The Shilla Seoul

We have stayed here multiple times in the past up until 2018. This was our first time back since and was underwhelming. Everything that could go wrong did, from dinner vouchers given to us at the front desk that the restaurant did not honor to making dinner reservations “months” in advance because they had no room left to being ushered away to a corner in the library instead of an empty table near the band, we can only assume the management has changed. Granted we are trying to understand the additional fee for pool use of 40 dollars per day per person, but having to pay 6 dollars for a bottle of water was even worse. The staff is attentive and we know its not them. When asked about the voucher to be used the front desk listed only “It can be honored all the time and is up to the restaurant”….. so why give a voucher out? The value of being at a top tier hotel with great service and great accommodations is no longer part of this hotel.

I booked the Shilla because it is a member of the leading hotels of the world. As a frequent guest in leading hotels I had some expectations, however they were not met at all. Location: Located close to Namsan Hill, also on a small hill with nice views over many parts of the city. Especially on the top floor the views are really nice However it gets a bit difficult to get around. They offer shuttle buses, it only every hour, so you need to walkt some time to get to the subway station. Hotel: Large hotel, relatively old and dated. Nice lobby. However the lobby is often crowded. The hotel offers many banquets and events, including weddings, so it is always very busy and crowded. The focus of the hotel is less on hotel guests but event guests. So as a hotel guest you do not feel pampered. The rooms are large, also a bit dated. Nice bathrooms. There is no espresso machine which is a bit surprising. They have a small indoor pool, but the majority of the pool is reserved for members. The sauna is only available at additional cost and also the outdoor pool comes with a high cost. Basically a hotel without infrastructure… not really ok for a leading hotel. Breakfast: They have a large buffet with a huge selection of dishes. Focus on Asian dishes. Limited fruit selection. Very good dim sum. Please note that the breakfast room gets really busy, so you better get there early. Service: This is the weak part of the hotel. As mentioned they focus on event guests and members of the fitness club. As a hotel guest you do not feel taken care of. When I arrived, instead of greeting me, I was immediately asked for my passport (I just got out of the taxi!). Later at the front desk for check in, same thing, instead of welcoming me, I was immediately asked for my credit card. Well this behavior is ok in a very cheap hotel, but not in a five star hotel. Also the service in the room was haphazard. Several times the turn down service was not done, or then they only put one towel instead of two. Also at breakfast service is. To convincing. Some staff members are nice, but you often have to,wait long to get things done. And some staff are. To very client focused and if you ask for a simple thing, the first answer is no. Also at front desk and concierge desk the service is not great. One day the lobby was completely empty, but I still had to wait 15 minutes to get a concierge to help me with a simple thing. Also their English skills are. To good, some do not really understand what you want. Also at the indoor pool the service is not good. They treat the members nicely, but as hotel guest you are second class. They immediately came and told me that only a small part of the pool is for hotel guests, the rest is reserved for members of the. So basically a luxury hotel without a own pool, really not great. I brought up these shortcomings to several managers, but they couldn’t care less, nothing really happened. Only after few days I managed too speak to a higher manager, and he was very friendly and tried to make the best out of the situation, which I really appreciate. I told him that they need to have more management around to look after the hotel guests. For me definitely one of the worst leading hotels experienced. I heard many good things about the Four Seasons, so next time I will try there and am sure it is better. I definitely cannot recommend the Shilla to luxury travelers. I also don’t understand why it is part of the leadIng hotels, as it is far below their standards.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Seoul, The Shilla Seoul stands as a paragon of luxury, harmonizing Korean heritage with contemporary elegance. Established in 1979 by Lee Byung-chul, the visionary founder of Samsung Group, the hotel has long been a distinguished emblem of refinement, welcoming VIPs, dignitaries, and global elites as a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The Shilla Seoul boasts 464 exquisitely designed accommodations, including 170 suites, 42 Executive Suites, and two Presidential Suites, all epitomizing understated opulence. My stay was in a Business Deluxe Room, an elegant sanctuary designed by the acclaimed Peter Remedios, seamlessly blending modern sophistication with traditional Korean influences. The spacious 43-square-meter room features a king-size bed, a sitting area, a well-appointed workspace, and panoramic views of either Namsan Mountain or the Seoul skyline. Thoughtful touches such as Molton Brown toiletries, a meticulously arranged closet, and an open-plan bathroom with a rain shower, bathtub, and Japanese-style toilet further elevate the comfort. The twice-daily housekeeping service ensures a seamless experience. Culinary excellence is a defining aspect of The Shilla Seoul, beginning with breakfast at The Parkview. This refined buffet presents an expansive selection of high-quality dishes, ranging from freshly baked pastries, squeezed fruit juices, and premium cold cuts, to an array of salads, yogurts, and hot Asian and international specialties. The live cooking station adds an artisanal touch, offering delicate à la carte creations such as Truffle Eggs Benedict or Truffle Omelette. By night, The Parkview transforms into a sophisticated dining destination, boasting an indulgent buffet that includes fresh sashimi, crab legs, Peking duck, dim sum, and grilled meats, complemented by a carefully curated selection of wines and beers. Beyond its exquisite dining, The Shilla Seoul offers a haven for leisure and indulgence. The Library, a plush lounge designed by Peter Remedios, exudes intellectual charm with its cozy fireplace, live jazz performances, rare whiskies, and a curated collection of historical literature. The Pastry Boutique, a sanctuary of artisanal craftsmanship, showcases a dazzling selection of handcrafted chocolates, delicate pastries, and premium teas in an atmosphere of refined sophistication. For rejuvenation, guests can escape to the hotel's world-class wellness facilities. The Clé de Peau Beauté Spa offers bespoke facial and body treatments, while the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, and sauna provide avenues for relaxation. The Urban Island, an exclusive rooftop retreat, features heated pools, Jacuzzis, cabanas, and panoramic sunbeds overlooking the city, creating a breathtaking sanctuary above Seoul’s bustling streets. An added allure is The Shilla Seoul’s exclusive shopping arcade, boasting an enviable selection of luxury boutiques such as Hermès, Molton Brown, Brioni, Issey Miyake, Kiton, and Stephen Webster, complemented by a Duty-Free shopping center within the premises. From its unparalleled service and world-class gastronomy to its sumptuous leisure facilities and sophisticated accommodations, The Shilla Seoul reigns as a premier luxury retreat, embodying the essence of Korean elegance and modern grandeur. In my view, it is a true gem of East Asia, setting the benchmark for refined urban hospitality.

