Over my 10 or so trips to Seoul, I've stayed at the Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower several times. This five-star hotel is my top choice when I want to stay in a large room near Myeondong, but it's not for everyone- scroll down to see why!
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Over my 10 or so trips to Seoul, I've stayed at the Lotte Hotel Seoul Executive Tower a few times.
Lotte Seoul is my top choice when I want to stay in a large room near Myeondong, especially when travelling with elderly relatives. (Because service is super important for senior travellers, and the staff at the front desk even went so far as to track down a Hermes scarf my Aunt had left on the airport limousine bus for bus!)
Location
Lotte Hotel is located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, near City Hall. It's a great base for first time visitors to Seoul, as it's close to many tourist attractions, such as:
- Namdaemun Market
- Insadong
- Bukchon-dong
- Ikseon-dong
Lotte Hotel Seoul is located just opposite Myeongdong, a super popular place with tourists. You can find almost all the skincare brands and the Michelin Bib Gourmand- awarded Myeongdong Kyoja across the road.
Do not confuse Lotte Hotel Seoul with Lotte City Myeong Dong! They sound similar but are different hotels (the former is a 5-star hotel and the latter 4-star.)
Room
Lotte has modern rooms which are huge and gave free wi-fi (obviously.) It ties with Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore as having the largest hotel rooms.
I stayed in the one with city views of downtown Seoul.
Bathroom
The marble bathroom for the Lotte Executive Tower is huge and there is even a walk in closet with dressing table, which makes putting on your make-up and getting ready a ton of fun!
I was pretty surprised that they didn't provide toothbrushes and toothpaste, which even motels in Korea usually give. (They claim it's for sustainability...) The toiletries are also provided as huge bottles- you're not meant to take them home with you!- instead of the hotel-sized ones.
Facilities
There is an indoor pool at Lotte with hot tubs as well as a fitness center on the 4th floor.
For guest with cars, the hotel also offers free parking.
There is a business center on the 1st floor.
Note: not all rooms in the Executive Tower get lounge access- you need to book a specific room type to use the lounge for free. (If not you can pay per entry.)
Spa
Another reason I like staying at Lotte Hotel Seoul is because of its in-house Sulwhasoo Spa, which I've reviewed in the link. It feels much more relaxing and luxurious than the ones in some other 5-star hotels such as Shilla Hotel (Guerlain Spa.)
Note: the in-house spa isn't always good at all Lotte Hotels though. I wasn't super impressed by the one at Lotte Hotel Busan (click through for my full review of the hotel.)
Restaurants
One thing I like about Lotte Seoul is the live music performances in the hotel lounge. (You have got order food and drink to sit there. Unfortunately, the food is AWFUL but it's a fun experience.)
The food at the Japanese restaurant is OK but not really worth it for the price, in my opinion.
There is also a Korean restaurant, Mugunghwa. (The one in the Lotte Hotel in Busan has the same name, and was one of the best Korean meals I've had!) The food is good, but it is pretty popular so you need to book in advance.
If you want to save on food, you can walk to the Myeongdong area and eat at one of the eateries there, such as Myeongdong Kyoja, OR take the escalator down to Lotte Food Court. (The escalator is in the main lobby so you won't have to step out- very handy for rainy or cold days.)
There is also a street snack stall next to Lotte Hotel, which sells tteokbokki and gimbap. (But it's not delicious, so don't waste your calories.)
Note: I did not try the room service because there were so many food options nearby but let me know if you want me to try and review it!
Shopping
There is a direct link to Lotte Department Store and Lotte Duty Free Shop is also next door.
How to Get There
The airport limousine bus from Incheon International Airport will drop you directly outside Lotte Hotel. (This is my fave option- inexpensive and comfortable!)
Alternatively, you can take the AREX to Seoul Station and then the subway to Myeondong station. (This option will involve walking and staircases.)
Who Shouldn't Stay Here
If you're looking for a cheap room in Seoul, you will need to book another hotel as prices at Lotte Hotel's Executive Tower is on the higher end. (You can consider Lotte City Hotel if you want something at a lower price in the same area.)
It's definitely not for those who want a "value-for-money" deal as it doesn't even include buffet breakfast at the price! For the price, they're also quite inflexible about the check-in time. (Our flight arrived early, so we got to the hotel around 10 am and weren't even offered a seat in the Executive Tower Lounge to rest in. (The Lounge has a few private rooms.))
However, Lotte does have a main tower- just next door, so it has access to almost all the same facilities- which is almost half the price. (The rooms are smaller though.)) You can click the link to find out more about the Lotte Hotel main tower.)
In addition, if you need a Seoul hotel with a kitchen, then unfortunately Lotte doesn't have such facilities, but you can click the link to find a list of hotels in Seoul that do.
In conclusion, when I'm traveling with elder relatives or have more budget and want to be located in a luxury hotel in the center of Seoul, then I stay at Lotte Hotel Executive Tower. The staff go out of the way to help hotel guests- I'll never forget how one tracked down my Aunt's Hermes scarf which she had left on the airport limousine bus (which isn't even affiliated with the hotel!)- which is something I think one needs when traveling with senior citizens who have health issues.
Choose the Executive Tower if you want a large room and can pay more, or the Main Tower if you don't mind a smaller room.
However, when I'm on a budget, then I need to go somewhere else!
Any questions about the Executive Tower at Lotte Hotel Seoul? Let me know in the comments!
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