Last Updated on July 9, 2024 by HB
Welcome, travelers to Korea! Are you considering a stay at the ‘Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’ (★★★★★ 5 Star), situated in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea? Or perhaps you’ve already secured your reservation? Then you’ve landed at the right place on my blog!!
I, HB (Hotel Boy 😎), am committed to providing you with the most comprehensive reviews of Korea’s finest hotels, unrivaled by anyone worldwide!
In this post, I have compiled the following information.
- Comprehensive Reviews from Global Guests
- Best Reviews from Korean Guests
- Quick Overview of Hotel Information
- Lowest Price Analysis
This luxury hotel is no stranger to my blog. In fact, I’ve previously featured it in my post titled ‘Traveling to Seoul: Top 10 Five-Star Hotels Loved by Koreans’.
As a hotel guide residing in Korea, I’ve prepared an objective and insightful analysis based on numerous reviews from both local and global guests, all through a uniquely Korean lens. This aims to engage all your senses and assist in making an informed decision for your unforgettable stay in Korea. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
1. About ‘Four Seasons Hotel’
Before proceeding with the detailed analysis, Let me summarize a brief overview of the “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul“.
This luxurious high-rise hotel with a glass exterior is located in the vibrant Gwanghwamun area. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the subway station and a 15-minute bus ride away from the shopping district of Myeongdong.
The bright and stylish rooms, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, offer free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and an espresso machine. The suite rooms provide an additional living area with a city view. Room service is also available.
You’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars, including Tokyo-style sushi bar, Cantonese cuisine, and Italian restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness center, spa facilities, three indoor swimming pools, a business center, and meeting facilities. Valet parking is complimentary.
“Four Seasons Hotel Seoul“
- Grade : ★★★★★ 5 Star Hotel
- Address : 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Official Web site : https://www.fourseasons.com
- Telephone : +82-02-6388-5000
- Check-in time : 3:00 PM
- Check-out time : 12:00 PM
2. Comprehensive Reviews from Global Guests
I will share the comprehensive analysis results of reviews from actual guests who stayed at the “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul“.
Please note that the guests who left reviews are not only from Korea but also from various nationalities such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.
The following analysis is based on information compiled from data recorded on “Agoda,” “Booking.com,” and “Google Maps.”
2.1. “Agoda” Comprehensive Reviews
This is the rating for “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul” 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 | Customers highly praised Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s location. Being located in Gwanghwamun area, it has convenient transportation and is close to restaurants and convenience stores. |
| Room | Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s rooms received high marks for being spacious and clean. Customers were particularly satisfied with the comfort of the beds and the size of the bathrooms, and they appreciated the views as well. |
| Breakfast | While there weren’t many direct mentions about breakfast, customers responded positively to food from various restaurants and bars in the hotel. |
| Friendliness | The service and friendliness of hotel staff were highly rated by customers who acknowledged that they are professional, courteous, and always go above and beyond. |
| Facilities | There was a lot of satisfaction expressed regarding facilities within the hotel such as spas and gyms. The swimming pool and sauna also received positive feedback with some customers expressing their desire to revisit due to these amenities. |
| Price | Although value for money wasn’t explicitly mentioned in individual reviews, several customers indicated that positive experiences more than offset cost with comments like “You get what you pay for” or “If you don’t know where to use your money, Four Seasons is the right place you may throw your money with full of satisfaction.” |
| Others | A few customers mentioned noise from protests at Gwanghwamun Plaza on weekends which can be an unavoidable external factor but could be a consideration for light sleepers when booking over weekends. |
2.2. “Booking.com” Comprehensive Reviews
This is the rating for “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul” from users who booked through Booking.com. Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.2, with the highest marks being awarded in the ‘Cleanliness’ and ‘Comfort’ category.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests, similarly to the Agoda case, mainly focusing on the most recent comments to ensure the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The location of the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul received excellent ratings from customers who appreciated its proximity to local attractions and easy access to airport limousine bus stops. |
| Room | Rooms were highly praised for being spacious, clean, and providing sophisticated interiors and comfort. Some customers appreciated that bed sheets were changed without requests but others pointed out they weren’t changed daily. |
| Breakfast | There were relatively few mentions about breakfast but among them, there were mixed opinions about good buffet meals and overpriced offerings. |
| Friendliness | The service level and friendliness of staff received high praise with several mentions appreciating specific staff members (e.g., Lilly). |
| Facilities | ositive feedback was given for facilities such as gym services and spa amenities in Four Seasons Hotel Seoul although some customers experienced crowding due to children in the swimming pool. |
| Price | Opinions varied regarding value for cost with some customers feeling that while accommodation costs were quite high, overall experiences justified the price while others felt it was expensive. |
| Others | Some customers specifically mentioned their experiences at restaurants and bars within the hotel (e.g., Boccalino) with a few comments about hidden bars within the hotel being an enjoyable experience. |
2.3. “Google Maps” Comprehensive Reviews
The following is the rating summary from people who left reviews on Google Maps. Out of a possible 5 points, the hotel received a score of 4.5. Unlike other platforms that provide scores for specific categories, Google Maps interestingly rates the hotel based on guest type. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul received the highest ratings of 4.6 from Families and Couples.
