Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by HB
Hello there! I’m HB, your guide to the finest hotels in Korea.
Are you ready to embark on a journey exploring some of the most luxurious hotels in one of the most exciting cities in the world – Seoul? In 2022, Seoul ranked 7th in the Global City Competitiveness Index, solidifying its status as a globally recognized metropolis. As such, it attracts an incredible number of global travelers every year.
Today, I’ll be sharing with you my top 10 picks for five-star hotels in this global metropolis where you can experience world-class services.
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. Vista Walkerhill Seoul, From USD 185
Coming in at number 10 is ‘Vista Walkerhill Seoul’. This hotel boasts views of the Han River and is located about 1km walk from Gwangnaru Station. Itโs particularly popular among family travelers due to facilities like its Sky Yard and swimming pool. However, some guests have mentioned their dining experiences could be improved.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.9 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘Vista Walkerhill Seoul’ 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’, ‘Facilities’, 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 a bit difficult to access by public transportation but it’s located near Acha Mountain and Han River which makes it great for walks around the area and there are frequent shuttles to Gangbyeon(Line 2) and Gwangnaru(Line 5) subway stations. |
Room | The rooms are spacious and well-upgraded with clean conditions; the bed is comfortable as per reviews received from customers however some guests have expressed discomfort with the open structure of the bathroom and the somewhat worn-out bedding. |
Breakfast | Some guests were disappointed with the lack of variety in the breakfast buffet and found it quite expensive. |
Friendliness | The staff were highly rated for being very helpful and friendly. |
Facilities | The hotel offers a range of facilities including a gym, swimming pool, and particularly unique is an outdoor space called ‘Skyard’ where guests can watch stars or have a foot bath. |
Price | Opinions on value for money vary, but overall there was a high level of satisfaction. |
Others | It has well-established facilities and services for babies including sterilizers. |
- Official Website: https://www.walkerhill.com/vistawalkerhillseoul/m/en/
- Address: 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-455-5000
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 12:00โฏPM
NO 9. InterContinental Seoul COEX, From USD 166
At number nine we have ‘InterContinental Seoul COEX’, conveniently located right smack dab in Gangnam and directly connected to COEX Mall. While guest reviews for breakfast are generally positive, some guests feel that the interior could do with an update.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.7 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘InterContinental Seoul COEX‘ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.7, 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 located in the heart of Gangnam and is rated for its convenient access to public transportation and proximity to shopping and dining options. However, some guests pointed out that it is quite far from major tourist sites. |
Room | The rooms are clean and spacious, with comfortable beds and systematic cleaning services. However, some guests pointed out that the facilities look a bit old, and there were reports of mold issues in a few places. |
Breakfast | Opinions on breakfast service varied but were generally positive. There were many opinions praising the variety and taste of food. |
Friendliness | The friendliness and professionalism of the staff were highly rated. |
Facilities | The facilities (gym, swimming pool, etc.) received good reviews but some guests pointed out that the hotel building itself looks a bit old. |
Price | Satisfaction with value for money was rated high. In particular, there was an opinion that it is a valuable choice considering it is a luxury hotel located in central Seoul. |
Others | Additional mentions included child-friendly facilities and services as well as accessibility to nearby convenience facilities such as COEX and Starfield COEX Mall. |
- Official Website: https://www.ihg.com/
- Address: 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-3452-2500
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 11:00โฏAM
NO 8. Lotte Hotel Seoul, From USD 208
Taking eighth place is ‘Lotte Hotel Seoul’, ideally situated near Myeongdong making it very convenient for shopping enthusiasts. However, limited parking space has been noted as an issue by some guests.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.8 Excellent
This is the rating for ‘Lotte Hotel Seoul’ from users who booked through โAgoda.โ Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 8.8, with the highest marks being awarded in the โCleanlinessโ, โLocationโ, and โServiceโ 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 majority of reviews highly praised the hotelโs location. Itโs directly connected to Euljiro 1-ga subway station and close to major tourist attractions like Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market, making it easy to get around on foot. |
Room | Reviews about the rooms were mixed. While some guests found the rooms clean and comfortable, others complained about small or outdated rooms, lack of sufficient lighting or electrical sockets. |
Breakfast | There were few specific mentions about breakfast, but one review criticized that the breakfast menu remained unchanged from December 2022 to May 2023. |
Friendliness | Reviews about staff were also mixed. Many guests complimented the service and friendliness of staff while some criticized front desk staffโs attitude or lack of assistance from bellboys. |
Facilities | The hotel received positive reviews for being connected to a shopping complex and having well-equipped facilities including restaurants and spa. |
Price | This aspect also received mixed responses in reviews; some guests felt that considering the hotelโs location and services offered, it was reasonably priced while others thought it was too expensive given room conditions and level of service provided. |
Others | Some guests expressed dissatisfaction with no seating space in lobby area or having to pay extra for using sauna facilities etc., whereas a few appreciated additional services provided by hotel (e.g., free stroller rental). |
- Official Website: https://www.lottehotel.com
- Address : 30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-771-1000
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 12:00โฏPM
NO 7. Oakwood Premier Coex Center, From USD 190
In seventh place is ‘Oakwood Premier Coex Center’. One of its key features includes spacious rooms with cooking facilities available โ perfect if you enjoy whipping up your own meals! The classic interior design might not be everyone’s cup of tea though so do bear that in mind when choosing this hotel.
