We just stayed in one of the premium suites at the Park Hyatt Seoul and it was fantastic. Really good service, easy valet, and essentially connected via the subway to Coex, which we didn’t care about for stores but had a massive luxury food hall (and probably the most higher end shops in the city if you do want to shop). Downsides are an odd elevator layout and the fact that you’re far from certain major tourist attractions (like the palaces).

FS and shinla are the classic nice hotels but honestly dated compared to the better new hotels and not in the center of "happening" places in seoul. the best new hotel is Signiel (Lotte) but location-wise it's not super close to the places you'd want to visit.

the fairmont is relatively new and in a great location to get to places in seoul, and connected to two MASSIVE malls that you might want to spend hours in if you like shopping. or the conrad, which is right next to the fairmont. the fairmont is newer and nicer though.

All these answers are outdated. FS is fine and the Park Hyatt is nice enough, but one of the most underwhelming PHs in the world. The Josun Palace is far nicer than both and brand new with one is the most incredible breakfast spreads I've seen. And Marriott!

Four Seasons has an amazing Korean spa but their service (especially concierge) is very subpar. It’s conveniently located. Rooms are okay, were a bit underwhelming imo considering it’s a newer build.

Four seasons is nice. It’s also a short walk to Seoul Station. Public transport in infinity better than grabbing a kakao taxi.

I’ve also been to Korea multiple times. The stupid spicy chicken on a stick street food is amazing. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Try the street food.

Four Seasons is quite central and has one of my current favourite bars in Seoul - Oul Bar. Definitely worth checking out, even if you’re not staying there.

I stayed at L’Escape hotel in Myeongdong! It was amazing. Also the bar and restaurants there were great. It’s an easy, central neighborhood and the subway stop was right outside the hotel.

RYSE is super nice but it’s in Hongdae area where you can access the train station easily to reach such bars nearby etc. Loved our stay there.

Hotel 28. It’s part of Hyatt but is a small boutique with a cool theme. They honour the history of what myeongdong used to be.

Check out the Shilla Hotel and Lotte Hotel in Myeongdong. Signiel Seoul is also excellent and probably the best Korean brand hotel in Seoul. It’s in Lotte Tower.

I’ve just been to both JW’s. They’re both good, but JW Seoul is the more luxurious and larger hotel. I would recommend.

JW Marriott Seoul

For tourist stuff

• Le Meridien Myeongdong
• JW Marriott Dongdaemun

is more appealing to me personally. places like Euljiro, SeongSu, Anguk. are more accessible and I personally didn't see much reason to go GangNam (south of the river)

I stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun (which is close by Le Meridien and Dongdaemun) and rooms were good and really liked the breakfast options as Platinum member breakfast was included at 2nd floor buffet and I was happy with lounge but never experienced other lounges before so nothing to compare to.

First time experiencing Marriott in Seoul as Plat and I enjoyed it myself.

JW Marriott Dongdaemun was nice, but food options weren’t appealing, especially for the price. It’s right on top the metro, though IMO there’s nothing to do around it if you’re going for touristy stuff.

if it's your first time in seoul and you want to actually go out and about, DO NOT stay at Josun Palace. It's a fantastic property (best Marriott in Korea) but terrible for tourists. Great for staycations.

If you really want a suite and have best chances of SNA clearing, JW Marriott Seoul is your best bet. It's a large property with many suites. I had 4 nights of SNA cleared for my stay in October. The property itself is not the most inspiring but it feels homey with comforting decor, and the best is one of the best beds I've slept in. Breakfast and lounge aren't anything crazy but I enjoyed it (main breakfast staple is bulgogi + rice + some variant of kimchi). If a gym access is a priority for you, it doesn't get any better than staying at the JW. Location wise not central but there are two subway lines right under the building, along with bus stops (express bus from Myeongdong area stops here), and if you plan on exploring other parts of Korea the regional express bus terminal is there as well.

