Quick answer
Stay at Josun Palace or Grand Hyatt for luxury, Nine Tree in Insadong for palaces on foot, RYSE or L7 in Hongdae for nightlife, and a Toyoko Inn on a budget.
In short
- Josun Palace in Gangnam has the top guest score here, 9.7 out of 10; Grand Hyatt Seoul suits families.
- Myeongdong is the central shopping base, with Le Méridien, Hotel28 and the budget Firststay.
- Hongdae suits nightlife: RYSE, L7 Hongdae and 9 Brick Hotel are all close to Hongik University station.
- Insadong is the old-city choice for palaces on foot, with Nine Tree and Hotel Sunbee.
These 12 best hotels in Seoul range from Josun Palace in Gangnam, scored 9.7 out of 10 by guests, to Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam, a 5-minute walk from Gangnam Station with breakfast included. Where to stay in Seoul depends on the city you want to see: Insadong for palaces, Myeongdong for shopping, Hongdae for nightlife, Itaewon for an international scene and Gangnam for business and shopping south of the river.
Seoul hotels at a glance
Seoul hotels at a glance: the table compares the 12 picks by district, price level, guest score and the kind of trip each one suits best.
| Hotel | Area | Price level | Guest score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Gangnam | Luxury | 9.7/10 | top-tier luxury and a wellness club |
| Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong | Myeongdong | Luxury | 9.0/10 | shoppers wanting full service |
| Grand Hyatt Seoul | Itaewon / Namsan | Luxury | 8.6/10 | families wanting resort-style facilities |
| Hotel28 Myeongdong | Myeongdong | Luxury | 9.3/10 | design-minded couples |
| RYSE, Autograph Collection | Hongdae | Mid-range | 9.0/10 | creative travellers and nightlife lovers |
| Mondrian Seoul Itaewon | Itaewon | Mid-range | 8.4/10 | nightlife fans wanting a pool |
| L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS | Hongdae | Mid-range | 8.7/10 | young travellers wanting a rooftop pool |
| Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong | Insadong | Mid-range | 8.7/10 | families walking to the palaces |
| Hotel Sunbee Insadong | Insadong | Budget | 8.9/10 | budget-minded families in Insadong |
| Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam | Gangnam | Budget | 8.4/10 | a simple Gangnam base with breakfast |
| 9 Brick Hotel | Hongdae | Budget | 8.6/10 | Hongdae nightlife on a budget |
| Hotel Firststay Myeongdong | Myeongdong | Budget | 8.9/10 | a central base near City Hall |
- Families: Grand Hyatt Seoul for three pools and an ice rink, Nine Tree for bunk-bed Family Kids rooms, or Hotel Sunbee for free baby-item rental.
- Couples: Hotel28 Myeongdong for a design boutique, Josun Palace for a wellness club in Gangnam.
- Nightlife: RYSE, L7 Hongdae or 9 Brick in Hongdae, or Mondrian in Itaewon.
- First-timers: Insadong or Myeongdong, where palaces, markets and shopping streets are close together.
Where to stay in Seoul: the five districts
Where to stay in Seoul depends first on the district, because the city is large and each area has a different feel. The old city north of the Han River holds the palaces; Gangnam lies south of it. The Seoul Tourism Organization’s Visit Seoul site lists sights and events in every district.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is the central shopping district in Jung-gu, which Hotel28 calls the heart of Seoul. Le Méridien is listed 1.1 km from City Hall station, and Firststay sits on Sejong-daero, the City Hall side of the district.
Insadong and Jongno
Insadong and Jongno form the old-city district in Jongno-gu. Nine Tree Insadong says Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon Stream are within easy reach, and Hotel Sunbee is a 5-minute walk from Jonggak station on Line 1.
Hongdae
Hongdae is the university-area nightlife district in Mapo-gu. L7 Hongdae describes it as the centre of underground culture and urban arts, with busking and flea markets. RYSE is 300 m from exit 9 of Hongik University station, according to Booking.com.
Itaewon and Namsan
Itaewon and Namsan make up the international district in Yongsan-gu, below Namsan. Mondrian is in Itaewon itself, while Booking.com places Grand Hyatt Seoul on the hillside between Namsan Mountain and the Han River.
Gangnam
Gangnam is the business and shopping district south of the Han River. Josun Palace is on Teheran-ro, and Toyoko Inn is a 5-minute walk from Gangnam Station. It is a long way from the palaces, so it suits business trips and shopping more than sightseeing.
