Planning a staycation or a lavish getaway to Seoul? There's no better use for those rewards points than to stay in one of the best luxury hotels in Seoul, from the classic international picks to some locally-renowned names.
These luxury accommodations in Seoul boast top-notch amenities, spectacular views, and excellent service, all three qualities required to ensure a memorable stay in South Korea’s bustling capital.
Not to mention that all of these places, from the magnificent Signiel Seoul to the opulent Josun Palace, have a stunning view of the Seoul skyline at night. Below are my picks for the best 5-star hotels in Seoul, complete with all the information you need before booking a place with peace of mind.
| Top Luxury Hotel: | Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (Jongno) |
| Best Pick for First Timers: | Lotte Hotel (Myeongdong) |
| Best Pick for Couples: | Park Hyatt Seoul Hotel (Gangnam) |
| Best Pick for Families: | Grand Walkerhill Seoul (Gwangjin) |
| Best *Budget* Luxury: | VOCO Hotel by IHG (Gangnam) |
🗺️ Where to Stay in Seoul
South Korea’s capital is such a diverse city, to the point that each Seoul neighborhood has a different flavor to offer when you step out of the station. Some parts like Apgujeong feel modern, bright, and full of action; others near Gyeongbokgung Palace are more traditional, quiet, and peaceful.
Whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, or a partygoer, each district has a place to suit your needs. If you’ve never been to Korea before, it’s a good idea to research where you want to go beforehand.
Aside from checking out Seoul itineraries online, I also recommend downloading foreigner-friendly apps not only to make communication and navigation smoother in Seoul, but also to check the latest events and possibly get some free tickets.
🌟 Best Luxury Hotels in Seoul
If you’ve heard of Gangnam, then you know that this is where the wealthy Seoullites dwell, which means that most luxury hotels in Seoul are situated in Gangnam.
However, there are a few other neighborhoods that are home to luxury accommodation in Seoul, so you should carefully consider where you want to base yourself before finalizing your stay.
1. Signiel Seoul
Neighborhood: Jamsil
Prices Starting at: $470USD per night
The Signiel is a luxury landmark hotel that boasts incredible panoramic views of the city whether you are in your room or crossing the high-altitude Sky Walk. In Signiel, they make it obvious that your comfort is their top priority; each bed is constructed with a premium mattress, and your bathrooms are equipped with spa-like facilities (and the toiletries to match!).
You also have the option to walk into their in-house spa (Retreat Signiel) or enjoy a good book in their lounge area. In addition, staying in Signiel also grants you access to a French restaurant headed by a Michelin-starred chef (STAY), and a Michelin Guide fine-dining restaurant (Bicena).
2. Park Hyatt Seoul
Neighborhood: Gangnam
Prices Starting at: $560USD per night
Park Hyatt Seoul has a range of perks, including an indoor pool, spa, and a fitness center, which is also a convenient way to focus on your health without having to leave the hotel premises. Side note: if using credit card rewards points on your stay, I'd highly recommend the Park Hyatt over the Grand Hyatt in Seoul, as you get much more bang for your buck.
You can even use their business center and lounge if you need to get work done, and you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine from The Timber House and Italian home-style dishes in Cornerstone.
The best part of staying in this Seoul luxury hotel is that you’ll find yourself living in Gangnam for a while, which means you have easy access to shopping, entertainment, and various cultural attractions.
3. Lotte Hotel
Neighborhood: Myeongdong
Prices Starting at: $360USD per night
With over a thousand rooms in the central neighborhood of Myeongdong, Lotte Hotel is a lavish stay for people with business in Seoul. It’s a space where people can work in style, while enjoying the picturesque view of the skyscrapers outside.
The Charlotte Suite Room even has a bar inside, if you feel like pouring yourself a drink after a long, hard day. Or you can just head to Peninsula Lounge and Bar to enjoy good music, or if you want to go somewhere quieter, you can visit Pierre’s Bar.
They also serve delicious bread in Delica Hans, an in-house bakery full of Korean and Western pastries. Also, don’t underestimate their buffet (La Seine), because it boasts 200 dishes made on-the-spot by top-tier chefs representing eight cuisines from around the world.
