Best hotels in Seoul
We know, we know. Korea calls. Every friend on IG seems to be frolicking around the land of kimchi, clinking glasses of soju, and exploring old towns in cute hanboks. If you’re right on the precipice of booking that flight ticket, welcome to the club. You can begin dreaming up your next vacation by checking out this list of best hotels in Seoul, South Korea.
The current exchange rate is KRW1,000 = ~S$0.96 as of 18th October 2024.
Table of Contents
- Best hotels in Seoul
- Where to stay in Seoul
- Price breakdown of hotels in Seoul
- – Hotels in Myeongdong, Seoul –
- 1. L’Escape Hotel
- 2. Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower
- – Hotels in Hongdae, Seoul –
- 3. 9 brick Boutique Hotel
- 4. Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo
- 5. L7 Hongdae
- – Hotels in Gangnam, Seoul –
- 6. Hotel Anteroom Seoul
- 7. Hotel in 9 Gangnam
- 8. Patio7 Hotel
- – Hotels in Jongno, Seoul –
- 9. Glue Hotel
- 10. Moxy Seoul Insadong
- – Other parts of Seoul –
- 11. Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Botanic Park
Where to stay in Seoul
The hotels in this list have been sorted by location for ease of reference, with most of them being situated in popular parts of Seoul. Each area has its own unique vibe and charm:
- Myeongdong. Arguably the most popular shopping spot in Korea, Myeongdong is a shopaholic’s dream. With endless rows of fashion and beauty stores lining its streets, you don’t have to worry about running out of things to see here. There are even food stalls along the walkways, so you can catch a snack break anytime.
- Hongdae. This district is home to Hongik University, an institution known for its arts programmes. It’s no surprise, then, that Hongdae is often described as vibrant and hip. It’s great for young people looking for trendy shops, cafes, and nightlife options.
- Gangnam. Known for being the business centre of Seoul, Gangnam is for when you’re feeling bougie – think high-end designer boutiques, luxurious hotels, posh bars, fancy restaurants and the like. On a different note, the famous Bongeunsa Temple is also located here.
- Jongno. Jongno was established as the centre of the city by the Joseon dynasty over 600 years ago. Travellers looking for cultural and historic sites will find them here, including the largest royal palace Gyeongbokgung, as well as Jogyesa Temple.
Price breakdown of hotels in Seoul
Here’s a quick look at the Seoul hotels featured in this list and how much they cost.
| Area | Hotel | Best Feature | Price per night |
| Myeongdong | L’Escape Hotel | Romantic Parisian-themed interior | Classic Room: From KRW153,000/night |
| Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower | Sauna & golf range, near Myeongdong shopping | Superior Double Room: From KRW316,800/night | |
| Hongdae | 9 Brick Boutique Hotel | Posh, minimalist rooms | Superior Room: From S$152/night |
| Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo | Shared kitchens & co-working spaces | Stitch Single Room: From KRW109,000/night | |
| L7 Hongdae | Located opposite Hongdae Street | Standard Accessible Room: From KRW144,000/night | |
| Gangnam | Hotel Anteroom Seoul | Rooftop bar with sweeping views | Studio Twin: From KRW120,000/night |
| Hotel in 9 Gangnam | Roman-inspired bath lounges & city views | Standard Double: From KRW175,000/night | |
| Patio7 Hotel | Patio suites & hinokki bathtubs | Downtown King / Patio Twin: From KRW119,000/night | |
| Jongno | Glue Hotel | Borrow vinyl records & LP players for free | Standard Double: From KRW107,000/night |
| Moxy Seoul Insadong | Industrial neon-pink aesthetic | City View Guest Room: From KRW190,000/night | |
| Seoul Botanic Park | Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Botanic Park | Views of nearby park | City View Guest Room: From KRW220,000/night |
– Hotels in Myeongdong, Seoul –
1. L’Escape Hotel
Romantic Parisian-themed interior
Image credit: @beckyl02 via Instagram
Say annyeong, or perhaps bonjour to L’Escape Hotel. If you’re looking for a unique stay for your next visit, this offbeat pick is sure to fit the bill. Perfect for couples, L’Escape has vintage decor adorning its romantic Parisian-themed interior.
Atelier Suite King.
Image credit: @sailor_moonsh via Instagram
Facilities include a gym and European-style library that both tie in with the overall hotel theme. 9 types of rooms are available here, including pet-friendly ones if you’re travelling with your furbaby. For couples, the opulent interior and standalone tub of the Atelier Suite King (KRW340,000/night) is bound to woo your boo.
