Strictly speaking, there is no well-defined Seoul City centre. Officially the area around City Hall up to Gyeongbokgung Palace would be considered the city centre, although other regions further south, like Gangnam, are contenders for the city’s central business district title. We have done a separate Gangnam hotels article, and will remain north of the River Han, around the palaces here.
Seoul City Centre is vast, with sprawling boulevards and lofty edifices. It is invigorating and oftentimes a little overwhelming. Therefore a good room is more essential than ever. There are some excellent quality deals across the range of stars, and this list helps the best shine through. Location, price and amenities are key factors, as well as the hotel’s ambience so that you can feel free from the hubbub despite it still being right outside the door.
Privates from $108/ night
The Ibis is a well-known chain and they have a number of properties across Seoul. Their Myeongdong branch is certainly the best in central Seoul however. Myeongdong is primarily a major shopping zone of the city. The Ibis, located right by the station, has a bar, restaurant and fitness centre. The rooms, for which breakfast is included, are pleasant and come furnished with a safe, air con, toiletries and an electric kettle. Most also have good views out on the city.
Privates from $75/ night
Situated next to the Cheonggyecheon, once a super highway that was bulldozed in favour of a pleasant streamside walk, Hotel Venue-G is in a quieter part of the centre without being isolated in any way. In has good proximity to the Changdeokgung Palace complex and the main shopping regions and sights of central Seoul. Rooms have cable TV, hairdryers, free wifi and bathtub for a relaxing soak after a long day of urban exploration.
Privates from $97/ night
With a touch of class, the Nine Tree Premier Hotel prioritises comfort and relaxation for their guests. Rooms want for nothing; even standard rooms have bathrobes, a sofa and city views, while fully stocked bathrooms have bathtubs and showers. There is also air conditioning, wifi as standard, as with practically every corner of Seoul, and interconnecting rooms are available. The hotel has some good facilities, including a fitness centre, bar and restaurant.
Privates from $73/ night
One of the best value four star hotel choices in central Seoul, Hotel Aventree has a great location as well, roughly in between the two main palaces of Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and a fitness centre. Rooms are ensuite and enjoy air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, bathrobe, slippers and haridryers. Please note that some of the room tariffs at this hotel do not include breakfast.
Privates from $55/ night
For a very reasonably priced ensuite room right in the centre of Seoul, the Sieoso offers surprising levels of comfort. The rooms are certainly snug as the most is made out of limited space in the city centre but each room has a bathroom, minibar, wardrobe and flatscreen TV. A cool feature of this hotel is the communal terrace for hotel guests, located on top of the building that offers good city views from a pleasant garden space.
