The Shilla Seoul: A Critical Examination through Global and Korean Guest Reviews and Price Analysis

Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by HB

Welcome, travelers to Korea! Are you considering a stay at the ‘The Shilla Seoul’ (★★★★★ 5 Star), situated in Myeong-dong, 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:

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 “The Shilla Seoul

Before we delve into the detailed analysis, allow me to present a quick overview of The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul
Source: Agoda

Situated just a 4-minute walk from the subway station, this luxury hotel is conveniently located 2km away from Myeongdong Cathedral, one of Myeongdong’s landmarks. Inside, you’ll find modern rooms adorned with wooden floors that offer stunning views of either the city or mountains. They come equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibars, and tea and coffee makers for your convenience. If you opt for an upgraded room, you’ll also get access to an exclusive lounge serving complimentary breakfast. The elegant suites add even more comfort with whirlpool tubs, saunas and living areas. Room service? Of course it’s available.

When it comes to dining options, you’re spoilt for choice with four high-end restaurants, a bar and a cozy lounge complete with a fireplace. Other amenities include a gym and a modern spa boasting an indoor swimming pool as well as a rooftop swimming pool accompanied by a terrace.

Source: Google Maps

The Shilla Seoul

  • Grade : ★★★★★ 5 Star Hotel
  • Address : 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
  • Official Website: http://www.shilla.net
  • Telephone : 82-02-2233-3131
  • Check-in time : 2:00 PM
  • Check-out time : 11:00 AM
The Shilla Seoul: highlights
The Shilla Seoul: facilities


2. In-depth Analysis of Global Guest Reviews

Let’s dive into a thorough analysis based on real guest experiences at The Shilla Seoul.

Remember, these reviews encompass perspectives not just from Korean guests, but also those hailing from various corners of the globe. Our forthcoming review draws heavily upon data gathered across platforms like ‘Agoda’, ‘Booking.com’, and ‘Google Maps’.”

2.1. Comprehensive Reviews from ‘Agoda

The Shilla Seoul: ratings on Agoda

Here’s how users who booked through ‘Agoda’ rated The Shilla Seoul. The Shilla Seoulhas earned an exceptional score of 9.1 out of a possible 10, shining particularly in areas such as ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Facilities’, and ‘Service’.

What follows is an exhaustive analysis of guest reviews, with our main focus on recent comments to maintain both relevance and freshness.

LocationThe Shilla Seoul is close to the subway station, but it’s located on a small hill which might discourage walking. There were mentions of hotel shuttle or service car available for transport to the nearby subway station.
Room Most reviews praised that the rooms were clean, cozy and had great views. However, some guests expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the room.
BreakfastThe breakfast buffet was highly praised for its wide variety of choices.
FriendlinessThe friendliness and attentive service of the staff received high praises from many guests.
FacilitiesFacilities such as gym, pool, sauna etc., received satisfactory reviews and child facilities & restaurants also received positive comments.
PriceWhile some guests pointed out that food & drink prices were exorbitant, others felt that they had a satisfactory 5-star hotel experience.
OthersAdditional mentions included special events & programs (such as cake decoration for kids), airport shuttle service etc.
Overall
Opinion
Pros include friendly staff service, systematic facility management and good dining options while cons include expensive food & drink prices and inconvenient location for walking.

2.2. Comprehensive Reviews from ‘Booking.com

The Shilla Seoul: ratings on booking.com

Let’s take a look at how users who booked through ‘Booking.com’ rated The Shilla Seoul. The Shilla Seoulbagged an excellent score of 8.9 out of a possible 10, excelling notably in areas such as ‘Staff’, ‘Cleanliness’, and ‘Comfort’.

Next up is an exhaustive analysis of guest reviews. Just like with Agoda, we’ve concentrated on recent comments to ensure that our insights stay timely and relevant.”