The hotel also has 2 restaurants, a bar, and a lounge if your flight has left you too tired to head out for dinner.
Rates: From KRW153,000/night for Classic Room
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2. Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower
Has sauna & golf range
Image credit: @seoa.jj via Instagram
Living up to the standards of Lotte World Theme Park and those delicious Lotte snacks is Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower. It’s not to be confused with Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong, which is also located just a subway stop away. While the very name may first bring to mind a “typical” business hotel, the 1,015-room 5-Star is anything but.
Enjoy high-tea at the in-house restaurant facing a waterfall.
Image credit: @jazzyhyemii via Instagram
Book a session at their Golf Driving Range, accessible to guests and members only.
Image credit: Lotte Hotels
It’s located right in the heart of Seoul, near Myeongdong, and has rooms overlooking Namsan. To top it all off, it’s chock-full of unique amenities like a yacht-inspired indoor swimming pool that offers a warm dip year-round, a sauna and even a golf driving range.
Deluxe Room.
Image credit: Lotte Hotel
You’ll be spoiled for choice with each room available in multiple different designs. The spacious Deluxe Room, for example, has 3 interior styles to choose from.
The famous Myeongdong shopping street is also within walking distance of this hotel, and if you’re into history, Myeongdong Cathedral, a historical landmark in South Korea, is nearby as well.
Rates: From KRW316,800/night for Superior Double Room
– Hotels in Hongdae, Seoul –
3. 9 brick Boutique Hotel
Posh, minimalist rooms
Image credit: 9 Brick Hotel
Just a stone’s throw away from Hongdae Shopping Street and Hongik University Station is 9 Brick Hotel. While the hotel’s common areas feature low lighting, ornate chandeliers, and plush leather chairs, most of its rooms sport a dark, minimalist decor.
Image credit: 9 Brick Hotel
Prices start from S$152/night without breakfast but you can top up S$24 if you want the convenience of fuelling up before a day of sightseeing. Or, make use of the great location and head downstairs to visit one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby.
Rates: From S$152/night for Superior Room
4. Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo
Shared kitchens & co-working spaces
Image credit: Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo
Stylishly decorated in bright, contrasting colours, Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo encapsulates the vibrant energy of Hongdae. Targeted at young travellers on a budget, the hotel features a co-living concept with shared kitchens and various lounging areas that double as co-working spaces.
Image credit: Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo
Rates start from KRW109,000/night for a Stitch Single Room, a cosy space for solo travellers that comes with a personal work corner and even its own ensuite bathtub for a relaxing night in. But with Hongdae’s restaurants, bars and clubs right outside, we don’t blame you if the bathtub stays untouched.
Rates: From KRW109,000/night for Stitch Single Room
5. L7 Hongdae
Just opposite Hongdae Street
Image credit: L7 Hongdae
L7 Hongdae is a slightly pricier option at KRW144,000/night, but its location right next to Hongik University Station and opposite Hongdae Street might be well worth the splurge.
Image credit: L7 Hongdae
You also get spacious rooms with a view, as well as beautiful lounge areas decorated with custom artwork.
Fans of Line Friends and Kakao Friends will also be pleased to know that both flagship stores are just a short walk away from the hotel.
Rates: From KRW144,000/night for Standard Accessible Room
– Hotels in Gangnam, Seoul –
6. Hotel Anteroom Seoul
Rooftop bar with sweeping views
Image credit: Anteroom Seoul
Frequent travellers to Korea may know that while Myeongdong and Hongdae are great places to stay for first-time travellers, culturally rich areas like Garousu-gil are where many hidden gems lie.
Hotel Anteroom Seoul is located a 5-minute walk away from Sinsa Station and is a great base to explore the small boutique stores in the area.
Twin Studio Room.
Image credit: @anteroomseoul via Instagram
After exploring the vicinity, kick back in their Studio Twin (from KRW120,000/night), with a platform bed for extra storage space, and large windows. Head up to the 19th floor for the artbook store and bar that overlooks the Han River and Namsan Tower.
Rates: From KRW120,000/night for Studio Twin
7. Hotel in 9 Gangnam
Roman-inspired bath lounges & city views
Image credit: Hotel in 9 Gangnam
You heard it first from PSY – Gangnam is poppin’. Located within the hubbub of the district is Hotel in 9 Gangnam.
