Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by HB
Hello! I am your best Korean hotel assistant, HB (Hotel Boy).
If you’re traveling to Seoul, South Korea, there are several areas you might consider for accommodation. Locations such as Jongno, Myeongdong, Insadong, Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon can all be potential areas for your stay. Today, I will introduce hotels located in Itaewon among these. I have carefully selected the best hotels based on high ratings.
Based on the experiences of a lot of Korean & Global users, I will provide you with a detailed hotel analysis that will easily sink into your eyes, ears, and mind.
And most importantly, I hope it will be helpful for your hotel selection and enjoyable trip to Korea.
Now, let’s get started!
1. About “Itaewon”
Before introducing the hotels, let me briefly introduce “Itaewon”, a representative tourist spot in Seoul, South Korea.
A gathering place of foreign cultures, Itaewon.
“In Itaewon, a vibrant neighborhood known for its urban atmosphere, you can find a blend of restaurants ranging from traditional Korean barbecue joints to upscale bistros and humble kebab shops that operate until late at night. The streets are lined with trendy dance clubs where DJs spin hip-hop and house music, casual beer bars, and gay pubs. In the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, you can explore independent stores selling household items, while nearby, there is a war memorial with tanks and airplanes on display..”
Source : Google Maps
Itaewon is a multinational and multicultural area designated as the first tourism special district by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1997. It is home to over 20,000 foreign residents. In the 1980s, Itaewon gained global recognition as various international conferences, along with the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Olympics, were held in Seoul. It became a popular destination for tourists. Itaewon is particularly famous for its leather goods, unique designs of duty-free clothing, and accessories. It is a shopping and entertainment district that is a must-visit for foreign visitors on shopping tours. The shopping streets offer shoes, clothing, bags, and more. In addition to hotels and accommodations, there are over 2,000 commercial establishments including various restaurants, entertainment facilities, travel agencies packed into every alley.
The Antique Furniture Street with around 100 shops gathered from Hamilton Hotel to Bogwang-ro is also well-known. Furthermore, the World Food Street brings together over 40 restaurants from different countries operated by foreigners where you can experience exotic cultures and cuisines.
Since the late 1990s, with an increasing number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East region,the area has transformed from being predominantly focused on US military personnel to becoming a multinational “fusion” street.
Every October, various performances and events take place in Itaewon. The “Itaewon Global Village Festival” is particularly famous. US dollars (USD) and Japanese yen (JPY), among other currencies are widely accepted,and it’s easy to conduct transactions with merchants in English or other foreign languages.
- Official Web site : http://www.itaewon.or.kr
- Itaewon Tourist Information Center: +82-02-3785-0942
2. THE BEST HOTEL IN ITAEWON BASED ON REVIEWS
Now, moving on to the main topic, I will introduce the best 4 hotels in Itaewon. Regardless of price, these hotels have been selected and arranged in descending order based on positive reviews from actual guests who stayed there. The content is written based on review information from Agoda, one of the most commonly used accommodation booking platforms by travelers.
The Best Hotel in Itaewon Based on Reviews
Rank 1. Mondrian Seoul Itaewon(β β β β β ) l Ratings 8.6 l From USD 195
Rank 2. Grand Hyatt Seoul(β β β β β ) l Ratings 8.6 l From USD 352
Rank 3. Hamilton Hotel Itaewon(β β β ) l Ratings 8.4 l From USD 195
Rank 4. Imperial Palace Qoutique Hotel(β β β ) l Ratings 8.1 l From USD 195
β 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.
2.1. “Mondrian Seoul Itaewon” (β β β β β 5 Star Hotel), From USD 195
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon is an immersive lifestyle destination fueled by bold, captivating designs expressed through a playful mindsetβan ideal choice both for forward-thinking locals and for international visitors who are looking for fresh and exciting cultural experiences.
There is a wealth of options for food and drink connoisseurs. Whether it’s a Mediterranean feast at Cleo, a party at Altitude, a sophisticated cocktail at Blind Spot, or raising a glass at the Rumpus Room, there’s something for everyone.
Source: Official Website of “Mondrian Seoul Itaewon”
- Official Website: https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/seoul
- Address: 23 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Telephone : +82-02-2076-2000
- Check-in time: 3:00β―PM / Check-out time: 12:00β―PM
The above is the rating for “Mondrian Seoul Itaewon” from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.6, 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 is generally praised for being close to restaurants and bars, and within walking distance to Itaewon. However, some guests noted that it’s not near a subway station, which could be inconvenient for those relying on public transportation. |
| Room | The rooms are often described as modern, clean, and stylishly decorated with high-end amenities like a Nespresso machine and selection of teas. Some guests expressed dissatisfaction with the small size of both the room itself and specifically the toilet area. |
| Breakfast | Feedback about breakfast was mixed – while some found it overpriced relative to quality, others appreciated its taste despite limited options. |
| Friendliness | Staff members were generally lauded for their exceptional service standards, with many instances cited where they went above and beyond to assist guests. However, there were also complaints about some staff members at one restaurant appearing aloof or impolite. |
| Facilities | Guests appreciated facilities such as the gym and swimming pool but expressed disappointment that access to certain amenities like an outdoor pool or sauna incurred additional charges. |
| Price | Opinions varied here – while some guests found their stay worth every penny due to factors like exceptional service or great ambiance; others felt let down by aspects such as extra charges for certain facilities or perceived lack of value in relation to cost. |
| Others | A few unique features highlighted by reviewers included great views from rooms (particularly those overlooking N-Tower), an impressive lobby design, and various dining options within the hotel premises. |
2.2. Grand Hyatt Seoul (β β β β β 5 Star Hotel), From USD 352
This sleek hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Hangangjin metro station and 40 minutes from Gyeongbokgung Palace by metro.
