I’m slowly becoming convinced that Seoul has some of the best hotels of any major city in the world. My recent one night stay at the Lotte Hotel has almost sealed the deal for me. Almost.
Everything about the experience (the check in process, the room, the view, etc.) was great. Nearly perfect even.
My only complaint? Maybe it was a bit too formal for my tastes. I wasn’t expecting such a hoity-toity experience.
A full review of my one night stay at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul
Note: I booked a Grand Deluxe Double Room (say that three times fast!) in the Executive Tower. In other words, what I’m about to show you is a slightly more upscale experience compared to a standard room in the main tower.
Location
The Lotte Hotel is located right in the heart of Seoul (30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu). As a matter fact, it’s just two blocks away from the Seoul Plaza Hotel – one of my favorite hotels anywhere in the world.
The immediate area is very walkable (and lively). There are a wide variety of shops and restaurants to explore in every direction. I’m telling ya – you’ve gotta be a total curmudgeon to not like how centrally located this hotel is.
The lobby (and checking in)
There are two lobbies at this property. The one on the ground floor is for guests in the main tower. The lobby for Executive Tower guests is located on the 7th floor (in the Executive Tower). Both are extremely impressive.
Getting to my room
Finding my room was relatively quick and easy. It was also extremely impressive (at least visually). It almost felt too fancy for a little peon like me.
My room
I had fairly high hopes for the Grand Deluxe Double Room. I mean, with a name like that, it just has to be good. Unfortunately, I built it up too much in my mind beforehand. It was a lot smaller than I was expecting.
The view
Thanks to being located smack dab in the middle of Seoul, the view from my room was mesmerizing (to say the least). Even from the 20th floor, there was so much to see in every direction. 24 hours a day even.
The bathroom
OK. The bathroom was a little weird. Yes, it was extremely nice, but the layout was a bit odd – at least if you compare it to the bathroom I had in my room at the Incheon Grand Hyatt.
Room service
With all of the great restaurants within walking distance of this hotel, ordering room service is a total splurge to say the least. I was feeling lazy on the morning of my departure, so I took a gamble on having breakfast delivered directly to my room. It was good. And I’d totally do it again.
Pros and cons
Seoul is absolutely worth visiting as long as there are great hotels such as this scattered throughout the city IMHO. This was a fantastic experience. It really helped to make this visit to South Korea better than I could have anticipated. But like I said – it’s not perfect.
Pros
The location is fantastic. It doesn’t get more “central” than this.
The staff made me feel like a rockstar. They were extremely helpful, courteous, and kind.
Everything was spotless and clean. Nothing was out of place!
Cons
Being split into two separate halves can make it a confusing experience for first time visitors. Executive Tower guests will have a very different experience than main tower guests.
It’s a fancy place. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it could be jarring if you’re not prepared to be expected to raise your pinky as you sign the reservation agreement during the check in process.