LM is a great property with great food for brekkie and lounge (probably one of the best for marriott in Korea). Getting SNA cleared for 4 nights may be challenging, as is getting upgrades. Location wise very central and easy to get around.

We stayed in a club room at FS Seoul a couple of years ago and while the location and property were nice, we also had some service and miscommunication issues. Things just fell through the cracks there a bit. 

The breakfast buffet at the FS Seoul is one of the best I've ever had.

We stayed at the Four Seasons Seoul and the JW in Jeju on a recent trip to Korea.  The Four Seasons was a nice, generic type experience.  We loved the JW in Jeju.  We were upgraded by Sarah’s team and the brunch was insane!  It included caviar and loads of seafood and the best part was, it was free.  I have a feeling it had something to do with booking with Sarah.  Loved the yellow stone bath tub in the room.  The staff were also super friendly.  I’m sure the AC malfunctioning ruined it for you.  I was surprised you didn’t have a good time there but that sounds like a real fiasco.

I’d probably choose Signiel (Lotte) over the two properties you chose.

I’m surprised that you weren’t upgraded either time though!

Booking under the TA gave us breakfast, a 4S Seoul candle, access to the Korean sauna at 4S, $100 stay credit, welcome amenity, a performative visit from a hotel manager, and a couple of personal stay requests that always get fulfilled when traveling under the TA.

Also their knowledge & guidance - e.g. is it worth paying extra for the club rooms at 4S Seoul? Yes. The answer is yes.

I absolutely love the Plaza Seoul. Their breakfast isn't included but absolutely worth it. The food in the lounge at night is better than you get at most restaurants in the US. The concierge there was amazing. We were having a hard time buying tickets for a show online and she couldn't get our credit card to work either so she whipped out her own credit card and bought the tickets for us. We paid her back of course but she was truly a lifesaver. Pool is gorgeous and free for elites, otherwise you have to pay. Also really great location, so much is always happening in Seoul Plaza. Great access to metro and buses and walking around Myeongdong. The rooms are mostly jr suites too, so you have a nice sitting area and seperate sleeping area.

We stayed at Le Meridien two years ago; I thought the lounge was fantastic. But then, it was my only lounge outside the US, so I don't have much to compare. The only problem was that the food was so good, that we didn't go out to eat as much as we'd have liked :)

I spent a couple nights at the attached Moxy; it was surprisingly good, and had a nice breakfast for platinums, but it doesn't really compare to the higher end hotels.

We stayed a couple nights at the Ryze, which we really liked. Much more fun atmosphere than Le Meridien, fantastic suite upgrades, nice welcome gift. No lounge unfortunately, but the breakfasts were outstanding. Cool, younger neighborhood.

If you get down to Busan, we stayed at the Fairfield right on the beach, got fantastic suite upgrades with huge views over the bay. Loved that the showers had big glass walls looking out over the bay. Oddly though, no breakfast for elites, which seems so backwards coming from the US. But then, it really seemed to have no relation to Fairfields in the US in any real sense.

I like the le Meridien Seoul

We mostly stayed at the Westin Myeondong and always had great experience. We are platinum so had lounge access with decent foods but the free breakfast at the restaurant was outstanding. The spa/pool was also nice. Location is super good but the hotel is a little old overall.

For the upcoming trip (September) we are co side ring JW Marriott Gangnam. Questions for those who’ve stayed there: for elite members (platinum and above) do they provide free lounge access and free breakfast like other JWs? How about access to pool and spa/sauna? Any pros/cons we should know of? Thanks.

I recommend JW Marriott Gangnam, Josun Palace, and JW Marriott Dongdaemun.