LocationMost users rated The Shilla Seoul’s location favorably. In particular, they positively mentioned its proximity to the subway station and major attractions like Myeongdong Cathedral.
Room The reviews on The Shilla Seoul’s rooms varied. While some users mentioned that the rooms were very clean and spacious, others expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of beds or found the rooms dirty.
BreakfastReviews on breakfast were generally positive with many praising the quality and variety of food.
FriendlinessOpinions about staff varied as well – while some praised their friendliness and professionalism, others pointed out issues with customer service.
FacilitiesThere were many positive reactions to facilities especially spa, gym and swimming pool.
PriceAlthough there was no explicit mention about value for money in reviews, some guests implied dissatisfaction by pointing out areas that needed improvement such as services or facilities.
OthersMany users positively mentioned restaurants and food & beverage services within The Shilla Seoul; mentions of shopping convenience within hotel premises also appeared in reviews.
Overall
Opinion
Pros included location, staff service, food quality & variety as well as facilities whereas cons involved room cleanliness and management status along with certain staff’s service attitude.

2.3. Comprehensive Reviews from ‘Google

The Shilla Seoul: ratings on google

Next up, we have ratings summarized from reviewers on ‘Google Maps’. From a possible score of 5, The Shilla Seoul secured an impressive 4.6 points. Interestingly enough, unlike other platforms that provide category-specific scores, Google Maps rates hotels based on guest types – with couples bestowing our hotel with the highest ratings at 4.6.

Following this, we present you an exhaustive analysis of guest reviews – just as with Agoda and Booking.com cases – we’ve prioritized recent comments to keep our insights relevant and timely.

LocationThe Shilla Seoul is located on a hill which some guests found inconvenient for access. However, it offers shuttle services and boasts beautiful views due to its location in the city center.
Room Generally, there were positive reviews about the cleanliness and maintenance of the rooms. However, some users opined that the rooms were small or outdated.
BreakfastOpinions on breakfast varied but most people seemed to be satisfied. In particular, many praised the food provided at the buffet restaurant.
FriendlinessThere were many reviews praising staff’s friendliness and professionalism. The service-minded attitude of staff was highly rated and some mentioned that this enhanced their staycation experience.
FacilitiesThere were positive reviews about using facilities like swimming pools but some users pointed out downsides such as overcrowding at pools. Other facilities like kids cafe also received good evaluations.
PriceOverall satisfaction for price appeared high with several users stating that although expensive it was worth it.
OthersThere were a few complaints about parking facilities while other various events or programs offered by hotels received positive evaluations.
Overall
Opinion
The Shilla Seoul showed high overall satisfaction. Major advantages included friendly staff members, clean rooms, delicious food etc., despite these advantages a few users pointed out disadvantages such as parking facilities or crowded swimming pools.

3. Showcasing Top-tier Reviews from Korean Guests

Being situated in South Korea, it’s no surprise that The Shilla Seoulplays host to a significant number of Korean guests. In my quest for understanding guest experiences, I’ve come across a plethora of reviews penned by Koreans. Allow me to share some of these standout reviews with you.”

3.1. Best Reviews 1 : “Enjoying a Staycation with Kids at The Shilla Seoul: Deluxe Room, Breakfast Buffet at The Parkview, and Shuttle Bus Service”

Summary of the Blog Post

I enjoyed a staycation with my child at The Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Although The Shilla Seoul is located near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, we took a taxi due to the hilly terrain. The lobby was spacious and caught our attention with its glamorous ornamentation.

We stayed in a Deluxe Twin Room which offered a magnificent view of Namsan from the bedroom window and was well-equipped with charging facilities and basic amenities.

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at The Parkview where a variety of foods and desserts were prepared for us along with coffee and tea options available for order.

The Shilla Seoul Hotel also operates shuttle buses to Myeongdong and Dongdaemun which made our trip more convenient.

Source: https://blog.naver.com/jinidag/223223092457
The Shilla Seoul: room
The Shilla Seoul: room

Source: https://blog.naver.com/jinidag/223223092457

(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)

3.2. Best Reviews 2 : “Staycation with Kids: A Review of The Shilla Seoul Hotel Room and Urban Island”

Summary of the Blog Post

Today I’m sharing my experience of a staycation at The Shilla Seoul Hotel. The Shilla Hotel boasts beautiful views both day and night. I utilized the Shilla S membership to receive a 33.3% discount on F&B.

Our room was a Grand Corner Deluxe which was spacious and open-feeling space. The bedding was comfortable, and coffee and tea were provided for free in the room.

One particular highlight was using Urban Island – if you opt for the Urban Package (All Day), you can enjoy Urban Island freely from check-in to check-out.

My staycation at The Shilla Seoul Hotel was satisfying and I would recommend others to consider it as well.

