How to find the best hotel deal in Seoul
Love how simple it is to book flights with us? The same smart search engine is a pro at uncovering deals on Seoul hotels too. Give these tips a go to save on where you'll rest your head.
Plan your stay ahead of time to save on your Seoul hotel. You'll also have a greater range of stays and room types to choose from, especially during peak seasons.
That being said, booking at the last minute can work to your advantage. Some places drop their rates a day or two before arrival to fill rooms that would otherwise stay empty.
Another travel tip for cheaper hotels? Stay flexible. If your itinerary isn't written in stone, check prices across different dates and discover just how much you can save.
Avoid surprise fees later on by searching for stays that offer free cancellation. If your dates shift or a better deal pops up, you can cancel without penalty.
Where to stay in Seoul
Central Seoul
Central Seoul places you right in the heart of it all. If sightseeing is on your to-do list, stay at any of these hotels and you'll find yourself close to some big-name attractions.
If you're searching for hotels near Gyeongbokgung Palace, check in to Glue Hotel Dongdaemun. This 3-star Seoul hotel is around 2 kilometres from this well-known sight and gets a lot of bookings from business travellers.
On the hunt for hotels near Bukchon Hanok Village? Hotel The Botanik Sewoon Myeongdong is around 2 kilometres away. Rated 4 stars, this hotel in Seoul appeals to couples in particular.
Or experience the best of the city from one of the hotels near N Seoul Tower. L’Escape, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Myeongdong is 2 kilometres or so from this leading sight. It's a dependable choice for couples and has a 4-star rating.
Mapo-gu
Looking for some extra options on where to stay? Pick from comfortable hotels close to the best sights in Mapo-gu.
You'll find some fantastic hotels near Hongdae Street if you're planning to explore this big attraction. Shinchon Mayven Hotel - Foreign Tourist Tax Return Hotel is a guest favourite that comes with a 2-star rating. This hotel in Seoul often pulls in positive feedback for its location.
Search for hotels near Modern Design Museum if this is on your itinerary. Hotel Naru Seoul - MGallery Collection is a 5-star accommodation option that's close by. Travellers who have booked a stay at this Seoul hotel have good things to say about its rooms.
There's plenty to get excited about in the range of hotels near Dangin-ri Cherry Blossom Street too. You'll be able to easily get to this attraction (and explore the rest of Mapo-gu) from Sinchon Brown Dot Sinchon Branch. One of the highlights for guests at this 2-star stay is its service.
Browse the full lineup of hotels in Mapo-gu and find a place that feels made for your trip.
When to go to Seoul
If you want to visit during peak season, book your hotel in Seoul for August. This is when the city's calendar is packed with events and activities, giving you plenty to fill your days with.
March is the quietest month to go. Lock in a Seoul hotel then and you can look forward to a more relaxed experience.
Think about the type of weather you prefer when deciding your travel dates. With maximum highs of 32ºC, August offers the warmest conditions.
January is the coolest time of year, with lows of -12ºC.
Hoping for clearer skies? Search for Seoul hotels in January. This is the driest time to visit, with three days of rain on average.
July has the wettest weather. You can expect around 12 days of rainfall.
Best hotels in Seoul
Best budget hotels
Keep your travel spend in check by choosing from around 610 budget Seoul hotels. Ideal for when you want to spend less on where you sleep and more on seeing the sights, these stays come with the basics like toiletries, fresh linens, and simple breakfast options.
SL Hotel Myeongdong is a 3-star option in Myeongdong that delivers comfort without the fuss or frills. A 24-hour front desk and internet access are among its many amenities.
Set within the neighbourhood of Yangcheong-gu, MUST Stay Hotel Sinjeongnegeori Station delivers 2-star value. Practical perks such as Wi-Fi and heating are there to make your Seoul hotel stay more seamless.
Another simple win for your budget is Crossing Hotel. This 2-star stay is located in Yangcheong-gu and features parking and Wi-Fi.
Best 4-star hotels in Seoul
When you'd like a little extra from your stay, the 4-star hotels in Seoul deliver. With around 120 choices, they generally offer rooms with character, attentive service, and extras like restaurants, bars, and guest lounges. These hotels bring the bling without the cha-ching.
Concierge assistance and massage services are the start of the things that add to the guest experience at Nostalgia Hanok Hotel. This 4-star accommodation option is located in Jongno-gu.
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok is another top pick. You'll find thoughtful amenities like room service and a lobby bar at this Seoul hotel in Gangseo-gu.
Glad Gangnam Coex Centre is one more tempting addition to your list. Located in Gangnam-gu, it wins guests over with room service, a restaurant and more.
Best luxury 5-star hotels
When only the best will do, you'll find around 30 5-star hotels in Seoul ready to roll out the red carpet. These types of stays generally come with premium features like fine dining restaurants, wellness treatments, and executive lounges. Jung-gu is home to most of the city's luxury hotels.
