Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by HB
Hello there! I’m HB, your guide to the finest hotels in Korea – all presented through the lens of a local Korean!.
In my previous post, ‘Traveling to Seoul: Top 10 Five-Star Hotels Loved by Koreans’, we took a grand tour of the crème de la crème of luxury accommodations in Seoul, South Korea. But the journey doesn’t end there! Today I’m thrilled to guide you through some of Seoul’s superb four-star hotels that brilliantly marry affordability with luxury. They might not carry the five-star badge but trust me – they don’t skimp on delivering an opulent experience without breaking your bank!
Please note that the hotel rankings are based on a substantial number of real guest reviews and ratings posted on Agoda, one of the most referenced hotel accommodation websites.
The prices indicated are based on a one-night stay for two adults during weekdays at their most affordable rate – please note that actual booking prices may vary. Prices are subject to change in real-time and can differ significantly depending on your stay dates, so use them only as a reference.
Now let’s get started!
NO 10. Marriott Executive Apartments Seoul, From USD 241
Starting off our top 10 list is ‘Marriott Executive Apartments Seoul’. Although it’s a bit of a half-kilometer walk from Exit 2 of Yeouido Station, they offer free parking, which is a great perk if you’re driving. While prices may be higher compared to other four-star hotels at approximately USD 241 for two adults during the week, it’s worth every penny as this residence-style hotel provides cooking facilities and has received positive reviews for its breakfast and swimming pool amenities.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.8 Excellent
This is the rating for ‘Marriott Executive Apartments Seoul’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.8, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Room comfort & quality’, and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The hotel is located in Yeouido and is generally considered a business district. Most reviewers mentioned that the hotel is within walking distance of major buildings such as the IFC, IFC Mall, Stock Exchange, MBC etc. Some reviewers also appreciated its proximity to parks which provided a calming atmosphere. |
| Room | Rooms at the hotel are clean and spacious with particularly high praise for kitchen amenities including washing machine and dryer facilities. However, some reviews pointed out that items like laundry detergent came with additional charges. |
| Breakfast | There were not many mentions about breakfast but a few reviews did mention that breakfast was lackluster or expensive. |
| Friendliness | Overall feedback on staff friendliness and service attitude was positive although there were instances where initial impression was not good due to issues related to check-in times. |
| Facilities | Facilities like gym, spa and swimming pool received positive feedback from guests. Also appreciated by some guests was the provision of fully equipped kitchen facilities in rooms. |
| Price | Overall satisfaction with regard to value for money was good especially considering factors like room size and cleanliness. |
| Others | Some guests pointed out a need to improve soundproofing in rooms while others mentioned issues related to air conditioning system amongst other things. |
| Overall Opinion | In summary, this hotel boasts a fantastic location along with clean and spacious rooms. The staff are generally friendly providing necessary facilities and services but there were areas where some guests expressed dissatisfaction such as cleaning standards or soundproofing in rooms or issues related to air conditioning system amongst others. |
- Official Website: https://www.marriott.com
- Address : 8 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-2090-8000
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
NO 9. L7 Myeongdong, From USD 165
Claiming the number 9 spot list is ‘L7 Myeongdong’, conveniently located right in front of Exit 9 of Myeongdong Station. It’s the perfect base for exploring the vibrant heart of Seoul. Don’t miss their highly-rated rooftop bar! Prices for two adults on weekdays start at around USD 165.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.9 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘L7 Myeongdong’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.9, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Location’, and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The hotel is superbly located just behind the Myeongdong shopping street and subway station making it highly convenient for guests. The proximity to the airport limousine bus stop also facilitates easy commuting and there are various dining and shopping options in the vicinity. Reviewers have highly praised the location of this hotel. |
| Room | Rooms are spacious, clean with modern design as per multiple reviews. However, some reviewers mentioned that the lighting in the room can be a bit dark as it’s not lit enough. Also, some guests expressed dissatisfaction with bed size not meeting their expectations. |
| Breakfast | While there were no direct mentions about breakfast within these reviews, there were positive comments about numerous dining options and cafes nearby offering ample choices for meals. |
