Luxury Travel by thirdpassport

Let’s be honest: the Four Seasons Seoul is one of the best hotels in the city, as you’d expect from the esteemed Four Seasons brand.

But it’s not just the name that earns such high praise—the location is a major draw. Ideally situated in the central Jongno-gu district, the hotel offers convenience for both business and leisure travellers. It’s within walking distance of the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a symbol of South Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Nearby, the vibrant Insadong neighbourhood is perfect for exploring traditional tea houses, art galleries, and handicraft shops. The bustling Myeongdong shopping district and the serene Cheonggyecheon Stream are also close, offering plenty of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. With excellent public transport links, the Four Seasons Seoul ensures easy exploration of the city.

Arrival Experience and Check-In

As a travel advisor, I always appreciate when hotels take the initiative to enhance the guest experience. Before arrival, the Four Seasons Seoul team reached out for guest details, arrival times, and special occasion notes. Their responsiveness and professionalism stood out.

On arrival, the reception area was busy but well-managed. A staff member promptly assisted us, and from the moment we introduced ourselves, we were addressed by name—a thoughtful touch that carried through the rest of our stay. The receptionist was friendly, professional, and efficient, setting the tone for a seamless check-in.

We received two welcome letters. The first outlined the exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities:

• Room upgrade (subject to availability): Unfortunately, the hotel was fully booked, but we were offered complimentary access to the Korean sauna—a highlight of our stay.
• Daily full American breakfast: Available via room service (set menu) or at The Market Kitchen.
• KRW 130,000 hotel credit: Perfect for a few drinks, a relaxing meal, or a spa treatment.

The second letter detailed the operating hours for the hotel’s dining outlets, spa, fitness centre, and pool facilities.

A note for tech-savvy travellers: mobile keys aren’t available at the Four Seasons Seoul.

Accommodation: Rooms and Suites

I often worry about entry-level rooms being compact, especially in cities like Paris or London, but the Four Seasons Seoul exceeded all expectations.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light, showcasing stunning city or palace views, depending on your room’s location. Spacious and elegantly decorated, the rooms feature a seating area, a full-sized desk, a walk-in wardrobe, and a luxurious bathroom with a rain shower, freestanding bathtub, and Japanese toilet. Toiletries are by Diptyque, adding an indulgent touch.

Other amenities include a tablet for controlling room features, a minibar, a kettle, and a Nespresso machine—perfect for your morning coffee ritual. As always, the signature Four Seasons bed ensures a restful sleep, with options for mattress toppers and a personalised pillow menu.

Dining Experiences

The Four Seasons Seoul offers world-class dining, making it a destination not just for guests but also for locals. Here’s a rundown of the hotel’s standout restaurants:

• The Market Kitchen: International buffet and the breakfast venue.
• Boccalino: Authentic Italian cuisine with Mediterranean flair.
• Akira Back: Japanese fusion by the celebrated chef—reservations recommended.
• Maru: Relaxed dining with a variety of Korean and international dishes.
• Yu Yuan: Cantonese specialities, including a must-try Beijing duck.

We dined at Maru on our last evening and enjoyed a casual yet memorable meal. The Beef Bulgogi was exceptional, complemented by attentive service from Louisa, who took pride in sharing insights about Korean cuisine.

Breakfast, included as part of the Four Seasons Preferred Partner perks, was another highlight. The extensive buffet and à la carte options catered to all tastes, and the coffee was the best we had in South Korea. Added bonus: seeing old walls in the foundations of the buildings during breakfast.

Wellness and Spa Facilities

I always choose a top-tier hotel for the end of my trips to relax before returning home, and the Four Seasons Seoul’s wellness offerings exceeded my expectations.

The fitness club is open 24/7, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and regular group classes like HIIT, Spinning, and Pilates.

The Korean sauna is a must-try. The male facility (similar amenities are likely in the female section) included three pools at varying temperatures, a dry sauna, a steam room, multi-sensory showers, and fresh ice for skin cooling. Grooming stations with premium toiletries added a luxurious touch.

The Korean Sauna facility is available only for in-house guests. The entrance fee is KRW75,000 including VAT per time per person. But if guests choose the Grand Family or Suite room type, the Sauna access would be included as a room benefit.

Service and Hospitality

The service at the Four Seasons Seoul is exemplary. Staff used my name during every interaction, and no request was too much trouble.

Details like the turndown service truly impressed me: Korean beauty eye masks, neatly arranged cables secured with branded ties, and thoughtful touches like ice-filled buckets and signature relaxation tea made the experience special.

Booking Through Me: Exclusive Perks and Benefits

Booking through the Preferred Partner programme offers unbeatable value and an elevated experience.

There is currently a ‘Preferred Partner – Advance Purchase – Up to 20% Off‘ promotion that allows you to enjoy up to 20% off our Room Rate when you book your stay in advance. This is non-refundable. Should you prefer a refundable rate, when you book through me, you also get active monitoring of the rate, so if the price drops, you can save $$ and still enjoy the Preferred Partner perks!

Final Impressions and Recommendations

With its prime location, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service, the Four Seasons Seoul is a true haven for travellers. Whether you’re here for business, leisure, or a mix of both, this hotel guarantees an unforgettable stay.