Chic rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, smart TVs and minibars, as well as safes, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some have sitting areas, sofabeds, Nespresso machines and/or kitchens. Upgraded quarters provide access to a club lounge with complimentary breakfast and drinks.
Dining options consist of 7 restaurants, 2 bars and a deli. Other amenities include a flower shop, a seasonal ice rink and a 24-hour gym, plus an outdoor pool, a spa, and meeting and event space. Breakfast and parking are available.
Source: Google Maps
- Official Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/south-korea/grand-hyatt-seoul/selrs?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_selrs
- Address: 322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-797-1234
- Check-in time: 3:00β―PM / Check-out time: 11:00β―PM
- Agoda Ratings: 8.6 Excellent
The above is the rating for “Grand Hyatt Seoul” from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.6, 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 boasts a great location in Seoul, close to Namsan Park and the N Tower, as well as restaurants in the Itaewon area. However, some guests pointed out that it’s somewhat removed from the city center. |
| Room | Rooms generally received positive reviews for being clean and comfortable. However, some guests reported that rooms were not fully cleaned or lacked necessary items. |
| Breakfast | The hotel’s breakfast received highly positive reviews, with guests praising its variety and tasty offerings. |
| Friendliness | Staff members generally received praise for their service levels and friendliness. However, some guests reported instances where staff failed to respond to requests or provided inadequate service. |
| Facilities | There was much praise for the hotel’s facilities and views; however, some reviewers criticized restrictions on facility use or additional charges incurred. |
| Price | Opinions here were divided – while some guests felt their experience did not meet expectations given the price, others felt their stay was worth every penny spent. |
| Others | Among features highlighted by reviewers included fantastic views, a pleasant environment, and experiences tied to local culture. |
2.3. Hamilton Hotel Itaewon (β β β 3 Star Hotel), From USD 85
A minute’s walk from Itaewon subway station, this relaxed hotel is a 30-minute bus ride from Dongdaemun Market.
Warmly furnished rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Family rooms are available. Suites add separate living rooms. Room service is offered.
Dining options include a sleek Italian restaurant, a Korean BBQ eatery and 2 hip nightclubs. There’s also an outdoor rooftop pool, a 24-hour sauna, a gym and a shopping center.
Source: Google Maps
- Official Website: http://www.hamilton.co.kr/
- Address: 179 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-3786-6000
- Check-in time: 2:00β―PM / Check-out time: 12:00β―PM
- Agoda Ratings: 8.4 Excellent
The above is the rating for “Hamilton Hotel Itaewon” from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.4, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’ and ‘Location’ 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 right next to Itaewon station, offering convenient transportation. Additionally, the proximity to Halal restaurants and mosques was appreciated by some guests. However, some reviews pointed out the inconvenience of not having an airport limousine bus stop near the hotel. |
| Room | Opinions on room cleanliness varied among guests. While some found rooms clean and comfortable, others noted issues such as hairs in the bathtub. |
| Breakfast | There were no mentions of breakfast in the provided reviews. |
| Friendliness | The staff generally received positive comments on their service levels and friendliness, with particular appreciation shown for their proficiency in English. |
| Facilities | There were several complaints about charges for using facilities like the swimming pool and gym; there was also disappointment expressed when these facilities were not operational during some stays. |
| Price | Guests generally felt that the hotel offered good value considering its prime location in Itaewon; however, there were also opinions that value was compromised due to noise issues at night. |
| Others | A prominent issue highlighted was noise from surrounding clubs affecting sleep quality – although earplugs are provided by the hotel, many guests still found this inconvenient. |
2.4. Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel (β β β 3 Star Hotel), From USD 81
Set in a funky, contemporary tower, this fashionable hotel is in the Seoul city center, a 6-minute walk from the nearest metro station and 31 minutes by bus from Yongsan Park.
The sleek, trendy rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as iPod docks and colorful artwork. Suites add minibars, and sitting areas or separate living rooms.
Amenities include a chic, modern cafe and a lively nightclub, plus a gym, a chocolate shop and a conference room. Breakfast is available for a surcharge.
Source: Google Maps
- Official Website: https://imperialpalaceboutiquehotel.com/
- Address: 221 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-3702-8000
- Check-in time: 3:00β―PM / Check-out time: 12:00β―PM
- Agoda Ratings: 8.1 Excellent
The above is the rating for “Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel” from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.1, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Location’, ‘Room comfort and 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 the heart of Itaewon and has been praised for its convenient transportation due to the numerous restaurants, pubs, and shopping areas nearby. Some guests also mentioned the proximity to various restaurants such as Halal or vegan places. |
| Room | Opinions on room cleanliness and interior varied among guests. While some found rooms clean and comfortable, others noted issues such as stains on carpets or scratches on furniture and walls that marred their first impression of the room. |
| Breakfast | There were no mentions of breakfast in the provided reviews. |
| Friendliness | Opinions varied regarding the service level and friendliness of staff members. While some guests rated staff positively for their kindness, others expressed dissatisfaction due to perceived rudeness. |
| Facilities | There was limited mention about hotel facilities in detail; however, some reviews positively mentioned gym availability while others pointed out a need for upgrades to the building’s overall appearance and room interiors. |
| Price | Overall satisfaction with value for money appears to be good at this hotel; however, there were opinions rating lower value satisfaction due to room conditions or service levels in some reviews. |
| Others | Some reviews pointed out issues such as difficulty controlling room temperature – particularly an overly strong heating system during spring – along with comments on outdated overall interior design throughout the hotel. |
With this, I will conclude the “The Best Hotel in Itaewon Based on Reviews” posting from a Korean perspective.
I have been your best Korean Hotel assistant, HB. See you next time with more great Korean hotel information!