- Agoda Ratings: 8.9 Excellent
The above is the rating for ‘Oakwood Premier Coex Center’ 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 rated for its convenient access to COEX and subway stations. However, some guests pointed out that it is quite far from other attractions across the river and the traffic can be congested. |
Room | The rooms are spacious and clean, with many guests appreciating the facilities such as a washer and dryer, small kitchen. However, some guests pointed out that the furnishings look a bit old. |
Breakfast | Opinions on breakfast service varied. Some guests recommended having breakfast at their French bakery, while others praised their delicious breakfast buffet. |
Friendliness | The friendliness and professionalism of the staff were highly rated. |
Facilities | The facilities (such as onsen) received good reviews. |
Price | Satisfaction with value for money was rated high. |
Others | Additional mentions included use of onsen, connection to shopping mall etc. Pros include connectivity to COEX and subway stations, spacious and clean rooms, attentive staff service etc., while cons include reported old facilities in some places and distance from central tourist attractions. |
- Official Website: https://www.discoverasr.com
- Address: 46 Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-3466-7000
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 12:00โฏPM
NO 6. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, From USD 284
Ranking sixth is ‘Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas’, known for its easy accessibility to various locations including Teheran-ro and COEX Mall. It has received overall positive reviews especially after refurbishments were made; breakfast here also comes highly recommended by guests.
- Agoda Ratings: 9.0 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas’ 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 | The hotel is rated for its convenient access to shopping malls, restaurants and subway stations etc. |
Room | The rooms are spacious and clean but some guests pointed out that the facilities such as room or bathroom look a bit old. |
Breakfast | The breakfast buffet received high praise, especially for the variety and quality of food. |
Friendliness | The friendliness and helpful service of the staff were highly rated. However, some guests pointed out that the check-in and check-out process takes too long. |
Facilities | No specific facilities were particularly mentioned. |
Price | Satisfaction with value for money was rated high. |
Others | Additional mentions included connection to shopping mall, view etc. Pros include connectivity to COEX and subway stations, spacious and clean rooms, attentive staff service etc., while cons include reported old facilities in some places and complexity in check-in/check-out process. |
- Official Website: https://www.ihg.com
- Address: 521 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-555-5656
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 11:00โฏAM
NO 5. Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan, From USD 224
In fifth place we have ‘Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan’, which offers residence-style accommodations popular among families traveling with children or pets thanks to pet-friendly rooms available too!
- Agoda Ratings: 9.0 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan’ 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 | The hotel is close to Yongsan Station and surrounded by shopping malls like E-mart, which was considered convenient. However, some guests pointed out that there are not many places to see or eat around. |
Room | Many guests commented that the rooms were spacious, clean and well-equipped with necessary facilities. Especially, they liked the convenience facilities such as washing machine and sink. |
Breakfast | There were relatively few mentions about breakfast but some guests expressed their wish for more variety in food selection. |
Friendliness | The friendliness and attentive service of the staff were highly rated. However, there were also cases where some guests were dissatisfied with the service. |
Facilities | Spa and sauna etc., other facilities also received satisfactory reviews. The pet-friendly nature and child facilities of the hotel also received positive comments. |
Price | Satisfaction with value for money was rated high. |
Others | Additional mentions included pet-friendly nature, self-catering possibility etc. Pros include connectivity to Yongsan station, spacious and clean rooms & convenience facilities, attentive staff service etc., while cons include lack of nearby attractions & restaurants and dissatisfaction in some services. |
- Official Website: https://all.accor.com
- Address: 95 Cheongpa-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-2223-7500
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 12:00โฏPM
NO 4. The Shilla Seoul, From USD 356
Ranked fourth is ‘The Shilla Seoul’ located near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station offering top-notch services from room conditions to staff friendliness according to guest reviews.