| Friendliness | Staff received positive feedback for their service attitude and English proficiency amongst other things but some dissatisfaction was noted due to a staff member who did not assist during check-in on the first day. |
| Facilities | While the gym facilities fell short of expectations for some guests, facilities like free Nespresso coffee machine at 3rd floor lobby and rooftop garden were well-received by guests. |
| Price | Overall satisfaction with regard to value for money was good especially considering factors like location and room conditions. |
| Others | Some guests pointed out that toothbrushes and toothpaste were not provided in rooms which could be an area of improvement for this hotel. Also mentioned in a few reviews was a need to check if hair dryers and TVs within rooms are working properly before checking-in guests. |
| Overall Opinion | In summary, this hotel boasts a fantastic location along with clean and spacious rooms. The staff are generally friendly and necessary facilities and services are provided. However, some guests were not fully satisfied with a few expected aspects such as room lighting or bed size. Moreover, the lack of provision of some basic items like toothbrushes and toothpaste could be improved upon. |
- Official Website: https://www.lottehotel.com
- Address: 137 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-6310-1000
- Check-in time: 2:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
NO 8. Voco Seoul Gangnam, From USD 154
Next up at number 8 is ‘Voco Seoul Gangnam’. Situated just 150m from Exit 1 of Sinsa Station and across the street from Garosu-gil on Dosan-daero, this newly built hotel opened its doors in April 2022. You can expect prices around USD 1540 for two adults on weekdays.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.9 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘VOCO Seoul Gangnam‘ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.9, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Location’ and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The hotel is conveniently located between Gangnam and Sinsa, and near Sinsa Station. While a few reviewers pointed out that it’s a bit far from the airport bus stop and requires walking uphill, overall satisfaction with the location was high. |
| Room | Rooms are clean and spacious with particularly high praise for bathrooms and amenities. However, some reviews mentioned issues with cleaning or noise levels in rooms on lower floors next to the main road. There were also comments about inefficient bathroom design in certain room types. |
| Breakfast | There weren’t many direct mentions about breakfast but one review did mention that the breakfast was very good. |
| Friendliness | Staff received positive feedback for their friendliness and English proficiency amongst other things but there were comments suggesting need for more training for front desk staff in some reviews. |
| Facilities | Hotel facilities like gym and communal kitchen received positive feedback from guests. Also appreciated by some guests was the provision of free mini-bar service within rooms. |
| Price | Overall satisfaction with regard to value for money was good especially considering factors like location and room conditions. |
| Others | Some guests pointed out a need to improve soundproofing in rooms while others mentioned issues related to air conditioning system amongst other things. |
| Overall Opinion | In summary, this hotel boasts a fantastic location along with clean and spacious rooms. The staff are generally friendly providing necessary facilities and services. However, there were some areas where guests expressed dissatisfaction such as cleaning standards, soundproofing in rooms or issues related to air conditioning system. |
- Official Website: https://www.ihg.com
- Address: 144 Dosan-daero, Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-542-0112
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
NO 7. Nine Tree Hotel Dongdaemun, From USD 70
Seventh place goes to ‘Nine Tree Hotel Dongdaemun’! This hidden gem is located about a quarter mile(400m) from Euljiro4-ga Station Exit #7 and offers affordable rates starting at just USD 70 per night for double occupancy on weekdays. Keep in mind that there isn’t dedicated parking available here, so if you’re driving, make sure to check out nearby parking facilities.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.9 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘Nine Tree Hotel Dongdaemun’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.9, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Service’, and ‘Value for money’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The hotel received positive reviews for its location with easy access to the airport bus stop, subway stations and a variety of restaurants. Particularly appreciated was its proximity to major attractions like Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and Gwangjang Market. |
| Room | Rooms were reviewed as clean and cozy but some guests pointed out that they were small in size. Nevertheless, the facilities within the rooms were modern and functional according to many reviews. |
| Breakfast | There weren’t many mentions about breakfast but a few reviews did indicate that it was not bad. |
| Friendliness | Overall feedback on staff friendliness was positive with compliments for their professionalism and helpfulness. The staff’s proficiency in English also received positive remarks. |