Escape the everyday at Hotel Naru Seoul - MGallery Collection. Concierge assistance and a restaurant help take the guest experience up a notch at this Mapo-gu hotel.
Alternatively, give yourself the break you deserve at Walkerhill Douglas House. This 5-star Seoul hotel is located in Kwangjang-dong and offers massage services, a restaurant and plenty more.
The Ambassador Seoul - A Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu knows how to impress too. Take advantage of its many amenities such as an indoor swimming pool and valet parking.
Best hotels in Seoul for families
Heading away with the kids? You need a hotel that offers more than just a bed. Activity centres, childcare services, kitchenettes, and laundry facilities make family escapes easier. You'll find roughly 50 family-friendly hotels in Seoul standing by for your crew.
Leave more room in your budget for family experiences by choosing Stay Everyday. This affordable 2-star option comes with amenities like Wi-Fi and express check-in.
If you'd like a more luxurious experience, treat the kids (and yourself) to an escape at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul. This 5-star Seoul hotel features a lift and bicycle rentals and is located in Seocho-gu.
Best hotels with a spa
Swap your walking shoes for a pair of fluffy slippers at a Seoul hotel with a spa. With roughly 160 to choose from, they make relaxation a priority. Many offer features like saunas, hot tubs, beauty treatments, and hydrotherapy pools. You'll find most of these stays in Jung-gu.
Time for a reset? Come rest at L’Escape, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Myeongdong. This 4-star option in Jung-gu has a spa and concierge assistance.
You can also enjoy a little TLC at Ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong-Newly Renovated in 2025. This 4-star hotel in Seoul offers room service, a spa and more. It's located in Jongno-gu.
After checking in to Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeong-Dong, you'll wonder why you ever stayed anywhere else. This Myeongdong option has a 4-star rating and comes with amenities such as room service and concierge assistance.
Best hotels with a pool
There are around 60 pool hotels in Seoul, each with its own look and feel. City hotels tend to offer indoor or rooftop pools, while resorts generally go big with multiple swimming areas and extras like water slides. Whether you're here for rest or fun, you'll find a stay that fits.
Relaxing moments by the water will define your stay at Hotel Naru Seoul - MGallery Collection. With an indoor swimming pool, a minibar and a ticket office, this 5-star Seoul hotel is located in Mapo-gu.
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Magok also guarantees you a good time. You'll find an indoor swimming pool, a bar and Wi-Fi at this 4-star stay in Gangseo-gu.
Or add a little play to your getaway at Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole. You'll have access to a children's pool, a fitness centre and a coffee maker at this 5-star hotel in Gwangjin-gu.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Travelling with your furry friend? Pet-friendly hotels often come with comfy pet beds, feeding bowls, and designated outdoor areas. Some even go the extra mile with things like grooming and dog-walking services. With around 70 Seoul hotels that welcome pets, your best buddy can come along too.
Check in with your sidekick at Mia Hwanggeum. This 2-star pet-friendly hotel in Seoul is based in Gangbuk-gu. You'll find conveniences here like a 24-hour front desk and parking.
RYSE, Autograph Collection is another place that'll treat your loyal companion like family. This 4-star accommodation option in Mapo-gu offers a cafe and express check-out.
Rated 3 stars, Oakwood Yeouido Park Seoul provides thoughtful touches for pets too. It's in Yŏŭido-dong and includes wake-up call services and internet access.
Flying to Seoul
Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Book a flight to Seoul and touch down at Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), this city's main airport. It's around 48 kilometres from the centre.
It takes around 1 hour to reach central Seoul by taxi or ride-share. The journey by public transport is roughly 50 minutes.
Nest Hotel Incheon is a handy place to stay if you're flying in after dark. Within easy reach of the runway, make the most of a golf course and a variety of other useful features.
Or stay close to ICN at New Guest House, which has a 2-star rating. Reviewers have given it 4-plus out of 5 for its overall experience.
Need another recommendation? Capsule Hotel DarakHyu - Incheon Int'l Airport T2 offers comfort you can count on before or after a flight. Plenty of business travellers make this 2-star hotel their go-to.
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
You can also travel to Seoul through Gimpo International Airport (GMP), which is around 18 kilometres from the city centre.
Once you've grabbed your luggage from the carousel, it'll take roughly 30 minutes to reach the city by car. Public transport will take about 35 minutes.
After a Seoul hotel close to GMP? Mayfield Hotel Seoul helps you rest easy before or after your flight. Amenities like accessible parking and a steam room only add to the convenience of this 5-star stay.
LOTTE City Hotel Gimpo Airport is another place that does comfort well. Families in particular often choose this 4-star option.
With overall guest ratings above 4 out of 5, Jakjeon Dream Palace was made for frequent flyers. You'll also be near GMP if you pick this 2-star stay.
