Conrad Seoul

The Conrad Seoul, under the Hilton brand, is one of four high-rises in the International Finance Centre. Opened in 2012, this five-pearl, 38-floor hotel looks slick and modern, and offers Han River and city views from rooms and many facilities, including the 37th-floor Executive Lounge and 37 Grill and Bar. The lobby has a warm atmosphere despite its high ceilings and sprawling lobby, which features lovely recessed lighting, and wood details. Folded fans hang from the ceilings adding a whimsical touch to the modern reception hall. A touch screen displays exchange rates on the long marble front desk and a stunning glass staircase spirals around a wooden pillar in the bright reception area. The hotel appeals to well-heeled business travelers who want to stay in the business district. 

On the edge of the Han River, the Conrad is situated in Yeouido-Dong, also known as Korea’s Wall Street. The hotel is in one of four towers connected to the IFC mall via an underground passage. Han River Park and Yeouido Park are in the immediate area and there are plenty of dining options in the area, along with 7-Elevens and a Starbucks. The Incheon International Airport is one hour by car and Gimpo International Airport is a 15-minute commute. The hotel can arrange airport transfers, including limousine service. It’s a 50-minute trip via public transportation to the touristy Myeongdong area with the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. 

Designs in rooms are subtly elegant, with light-green carpeting, sleek furniture, and large windows facing the city or Han River. Touch screens control everything from the lights to housekeeping calls and rooms have Mac computers and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with Apple technology. All rooms have espresso machines, kettles, and minibars. Other features include pillow menus, bathrobes and slippers, and safes. Rooms are among the most spacious in Seoul, starting at 48 square meters (over 500 square feet). Modern bathrooms have sliding doors, TVs in mirrors, bathrobes, bidets, and separate walk-in showers and bathtubs; some of the bathtubs in suites sit next to windows with great city views.

Suites feature separate living rooms that offer velvety sofas and one to two bathrooms, and some have wet bars. The Grand King Suite Corner Suite has wraparound windows, while the largest unit -- the Penthouse Suite -- has a bar, butler service, and a kitchenette. Executive Club Room guests get Executive Lounge access, which includes free breakfast and happy hour. 

Conrad Seoul is a business hotel, offering 11 meeting rooms, a rooftop garden, and two ballrooms (the smaller can fit 700 guests while the larger is big enough for 1,200 people). The business center is conveniently open 24/7. On the ninth floor is the 24-hour Pulse8 gym with skylights over modern cardio machines, free weights, and a fitness studio with city views. The gym also has virtual golf driving ranges. The 25-meter lap pool is flanked by lounge chairs situated next to city-facing windows. For luxury pampering, the Conrad Spa Seoul has a Vichy shower, a hot tub, a sauna, and steam rooms, which may cost an extra fee to use. There’s also an on-site Toni & Guy Hair Salon.

Four on-site dining options are available and there’s access to the IFC mall’s food court. The 37 Grill & Bar offers panoramic views and Zest restaurant is a brightly lit, serving everything from Western fare to sashimi. Italian cuisine is served in the stylish Atrio restaurant, and there's a bar in the lobby: Flames Lounge. Guests staying in Executive Rooms and HHonors members have access to the Executive Lounge with city views from the 37th floor, a busy happy hour service, and refreshments throughout the day. Wi-Fi is free for guests who book directly through the hotel's website (and join HHonors, which is free). Valet is available for a fee and self-parking is free.