4. Josun Palace
Neighborhood: Gangnam
Prices Starting at: $830USD per night
If you find yourself in Seoul, why not stay in a world-class palace by Marriott? Josun Palace was built to be a destination that best suits those with refined tastes, as it’s home to a number of lavish hotel rooms complete with full panoramic city views.
What I love about each room is that it looks exactly like it was taken from a Modern French Décor magazine, with elegant arcs and pastel accents. Some suites can even host extravagant movie nights, because there are extra-long couches situated in front of a 65-inch LED television installed with premium movie channels.
As for food, The Great Hong Yuan is one of the most romantic restaurants in Seoul, with delicious Cantonese cuisine. Josun Deli the Boutique also has sweet cakes to munch on for dessert, though if you don’t want to splurge that much, consider that they also have a range of offers and packages.
Each one includes free entrance to some of their restaurants and upscale amenities, provided that you meet certain conditions. If getting perks means you can take a dip in their indoor heated pool for free, then why not plan accordingly?
5. JW Marriott Hotel
Neighborhood: Gangnam
Prices Starting at: $360USD per night
The JW Marriott is an astounding 5-star hotel in Seoul that definitely leaves a strong impression. Situated in the heart of Gangnam, any of the 379 rooms, including its penthouses and suites, provides a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the urban district outside.
If you choose the Presidential Suite, for example, you get the ultimate gourmet experience and top-notch service for the duration of your stay. You don’t have to book a suite to get lavish attention, though, because you can get a much-needed mental and physical recharge in their spa and fitness complex.
The indoor pool is also quite expansive, as well; it even has a whirlpool!
6. The Four Seasons Seoul
Neighborhood: Jongno
Prices Starting at: $480USD per night
Perfect for first-timers in the capital, this Seoul luxury hotel honors local traditions by providing everything you need to feed the curious historian in you. It’s near attractions like the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square, and perfect for shorter trips. This is my top pick for a luxury stay in Seoul.
If you want to expand your knowledge even more, however, you can visit their concierge desk to sign up for an expert-led museum tour of Korea Furniture Museum. You don’t even have to leave the hotel if you want to sate your expensive tastebuds.
Boccalino recreates sumptuous southern Italian dishes, while Yu Yuan provides authentic Cantonese favorites like Beijing Duck. You also have the option to dine al fresco in their beautiful garden terrace, and then have drinks in their late-night contemporary bar OUL.
Once you’re done soaking in everything Seoul, you can retire in their spacious Premier Room, with a spa-like bathroom made with white Italian marble, along with ceiling-to-floor windows that emphasize Seoul’s stunning views at night.
7. THE SHILLA Seoul
Neighborhood: Myeongdong
Prices Starting at: $400USD per night
You will certainly feel like royalty in this epitome of luxury and class located in one of Seoul’s richest neighborhoods; in 2021 it was even voted the best luxury hotel in Myeongdong. The iconic architecture and stunning interiors have the traditional Korean charm as well as modern elegance.
Not to mention that all rooms offer a wide-scape view of the famous Namsan Mountain, as you bathe in the full-marble tub. The beds are also covered with a thick goose-down comforter, ensuring a soft and snug evening as you sleep in comfort.
Tablet PCs are also in each room, so you can request anything without having to call for service via telephone. The Shilla also offers an exceptional dining experience with its array of high-end restaurants.
La Yeon, for example, provides a modern take on dishes of the Joseon Dynasty’s Royal Court Cuisine. Ariake, on the other hand, teases your tastebuds with fresh seafood dishes as you marvel at Japanese designer Ueki Kanji’s interior design work.
8. Grand Walkerhill Seoul
Neighborhood: Gwangjin
Prices Starting at: $140USD per night
If you’re looking for a pleasant stay surrounded by nature, then Grand Walkerhill Seoul is the place for you. Staying in this 5-Star Seoul Hotel makes it easy to forget you’re in an upscale neighborhood, especially if you stay in any of the Douglas House Deluxe Rooms or Suites.
They even have rooms for a family vacation or for a children’s party. Vegans will also appreciate the environmentally-friendly rooms inspired by their lifestyle and ideals. The hotel also offers an array of amenities to all of its guests, including a world-class golf course, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a therapeutic spa.
The property boasts of an art exhibition hall full of otherworldly illustrations and sculptures. This hotel also provides activities for guests, which include some great ways to improve skills, embrace wellness, and learn more about Korean culture.
