Vista Walkerhill Seoul

Formerly the W Seoul Walkerhill, the 17-floor Vista Walkerhill Seoul is sleek on the outside -- and sophisticated on the inside. Colorful lights illuminate the exterior at night, while interiors received a full renovation in early 2017. Live Djs at the lounge and light-centric designs in the common areas -- such as an illuminated 800-year-old olive tree art installation in the lobby -- create a hip ambience geared toward younger clientele. The hotel is a 15-minute drive outside of Gangnam and appeals mostly to luxury-minded travelers who want a quiet location that offers Han River and mountain views. Cats and dogs are welcome here for a fee, and water bowls and pet beds are provided.

Located in Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, the hotel offers Han River views and is surrounded by greenery thanks to its setting on the side of Mount Acha. It’s a 15-minute drive to Gangnam area, Seoul’s business district, and half an hour by taxi to downtown Seoul. A free hotel shuttle to the metro station is also available. It’s a five-minute stroll to The Sheraton Grande Walkerhill and its numerous restaurants, as well as Walkerhill Casino and Pizza Hill restaurant, are a five-minute stroll away. Driving to Gyeongbok Palace, Apgujeong Rodeo Street, and the Sinsadong Garosugil takes 10 minutes. The famous shopping district, Myeondong, is about 15 minutes by car. Incheon International Airport is a one-hour drive and the Gimpo International Airport is a half-hour drive.

Rooms have a mix of contemporary and retro style, featuring white decor that’s paired with subtle patterned accents. Many rooms have round beds and bathtubs, and some have egg-shaped chairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide scenic mountain, city, and/or river views. All rooms have hairdryers, minibars, bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, safes, and kettles, while some have VHS/DVD players that fit with the retro vibe. Open bathrooms have sleek fixtures, toiletries, showers and/or bathtubs; many have whirlpool tubs.

Some rooms have balconies, while Spa Deluxe Rooms have whirlpool tubs beside windows. Suites offer sitting areas or sleek sectionals in living rooms, separate bedrooms, wet bars, and dining areas. The Suite on the 13th floor includes a 10-person dining room, a living room, a wine cellar, a kitchen, and a waterfall feature at the entrance. 

The Vista Walkerhill Seoul’s amenities have a hip vibe beginning with the lobby, where there's a lounge with a house DJ and a bar. Del Vino serves Italian fare, while the Japanese restaurant Moegi provides teppanyaki and a sushi bar. To relax, there’s a 17-room spa that offers saunas, a cafe, outdoor Hinoki tubs under a terrace, and the Water Zone, which has neon-lit pools. The hotel also has a stylish indoor pool with river views, an outdoor lap pool, and kiddy pool.

Wraparound windows provide great views from the 24-hour gym, which has modern cardio and weight machines, fitness classes, and a jogging track. The hotel also has a golf range and two outdoor tennis courts. Room service is offered 24/7. Five modern meeting spaces can be rented out; the largest, Vista Hall, fits up to 280 people.