Lodging In Seoul
 

We are travelling (leisure) to Seoul in early November, and are trying to decide where to stay. We are looking for "club level" in an upscale hotel. Internet research shows that Ritz-Carlton, Radisson, and Renaissance are the cheapest. Has anyone experienced these places--what do you think? Any input will be appreciated.

All three are fine, but location may be a more important factor. The Radisson (people in Seoul call it the Plaza) is in central Seoul (close to cultural attractions), while the other two are in Kangnam, a new area south of the river, home to tech and financial companies, apartment blocks, and upscale nightlife. Commuting between those two areas by anything but subway is unpractical.

The Ritz is probably the poshest of the three. At the Plaza, there is quite a difference between the nicer rooms and the smaller ones targeted at Japanese weekend tourists; the more attractive prices you will find usually mean the latter.

While opinions differ, I would recommend to a couple on a sightseeing visit to stay downtown, rather than in Kangnam.

This thread may provide further insights:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/005942.html

Westin Chosun is the answer...very close to the Radisson (Plaza), but much nicer. See "worldbanker's" comments of January 6th in the abovementioned thread. He's absolutely right.

Second the vote for Westin Choson if possible. Great hotel in a good location.

Westin it is. Thanks to Monahos, SeoulMan, and Jenbel for superb information.

Just completed a five day stay at the Westin Chosun and it was great. As a Platinum was upgraded to a Executive Grand Room. The reception said the hotel was very busy and they could not give me a suite. Was very happy with the Exec Grand Room, since it was at least double the size of their deluxe room with a huge shower/bath combo. Asked for a got this room on the same floor as the Executive lounge on the 17th floor. Since I was meeting friends and clients it was great to be near the lounge so that we could have drinks and sit and talk. Be warned that there is a charge for friends in the lounge.

The women concierge were outstanding, friendly and very professional. Better than the male waiters who were kind of stuffy.

You will not go wrong staying at the Chosun.

I have only stayed at the 2 Hiltons in Seoul but can say that both of them should be sufficient for your needs. Both have executive floors. The Grand Hilton Seoul has internet PCs in all of their exec floor rooms and suites. I think you have to request a PC on the exec floor at the Seoul Hilton. The Seoul Hilton is right next to Namdaemun Market while the Grand Hilton is about 15 mins away.(free shuttle bus service to several locations.) Just wanted to give you some more choices.

I'm heading to Seoul in October 2016 for a conference and looking at lodging.

The conference itself is at the Seoul Conrad, but that's going to be a hard sell to feorlen and my co-founder(unlike most of the attendees, I'm 1 of 3 in a broke-... little startup and not on expenses.)

What other Int'l brand hotels are in the area and/or within a 20-minute bus/subway ride ?

I actually looked at the local YHA/HI, but they didn't have private rooms and it seemed to be a good ways away from the Conrad.

Thanks for your help!

If you must have an international brand hotel, within 20 minutes, your options are slim. The closest would be The Plaza or The Westin. And they're more like 30-35 minutes with an annoying transfer Line 9 to Line 1.

If you don't need an international hotel, try Lotte Hotel (official name Lotte City Hotel Mapo) in Gongdeok. It will be substantially cheaper in the 100-150 USD range. It's on Line 5, same as the Conrad. Both hotels are accessed from the subway stations.

The Gongdeok area has a good market and options in the neighborhood and is extremely convenient as the Airport Train stops here as well. Honestly, that area feels very local, too. It also connects to Line 6 (Itaewon). Line 5 also takes you towards Gwanghwamun and central Seoul for tourist sites.

If you have a little more money, you might try JW Marriott at Express Bus Terminal or the Ritz at Sinnonhyeon. These are both on Line 9 Express and take barely 10 minutes, but fair warning. Line 9 Express is continually 1,000%, push your way into the car crowded even at night. Mornings are no joke, sometimes having to wait for two trains or so due to the crowds. Local train is often way less crowded and only 20 minutes.

The other Hiltons and Hyatts are not really conveniently located within 20 minutes. Sure, taxis are an option, but with traffic in the mornings pre conference etc, time and money add up quickly. By subway, they require a few out of the way changes.

There is also Sheraton D Cube City at Yeongdeungpo, just two stops away (transfer at Singil Line 1). That being said, transferring to Line 1 can be sometimes confusing because the line splits off in many ways and being sure of which direction train could be a problem. It is just one stop, so it shouldn't be that bad really.

There is a Shilla Stay Hotel at Gongdeok station. Prices typically range around $100-150 a night. The hotel itself is new, modern and clean.

Near Seoul Station is 4 Points by Sheraton, Namsan.

Also, there is Courtyard by Marriott in Namdaemun. Brand new and getting good reviews by visitors. Courtyard by Marriott in Seoul are much nicer than ones typically found in the States. You might also consider Glad Hotel located in Yeoido. Excellent reviews and it would be a nice walk to/from Conrad going through Yeoido park.

I use Hotels.com frequently and the reviews people leave give good insight as to the quality of the hotel. I put some random dates in for Oct. and it was just over $100 a night.

Random tip: Every Friday and Saturday night (6pm - 11pm) until Oct, there are a lot of good food trucks, live music and various items on sale along the Han river at in Yeoido. It is called Seoul Bamdokkaebi Market.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I ended up booking the Courtyard on hotels.com as it hit pretty much all the marks I set out. Got it for $140/night for 4 nights. Looks walkable(-ish) on the map.

I'll report back w/ how it all worked out.