Sofitel location is bit out of way for most touristic area
I heard Fairmont Seoul was bit underwhelming but it's getting better. It's in the financial corporation area where things get super busy during weekdays but become dead quiet in the evenings/ most of weekends. Hotel itself is just avg but I usually stay at Novotel Gangnam due to it's location and easy access to public transit, and i also mostly do things in gangnam. If you don't mind calling a taxi all the time, banyan tree is good for staycation wise as well as location, except it's in the mountain and no easy access without a car./taxi or long walk. Or ambassador seoul pullman / novotel would be a great option as well

Haven’t visited the Fairmont but did visit the Sofitel recently. Excellent experience, lounge was very good and extensive, great loyalty recognition (diamond as well). Let me know if you need HERA-rates.

Loved the Fairmont in Seoul, the attention and the service is incredible. It's literally next to the big shopping mall via a doorway, with an excellent food court too. Breakfast has one of the best aromatic duck as part of the buffet too. I heard Sofitel is good too but further out. Depends what you want to do in Seoul I guess.

Le Méridien Seoul, Myeongdong. It's a leisurely 10 minutes walk from Courtyard Seoul Namdaemun. In the super touristy district of Myeongdong though, thus I hate the traffic (both human and vehicles). Open for business on Nov 2022. Has lounge. Stayed once. Much better then the Westin.

I stayed at the courtyard years ago, and didn't have lounge access. I enjoyed the stay.

Also check flyer talk.

I really like The Plaza Seoul. I've stayed there a few times. If you're plat or above the lounge is REALLY nice and the evening appetizers can be a full meal. Breakfast in the restaurant is fantastic, even by asian standards, it's not free like the Le Meridien but even lounge breakfast is good. Location is superb, in Myeongdong, near Seoul Plaza. Rooms are nice with fun automation for drapes and lights. Would highly recommend.

I’m considering this property as well though I might only have marriott gold!

Do you think the location is a bit rowdy? Currently considering between Le Meridien and Four Seasons

this hotel absolutely rules. we were there during low season and lucked out with a massive suite with 2 bathrooms. excellent shower, fantastic location.

Excellent property, including the soft product of the staff.

Also enjoyed this hotel when I was in Seoul especially the lounge but the pricing for this hotel is so much higher now.

Really great property. Loved it here.

The Westin and Plaza are right next to each other and in a great location for a tourist’s first time to Seoul. The location is right outside the metro, and in the center of everything. I’d recommend the Westin. Honestly, I don’t think you’ll go wrong with any of these options but the Westin’s breakfast is top tier so for that reason alone I’d probably stay there. The JW is also likely nice but the location really isn’t the best imho. Not that it is unsafe or anything, just not as centrally located and less in the immediate surroundings that interested me.

There's also a Moxy/le meridian in Myeondong (3 Star and 5 Star hotel that share an entrance). The night market is right outside the door and windows, so if you like being in the middle of the action, it's great. I stayed there a few weeks ago and loved it

The Westin has the best breakfast and is within blocks of the Le Meridian, Plaza, and Courtyard. You are still near all the action. 

I wanted to follow up. We ended up picking the Westin and honestly loved it.

As many mentioned the service and breakfast is incredible. The rooms are dated in color / style but everything is solid. Pool is great with long hours, sauna included for titanium members. Service is absolutely incredible as well. Highly, highly recommend this hotel.

We also did the courtyard on a free night award, and it was great but the road getting to it is much busier than the Westin. If you want to save 100-130 bucks a night it’s still nice, but the Westin was a definitely a few steps above.

Also this hotel opened in 1914, and has pretty cool history!

Stayed at the plaza then the meridien in may this year:

Le Meridien in Myeongdong is an excellent hotel (although I did not try the breakfast), the rooms are modern and well appointed. I personally didn’t love myeongdong because it’s very busy, but it’s pretty easy to go anywhere from there.

Plaza feels much more lux although the rooms are a little more dated. Location also really good since the subway is basically in the hotel. You can walk to most palaces from there as well.

I was going to stay at the Ryse but after seeing how far Hongdae was, I switched to meridien and think that was the right call.