Luxury hotels in Seoul
Luxury hotels in Seoul on this list are spread across Gangnam, Myeongdong and the Namsan slope; all four have guest scores of 8.6 or more.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Gangnam, is the highest-grade hotel of Josun Hotels & Resorts, according to its official website, and continues the legacy of the Chosun Hotel. Guests rate it 9.7 out of 10 from 336 guest reviews on Booking.com, read on 26 October 2026, the top score on this list.
The website lists the Josun Wellness Club, with an indoor pool looking over the Gangnam skyline, a fitness centre with a panoramic city view, a sauna and Pilates programmes; Booking.com adds four restaurants. It is south of the Han River, far from the old-city palaces.
Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong
Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong is a full-service hotel in the middle of Myeongdong, 1.1 km from City Hall station, and Booking.com guests rate its location 9.6 out of 10. Guests rate the hotel 9.0 out of 10 from 683 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its Booking.com listing shows an indoor swimming pool, a fitness room, three restaurants and a bar, an EV charging station and free on-site private parking. Myeongdong is Seoul’s busiest shopping area, so it is not a quiet street.
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul sits on the Namsan slope above Itaewon, and Booking.com describes it as a 5-star hotel about 10 minutes’ drive from Seoul Station and Myeongdong. Guests rate it 8.6 out of 10 from 719 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its Booking.com listing shows three swimming pools, an ice skating rink, Club Olympus with tennis and squash courts, a fitness centre and sauna, The Spa and six restaurants. It is the family pick, but the hillside location means a walk or taxi down to Itaewon.
Hotel28 Myeongdong
Hotel28 Myeongdong positions itself as a luxury boutique: its official website says it was the first hotel in Korea to join Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Guests rate it 9.3 out of 10 from 2,567 guest reviews on Booking.com.
The hotel is themed on a retro movie set, with a library, a gym, guest laundry, the Founder’s Gallery of film art and the Congdu Myeongdong restaurant. The Director’s Suite honours actor Shin Young-kyun. No pool is listed, so families may prefer Grand Hyatt.
Mid-range hotels in Seoul
Mid-range hotels in Seoul on this list are design and lifestyle hotels in Hongdae and Itaewon, plus one practical old-city base in Insadong.
RYSE, Autograph Collection
RYSE, Autograph Collection is a design hotel in Hongdae, 300 m from exit 9 of Hongik University station, according to Booking.com. Guests rate it 9.0 out of 10 from 1,267 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its official website lists the Side Note Club rooftop bar, the Print Culture Lounge library with magazines, art books and vinyl, RYSE Fitness and full-service laundry, with Carhartt WIP and Worksout stores in the building. Rooms run from the Creator Room to a penthouse suite. No pool is listed.
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon
Mondrian Seoul Itaewon is a lifestyle hotel of 295 rooms and suites designed by the Singapore studio Asylum. Guests rate it 8.4 out of 10 from 863 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its official website lists the Altitude Pool & Lounge, the Privilege rooftop-terrace bar, the Cleo Mediterranean restaurant, the Blind Spot bar and a sauna, and it welcomes pets. Booking.com adds a seasonal outdoor pool and a year-round indoor pool. Light sleepers may find it lively.
L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS
L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS is on Hongdae’s streets of youth, as its official website puts it, close to the busking and flea markets. It has the most reviews on this list: 8.7 out of 10 from 4,015 guest reviews on Booking.com.
The website lists a rooftop pool and bar on the 22nd floor, a fitness centre, the Blue Roof Lounge with vinyl and books, a medical clinic and luggage storage. Hongdae is loud late at night, so it is not for travellers after traditional Seoul.
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong is on Insadong-gil, 60 m from Jogyesa Temple, according to Booking.com. Guests rate it 8.7 out of 10 from 2,881 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its official website lists Lounge 9, a fitness room, coin laundry, self lockers, a business corner and Family Kids rooms with a bunk bed; the suites use interiors inspired by Korean maru floors. There is no pool or spa.
Budget hotels in Seoul
Budget hotels in Seoul on this list are four simpler stays in Insadong, Gangnam, Hongdae and Myeongdong; only Toyoko Inn’s terms are published in detail, so compare room prices for your dates.
Hotel Sunbee Insadong
Hotel Sunbee Insadong is in Insadong, a 5-minute walk from Jonggak station on Line 1, according to Booking.com. Guests rate it 8.9 out of 10 from 456 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its official website lists free baby-item rental, including strollers, bottle sterilisers and cribs, the Sunbee Cafe Terrace and in-room amenities; Booking.com adds free parking, a tour desk and luggage storage. There is no gym or pool.