| Facilities | Facilities like vending machines, lobby laundry machines and dryers were appreciated by guests for their convenience. Free luggage lockers also proved popular amongst hotel guests. |
| Price | Overall satisfaction with regard to value for money was good especially considering factors like room cleanliness and location. |
| Others | Some guests pointed out a need to improve soundproofing in rooms while others mentioned issues related to air conditioning system amongst other things. |
| Overall Opinion | In summary, this hotel boasts a fantastic location along with clean rooms while providing friendly professional service from staff members along with necessary facilities. However some guests expressed dissatisfaction regarding room size or soundproofing amongst other things. |
- Official Website: https://www.ninetreehotels.com
- Address: 224 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-6926-4099
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
NO 6. Hilton Garden Inn Seoul Gangnam, From USD 118
Securing sixth place is ‘Hilton Garden Inn Seoul Gangnam’! Situated just steps away (100m) from Yangjae station exit #2 and renowned for its rooftop swimming pool (though some may argue it’s somewhat small), this hotel compensates with its prime location in Gangnam. Rates start at around USD 118 per night for double occupancy on weekdays and surprisingly appeal to families!
- Agoda Ratings: 8.9 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘Hilton Garden Inn Seoul Gangnam’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.9, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Location’, and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | Most guests positively evaluated the hotel’s location, noting its convenience due to proximity to Yangjae station and closeness to Gangnam as major advantages. |
| Room | The majority of reviews praised the rooms for being clean and spacious. However, some guests expressed dissatisfaction with housekeeping service on their second day. |
| Breakfast | Opinions on breakfast varied with some guests enjoying it while others were disappointed by repetitive menus. |
| Friendliness | Many guests gave positive feedback on staff friendliness and professionalism, although there were a few complaints about staff attitudes or service. |
| Facilities | The hotel’s facilities received positive reviews for being new and clean, particularly mentioning the gym and swimming pool as highlights. |
| Price | Considering room size, cleanliness status, location etc., many customers showed satisfaction in terms of cost-effectiveness. |
| Others | There were comments indicating improvements needed such as issues occurred in laundromat use or lack of parking facilities. |
| Overall Opinion | The hotel scored high in terms of location, room cleanliness, and staff attitude; several customers indicated their willingness to revisit it while some pointed out areas requiring service improvement. |
- Official Website: https://www.hilton.com
- Address: 253 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-580-8500
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 11:00 AM
NO 5. Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Myeongdong, From USD 126
Securing fifth place we have ‘Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Myeongdong’! This Marriott chain hotel sits right across Euljiro3-ga Station exit #12 offering breathtaking views of Namsan Mountain. Opinions vary regarding breakfast quality; however many guests appreciate having ice water dispensers conveniently available on every floor! Prices start at around USD 126 per night for double occupancy on weekdays.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.9 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Myeongdong’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.4, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’ and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The hotel’s location was highly praised for its proximity to Myeongdong and easy access to subway stations and airport bus stops. |
| Room | Rooms were generally reviewed as clean and comfortable but some guests complained about the room size and bed bug issues were pointed out in one review. |
| Breakfast | Few reviews mentioned about breakfast |
| Friendliness | Many guests gave positive feedback on staff friendliness and professionalism. |
| Facilities | Among hotel facilities Starbucks located in the hotel was mentioned in some reviews. |
| Price | Many customers showed satisfaction in terms of cost-effectiveness considering room size, cleanliness status, location etc. |
| Others | Some guests pointed out the need for improvement in elevator service. |
| Overall Opinion | The hotel scored high in terms of location, room cleanliness, and staff attitude; several customers indicated their willingness to revisit it while some pointed out areas requiring service improvement. |
- Official Web site: https://www.marriott.com
- Address : 36 Samil-daero 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-6466-6000
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
NO 4. Courtyard Seoul Botanic Park, From USD 133
Coming in at fourth place is ‘Courtyard Seoul Botanic Park’! Just a short distance (130m) from Magoknaru station with free parking included, this hotel is an ideal choice if you enjoy peaceful strolls or desire some quiet time away during your staycation. Prices start at around USD 133 per night for double occupancy on weekdays.