The following is a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various guests. Similar to the Agoda and Booking.com reviews, recent comments were prioritized to maintain the relevancy and timeliness of the information.
| Location | The majority of reviews praised the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul’s location in Gwanghwamun, noting its close proximity to major tourist attractions. The hotel is near a subway station and surrounded by various restaurants, providing great accessibility. |
| Room | Hotel rooms were evaluated as spacious, clean and equipped with modern facilities. Some guests particularly complimented the comfort of the beds and the size of the bathrooms. |
| Breakfast | The breakfast buffet offering both Asian and European food received positive reviews for its taste. There were a variety of choices available, with desserts being particularly impressive according to some reviews. |
| Friendliness | Most guests positively rated the service and friendliness of staff members. However, some reviews expressed dissatisfaction with the level of service. |
| Facilities | Various on-site facilities such as restaurants, bars, and gyms were recognized as high quality; some reviews recommended spa facilities and speakeasy bars in particular. |
| Price | While this hotel was generally appreciated as a luxury hotel for its level of service and facility conditions, some anonymous reviewers showed dissatisfaction regarding menu or pricing issues. |
| Others | A few guests mentioned specific details (e.g., welcome cookies, special events) that made their experiences unique at this hotel; several expressed their intentions to revisit this place again; there was an opinion that considered it one of the best hotels in Seoul based on personal experience. |
3. Best Reviews from Korean Guests
The “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul” is located in South Korea, so the majority of its guests are probably Koreans. I have found various reviews written by Koreans about the “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul“, and I would like to share some of the best reviews with you.”
3.1. Best Reviews 1 : “Deluxe Room at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Gwanghwamun – The Perfect Spot for a Staycation with a Stunning City View”
Source: https://blog.naver.com/yujin1627/222813019334
Summary of the Blog Post
The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul had an international atmosphere that was immediately noticeable from the lobby, filled with its signature scent that lifted my mood instantly. The hotel’s interior showcased elements of Korean design which added a unique charm.
The Deluxe Room on the 19th floor was spacious and stylishly decorated to my taste, even down to the carpet color. Overall room condition was excellent and the city view from my room provided a stunning panorama of Seoul’s cityscape.
The bathroom and wardrobe were also generously sized and well-arranged while the evening city view through the window was breathtakingly beautiful. The rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul exuded a traditional Korean feel without compromising on luxury.
Interestingly enough, when booking a room here you can choose to have a palace view overlooking Gyeongbokgung Palace – a cultural heritage view that piqued my curiosity for another visit! After checking in, I enjoyed tuna pizza for dinner at Akira Back, one of the diverse dining options within the hotel.
Source: https://blog.naver.com/yujin1627/222813019334
(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)
3.2. Best Reviews 2 : “Gwanghwamun Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Staycation Date: Executive Lounge Happy Hour, Club Room Accommodations, Breakfast Buffet, Swimming Pool Review“
Source: https://blog.naver.com/sulhahaha/222946817570
Summary of the Blog Post
Hello, fellow travelers! I’m Jjini Nuna, and I’m excited to share my recent stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul with you. This hotel is part of the renowned global hotel brand, Four Seasons, and after having only dined at their restaurants previously, I finally had the opportunity to experience a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. From breakfast at The Market Kitchen on the basement level to the Executive Club Room, sauna facilities, and more, I’ll walk you through my entire stay.
Located in the heart of Gwanghwamun, the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul greets you with an impressive lobby adorned with high ceilings and exquisite art pieces, along with the iconic Four Seasons flower decor. I had reserved the Executive Club Room, and my check-in took place on the 28th floor. The service of the staff, who kindly escorted me to the 28th floor upon mentioning my name at the lobby, was truly exceptional.
As I entered the room, the modern and luxurious interior design immediately caught my eye. The room offered a stunning view of Seoul’s cityscape through the expansive windows, and even the standard Club Lounge room was spacious and captivating. The king-sized bed and comfortable bedding made for a restful stay, and the large TV provided ample entertainment. Additionally, the room featured a sofa and a dedicated workspace, catering to both leisure and business.
