Arrival/Check-In: I flew into Seoul from Taiwan on a Tuesday evening and stayed at Lotte Hotel until my departure on Saturday. The hotel sits in downtown Seoul near Myeongdong and the Central Business District, surrounded by business and tourist attractions. My first impression was excellent: a Mercedes-Benz car service delivered me to an attractively decorated entrance, lit for the holiday season. Check-in at the front desk took under ten minutes, and staff promptly escorted me to my suite.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in a Club Floor deluxe suite in the Main Building with city views. The suite was much larger than I expected—roomier than many urban apartments—and easily comfortable for more than one guest. The design felt fresh and recently renovated, with a grand entry hallway that led into the living area. The first guest bathroom was immediately to the right of the entrance.
The living area included a seating arrangement with a couch, chairs, coffee table and a large flat-screen TV. A dining table with seating for six made the suite well suited for families or small business gatherings. An executive desk along the window provided a functional workspace with useful office supplies—handy for business travelers. The separate bedroom featured its own sitting area and a spacious closet with laundry amenities. The bed used he:on brand bedding, which provided comfortable support; I slept well on the king-sized mattress and pillows.
The bathroom was exceptional: a well-thought-out layout with a double vanity, dedicated makeup area, separate shower, bathtub and toilet. High-quality towels and a powerful unattached hair dryer were available, and the overall design felt luxurious and practical.
Services/Amenities: The property consists of a Main Building and a New Wing. The New Wing houses Pierre Gagnaire à Seoul, a three-Michelin-star restaurant. In total there are six on-site restaurants, including a bakery. The Club Lounge on the 31st floor of the Main Building claims to be one of the largest exclusive business lounges in Korea, and I enjoyed breakfast there most mornings.
Room service offers a wide range of options—Korean, American, Japanese and healthier choices—suitable for international tastes. Other facilities include a business center, salon, fitness center, sauna, Sulwhasoo Spa and an indoor pool. All guestrooms provide complimentary WiFi. The hotel also offers meeting and wedding venues, and staff members can communicate in Korean, English, Mandarin and Japanese. Nearby attractions within walking distance or a short transit ride include Lotte Duty Free, Namdaemun Market, Insadong, Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung.
The Experience: My stay at Lotte Hotel Seoul was outstanding. The suite’s luxurious design and thoughtful amenities made it difficult to leave, and the comfort and service felt tailored for VIP guests. The Lotte brand’s reputation for sophistication and quality is reflected clearly in this property. Overall, Lotte Hotel Seoul added a memorable touch to my first trip to the city.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet: yes
Check-in under 10 minutes: yes
Separate tub and shower: yes
Large vanity: yes
High-quality towels: yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer: yes
High-quality bed linens: yes
Large, flat-screen television: yes
Large desk with convenient outlets: yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi: yes
Complimentary bottled water: yes
Stocked minibar: yes
Ample lighting: yes
In-room coffeemaker: yes
Iron and ironing board: yes
On-site restaurant: yes
24-hour room service: yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center: yes
Turn-down service: yes
Lotte Hotel Seoul
30 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
tel 82 2 771 1000
lottehotel.com