The best part about this Seoul hotel, however, is that they let you dine like a king in Geumryong, a restaurant that serves dishes loved by Emperor Qianlong. For those of you looking for gastronomic pleasure, another spot to visit is Le Passage, to try an appetizing selection of deli items paired with wine.
9. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul
Neighborhood: Myeongdong
Prices Starting at: $400USD per night
The Banyan Tree Club & Spa is a unique hotel that lets you stay in a sophisticated urban resort hotel. Nestled amidst the bustling city, this 5-star hotel in Seoul offers a refreshing change of sights as you step into your room. For couples and solo travelers, this is one of the best hotels in Seoul with a pool and spa, not to mention a full-service concierge.
Influenced by the tranquil feel of banyan trees, you get to be one with nature as you dip in the private relaxation pool offered in their deluxe, premier, suite, and presidential rooms. In their world-class spa, you can also choose personalized treatments from highly-skilled therapists that will rejuvenate and revitalize your senses in a peaceful and calming environment.
They also have a sauna, if you need to sweat off the stress. Moreover, note that this is a full-service resort, so other than the swimming pools and the fitness center, it contains a golf course and an ice rink, making it the best hotel in Seoul for honeymoon visitors.
Dining in this hotel also lets you enjoy Korean and European delights at the foot of Namsan Mountain, and if you have drinks at the Moon Bar after, you get a panoramic view of the night sky with the N-Seoul Tower shining in the distance.
10. Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel
Neighborhood: Yongsan
Prices Starting at: $230USD per night
Grand Mercure Ambassador Seoul is a business hotel like no other. With over 1700 rooms to choose from, all spacious, each designed with a blend of traditional Korean themes and modern comfort. People who also need to do work have a separate work station in their rooms, making it the perfect stay for bloggers and digital nomads and freelancers.
If you feel the need to keep up your regular fitness activities, they have a fully-equipped gym, including indoor golf and a yoga center. The best thing about this hotel is its location, however, since it’s near bustling Itaewon and two of the 5 famous palaces in Korea: Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
As for food, it’s fascinating to watch a chef cook your dishes live in the Food Exchange buffet restaurant. What you eat here is inspired by the local cuisine and culture, so it’s also a wonderful way to get to know local delights.
But if you’re not that hungry, but you want to enjoy simple drinks and snacks, then go to the in-hotel cafe Mega Bites to sample their yummy finger foods and mini burgers.
11. Conrad Seoul
Neighborhood: Yeoido
Prices Starting at: $290USD per night
To say that Conrad Seoul is amazing would be an understatement. It has state-of-the-art facilities, extraordinary service, and exceptional food. Everything you need is provided in this 5-star hotel. If you happen to be a pet owner, then you’ll also appreciate knowing that this hotel is a pet-friendly stay.
Each room feels & looks expensive, with large beds covered in cozy 300-thread count sheets. Even their cheapest rooms still have a large 42-inch HDTV, complete with cable, HD channels, and games. You can even enjoy a bath using lush Byredo products, provided for free in each room.
You can also take the relaxation up a notch by visiting the hydrotherapy room of the Conrad Spa. Throughout your stay you’ll feast like royalty, as the hotel also offers a variety of dining options, including Zest, which is a three-meal buffet restaurant with a variety of options.
You can also try VVertigo, a restaurant-slash-rooftop bar that has a healing city forest view and pretty sunsets each evening.
Bonus Pick: VOCO Gangnam
Neighborhood: Gangnam
Prices Starting at: $160USD per night
This may not be a 5-star Seoul Hotel but it sure does look like it. People who are looking for something new to try can head over to their all-day dining restaurant (Amarillo) to try an exciting full-course meal or delicious new cocktails, or even have dishes sent up to their room.
In the morning, the guest lounge offers plenty of Western & Korean breakfast foods including bread, cereal, and coffee to kickstart your day. Luxurious rooms with fascinating designs and quirky artwork, including suites with large bathtubs overlooking the bright Gangnam district below.
The spa experience also transports you to Japan, in a way, because it features an authentic onsen Hinoki bath. But if you need a place to work from the hotel, there’s a business center that lets you use any of their PCs, with printing and copying services, and it even has a courier service if you need something sent out ASAP.
But for me, what cinched my return visit were the luxurious sleeping quarters, perfect for up to 4 guests per room.
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