Home to an astonishing half of South Korea’s population, the glittering metropolis that is Seoul is set to dazzle. Enormously popular with visitors from across Asia and further afield, this lively, late-night city brims with marvellous museums, heritage attractions, fabulous bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities. Accommodation options are wide-ranging in South Korea’s cool capital, with something to suit all manner of tastes and budgets. Our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Seoul, with its towering high-rises and beautiful boutique boltholes, is the perfect starting point for your next adventure.

Some of our Seoul collections:

• Hip hotels in Gangnam

South Korea is a country rich in history, and Seoul fuses the traditional elegance of sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village with a lively, 21st-century buzz. Navigate the countless boutiques of the Insadong shopping district, tour markets bursting with fresh produce and handicrafts, or delve into world-class museums including the National Palace Museum, the MMCA, the National Folk Museum and more. Art aficionados can expect to discover fantastic exhibitions at the Seoul Museum of Art, the Leeum Museum of Art and a plethora of smaller galleries.

Seoul’s foodie scene, too, is sensational. Savour delectable Korean cuisine at hole-in-the-wall eateries, glamorous restaurants and the dining spaces of some of the best places to stay in Seoul. For nightlife, look to the exclusive clubs of upmarket Gangnam, buzzy Itaewon or more laid-back Hongdae. This is a city that never sleeps — and one where there’s always time for another round of karaoke.

The Best Places to Stay in Seoul

For Boutique Chic

• Banyan Tree Club & Spa has 50 stylish guest rooms, many of which boast private plunge pools, sink-into bathtubs and breathtaking views of the city and Mount Namsan. An urban retreat with an excellent gym, spa and multiple eaeries. Contemporary, minimalist and very cool.

For Families

• The Grand Hyatt is a family favourite, with spacious suites, inter-connecting rooms and big bathrooms. Indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness complex, soothing spa and nine dining and entertainment venues,ensure there really is something for everyone. Winter visitors will adore the ice rink, and the tennis courts are great for a family game.

For Groups

• Mondrian Seoul has art-filled interiors and a fresh, youthful feel. Brilliant for groups of friends or romantic couples, this adult-only hotel has a swish rooftop bar, Mediterranean-inspired eatery and design-led guest rooms with funky furnishings. A seriously cool spot for sociable partygoers.
• RYSE Hotel is another group favourite, with original artwork and contemporary furnishings in bold pink and blue-bedecked spaces. Book a private room for a group celebration, savour gourmet Korean cuisine or dance the night away with hip DJ sets at the rooftop bar. Great fun.
• L7 Myeongdong, an urban bolthole in the heart of the city, has chic, contemporary decor and a playful feel. Gaze out towards Mount Namsan, cocktail in hand at the rooftop bar, or relax in lounge areas filled with art. A lively choice for groups of friends, couples or independent travellers.

For Parisian Splendour

• L'Escape Hotel is unlike anywhere else in Seoul. Set close to Namdaemun Market, this glamorous 200+ guest room hotel is decorated in Parisian-inspired rich red and green tones, with floral wallpapers, velvet-upholstered seating and draped beds. Free-standing tubs sit on black-and-white tiled floors. The lavish bar, two restaurants, spa and library add to the romantic ambience at the Belle Epoque gem.

For Business Travellers

• Andaz Seoul Gangnam, also in the Gangnam district, has slick white-on-white guest rooms with indulgent bathrooms. Five flexible event rooms and a big ballroom are well-suited to meetings or conferences, whilst the Ocelas Spa and gym invite post-work rejuvenation.
• The Conrad Seoul, set in Seoul's International Finance Centre, is a more luxurious business trip choice. Host a conference or series of meetings, before relaxing at the pool, gym and spa. Brilliant for both business and leisure, this is a striking hotel with sleek, indulgent interiors and all the mod-cons.
• JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square fuses modern comforts with traditional Korean influences. Suites boast expansive city views through floor-to-ceiling windows, along with indulgent marble bathrooms and king-sized beds. Hit the gym, kick back at the spa or indoor pool, and feast at a number of upscale restaurants. A stylish city break choice, also well-suited to business travellers.
• Park Hyatt Seoul has a well-equipped business centre, six meeting rooms and a banquet hall. A luxurious choice for business travellers, the hotel has sleek, contemporary interiors designed by Japanese firm Super Potato. Think stone and oak details, plus an indoor pool, gym, spa and several restaurants.

For Absolute Luxury

• The Four Seasons Seoul is a beautiful luxury hotel with calming, thoughtful interiors honouring Korean heritage design, plus impeccable service. Set in bustling Jongno, the hotel is appealingly close to many of the city's top attractions. Sip cocktails at the Charles H speakeasy, smoothies at the Juice Bar after soothing wellness treatments, or dine at the trendy OUL restaurant. The Four Seasons' kids club is also fabulous.
• The Shilla, a stylish central hotel, has sophisticated interiors with dark polished wood, white walls and marble bathrooms. Families will appreciate splashing around in the outdoor pool and sharing generous suites. Romantic, indulgent and boasting beautiful mountain views.
• Signiel Seoul, an opulent five-star spot, has elegant guest rooms and suites with superb city views. Kick back at the lavish spa, experience exquisite French cuisine, and sample South Korea's largest champagne collection at Bar 81. A sophisticated city hotel with a French twist.
• Josun Palace, a gorgeous contemporary hotel in the upmarket Gangnam district, has a sleek, stylish feel. Think clean lines, white, golden and red tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing expansive views. Chic restaurants have velvet-upholstered seats and gourmet fare, plus there's a serene spa with indoor pool. Fabulous.

For Great Value

• voco Seoul Gangnam sits in the city's most trendy neighbourhood. Smart and stylish, the hotel offers surprisingly good value for its location. Interiors are simple and modern, with warm yellow or green accent walls, crisp white linens on cosy beds and compact bathrooms with traditional tubs. Event spaces will delight business travellers. Guests share a communal kitchen as well as a casual all-day restaurant.
• Aloft Seoul Gangnam has comfortable, unfussy guest rooms with pale wooden furnishings, and pops of orange and dark blue. A good contemporary choice in upmarket Gangnam, with Han River views, a gym, deli and breakfast restaurant. Affordable and well-located.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR Holiday House

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Incheon International Airport — one of the busiest in the world — and travel into Seoul city centre by car or shuttle. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Seoul is well-connected by public transport, and you're unlikely to need your own vehicle in the city. If you'd like to explore further afield, contact our online partner Rentalcars to hire a car.
• Visit during the summer months (June to August) for temperatures hovering around 28°C. Expect cold winters, with temperatures getting close to 0°C. For a quieter trip and great hotel deals, we'd recommend travelling in May or September.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Incheon.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in South Korea.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.