Source: https://blog.naver.com/chc3536/223208096454
The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul: lobby

The Shilla Seoul: city view

The Shilla Seoul: room

The Shilla Seoul: room

The Shilla Seoul: amenities

The Shilla Seoul: bathroom

The Shilla Seoul: bathroom

The Shilla Seoul: pool

The Shilla Seoul: pool

The Shilla Seoul: pool

The Shilla Seoul: pool

The Shilla Seoul: pool

Source: https://blog.naver.com/chc3536/223208096454

(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)

3.3. Best Reviews 3 : “Staycation in Seoul: A Review of The Shilla Seoul Executive Lounge Afternoon Tea, Happy Hour, and Breakfast”

Summary of the Blog Post

Today I want to share my experience at the Executive Lounge of The Shilla Hotel in Seoul during a staycation. The lounge is located on the 23rd floor and can be used from 2 pm to 10 pm. Afternoon tea is served from 3:30 pm to 5 pm, happy hour is from 6 pm to late night at ten o’clock, and breakfast is served from six-thirty in the morning until ten o’clock.

During afternoon tea time, we enjoyed a variety of desserts and coffee options. During happy hour we had delicious food along with various drinks including wine and beer. The breakfast was generally good but there was a difference compared to the main restaurant’s breakfast.

Source: https://blog.naver.com/chc3536/223209278689
The Shilla Seoul: city view
The Shilla Seoul: restaurant

The Shilla Seoul: restaurant

The Shilla Seoul: restaurant

The Shilla Seoul: restaurant

The Shilla Seoul: restaurant

The Shilla Seoul: restaurant

The Shilla Seoul: restaurant

Source: https://blog.naver.com/chc3536/223209278689

(* For a detailed review, I recommend visiting the original article.)

4. Quick Overview of Hotel Information

4.1. Amenities and Facilities

Languages spoken
  • English
  • Chinese [Mandarin]
  • Japanese
  • Korean


Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible


Dining, drinking, and snacking
  • Alternative meal arrangement
  • Bar
  • Bottle of water
  • Breakfast [buffet]
  • Breakfast [continental]
  • Coffee shop
  • Poolside bar
  • Restaurants
  • Room service [24-hour]
  • Snack bar


For the kids
  • Family room
  • Kids facilities
  • Kids meal
  • Swimming pool [kids]


Access
  • Adult-only property
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • CCTV in common areas
  • CCTV outside property
  • Check-in/out [express]
  • Check-in/out [private]
  • Check-in [24-hour]
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Front desk [24-hour]
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Safety/security feature
  • Security [24-hour]
  • Service animals are welcome
  • Smoke alarms
  • Soundproof rooms

Internet access
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
  • Internet
  • Internet [LAN]
  • Internet services
  • Wi-Fi in public areas


Things to do, ways to relax
  • Body scrub
  • Fitness center
  • Garden
  • Golf course [on-site]
  • Hot tub
  • Massage
  • Mini golf course
  • On-site entertainment
  • Pool with view
  • Sauna
  • Spa
  • Spa/sauna
  • Swimming pool [indoor]
  • Swimming pool [outdoor]
  • 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
  • Food delivery
  • Gift/souvenir shop
  • Grooming service
  • Heating in public area
  • Infirmary
  • Invoice provided
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry service
  • Luggage storage
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
  • Postal service
  • Safety deposit boxes
  • Salon
  • Shops
  • Smoke-free property
  • Smoking area
  • Xerox/fax in business center


Cleanliness and safety
  • Anti-viral cleaning products
  • Body thermometer
  • Breakfast in room
  • Cashless payment service
  • Daily disinfection in all rooms
  • Daily disinfection in common areas
  • First aid kit
  • Guest rooms seal after sanitization
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hot water linen and laundry washing
  • Hygiene certification
  • Individually-wrapped food options
  • Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
  • Professional-grade sanitizing services
  • Room sanitization opt-out available
  • Rooms sanitized between stays
  • Safe dining setup
  • Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
  • Staff trained in safety protocol
  • Sterilizing equipment
  • Temperature check for guests and staff

Getting around
  • Airport transfer
  • Car park [free of charge]
  • Car park [nearby]
  • Rental car
  • Shuttle service
  • Taxi service
  • Valet parking