- Agoda Ratings: 9.0 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘Courtyard Seoul Botanic Park‘ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.0, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Location’, and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | Most of the reviews mention positively about the hotel’s location. It’s appreciated for its proximity to local attractions such as Seoul Botanic Park and LG Art Center, and its closeness to the subway station was also seen as an advantage. |
| Room | Reviews on rooms are generally very positive. The rooms are described as clean and spacious, with many guests recommending the park view specifically. However, a few guests expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of beds and showers. |
| Breakfast | Opinions on breakfast are mixed; while some guests were satisfied with the quality and variety of breakfast, others were not. |
| Friendliness | Evaluations of staff service attitude also vary; while many guests praised staff for their kindness and professionalism, some indicated disappointment in service levels. |
| Facilities | Information about hotel amenities is limited in these reviews but there were some opinions expressing dissatisfaction with certain facilities like Executive Lounge and parking lot. |
| Price | Opinions diverge when it comes to value for money; while some customers thought they could see enough value, others evaluated that it was not good in terms of cost-effectiveness. |
| Others | Using robot service (COBOT) within the hotel received unique and fun evaluations from customers but several customers experienced inconvenience due to poor soundproofing. |
| Overall Opinion | Courtyard Seoul Botanic Park scored high in location, room cleanliness, and staff friendliness among other things; especially park view rooms were recommended by many customers However, some customers complained about noise problems and cleanliness status of certain facilities as well as unclear opinions on breakfasts & cost-effectiveness. |
- Official Website: https://www.marriott.com
- Address: 10 Magokjungang 12-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-6946-7000
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
NO 3. Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo, From USD 95
In third place stands ‘Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo’, located only about three blocks (300m) away from Mapo station exit #2. This newly built hotel opened its doors in early-2022 and offers exceptional value with prices starting as low as USD 95 /night during weekdays based on double occupancy – making it one of the most affordable options among top-tier hotels alongside Ninth Tree Hotel Dongdaemun.
The rooms are relatively spacious given the price point, and since everything is brand new, cleanliness won’t be an issue!
Additionally, their parking fee is very reasonable at only USD 5/day compared to other hotels in central Seoul.
- Agoda Ratings: 9.0 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.0, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’ and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | Most guests positively evaluated the hotel’s location, noting its convenience due to proximity to Mapo and Gongdeok stations, as well as an airport bus stop. |
| Room | The majority of reviews praised the rooms for being clean and spacious. However, some guests expressed dissatisfaction with extra charges for early check-in or missed cleaning services. |
| Breakfast | There were few mentions about breakfast in the reviews but one guest mentioned it being delicious. |
| Friendliness | Many guests gave positive feedback on staff friendliness and professionalism, although there were a few complaints about staff attitudes or service. |
| Facilities | While no specific amenities were highlighted in most reviews, some mentioned availability of gym and laundry facilities. |
| Price | Considering room size, cleanliness status, location etc., many customers showed satisfaction in terms of cost-effectiveness. |
| Others | There were comments indicating improvements needed such as issues with sensor-responsive toilet system. |
| Overall Opinion | The hotel scored high in terms of location, room cleanliness, and staff attitude; several customers indicated their willingness to revisit it while some pointed out areas requiring service improvement. |
- Official Website: http://www.roynethotelkorea.com/
- Address: 67 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-3702-0300
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 11:00 AM
NO 2. RYSE, Autograph Collection, From USD 95
Taking second place is ‘RYSE, Autograph Collection’! This trendy hotel awaits just a short walk (200m) away from Hongik University Station exit #9. As expected from a Hongdae hotspot like this one, it boasts an artistic vibe that stands out among others. Plus, being pet-friendly makes it an excellent choice if you want to bring your furry friends along. Prices start at around USD 95 per night for double occupancy on weekdays.