- Agoda Ratings: 9.1 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘The Shilla Seoul’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.1, 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 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. |
Breakfast | The breakfast buffet was highly praised for its wide variety of choices. |
Friendliness | The friendliness and attentive service of the staff received high praises from many guests. |
Facilities | Facilities such as gym, pool, sauna etc., received satisfactory reviews and child facilities & restaurants also received positive comments. |
Price | While some guests pointed out that food & drink prices were exorbitant, others felt that they had a satisfactory 5-star hotel experience. |
Others | Additional mentions included special events & programs (such as cake decoration for kids), airport shuttle service etc. Pros include friendly staff service, systematic facility management and good dining options while cons include expensive food & drink prices and inconvenient location for walking. |
- Official Website: http://www.shilla.net
- Address: 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-2233-3131
- Check-in time: 2:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 11:00โฏAM
NO 3. Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower, From USD 263
Third place goes to ‘Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower’ situated next to Lotte Hotel Main Tower boasting even more luxurious ambiance than its counterpart but do keep your budget considerations into account as it comes at quite a price tag!
- Agoda Ratings: 9.2 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower’ 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 reviews mentioned that the hotel is conveniently located near Myeongdong shopping street and subway station. It’s also connected to Lotte Department Store, which was considered a plus for shopping. |
Room | The majority of reviews indicated that the rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable. However, there were some mentions of a slight unpleasant smell in the bathroom. |
Breakfast | Many found the breakfast to be good, though some mentioned it being somewhat expensive. |
Friendliness | The staff’s friendliness and professionalism received overwhelmingly positive reviews from guests. |
Facilities | Positive comments were made about the hotel’s facilities and service level, particularly regarding the lobby environment and check-in process. |
Price | Although prices are somewhat high, many believe it’s worth considering the level of service and facilities provided. |
Others | Additional mentions included convenience of in-hotel currency exchange, beautiful interior etc. Major pros mentioned include excellent location, friendly staffs & clean rooms. Cons mainly revolved around slight unpleasant smell in room & high breakfast price. |
- Official Website: https://www.lottehotel.com
- Address: 30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-771-1000
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 12:00โฏPM
NO 2. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, From USD 414
Second place goes deservedly so to none other than โFour Seasons Hotel Seoulโ. Known for providing exceptional service worthy of its steep price tag, it houses one of the best health clubs in the country and offers a wide variety of dining options.
- Agoda Ratings: 9.4 Exceptional
The above is the rating for โFour Seasons Hotel Seoulโ 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 the hotelโs location. Being located in Gwanghwamun area, it has convenient transportation and is close to restaurants and convenience stores. |
Room | The hotelโs 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 werenโt 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 wasnโt explicitly mentioned in individual reviews, several customers indicated that positive experiences more than offset cost with comments like โYou get what you pay forโ or โIf you donโt know where to use your money, Four Seasons is the right place you may throw your money with full of satisfaction.โ |
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. |
- Official Web site : https://www.fourseasons.com
- Address : 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-6388-5000
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 12:00โฏPM
NO 1. Signiel Seoul, From USD 394
Finally, drum roll pleaseโฆ taking first place is ‘Signiel Seoul’! Located at the top floors of Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, it offers breathtaking views of Seoul from just about anywhere. Even basic rooms grant you access to their lounge โ if you’re looking to enjoy a view that’s second to none, this is as perfect as it gets!
- Agoda Ratings: 9.3 Exceptional
The above is the rating for ‘Signiel Seoul’ from users who booked through “Agoda.” Out of a possible 10 points, the hotel received a score of 9.3, 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 reviews mentioned that the hotelโs location is very satisfying as it is close to the Gangnam area. Additionally, the hotel is ideal for families with Lotte World Mall and Lotte World Adventure nearby. |
Room | The rooms have a clean and luxurious atmosphere, and the majority of reviews acknowledged the beautiful view from the hotel. However, cleanliness issues were raised in a few reviews. |
Breakfast | Some reviews mentioned that the Michelin-star-level food and breakfast were of high quality and delicious. |
Friendliness | Most reviews stated that the staff was very friendly and helpful. |
Facilities | Many reviews praised the hotelโs facilities and spa, but some pointed out that the swimming pool is on the smaller side. |
Price | Some reviews mentioned that despite the high price, the hotel is worth the cost. On the other hand, a few guests felt that they could find the same services and facilities at other 5-star hotels for a cheaper price. |
Others | Some reviews expressed dissatisfaction with the hotelโs policy of not providing toothbrushes and toothpaste for environmental protection reasons. Additionally, there was some dissatisfaction with the 11 am checkout time in general. |
- Official Web site : https://www.lottehotel.com/seoul-signiel/en.html
- Address : 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- Telephone: +82-02-3213-1000
- Check-in time: 3:00โฏPM / Check-out time: 12:00โฏPM
โ 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.
This concludes our journey through ‘Traveling to Seoul: Top 10 Five-Star Hotels Loved by Koreans’, a compilation drawn from genuine guest reviews and ratings. As your dedicated Korean Hotel assistant, HB, I look forward to bringing you more exceptional insights into Korea’s finest hotels in our next rendezvous.