If you’re planning a trip to Seoul and want to make your stay extra memorable, a 5-star hotel can turn an ordinary trip into a luxurious getaway. Over two months, I stayed at eight top-rated hotels in Seoul, nearby Incheon, and even coastal Gangwon-do.
Whether you’re visiting for a family trip, a romantic escape, or a solo luxury retreat, here’s my personal review of each hotel—what they do best, where they fall short, and which ones are worth your time (and budget).
1. Lotte Hotel World – Best Value + Theme Park Access
Located in Jamsil, Lotte Hotel World connects directly to Lotte World theme park via the “Wonder Door.” This makes it a dream for families—kids can enjoy rides in the morning, rest in the hotel in the afternoon, and head back in the evening.
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Average Price: 440,000 KRW (includes breakfast for 2 + park tickets)
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Highlight: Newly renovated rooms, kids’ lounge, indoor pool
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Tip: Book a lake-view room for a more scenic stay.
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| "Lobby interior of Lotte Hotel World in Seoul with elegant lighting, directly connected to Lotte World theme park via Wonder Door, ideal for family staycations." |
2. Sofitel Ambassador Seoul – Lakeside French Luxury
Right by Seokchon Lake and Lotte Tower, Sofitel blends French elegance with one of Seoul’s most beautiful urban views. The lakeside pool and Diptyque amenities add to the charm.
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Average Price: 440,000 KRW (breakfast for 2)
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Highlight: Jacuzzi & outdoor bath with lake view
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Tip: Book during cherry blossom season for spectacular scenery.
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| "Lake view from Sofitel Ambassador Seoul guest room, featuring Seokchon Lake, Lotte Tower, and a luxurious bathtub with Diptyque amenities." |
3. Signiel Seoul – Once-in-a-Lifetime Heights
Occupying the upper floors of Lotte World Tower, Signiel offers panoramic views from the 91st floor—easily one of the most breathtaking urban views in Korea.
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Average Price: 580,800 KRW (Premier Room + River View Bath)
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Highlight: High-end amenities, panoramic bathrooms
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Tip: Ideal for anniversaries or proposals, but not the most kid-friendly.
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| "Panoramic night view of the Han River and Seoul skyline from Signiel Seoul’s 91st-floor Premier Room with floor-to-ceiling windows." |
4. Shilla Hotel Seoul – Classic Korean Luxury
A landmark hotel near Namsan, The Shilla is known for impeccable service and family-focused packages. The breakfast buffet at Parkview is among Seoul’s most famous.
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Average Price: 627,000 KRW (breakfast for 2 adults + 1 child)
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Highlight: Indoor & outdoor pools, kids’ activities
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Tip: Weekday outdoor pool access is 13+ only.
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| "남산 녹지를 배경으로 한 신라호텔 서울 파크뷰 레스토랑의 한식·양식 조식 뷔페." |
5. Paradise City Incheon – Entertainment Resort for All Ages
Near Incheon Airport, Paradise City is more like a luxury resort complex than just a hotel. It has its own indoor amusement park, large pools, and an art-filled plaza.
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Average Price: 605,000 KRW (breakfast for 2)
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Highlight: Wonderbox theme park, big kids’ lounge, art installations
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Tip: Perfect for families with a long layover in Korea.
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| "Indoor swimming pool at Paradise City Incheon with spacious design, large windows, and direct access to Wonderbox indoor theme park." |
6. Inspire Resort – Grand but Incomplete
One of Korea’s newest mega-resorts, Inspire has an impressive scale, with a shopping mall and performance spaces, but its pool facilities are underwhelming.
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Average Price: 506,000 KRW (breakfast for 2)
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Highlight: Whale-themed performance hall, modern interiors
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Tip: Better for shopping and shows than a poolside holiday.
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| "Modern lobby of Inspire Resort near Incheon Airport, featuring chandelier lighting, spacious seating areas, and upscale architectural details." |
7. Skybay Simark Hotel Gangneung – Ocean View Perfection
If you want a beach escape within a few hours of Seoul, Skybay Simark offers one of Korea’s most stunning ocean views from its infinity pool.
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Average Price: 704,000 KRW (Corner Room + breakfast + sauna)
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Highlight: Panoramic ocean views, infinity pool
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Tip: Best for peaceful stays; book the corner room if available.
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| "Infinity pool at Skybay Simark Hotel Gangneung overlooking the East Sea, with panoramic ocean views and clear blue skies." |
8. Cassia Sokcho – Spacious Coastal Comfort
Located in Sokcho, Cassia offers large rooms with kitchens, making it great for longer stays. The ocean-view balconies are perfect for morning coffee.
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Average Price: 517,000 KRW (breakfast for 2 + kids’ club access)
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Highlight: Family club, kids’ pool, spacious rooms
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Tip: Watch out for high facility fees if not included in your package.
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| "Balcony ocean view from Cassia Sokcho’s Premier King Room, showing Sokcho coastline and a family-friendly atmosphere with kids’ facilities." |
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Hotel | Price (2 pax) | View | Pool | Family Friendly | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lotte Hotel World | 440k | Lake | ○ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel | 440k | Lake | ○ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Signiel | 580k | City/River | △ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shilla | 620k | City | ◎ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Paradise | 600k | Standard | ◎ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Inspire | 500k | Standard | △ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Simark | 700k | Ocean | ◎ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cassia | 510k | Ocean | ○ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
🏆 My Recommendations for Visitors to Seoul
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Best Value: Lotte Hotel World (great if you plan to visit the theme park)
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Best View: Skybay Simark Hotel Gangneung (unmatched ocean panorama)
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Best for Families: Paradise City Incheon
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Best for Special Occasions: Signiel Seoul