Not to be confused for a swimming pool, the hotel’s lounge area has with a Roman bath-inspired water feature that’ll be a great backdrop for your Korea #OOTDs. Travellers, you’ll also be happy to hear that this crib is just a short 1-minute walk from Subway Line 9’s Bongeunsa Station, which is directly connected to Gimpo International Airport.
Image credit: Hotel in 9
Get the Deluxe Corner Room (KRW205,000/night), with massive windows flanking the bed, for the best views of the city. If you’re on a budget, standard rooms are also available from KRW175,000/night.
Rates: KRW175,000/night for Standard Double
8. Patio7 Hotel
Patio suites & hinokki bathtubs
Image credit: Patio7 Hotel
Patio7 Hotel entices all budget-travellers with affordable basic rooms from KRW119,000/night but if you’re willing to top up, they’ve got uber-cute rooms waiting. Among 9 room types is their Patio Suites, with high ceilings and a rustic farmhouse-like aesthetic.
Image credit: @patio7__hotel via Instagram
Serial vacationers – if normal bathtubs are too passe for you, try their Hinokki Studio, with a wooden Japanese-style bath, perfect for soaking in during the winter months.
Facilities and services include a rooftop pool and a self-check-in system. Relax in their lounge and enjoy free snacks, tea, and VOD – that means Videos on Demand, not vodka, in case you were wondering.
Rates: From KRW119,000/night for Downtown King / Patio Twin
– Hotels in Jongno, Seoul –
9. Glue Hotel
Borrow vinyl records & LP players for free
Standard Double.
Image credit: Glue Hotel
In terms of facilities, Glue Hotel doesn’t seem to offer much. Apart from its rooms, it only has an onsite lounge that serves cakes and cocktails, and occasionally hosts live musical guests.
Rooftop Suite.
Image credit: Glue Hotel
But it’s the rooms that are the stars of this hotel. Rooms start from KRW107,000/night for a Standard Double that comes with modern interiors and sweeping views of the city. Music lovers can even borrow vinyl discs from the first floor to play in the room.
Image credit: Glue Hotel
For something a little more IG-worth, check out their Rooftop Suite (from KRW274,000/night), which comes complete with a beam projector to watch movies on, and your own rooftop terrace decked in fairy lights.
Rates: From KRW107,000/night for Standard Double
10. Moxy Seoul Insadong
Industrial neon-pink aesthetic
Lounge area.
Image credit: @moxyseoul via Instagram
Think punk rock + pink and Avril Lavigne may come to mind. Channelling the same energy is Moxy Seoul Insadong, with an eye-catching neon-pink aesthetic. Located in downtown Seoul, this hotel offers hot pink decor that continues from its lounge, up to its hipster rooftop bar.
Family Room for 4.
Image credit: Moxy Seoul
Perfect for groups are their Family Suites from KRW320,000/night, or just KRW80,000/person. Board games like Jenga and Blockus are available for rent as well, for game nights.
The hotel is also near the famous Bukchon Hanok village, which is home to traditional (and photo-worthy) houses from the Joseon dynasty.
Rates: From KRW190,000/night for City View Guest Room
– Other parts of Seoul –
11. Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Botanic Park
Views of the nearby park
For a change of scenery, Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Botanic Park overlooks a nearby picturesque park. Exhibition halls, flower gardens, and playgrounds will be but a stone’s throw away. A short bus or train ride away lies many more parks including Goyang Ecological Park and Gaehwasan Mountain Park.
Park Suite.
Image credit: Courtyard by Marriott
There are a couple of perks of staying near the edge of the city – for one, the rooms are bigger and there’s a lower chance of you rubbing shoulders with other tourists. You’ll be a short walking distance away from Magok Naru Metro Station so getting around won’t be a problem either.
Park Suite’s spacious bathroom with a standalone tub.
Image credit: @glennbrad via Instagram
Rates: From KRW220,000/night for City View Guest Room
Best places to stay in Seoul
Getting the right accommodation can make or break the trip, so get yourself one of the above popular hotels in Seoul to call home while you’re on your next trip to Seoul. If you’re looking for places that’ll leave even more allowance for other travel activities, take a look at our list of best budget hotels in Seoul, or our recommended best hostels in Seoul.
For more things to do that are Seoul good:
- Snoopy garden in Korea
- Free things to do in Seoul
- Best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea
- Things to do in Jeju
Cover image adapted from: Patio7 Hotel, Glue Hotel, Hotel in 9 Gangnam, Hotel in 9
Last updated by Shannon Lee and Raewyn Koh on 18th October 2024.