Midrange
Ibis Hotel Ambassador
Walking distance to the coex in gangnam-gu at samsung-dong, next to line 2 subway system samsung. convenient for international travelers as it is very close to the check-in and limousine server at kcat, korea air city terminal, next to the coex. free shuttle to kcat and free wired internet.
Hamilton Hotel
In the heart of the itaewon shopping district, and next to the itaewon subway station. nice rooms, stay here to help reduce culture shock.
Han Suites
In chungmuro, right near myeongdong. an unassuming building, it has a range for rooms from â©80,000 for a reasonably-sized studio through to â©250,000 for a two-bedroom 'premier.' popular with both koreans and expats, it also has super-fast internet at a reasonable price, they restock with fridge in the kitchen with free beer and water and a reasonable selection of tv stations including abc asia-pacific for homesick australians. it isn't glamorous or in an amazing part of town, but it's a nice walk to city hall through myeongdong.
Best Western Premier Seoul Garden Hotel
Formerly the holiday inn, located in the mapo area across from yeouido island.
Ibis Hotel Myeong Dong
Across lotte young plaza. 1 min walking from euljiro-1 station exit 7. very central, free internet access.
Co-op Residence Serviced Apartments
Samseong, ul-jiro near dongdaemun stadium, western dongdaemun, whikyung, ohmok, sincheon. from around â©80,000 for very small but very comfortable single-bed studios to slightly larger double studios. depending on the property, super-fast internet is either free or cheap you need to ask for it. the staff are very nice but don't always speak more then rudimentary english. some of them have restaurants that serve decent food. the ul-jiro co-op is across from the dongdaemun stadium and market and is a little worse for wear. the samseong co-op is newer and has heated floors for winter. all of them are handily located and are a fine place to stay if you are on your own. the bathrooms are tiny, as are the tvs.
Top end
Imperial Palace Hotel
Luxury hotel in Gangnam. Shuttle buses from and to Incheon international airport. Very nice spa. A local favourite.
Lotte Hotel
Grand old lady of downtown Seoul's hotels with 1,300 rooms, all kept in tip-top shape. The obvious choice for ornate Korean luxury.
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Set amidst landscaped gardens with good views over the city. Full service spa.
Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel
Luxury hotel near the Central Railway Station and Namdaemun market. Shuttle buses from and to Incheon international airport. Stylish rooms, eight restaurants, various shops and services and a indoor tropical garden.
Park Hyatt Seoul
Upscale hotel that is right across from the COEX shopping complex and host to The Timber House featuring live jazz music.
'JW Marriott Seoul
Rooms are stylish and fully-equipped. Spa, gym, sauna, indoor running track complex covers 2 floors in the basement. Olympic-size pool, climbing wall and golf driving range and Maska's cigar shop selling Cubans.
Seoul's top-end hotels are impressive, but pricey.
W Seoul
Trendy boutique hotel in Seoul. Has a good Sunday brunch buffet with two seatings, 11AM and 1:30PM.