Available in all rooms
  • Adapter
  • Air conditioning
  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Carpeting
  • Closet
  • Clothes rack
  • Desk
  • Electric kettle
  • Extra long bed
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Free bottled water
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Individual air conditioning
  • In-room safe box
  • Mini bar
  • Pool facilities
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Refrigerator
  • Safety/security feature
  • Satellite/cable channels
  • Shower
  • Sleep comfort items
  • Slippers
  • Smoke detector
  • Socket near the bed
  • Soundproofing
  • Telephone
  • Toiletries
  • Towels
  • Trash cans
  • Wake-up service
  • Walk-in shower
  • Wi-Fi [free]
  • Wine glasses

4.2. Location

Adress : 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Airports
  • Gimpo Airport (GMP) 18.1 km
  • Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) 50.4 km
Public transportation
  • Dongguk University Subway Station 280 m
  • Yaksu Subway Station 440 m
Hospital or clinic
  • Songdo Hospital 620 m
Shopping
  • Myeong-Dong Walking Street 2.2 km
Convenience store
  • 7 Eleven 900 m
Cash withdrawal
  • ATM on-site

4.3. Nearby Attractions

Popular landmarks
  • N Seoul Tower 1.7 km
  • Myeong-Dong Walking Street 2.2 km
  • Namdaemun Market 2.5 km
  • Insadong 2.7 km
  • Changdeokgung Palace Complex 2.8 km
  • Bukchon Hanok Village 3.0 km
  • The War Memorial of Korea 3.5 km
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace 3.6 km
  • National Museum of Korea 4.3 km
  • Lotte World 9.6 km
Nearby landmarks
  • Shilla Duty Free 150 m
  • Urban Island Shilla Hotel 170 m
  • Jangchung Gymnasium 220 m
  • Jangchungdan Park 220 m
  • Dongguk University Subway Station 280 m
  • Paper Art Museum 350 m
  • Yaksu Subway Station 440 m
  • Meeple Yaksuyeok Branch 500 m
  • Songdo Hospital 620 m
  • National Theatre of Korea 680 m

5. Diving into Price Analysis

Finally, let’s delve into arguably one of the most critical categories in hotel reviews – pricing.

To pinpoint where you can get your money’s worth, I’ll be comparing rates from renowned hotel comparison platforms like ‘HotelsCombined,’ ‘SkyScanner,’ and ‘Trivago.’

Our criteria for this low-price hunt? A one-night stay from Wednesday to Thursday for two guests in a single room—breakfast excluded (as it often significantly bumps up costs).

5.1. Price Comparison via ‘HotelsCombined’

The Shilla Seoul: lowest price on HotelsCombined

After searching through ‘HotelsCombined’, the best deal I found was $267 when booking through ‘Priceline’.

5.2. Price Comparison via ‘Sky Scanner’

The Shilla Seoul: lowest price on Sky Scanner

The lowest price on ‘Sky Scanner’ is $293 for a 1-night stay when booking through ‘Trip.com’.

5.3. Price Comparison via ‘Trivago’

The Shilla Seoul: lowest price on Trivago

The lowest price on ‘Trivago’ is $294 when booked through ‘Klook’.

5.4. Official ‘The Shilla Seoul’ Website

The Shilla Seoul: price on the official website

I also explored prices directly from the The Shilla Seoul official website. The lowest rate I found from ‘The Shilla Seoul Hotel’s official website was 400,000 KRW (only displayed in Korean Won). Applying the exchange rate based on the query rate of 1,358.50 KRW, it calculated to approximately USD 294.

Our analysis reveals that out of all four sites considered, ‘HotelsCombined’ offers the best deal at USD 267 for a stay at the Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan. You might want to keep this information handy while booking.

★ Do bear in mind, these rock-bottom prices are subject to change based on your stay dates and when you’re conducting your search.

★ Also crucial to remember – today’s best deal doesn’t necessarily promise future savings.

★ Consider this ‘Lowest Price Analysis’ as a guiding light rather than an absolute rule.

★ For savvy hotel booking, I’d recommend revisiting these comparison sites during your accommodation planning phase – you never know when you might stumble upon an even better deal!”


And with that, we wrap up our review of the The Shilla Seoul, seen through a distinctly Korean lens.

Yours truly, HB(Hotel Boy) – your trusted guide to best hotels in Korea. Stay tuned for more insightful reviews on Korea’s hospitality gems!