to entertain guests. The difficult part is getting guests to stop by after dinner since Artnouveau is at best a short cab ride from even the nearest nightlife area.

Located atop Namsan mountain, these luxury quarters are accommodations for a different style of vacation—the one where you never leave the premises. Suites feature options for private spa amenities in-room (like a relaxation/plunge pool and steam room) and room-length window spans. A control panel regulates everything you could need in the room—sound system, temperature, lights, blinds and blackout curtains—but details like live plants in the room and allergy-free bedding make the room feel cozy. The hotel has two pools; the outdoor pool is the center of Seoul’s most talked-about parties in the summer and transforms to an ice skating rink in the winter. Their spa offers several treatments, massages, and a sauna.

One of the most affordable options for visitors traveling in groups, Daol offers ten rooms near Hongik University Station, including a deluxe quadruple room for four and two family rooms for six. Each room is soundproof and has its own bathroom and very modest kitchenette with a mini-fridge, coffee machine, kettle and toaster in one corner of the room. The rooms don’t offer much sunlight, but there is a communal rooftop terrace for socializing and a kitchen where breakfast is served. Friends vacationing together fill the guesthouse, but 10 pm to 6 am are considered quiet hours. Note, the guesthouse only allows children nine years and older.

Just a few minutes' walk across the Saet River in the Yeongdeungpo neighborhood, this 22-story hotel is relatively less expensive than its Yeouido hotel neighbors, with sleek, modern rooms that have serviceable amenities and comfortable beds. The hotel has a small gym and a simple restaurant.

Opened as part of the dynamic new Parc 1 complex, this luxury hotel features bold, sophisticated decor and striking red columns meant to be a modern tribute to traditional Korean architecture. The central location features direct access to The Hyundai Seoul (the country’s largest department store) and it also has a luxe spa, an indoor pool, and four restaurants and bars—including the ultra-chic Mariposa restaurant.

One of the most luxurious accommodations in Seoul, this location of the Four Seasons boasts several well-reputed restaurants and a state-of-the-art spa in addition to spotless, sunny guest rooms that have panoramic city views. Located in the heart of the city only a few steps away from Gwanghwamun Station, the hotel is both easy to access and quiet at night (since many nearby attractions close early on in the evening). Spend an afternoon at the Korean sauna within the spa and grab a bite at The Market Kitchen, an international buffet and marketplace where items can be bought a la carte. Yu Yuan, a high-end Cantonese restaurant, serves one of the best Peking ducks in the country and drinks at Charles H., the world-class speakeasy in the basement, is also a must.

These centrally located, spacious serviced apartments are an excellent choice for families or large groups. Just a short walk from City Hall Station, the Fraser Suites are a perfect choice for travelers who want to feel like they are coming home after a long day of shopping, business, or sightseeing. All suites come with a kitchenette for guests who want to do their own cooking, and the living--dining areas are large enough to have people over. In addition to the rooms and quality service, Fraser Suites has an on-site fitness club, pool, and 24-hour business center.

While many of the hotels in Yeouido exude a serious, business traveler vibe, this one has a youthful, trendy air about it. The rooms are snug but serviceable; there’s a prohibition-style whiskey bar, a buffet eatery, and a Japanese kappo restaurant; and it’s only a few steps away from the subway station, making it easily accessible to many areas of the city. For the price point, it ticks all the boxes and maybe a few more.

Conveniently located in the Insa-dong neighborhood, Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse is a four-bedroom accommodation in a traditional Korean setting. While each room comes with a Western-style toilet in the bathroom, there are Korean-style futons instead of conventional mattress-type beds, which should be noted for those unaccustomed to sleeping on the floor. The facilities are run by a friendly older couple and welcomes families, including children of all ages. However, for those looking for a bit more quiet, there is little insulation to block out noise among other guests. The main attraction is the sunny courtyard in the center where an American-style breakfast is served in the morning. The prices are very reasonable for a hanok stay of this stature.

A 5-star hotel with an established reputation, Grand Hyatt Seoul is on the Itaewon side of Namsan mountain and has spectacular views of either N Seoul Tower or the Han River. With rooms starting at 322 square feet, even the smallest rooms are larger than most in the city. The facilities include an outdoor swimming pool which transforms to an ice-skating rink in the winter, several notable restaurants, and a well-reputed spa. While the hotel is far from most means of public transportation, it’s an easy walk to beginner hiking trails on Namsan mountain as well as several bars and cafes in the neighborhood.

If it's luxury you're after, look no further, because this upscale hotel near the COEX Mall in the heart of Gangnam delivers it in spades. The hotel has ultra-modern rooms done up in tasteful colors, which also feature some of the best views in the city. This gleaming high rise also has a Japanese restaurant (Hakone) and its Chinese counterpart (Wei Lou), as well as all day dining at the elegant Grand Kitchen buffet. You can also find European cheeses, sandwiches, and charcuterie at the Grand Deli, whose wine shop boasts a collection of 1,400 varieties. For drinks and other culinary options, the cavernous Lobby and Lounge offers coffee, tea, and cocktails in a classic setting that blends the best of East and West. 

This reliable hotel in front of Itaewon Station is perfect for visitors looking for easy access to Western comforts and for those who prefer to be close to Itaewon nightlife. While the general hotel decor is lacking and the rooms are modest, the hotel has been neatly kept and well-maintained since its renovation in 2017. The facilities include a sauna and an outdoor pool. During the summers, the pool is a popular spot for day-drinking and parties. Note that the rooms are soundproof but the large crowds of partygoers nearby do make noise that's hard to muffle out entirely, especially if you’re visiting during nice weather and want to keep your windows open. Catching a cab between midnight and 5 am in this area is extremely difficult, so the hotel's location near nightlife options makes it ideal.

Conveniently located at Hongik University Station Exit 4, this no-frills, clean but basic accommodation has quick and easy access to the airport railroad and subway line 2. The hotel's 294 rooms offer not much more than a bed, flat-screen television, and a mini-fridge but like many Holiday Inns, breakfast is included in the price, complimentary coffee is available in the lobby, and a 24-hour concierge can speak Mandarin, English, and Japanese in addition to Korean. The hotel is also connected to AK Plaza, a small, five-story department store with several clothing boutiques, stationery shops, and restaurants. The standard design and general mood have not been localized to reflect the neighborhood, meaning the hotel lacks a Hongdae flavor overall, but it may be an attractive option for families and short-term tourists.