Stay here: Lotte Hotel Seoul review

What’s the deal?

Opened in 1979, Lotte Hotel Seoul – conveniently located between the Myeongdong and Cheonggyecheon neighbourhoods – is one of the city’s longest-standing luxury hotels, and occupies two towers: the Main Tower and the Executive Tower. The latter (and the more luxurious) was renovated in 2018 in a colour palette inspired by Goethe’s novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, whose female protagonist is the namesake of the Lotte brand. The location is top-notch, with City Hall and all the major palace attractions (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Gyeonghuigung), food markets and shopping malls to be found nearby. 

Why stay?

With its city-mountain view, Pierre Gagnaire’s eponymous contemporary French fine-dining restaurant is the crown jewel of the hotel’s dining programme. But there are also upscale Chinese, Japanese and Korean restaurants to try. For the true Korean experience, relax in the sauna, knock golf balls skywards at the 35m driving range and indulge in ginseng-focused treatments at Sulwhasoo Spa. It’s all here at Lotte Hotel Seoul.  

Don’t miss 

Book the Executive Premier room or above to enjoy newest lounge La Cime , where breakfast, afternoon tea and happy hour spreads are served.