Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul: A Michelin Key Selected Urban Oasis of Luxury and Exceptional Service

Lotte Hotel Seoul, recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise as a top-tier luxury destination in the heart of Korea's vibrant capital. Guests frequently describe their stays as "topnotch" and "luxury at its finest," highlighting the hotel's commitment to providing an exceptional experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Lotte Hotel Seoul is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently lauding its "excellent" facilities, "great location, friendly staff, Lotte spirit, and spacious rooms." Many express a strong desire to return, with some even declaring it a "home away from home" due to its enduring quality and service. While a few older or less common critiques mention aspects like pricing or specific room features, the overall sentiment points to a highly satisfying and luxurious stay, especially within the Executive Tower.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Lotte Hotel Seoul:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's politeness, helpfulness, and attentiveness are frequently lauded, making guests feel "welcomed and valued" and even "like a rockstar."
• Prime Location: Its central position in Myeongdong is unbeatable, offering unparalleled access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
• Executive Tower Experience: For those seeking an elevated stay, the Executive Tower is a significant highlight, offering renovated rooms, separate elevators, and particularly praised lounge access with daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and a luxurious happy hour.
• Dining Excellence: The hotel boasts an impressive array of high-quality dining options, particularly the La Seine buffet breakfast, widely considered among Seoul's best.
• Amenities: Facilities such as the fitness club, indoor pool, and sauna contribute significantly to guest satisfaction, providing opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

3. Room Quality

Lotte Hotel Seoul offers a range of rooms, with those in the recently renovated Executive Tower receiving particular acclaim for their modern, spacious design and luxurious feel. Rooms typically feature elegant decor with warm lighting, providing comfortable and functional spaces. Many rooms offer desirable city or Namsan views.

Bathrooms are generally large, often equipped with double sinks, marble tops, and high-end amenities. Some Executive Tower rooms even feature Japanese electric toilets with sprays and heated seats. While one review noted a lack of a door separating the tub from the rest of the bathroom in a specific room type, most feedback emphasizes well-appointed facilities. Comfort is paramount, with Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, and plush duck/goose down duvets ensuring a restful sleep. In-room amenities typically include flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee machines, and ample closet space with high-quality hangers and storage.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at Lotte Hotel Seoul is a major draw, boasting ten food and beverage options. The La Seine breakfast buffet is consistently highlighted as a "true highlight" and "AMAZING," celebrated as one of Seoul's top three hotel buffets for its quality, variety, and taste, offering both Western and Korean dishes.

Beyond breakfast, the hotel features several world-class restaurants catering to diverse palates:

• Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul: French fine dining.
• Mugunghwa: Modern Korean cuisine with a twist on royal court recipes.
• Momoyama: Japanese cuisine.
• Toh Lim: Cantonese cuisine.

For Executive Tower guests, Le Salon offers a business luxury lounge experience, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and an impressive happy hour with extensive food and unlimited drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Lotte Hotel Seoul is frequently cited as one of its strongest assets. Guests describe the staff as "excellent," "friendly," "polite," "attentive," and "extremely helpful." Many reviewers have shared positive experiences, such as staff going above and beyond to track down a lost item or accommodating late check-out requests. The hotel's emphasis on service is evident, with guests feeling genuinely valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Lotte Hotel Seoul boasts an "unbeatable" and "fantastic" central location in the Myeongdong district, making it exceptionally convenient for both tourists and business travelers. It is seamlessly connected to the Euljiro 1-ga Subway Station (Line 2) and the Lotte Department Store, providing immediate access to extensive shopping and urban exploration.

Major attractions such as Namdaemun Market, Insadong, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Dongdaemun Market, and the royal palaces are all within easy reach, many even walkable. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service to popular areas like Insadong and Namdaemun. Accessibility from Incheon International Airport is convenient via an easy bus ride.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury, Michelin Key Selected property, Lotte Hotel Seoul commands a premium price. Average room rates are around $368 per night, with prices observed to start from approximately $226.49 (as of January 29, 2026). While some guests find the pricing to be on the higher side, particularly for breakfast if not included in the rate (approximately KRW 63,200 for adults), many agree that the overall experience, especially when staying in the Executive Tower with its lounge benefits, justifies the cost. Promotions or loyalty programs (like Amex Hotel Collection benefits) can sometimes offer better value or upgrades.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or minor criticisms include:

• Breakfast Cost: The breakfast buffet, though high-quality, can be considered expensive if not included in the room rate or accessed via the Executive Lounge.
• Main Tower vs. Executive Tower: Before recent renovations, some guests noted that rooms in the Main Tower could feel dated compared to the more modern Executive Tower. However, the Main Tower has undergone renovations.
• Bathroom Layout: In some specific room configurations, a lack of privacy for the bathtub (no separating door) has been mentioned.
• Minor Amenities: Some guests noted the absence of complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste, advising travelers to pack their own.

Overall, Lotte Hotel Seoul stands as a beacon of luxury, distinguished by its prime location, exceptional service, and superb dining experiences, especially within its modern Executive Tower.

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