- Agoda Ratings: 9.1 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘RYSE, Autograph Collection’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.2, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Location’, and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | Most guests positively evaluated the hotel’s location due to its convenience and proximity to shops, restaurants and subway stations in Hongdae area. |
| Room | The majority of reviews praised the rooms for being clean and spacious. However, some guests pointed out issues such as air circulation or dust that needed improvement. |
| Breakfast | There were few mentions about breakfast in the reviews. |
| Friendliness | Many guests gave positive feedback on staff friendliness and professionalism, especially noting their English communication skills. |
| Facilities | Among hotel facilities, 24-hour gym was mentioned in some reviews. |
| Price | Considering room size, cleanliness status, location etc., many customers showed satisfaction in terms of cost-effectiveness. |
| Others | There were comments indicating improvements needed such as issues with sensor-responsive toilet system. |
| Overall Opinion | The hotel scored high in terms of location, room cleanliness, and staff attitude; several customers indicated their willingness to revisit it while some pointed out areas requiring service improvement. |
- Official Website: https://www.marriott.com
- Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, 130 Yanghwa-ro, RYSE, Autograph Collection
- Telephone: +82-02-330-7700
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
NO 1. Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae, From USD 142
And finally – drumroll please – taking first place we have none other than ‘Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae’! Located right in front of Hongik University Station exit #9,this newly built hotel opened back in 2020 with prices starting at approximately USD 142/night based on double occupancy during weekdays.
Their junior suite rooms come equipped with private outdoor hot tubs that receive high praise among guests!
However being situated near bustling streets means nighttime noise can be bothersome; something worth considering if you’re sensitive to noise disturbances.
- Agoda Ratings: 9.2 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.2, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Location’ and ‘Service’ categories.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The hotel’s location was highly praised for its proximity to Hongdae and easy access to subway stations and nearby amenities like restaurants and shopping areas. |
| Room | Rooms were generally reviewed as clean and comfortable but some guests complained about the room size and air conditioning noise. |
| Breakfast | Few reviews mentioned about breakfast but the cost seemed to be a bit high for some guests. |
| Friendliness | Many guests gave positive feedback on staff friendliness and professionalism. |
| Facilities | Guests were satisfied with hotel facilities such as laundry facilities. |
| Price | Many customers showed satisfaction in terms of cost-effectiveness considering location, cleanliness status, staff service etc. |
| Others | Some guests pointed out the need for improvement in air conditioning service. |
| Overall Opinion | The hotel scored high in terms of location, room cleanliness, and staff attitude; several customers indicated their willingness to revisit it while some pointed out areas requiring service improvement. |
- Official Web site: https://www.ambatel.com
- Address : 144 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-3774-1101
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM / Check-out time: 12:00 PM
★ Please note that the room prices for each hotel may vary depending on the duration of stay and the time of inquiry. However, all the prices reviewed here are based on the same date and conditions, so they can be used as reference material for price comparison.
That concludes our journey through ‘Experience Affordable Luxury: Best Four-Star Hotels in Seoul Loved by Koreans’. All these establishments provide above-average services ensuring your staycation will be truly enjoyable, no matter which one you choose based on your preferences and purpose of visit.
Feel free to use this post as your guide when making your selection – happy staycationing!