Source: https://blog.naver.com/sulhahaha/222946817570
(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)
4. Quick Overview of Hotel Information
4.1. Amenities and Facilities
Languages spoken
- English
- Korean
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
Dining, drinking, and snacking
- A la carte breakfast
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Bar
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Coffee shop
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Snack bar
For the kids
- Family room
- Kids club
- Swimming pool [kids]
Access
- Allergy-free rooms
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Check-in/out [express]
- Check-in/out [private]
- Check-in [24-hour]
- Dog-friendly
- Fire extinguisher
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Non-smoking rooms
- pet bowls
- Pet-friendly [charges apply]
- Pets allowed
- Pets may not be left unattended
- Safety/security feature
- Security [24-hour]
- Smoke alarms
- Soundproof rooms
Internet access
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Internet
- Internet services
- Wi-Fi in public areas
Things to do, ways to relax
- Fitness center
- Game room
- Garden
- Hot tub
- Massage
- Pool with view
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa/sauna
- Swimming pool [indoor]
- Ticket services
- Tours
Services and conveniences
- Air conditioning in public area
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Fireplace
- Food delivery
- Grooming service
- Heating in public area
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Lockers
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Postal service
- Safety deposit boxes
- Smoke-free property
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Xerox/fax in business center
Cleanliness and safety
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Breakfast in room
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in all rooms
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Face coverings on staff
- First aid kit
- Free face masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Hotel room service app
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
- Hygiene certification
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Protective screens in common areas
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Shared stationery removed
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Temperature check for guests and staff
Getting around
- Airport transfer
- Car park [charges apply]
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
- Shuttle service
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
Available in all rooms
- Air conditioning
- Blackout curtains
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Ironing facilities
- Mini bar
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Satellite/cable channels
- Shower
- Slippers
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Wi-Fi [free]
4.2. Location
Adress : 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Airports
- Gimpo Airport (GMP) 15.4 km
- Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) 48.2 km
Public transportation
- Gwanghwamun Subway Station (Sejong Center for the Performing Arts) 140 m
- Gyeongbokgung Subway Station 590 m
Hospital or clinic
- Sarangdameun Internal Medicine Clinic 420 m
Shopping
- Myeong-Dong Walking Street 1.0 km
Convenience store
- Family Mart 240 m
Cash withdrawal
- ATM on-site
4.3. Nearby Attractions
Popular landmarks
- Insadong 920 m
- Gyeongbokgung Palace 1.0 km
- Myeong-Dong Walking Street 1.0 km
- Namdaemun Market 1.3 km
- Bukchon Hanok Village 1.3 km
- Changdeokgung Palace Complex 1.8 km
- N Seoul Tower 2.5 km
- The War Memorial of Korea 3.9 km
- National Museum of Korea 5.2 km
- Lotte World 12.7 km
Nearby landmarks
- Cuvid 70 m
- Boston Consulting Group 80 m
- Gwanghwamun Subway Station (Sejong Center for the Performing Arts) 140 m
- Sejong Gallery 140 m
- Dongwha Duty Free 150 m
- Admiral Yi Sun-Sin’s Statue 150 m
- SK Networks 160 m
- Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin 160 m
- Kyobo Building – Kyobo Book Store 190 m
- Ilmin Museum of Art 200 m
5. Lowest Price Analysis
I will finally analyze the most important category in hotel reviews, which is the price.
I will compare the lowest price results provided by the most famous hotel price comparison websites, “HotelsCombined,” “Sky Scanner,” and “Trivago,” in order to identify the place that offers the best price.
Lowest price search criteria: 1-night stay from Wednesday to Thursday, 1 room (for 2 guests), excluding breakfast(If breakfast is included in the accommodation conditions, the price goes up a lot).
5.1. “HotelsCombined” Price Comparison
Results were the same at a low of $465 on a large number of sites where the search results were meaningless
5.2. “Sky Scanner” Price Comparison
The lowest price on Sky Scanner is $511 for a 1-night stay. But similar to “HotelsCombined”, the lowest-priced search results on the sites were all the same
5.3. “Trivago” Price Comparison
The lowest price on Trivago is $510 when booked through “ZenHotels.com”.
5.4. Official Four Seasons Seoul Website
I checked the price of the “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Official website” as of December 6. The lowest price search on the official website showed $465 equal to the “HotelsCombined”.
Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that “HotelsCombined” and “Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Official Website” provided the lowest price among the three price comparison websites. It is recommended to consider this information when making a reservation.
Please keep in mind that the lowest prices can vary depending on the dates of stay and the timing of the search.
It is important to note that the current lowest price does not guarantee the lowest price in the future.
“The Lowest Price Analysis” I shared should be used for reference purposes only.
When considering a hotel reservation, I recommend re-searching through price comparison websites at the time of your accommodation planning to utilize the lowest price available at that specific moment.
★ Wrapping Up
And with that, we wrap up our review of the ‘Four Seasons Hotel Seoul‘, seen through a distinctly Korean lens.
For more details about Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, check out my earlier posts below. I’ve poured a lot of effort into them, and I’m sure you’ll find them useful. 😎
Wishing you a fantastic and joyful trip to Korea! 😊