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam
Toyoko Inn Seoul Gangnam belongs to a Japanese business-hotel chain and is a 5-minute walk from exit 5 of Gangnam Station. Guests rate it 8.4 out of 10 from 1,524 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its official website lists a free buffet breakfast from 7:00 to 9:30, a meeting room and an accessible Heartful room. Parking costs KRW 10,000 a night and is reserved by phone; check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 10:00. There is no pool, gym or bar.
9 Brick Hotel
9 Brick Hotel is in Hongdae, a 6-minute walk from Hongik University station, and Booking.com guests rate its location 9.4 out of 10. Guests rate the hotel 8.6 out of 10 from 1,107 guest reviews on Booking.com.
Its Booking.com listing shows a restaurant with outdoor seating and a bar, free valet parking, a 24-hour front desk with free baggage storage, a concierge and city-view rooms with a sofa and fridge. No pool or gym is listed.
Hotel Firststay Myeongdong
Hotel Firststay Myeongdong is on Sejong-daero, the City Hall side of Myeongdong, a 900 m walk from City Hall station, according to its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.9 out of 10 from 2,130 guest reviews on Booking.com.
The listing shows family rooms, a terrace, a tea and coffee maker and kettle in the rooms, a lift and free WiFi, and guests rate the location 9.6 out of 10. There is no on-site dining or gym listed.
How we chose these Seoul hotels
How we chose these Seoul hotels matters, because we have not stayed at them. The 12 hotels were chosen from public, checkable data: a precise location, a guest score on Booking.com and facilities read on the official website where one exists, all checked on 26 October 2026.
Where a hotel has no official website, or its website blocks automated checks, the facilities come from its Booking.com listing. South Korea does have an official hotel star grading, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (hotelrating.or.kr), but we have not checked each hotel’s grade, so this list shows no official star category; any star level mentioned is the hotel’s or Booking.com’s own description. No hotel pays to be listed; see the editorial policy and the affiliate disclosure.
Before you book a hotel in Seoul
- Check whether your passport needs a K-ETA travel authorisation, and apply only through the official K-ETA website.
- A temporary K-ETA exemption for many nationalities runs until 31 December 2026 (KST), unless it is extended again; the K-ETA application shows whether your passport is exempt.
- Pick the district before the hotel: Gangnam is south of the Han River, while the palaces are in the old city.
- Several hotels here are within a 10-minute walk of a subway station, from Gangnam to Hongik University and Jonggak.
- Guest scores change; the figures here were read on 26 October 2026, so check the latest before booking.
When a Seoul hotel is the wrong choice
A Seoul hotel is the wrong choice if you want beaches or a slow island trip. The capital is about districts, food and palaces; for the coast, see our Busan hotels guide, and for volcanic scenery our Jeju Island hotels guide.
For the wider route, start with the South Korea guide. To see how we pick hotels, read about Travel Guide Kit. For more of Asia, see our Malaysia and Philippines guides, and for Europe browse where to stay or things to do.
More hotel guides
Other hotel guides for South Korea:
Where to stay in Seoul
If none of these hotels fits, the areas below are where the other good options are. The map shows the same property across Booking.com and Agoda, with prices live from them.
Common questions
What is the best area to stay in Seoul for first-timers?
The best area to stay in Seoul for first-timers is Myeongdong or Insadong. Myeongdong is central for shopping and transport, while Insadong puts Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon Stream within easy reach. Hongdae suits nightlife, and Gangnam suits business trips south of the river.
Which Seoul hotel has the best guest score?
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Gangnam has the best guest score on this list, 9.7 out of 10 on Booking.com when read on 26 October 2026. Hotel28 Myeongdong follows with 9.3, then Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong and RYSE with 9.0 each.
Which Seoul hotels have a pool?
On this list, Josun Palace, Le Méridien Seoul Myeongdong, Grand Hyatt Seoul, Mondrian Seoul Itaewon and L7 Hongdae have pools. Grand Hyatt lists three, L7 Hongdae has a rooftop pool on the 22nd floor, and Josun Palace’s indoor pool looks over the Gangnam skyline.
Where should families stay in Seoul?
Families do well at Grand Hyatt Seoul, with three pools and an ice skating rink, or in Insadong, where Nine Tree has Family Kids rooms with a bunk bed and Hotel Sunbee lends strollers, cribs and bottle sterilisers free. Firststay in Myeongdong lists family rooms.
Written and checked by
Travel Guide Kit Editorial
An editorial desk, not an invented persona. Every opening time, ticket price and transport connection here is checked against the operator’s own website and carries the date it was read. Where a page cannot draw on direct experience, it says so.