Stay here: Sofitel Ambassador Seoul

What’s the deal?

For a hotel situated in the heart a major metropolis, the view outside the Sofitel Ambassador in Seoul is surprisingly tranquil. Seokchon Lake glitters in the dawn light, while in spring it is adorned with over 1,000 pink cherry blossom trees.

The Sofitel is housed in a shimmering black-glassed skyscraper, and it has a cool air of modern elegance that is less Palace of Versailles and more chic Parisian penthouse. Whether it’s the luxury rooms, prestige suites, or residential apartments, the Sofitel Seoul draws inspiration from both its Korean heritage and classic French roots.

Croissant displays and Korean seaweed soup sit astride marble breakfast buffets at Fait Maison in a nod to the hotel’s host country, while calming eggshell whites and sumptuous furniture choices result in a tranquil comforting sanctuary. 

French cuisine is featured in the bars, cafés and restaurants here, though Mio stands out with a fusion Japanese-Korean menu that includes sumptuous Hanwoo beef, as well as a sushi counter. Slip behind a door disguised as a brick wall on the 32nd floor and you’ll find Latitude32, one of the city’s hidden gems that boasts enviable Seoul skyline views, classic cocktails and an impressive whisky selection. 

Why stay?

Stay in one of the Luxury Lake rooms and you’ll find it hard to pull yourself away from those sweeping views outside. Inside, a gentle colour palette of navy blues and soft, cloudy whites ensure a room that’s quiet and calming – a welcome retreat following an afternoon exploring the busy city. On top of this, the warm service and chorus of bonjours whenever you return make this a home away from home, as any exceptional hotel should be. 

Exclusive Parisian comforts including Diptyque products, a super soft king-sized bed and a standing bath make it a hard place to leave, though the Korean barbecue restaurants, shopping at Olive Young and Lotte World theme park will eventually coax you out. And although it’s some distance from tourist hotspots such as Myeongdong and Hongdae, the nearby malls, Gangnam district, and easy access to the train station make the Sofitel a fitting choice for those who want to be close to the action. 

For those who love luxury swimming, the 16th floor indoor pool is a sight to behold with floor-to-ceiling windows offering more stunning views of the city. Overhead, turquoise-speckled tiles recall the glittering night sky, though the outdoor jacuzzi provides the real thing for some al fresco bathing.

Cathay editors say...

“Charming bicycles with rattan baskets are parked outside the entrance to the hotel, ready for guests to hop on and ride around Seokchon Lake. As a complimentary rental service, it’s an unmissable experience in the spring when cherry blossoms ring the lake in porcelain pink blossoms and scatter the paths with petals.”