The Shilla Seoul remains a standout among luxury hotels in Asia, delivering an elegant, impeccably maintained environment that offers true respite in the heart of the city. The rooms are thoughtfully appointed, the grounds and public areas are pristine, and the overall sense of calm and understated luxury is unmistakable. However, at this price point — with suites exceeding $1,200 per night — certain service aspects fell short. Breakfast service was notably inconsistent: coffee and tea were no longer offered proactively at the table, and guests were left to retrieve their own without any engagement from the staff. This was a disappointing change from previous experiences and not in line with five-star hospitality standards. The hotel’s reliance on a mobile app-based waitlist for breakfast seating further detracted from the experience, replacing what should be a gracious, high-touch interaction with a transactional process more appropriate for a business-class lounge than a flagship luxury property. Similarly, the 66,000 KRW charge for a rollaway bed for a child — even within a premium suite — felt unnecessarily nickel-and-diming, and slightly out of place in an otherwise polished environment. None of these issues overshadowed the fundamental quality of the property itself, and we would gladly return. However, guests who are accustomed to truly seamless luxury service may notice these lapses. A modest recalibration of the service approach would elevate The Shilla Seoul back to its full, world-class potential.

My colleagues and I agree that for the price, this was the best hotel we have stayed at. It is full of amenities, the laundry service was amazing, the food was good, the lounge was top notch. We did not even get to visit the pool, the grounds or many of the other facets of the hotel because there simply was not time. My suggestion is to ask about the elevator near the duty free shop to get back up the hill, if you aren't using transportation. It will save you alot of energy.