Top 10 most luxurious hotels in Seoul

This five-star hotel is a vertiginous experience in the Myeongdong district... Perched above the hustle and bustle of the city, the two buildings are the tallest in Seoul. Like all the other hotels in the Lotte group, the hotel is connected to a huge department stores' and also to a metro station.

The complex has a traditional yet modern look, with striped wallpaper, hooded lamps and large rectangular chandeliers in the lobby.

Its 1,150 rooms are soberly decorated, but all boast breathtaking views over the city. Another tempting detail: the hotel offers six restaurants (including the only three-star Michelin restaurant in the country), a gym and a spa with an indoor swimming pool.

The enchanting mix of old and new throughout Seoul is also revealed in one of its finest luxury hotels: the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul.

Inside, nothing is left to chance. The superb contemporary design pays tribute to Korean traditions. A large hall serves as a living space and gives access to the gourmet market, several restaurants and an indoor golf simulator.

Its dream décor was designed by the luxurious French brand Cartier. The icing on the cake: the bay windows in the rooms show off the mountains around the city, Guanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The Shilla Seoul has been the go-to hotel for movie stars, titans of industry and statesmen for over 40 years. Named after one of Korea's three ancient kingdoms, the Shilla became Seoul's first luxury hotel when it opened its doors in 1973, and it still maintains its fine reputation.

Located next to Jangchungdan Park behind the old city walls, the hotel has hosted weddings for some of Korea's biggest stars: Moon Hee-Jun (a musician and singer), Jun Ji-hyun (actress in the series Kingdom), Jeon Do-yeon (actress who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for Secret Sunshine).

Renowned designer Peter Remedios completely renovated the hotel in 2013. The main lobby welcomes guests with a stunning crystal chandelier that elegantly spans the length of the ceiling. Remedios has blended Korean tradition with the contemporary for the interiors. Blonde woods, neutral and understated wall coverings bring a cohesive look to the 464 Western and Korean rooms and suites.

As well as the sophisticated rooms, upmarket restaurants and luxury spa, it's the levels of service and commitment to guest privacy that have made it famous.

The Park Hyatt Seoul, an ultra-chic five-star urban hotel, is located in the middle of Seoul's thriving Gangnam business district. This iconic glass-walled hotel offers superb facilities, including three restaurants and a fully equipped spa, as well as unrivalled customer service.

This elegant, state-of-the-art glass tower was designed for the Japanese design company Super Potato, and skilfully combines innovation with traditional Korean style. The building reveals itself through natural light, water and traditional materials such as oak and maple wood, stone and granite. Each floor contains priceless Korean artefacts and curiosities.

Discreet luxury is assured in the 185 spacious rooms, 38 of which are suites. Contemporary décor is complemented by honey-toned wooden floors and furniture, fine antiques and art, and textiles in neutral tones. The bay windows offer breathtaking views of Gangnam.

A leader in luxury and serenity, the Banyan hotel group has set up a beautiful establishment in Seoul. Located on the slopes of Mount Namsam, the Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul offers a respite from the hectic life of the urban capital.

Housed in the historic Tower Hotel created in 1967 by the famous architect Kim Swoo Geun (the man behind the construction of Seoul's Olympic Stadium), the current hotel offers a modern interior thanks to the in-house design firm Architrave. And the result is fascinating: the hotel perfectly combines Banyan Tree's signature warmth with Korean hospitality.

A stay here wouldn't be complete without a visit to the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa - the ultimate pampering experience for a rejuvenating getaway.

Upscale and generous with spectacular works of art, Josun Palace is one of Seoul's most elegant luxury hotels.

The hotel is like an open-air museum, with around 400 unique works of art scattered around the property. The interior design is also breathtaking, from the gold and marble in the garden to the ceiling lights. A particular highlight: the lobby is home to an imposing and magnificent statue of 'Blue Calcite Eroded Moses' by Daniel Arsham.

The hotel is located between Yeoksam and Seolleung station, in the affluent Gangnam district. It is part of the highly reputed Josun Hotel & Resorts group in Korea. Since the early 2000s, the hotel group has added eight more properties to its portfolio. Josun Palace, a luxury collection hotel, is their most recent, opening in May 2021.

The five-star Grand Hyatt Seoul has been offering impeccable service for half a century. It is set in idyllic, landscaped gardens and boasts numerous restaurants, two swimming pools, tennis courts and a sumptuous spa.

The hotel has been designed to reflect the cultural heritage of the region, incorporating Feng Shui principles with natural elements such as wood, granite and stone. The communal areas are adorned with vibrant shrubs and flowers and traditional and contemporary Korean art. Animal sculptures can be found dotted around the hotel and in the grounds.

There are 615 elegant rooms and suites, all with bay windows offering magnificent views of the Han River or Mount Namsan. Natural wood and discreetly elegant textiles lend an air of sophistication to the rooms.

Opening in October 2021, the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul is located in the Jamsil area, approximately 50 minutes from Myeongdong and 1 hour and 50 minutes from the airport by public transport.

As you would expect from a Sofitel, the interiors are luxuriously furnished, with polished marble floors and incredible chandeliers. The hotel is a 32-storey building offering 403 rooms and suites and 160 serviced flats. The interior adopts Parisian residential style facilities, facing Lake Seokchon with beautiful cherry blossoms.

The Sofitel Ambassador Seoul features a spa, gym, 16-metre indoor pool and children's pool on the 25th floor, as well as a children's club and business centre on the 5th floor, all overlooking the beautiful scenery of Lake Shichon.

Located in the fashionable Gangnam district, the striking interiors of this hotel are the work of a design studio inspired by traditional Korean textile art. The result is playful, colourful and understated, with modern lines.

Each room has a large, soft bed, large windows and a heavenly rain shower - book a room with a balcony to make the most of the city views.

The fitness and wellness facilities are equally stylish, including an indoor pool, spa and gym. The open-air dining rooms are charming and the breakfast buffet is sensational.

In the Yeouido business district and close to Seoul's airports, the hotel mixes business with pleasure, with meeting rooms, an executive lounge, a fully-equipped spa and restaurants. However, the hotel offers a warm and luxurious decor and ultra-comfortable rooms and suites.

Each comes with a heavenly soft bed, a Nespresso machine, a deep bath and a relaxing rain shower.

There are excellent fitness facilities, including a 25-metre swimming pool, a large gym, golf courses (including a virtual 'screen golf' area), lessons and a sauna.